NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, November 20, 1879, Blair County, PA

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Items from the Morning Tribune, Altoona, Thursday, November 20, 1879

Cows and Horses Burned.

  MILFORD, Pa., November 19.- Three large barns belonging to Oscar Dunn, of 
Millville, a short distance from here, were burned on Monday night.  Thirty-
five cows, six horses, some valuable farming implements and a large amount 
of grain were consumed.  The fire is supposed to have been of incendiary 
origin.  Mr. Dunn's buildings, about one hundred yards from the barns, came 
near burning also.  The loss is estimated at from $7,000 to $9,000, with no 
insurance.  Efforts are making to capture the incendiaries, who are supposed 
to belong to a regularly organized gang of robbers.

Caving in of a Mine.

  PITTSTON, November 19.- One of the mines of the Pennsylvania Coal Company 
here, known as the No. 1 tunnel, was found caved in this morning.  The 
damage will be considerable and will throw a large number of men out of 
employment for some time.

A REVOLTING CRIME.

Kate Zell, Mrs. Kiehl's Poisoner, Found Guilty of Murder in the First 
Degree.

  CARLISLE, Pa., November 19.- Catharine Zell, residing in the suburbs of 
this town, was this morning found guilty of murder in the first degree, 
after a trial of one week.  On the 28th of May last Mrs. Mary Kiehl, 81 
years of age, was seized with sudden illness and on the 30th of the same 
month she died.  A few days after her burial it began to be suspected in the 
community that she had been poisoned and that the author of her death was 
Mrs. Catharine Zell, who had paid her frequent visits during her illness, 
supplying her with coffee.  In Mrs. Kiehls's house, of which she was the 
sole occupant, were two pots which had contained coffee or chocolate.  What 
remained in them when they were discovered was examined by a chemist of 
Carlisle and large quantities of arsenic found.  Soon after the remains of 
Mrs. Kiehl were disinterred, and in the stomach and other portions of the 
body were revealed enough of the poison to have killed several persons.  On 
the strength of these discoveries Mrs. Zell was arrested, and as Justice of 
the Peace Wynkoop (no relative) was bequeathed all the property of the 
deceased, he, too was taken into custody on suspicion of having employed the 
woman to poison Mrs. Kiehl.  He was admitted to $5,00 bail and Mrs. Zell was 
committed for trial.  Last week true bills were found against both, but only 
she was tried.  Mrs. Zell is married to her second husband.  The first is 
now serving out a long term in the penitentiary for burning the feet of an 
old couple in the country for the purpose of compelling them to tell where 
they had money secreted.

STATE NOTES.

  The epizooty* has broken out among the horses up in St. Mary's, Chester 
county.
  Charles P. Evans, a miser of Norristown, starved himself to death, rather 
than buy food.
  The body of Frank Stichler, one of the Lebanon county murderers, is buried 
in his father's garden, at Indiantown Gap.
  Thomas J., George and Tempest Wilson, of Wrightsville, while removing a 
log from the river for the purpose of converting it into firewood, found it 
to be hollow, and hid in it were four fine bass.
  In Lancaster, on Sunday night, Samuel Parrish, who is paying attention to 
a young lady at that place, cowhided Emanuel Hohein, a rival lover, who had 
been trying to prejudice the young lady against him.
  The Allegheny county insane, 125 in number, who have heretofore been 
inmates of Dixmont Asylum, will in future be cared for in the new insane 
asylum on the City Poor Farm of that county.  Some ugly stories in relation 
to a fraudulent roster of names of inmates in Dixmont are beginning to leak 
out, and an investigation will likely be made shortly.
  Quite a sensation was caused in Pittsburgh recently by the publication of 
the will of Captain M. W. Beltzhoover, a very wealthy merchant and business 
man, who died last week.  He was director in several banks, president of the 
leading street railway of the town and was well known.  Although he was 65 
years old and a bachelor his will revealed the fact that he had a son living 
and that he had an act of Legislature passed years ago to legitimatize him.  
The boy gets $500,000.  His mother now lives in Cincinnati, where she is 
married and occupies a good social position.  She was never married to Mr. 
Beltzhoover.

*  onelook.com definition = alt. of epizootic: (of animals) epidemic among 
animals of a single kind within a particular region.

CITY AND COUNTRY.
Arrest of the Suspicious Travelers at Lock Haven.

  The three men who passed through this city on Atlantic express on Tuesday 
evening and who were set down as suspicious characters were not arrested at 
Tyrone, as was anticipated, owing to some misunderstanding.  They kept on 
their journey to Lock Haven, followed by the man who wished to have them 
detained here.  The men were captured in their room at the Fallon House, in 
Lock Haven, about 2 o'clock yesterday morning.  Their names as registered at 
the hotel were D. C. Babcock, J. K. Wilson and H. Richardson.  In answer to 
the taps upon the room door they said to the party outside, "You can't get 
in here!" and then the proprietor of the hotel exchanged a few words with 
them, when the door was opened.  The gentleman who had followed them was 
William Ellingham, of Wheeling, W.Va., and he at once produced the documents 
necessary for their arrest.  The trio recognized Mr. Ellingham and engaged 
him in conversation.  Mr. Ellingham is a member of the wholesale grocery 
firm of Neal & Ellingham, in Wheeling, and he stated that the men had 
embarked in the mercantile business at Morundsville, W.Va., and had bought a 
bill of goods from the Wheeling house.  They were to have ten days' time in 
which to settle, but in the meantime they were closely watched.  They eluded 
Ellingham on Saturday night last, packing up everything in trunks and 
carrying it with them.  The trunks belonging to the men are supposed to 
contain the spoils.  They were given a hearing before a Lock Haven Justice 
and were committed to jail to await a requisition from the Governor of West 
Virginia.  It is said that the amount of money involved in this transaction 
is in the neighborhood of $200.

The Proposed Celebration on July 5, 1880.

  At the meeting of firemen at the Vigilant house last evening three 
companies were represented - the Empire, Excelsior and Vigilant.  The 
delegates present resolved themselves into a permanent Committee of 
Arrangements, and it was unanimously decided that a grand firemen's 
demonstration should be held in this city on the 5th day of July, 1880 - the 
4th falling on Sunday - provided that the proper encouragement is given the 
movement by the citizens.  Mr. W. W. Smith, of the Empire company, was 
elected Chairman of the committee; W. H. Bennett, of the Vigilant, was made 
Secretary, and D. H. Alexander, of the Excelsior, was selected as Assistant 
Secretary.  The Treasurer and other necessary officers will not be selected 
until the committee is composed of a full representation of the fire 
department, and when the remaining companies, the Good Will and the Altoona, 
send representatives they will be given places on the committee.  Another 
meeting will be held on the evening of December 3 at the Empire house, and 
it is hoped and expected that all the companies in the city will be 
represented.

An Instance of Advertising that Didn't Pay.

  The other day Mrs. Grove, of Ninth street and Green avenue, inserted an 
advertisement in the Tribune giving notice that a few boarders could be 
accommodated in her house.  In a previous account of the circumstances about 
to be referred to it was said that the incident happened at the house of 
Mrs. Thomas, Ninth street and Chestnut avenue, which was incorrect.  The 
young fellow Miller, mention of whom was before made, called at Mrs. Grove's 
in answer to the advertisement and engaged board, offering to pay in 
advance, which Mrs. Grove did not deem necessary.  In addition to leaving 
Mrs. Grove in the lurch at the end of the week the smooth-tongued Miller - 
who was a railroad man and knew ever so many prominent railroad people ever 
so well - slipped off with the money of a fellow boarder.  Mrs. Grove thinks 
that in this instance advertising didn't pay; but the next time she asks for 
boarders she will probably be more cautious and will accept the funds if 
they are offered.

Events Transpiring in Military Circles.

  The rolls of the companies of the Fifth regiment, with blank spaces for 
the measurement of the men for great coats, were received by Colonel 
Burchfield on Tuesday.  They will at once be forwarded to the commanders of 
companies, and after the men have all been properly measured the rolls will 
be returned and sent through the regimental and brigade headquarters to the 
office of the Adjutant General, after which the clothing will be 
manufactured and furnished to the militiamen. 
  Captain Guthrie's Company D and the field and staff officers of the Fifth 
regiment residing in this city, with probably Captain Ed. McLean, will visit 
Hollidaysburg this evening for the purpose of attending the concert given by 
the Altoona City Band at Condron's Opera House for the benefit of Captain 
Wilkins' Company C.
  Second Lieutenant Dorsey Myers, of Company E, Philipsburg, Pa., has 
tendered his resignation.

A Bridge Accident Compromised.

  The Huntingdon Globe says about one year ago as Mr. William C. Foster was 
crossing the "Black bridge," in Oneida township, with a four-horse team and 
a load of lumber, the bridge gave way, precipitating all into the water, two 
of the horses being drowned and Mr. Foster receiving some slight injuries.  
Mr. Foster brought suit against the township for damages, since which time 
there has been a dispute as to which should be held responsible, the 
township or the county.  A compromise was effected last week and Mr. Foster 
was allowed $216.25, of which the county will pay two-thirds and the 
township one-third.

FROM HOLLIDAYSBURG.

  William Hartsock, a young man residing in this town, is the owner of a 
rooster which he has learned to talk.  He has concluded to present it to the 
Allegheny hook and ladder boys as an addition to their extensive menagerie.

ACCIDENTS.

  George Smith, son of Dr. G. W. Smith, had his foot hurt yesterday morning 
in the Gaysport foundry, caused by a heavy casting falling upon it.  
Benjamin Cook, working in the same foundry, had, on the same day, one foot 
severely burned by the accidental upsetting of a ladle of molten iron.

FROM WILLIAMSBURG.

  Mr. W. A. McCormick has gone to Philadelphia.  L. F. Campbell fills his 
position at the depot.
  Mr. J. B. Decker has gone to Connellsville to assist his brother in 
painting the houses put up by James Shollar, of this place.
  Mr. Calvin Johnson, brakeman on the Williamsburg train, sprained his ankle 
severely on Tuesday night while getting off the train at this place.  It 
will be some time before he will be able to go to his work again.

FROM ROARING SPRINGS.

  There is a revival in progress at the Bethel Church here, Rev. Esterline 
officiating.  We hope much good will be accomplished.
  The Bethel Church being too small for present use it has been resolved to 
build a new church on East Main street.  A lot of ground has been procured 
for that purpose.
  J. F. Hooper, Esq., of Huntingdon furnace, was here to see his new house.  
D. S. Johnston, Esq., of Huntingdon, did an excellent job of plastering for 
him.  Dave can be recommended as a plasterer.

CITY AND COUNTRY.
Things Briefly Told.

  We regret to learn that Rev. Hollifield, of Huntingdon, has been and is 
still quite ill.
  Mr. William T. Howard has the inside track for the Republican nomination 
for Mayor, and is working up his boom very zealously.
  Matthew Long has purchased the residence of Michael Dougherty, deceased, 
in Ironsville, and intends erecting a new building on the premises.
  The mite society of the First Methodist Church will meet this afternoon at 
3 o'clock.  All the ladies of the congregation are respectfully invited to 
be present.
  Farmers are just now laying in their winter's fuel, and the more grown up 
daughters the bigger the wood pile.  Allowance must be made for sparks.
  Mr. George F. Marsh wishes to return his thanks to the citizens who 
contributed so liberally to the fund for the benefit of the afflicted family 
of Mr. Ludwig Hartel.
  R. G. Morris, who has control of the lime-kilns near Union furnace, is 
putting down a railroad track from Tyrone forges to the kilns formerly under 
the management of Long & McIntosh.
  Joseph Storey is spoken of by the Democrats for Mayor of Altoona.  The 
gentleman has six sons, all of whom have a vote, and are influential in 
Democratic circles.- Philadelphia Record.
  Dr. Fay, railroad company physician, left for Washington yesterday to 
attend the reunion of the army of the Cumberland and the ceremonies 
attendant upon the unveiling of the statue of General George H. Thomas.
  Rev. J. F. Francis was yesterday installed pastor of the Birmingham 
Presbyterian Church.  Rev. Dr. Hamill preached the sermon, Dr. S. M. Moore, 
of Tyrone, charged the pastor, and Dr. Cornelius, of Altoona, addressed the 
people.
  Senator Lamar, of Mississippi; Colonel Fred. Grant, of Chicago; Anthony J. 
Drexel, big shekel man of Philadelphia; George W. Childs, of the Ledger, and 
J. N. McCullough, President of the Pennsylvania Company, were the 
distinguished passengers on Atlantic east last evening.
  We are reliably informed that Mr. G. T. Bell, Sheriff elect, has yet made 
no appointment of deputy.  The gentlemen named in connection with this 
position are George M. Metz, John T. Patton, Harry Husfield, Jr., and the 
present deputy, James S. Bobb, of Hollidaysburg.
  It has been suggested as a demonstration on the day when General Grant 
passes through the city - the 15th of December - that the Grand Army post of 
this city, the Hollidaysburg post and the posts at one or two other 
convenient towns unite and proceed to a point west of Altoona for the 
purpose of meeting and welcoming the General.
    From the car window he looked to see
      The landscape rushing by;
    It came along, he picked it up,
      He caught it with his eye.
    Wrathfully jerking in his head,
      To dig for the stinging cinder - 
    We dare not print the words he said
      When his hat flew out the winder!
  The following are the officers of the Juniata Valley Camp Meeting 
Association elected in Huntingdon on Saturday to serve for the ensuing year: 
President, S. H. McCoy; Secretary, Colonel J. K. Rhodes; Treasurer, D. E. 
Robinson, Board of Control, H. A. Lewis, John Robertson, F. D. Stevens, J. 
A. McKee, S. H. McCoy, Colonel J. K. Rhodes.  Camp meeting will commence on 
August 10, 1880.
  The face of Dave Taylor, the Ethiopian driver employed by Mr. Louis Plack, 
is a regular race course for the broad grins that chase each other over it 
in rapid succession.  Notwithstanding the fact that David is the father of 
one pickaninny whose physical powers have not yet developed sufficiently to 
permit it to walk, his good wife presented him on Saturday with a bouncing 
pair of twins, both boys!  Dave was down at the lower shops a day or two 
since, and when asked what he was doing there, replied: "Huntin' work for de 
boys!"
  The Sentinel, a New York police paper, has communicated with Chief of 
Police Holtzman asking that he send his picture for the paper, the idea 
being to obtain the "counterfeit presentments" of all chiefs of police in 
the country.  The photographers about town are getting their cameras ready, 
and a lively competition will no doubt result for the honor of making a 
likeness of Chief Holtzman.
  Mr. Alvar Akers, of Johnstown, stepped through an open trap door in his 
meat market on Tuesday evening and was thrown down a pair of steps to the 
cellar floor, a distance of about seven feet.  He was rendered unconscious 
for several moments afterward.  An examination of his injuries showed that 
he had suffered severe contusions on the back of his head and on his left 
temple.  His condition was not such as to cause alarm yesterday.  Mr. Akers 
is a brother of Mr. George J. Akers, of the Tribune office.

Two Stories About Railway Employes' Checks.

  The following tales have been started on their rounds, and as no harm can 
come of even an extended circulation the Tribune makes room for them: The 
number of people employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, on all lines 
and branches, is estimated at nearly one hundred thousand.  Besides the 
passenger, ticket and freight departments, there are three departments - 
conducting transportation, motive power and maintenance of way.  In these 
departments, outside the company shops in Altoona, there are about three 
thousand men on the paymaster's rolls, and the sum required to pay this 
number monthly will average $125,000.  It is said these checks run as high 
as $400 and as low as 4 cents.  A sad case is recorded of an unfortunate 
fireman who fell under his engine and had both legs cut off.  At the time of 
the accident he had earned just 21 cents.  The check has not been lifted, 
but shall be preserved as a curiosity.  A funny story is told of another 
check.  A clothing store keeper in this city, while absent at supper, left a 
brother in charge.  A customer called and purchased a suit of clothes at the 
first price asked, and "mine brudder" was so elated with his success that he 
"throwed in" an overcoat.  The customer paid for the suit with an eighty-
cent check and decamped.  When the swindle was detected the clothier threw 
up his arms and rushed out into the street, crying "Stop dat train!"

The Kindergarten to Open Next Monday.

  Through the courtesy of Rev. A. Sheldon Woodle, rector of St. Luke's 
Protestant Episcopal Church, the use of the school building attached to the 
rectory and church has been granted to those who have the management of the 
kindergarten.  It is admirably adapted for the purpose, and should the 
institution prove a success, as it is confidently expected, at least one of 
the schools will be continued there at a small rental.  As the present plan 
develops increased facilities will be organized for operations on a much 
larger scale than is now contemplated.  The school will open on Monday next, 
when our citizens will have an opportunity of seeing the workings of the 
kindergarten and judging of its efficiency in training the youthful mind in 
proper and useful paths.

Organizing a New Hose Company in the Sixth Ward.

  The troubles in the Levan Hose Company culminated at a meeting of the 
former members last evening in the organization of a new company in the 
Sixth ward - or at least in arrangements for another company - to be called 
the Union Hose Company.  A correspondent who signs himself "A Member" 
furnishes the following "history" of the cause of the disbanding of the 
Levan company:
  Early in the spring of the present year there was organized in the Sixth 
ward a hose company known as the Sixth Ward Hose Company.  It was the 
intention of the members to purchase at private sale the old Excelsior hose 
carriage and equipments, and in order to raise the money a committee was 
appointed to solicit the aid of the Sixth ward citizens.  It was also agreed 
to hold a picnic.  The picnic was held in McCauley's wood, under the name of 
"moonlight hop."  It was a success financially, but the committee in charge, 
like Judas of old, betrayed their company.  Other means were retorted [sic] 
to, but without avail, and that "busted" the company for the time being.  In 
the meantime the enterprising youth of the First ward, heaving that we were 
not successful in getting the carriage, organized a company and purchased 
the hose carriage and equipments of Excelsior No. 8.  On the second Tuesday 
of September the Levan company was organized, and though "busted for the 
time being, so to speak," as appeared in your paper of the 19th, the members 
think that they can get along without the Chief Director of the Levan 
company, and will do all in their power to make the Sixth ward new company a 
success, and respectfully solicit the assistance of the citizens of Altoona.

Andrew Tracy Must Hang.

  Harrisburg, Pa., November 19.- The application for the commutation of the 
death sentence to life imprisonment in the case of Andrew Tracy, the McKean 
county murdered, has been refused by the Board of Parsons.  Tracy will be 
hanged on the 4th of December.