NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, November 21, 1879, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ Items from the Morning Tribune, Altoona, Friday, November 21, 1879 STATE NOTES. John Weise, one of the Raber murderers confined in the Lebanon jail, is shamming insanity, it is said. Recently the store of Thomas Cluck, of Millerstown, Perry county, was entered by thieves and robbed of goods to the amount of $100. James Edmonson, conductor of the shifting crew in the Harrisburg yard, was caught on Wednesday between the "bull noses" of two cars at Asylum road, and so badly crushed that death resulted in a very short time. Joseph Galbraith, of White House, Cumberland county, lately shipped to Philadelphia one hundred bushels of white Canada oats weighing forty-five pounds to the bushel, and realized fifty cents per bushel of thirty-two pounds. The Rev. G. F. J. Iaeger, the oldest member of the Pennsylvania Lutheran Ministerium in the State, died at Hamburg the other day. He was 84 years old. He baptized 7,000 children, married 1,200 persons, preached 2,500 funeral sermons and gave communion to 50,000 individuals. James W. Shultze, who lives near Harrisburg, found the dead body of a man in Cameron's woods on Tuesday. A large hole in the left breast told the manner of his death, for a musket rested against his knee. It is supposed that the suicide was Lewis Kerichner, who left his home on Allison's Hill recently. Mr. John Hargest, who farms the island opposite Harrisburg, has been quite unfortunate in the matter of losing valuable horses. Within the past three months one of his horses died with spinal meningitis; last week one died of lung fever, and Tuesday morning another was kicked by its mate, had its leg broken, and was shot. A child about 3 years old, son of Henry Arbogost, Jr., of Turbett township, Juniata county, fell into a well about thirty feet deep last Friday. There being no one present but the child's mother, she had to go a quarter of a mile for assistance. Strange to say, the child was taken out alive, although there was about seven feet of water in the well. The Stanton mine, at Wilkesbarre, which caught fire last spring, was flooded to extinguish the flames, and last Wednesday the work of removing the water was completed. On Monday it was discovered that the fire had worked its way beyond the point reached by the water and was still burning. The mine must be again flooded, and many weeks will elapse before the fire can be extinguished and mining resumed. CITY AND COUNTRY. "Rape of the Lock" at Shoffner's Auction House. Mr. Shoffner, the "Novelty Auction House" man, was visited by a Tribune reporter last evening with reference to the "burglary" that had been committed at his establishment at Ninth avenue and Twelfth street the night before. Shoffner threw up his hands in surprise when the subject was broached to him, and from the broad smile that at once overspread his countenance the reporter concluded that the Call had been sold in a manner similar to the "goak" [joke] that was played upon the editor of that paper when Attorney John A. Doyle discovered "oil" at the artesian well, and for which the attorney got "rats" in the Call when the Tribune explained the oil story. "The lock of the door was broken," but the "pile of tables and other heavy furniture against the door" did not "bar further entrance to the burglars." The fact of the matter is that there was no burglary at all, and the lock of the door was broken by a blast of wind that slammed it violently. Mr. Shoffner, being determined to have a new lock on the ancient door, devised the tale he told the Call in order to influence Dr. Ickes, who owns the "Green Corner," to purchase a new and safe lock. But the doctor didn't "tumble," so to speak, and Shoffner has to content himself with a patched-up lock, which fastens the door securely, but which is not a new one. And that's the story of the burglary. Death of a Noted Character. William Oliver, better known as "Billy" Oliver in Clearfield circles, a shoemaker by trade, kind-hearted, singular in his habits and disposition, and rigidly reticent in regard to his personal history, died in that place last Friday, aged 73 years. The Journal says he was a native of Newcastle, England, and came to this country when a child, with his parents, who settled in or near New York city. During four or five years past he has resided in Clearfield and vicinity and for some months has been confined to his bed. He has a daughter living in Rockland county, New York, and a son somewhere in the west. He had served in the late war and had made application for a pension more than a year ago. He was anxious to live until he would know that, by the granting of the pension, he would leave the means to defray the expenses incurred during his long illness, but he was denied this satisfaction and only seven or eight hours after his death the papers arrived informing him that it had been granted. How Frank Storey Recovered Some Stolen Goods. About 10 o'clock yesterday morning at tramp passed the store of Charles Simon, at the corner of Eleventh avenue and Thirteenth street, and cast wistful glances at the warm clothing that hung displayed in front of the store. He watched his opportunity and directly seized upon a pair of gum leggings, with which he at once made off. Mr. Frank Storey, who happened to be standing in the neighborhood, observed the transaction, and taking up the trail followed the tramp some distance down Eleventh avenue. The nomad stopped at several places and inquired for "a job," and he was directed to go to Lloydsville, where it was probable he would be employed on the Bell's Gap railroad. Mr. Storey overtook the man in the neighborhood of the Fourth street crossing, where he engaged him in conversation, assuming to be in a similar situation and wishing to go to Harrisburg. The tramp swallowed the bait, and producing the leggings said he would pawn them and raise some money. Mr. Storey recognized the property, and after some words accused the tramp of having stolen the leggings. Seeing that he was caught the fellow admitted the theft, and Mr. Storey demanded the stolen goods. Upon this the tramp showed fight. Mr. Storey commanded the fellow to come along with him, that he might turn him over to the authorities. The tramp said that if Storey wanted him he would have to carry him to the lock-up, and at the same time struck at Storey - which was a very unwise move. Storey returned the blow - and anybody acquainted with the Storeys knows about what the result would be. The tramp was sent to grass ingloriously, and then Storey, who had secured the stolen leggings, left him, and returned the goods to Simons' store. Frank is now looked upon by his friends as the "boss detective." FROM HOLLIDAYSBURG. New steps are being built in front of the American House. McCoy, the star groceryman, is giving his Allegheny street residence a new coat of paint. Hon. Seth R. McCune was one of the brave men who defied the terrible snow storm yesterday. John Hewit, of the firm of Harris, Bassett & Co., one of Philadelphia's big clothing firms, was in town yesterday. G. I. Davis placed in his drug store yesterday two of the finest show cases we have yet seen. They are of the double-decker pattern. C. R. Banks, Esq., has been coon hunting at Blue Knob. He was the guest of Esquire Costlow, one of Juniata township's most hospitable farmers and sportsmen. THE LOST DOCKETS FOUND. The deed and mortgage books missing from the Court House have been returned. They were taken by mistake to the Williamsburg bank with other books and put away without being examined. The two books that the dockets were taken in exchange for are missing. CITY AND COUNTRY. Things Briefly Told. The engine attached to mail train west last evening ran off the track below the Twelfth street bridge. The mishap was caused by a misplaced switch. No damage done. Rodman furnaces, which are preparing to go into blast, have contracted for 1,000 tons of Lisbon (Spanish) ore, about one half of which has already been delivered. Rev. A. Sheldon Woodle, rector of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, will preach the union Thanksgiving sermon in the Second Presbyterian Church next Thursday at 10:30 A.M. Letters addressed to Mrs. T. Moore, 413 South Eighteenth street, Philadelphia; Benziger Brothers, New York, and Mrs. J. A. Dell, Port Deposit, Md., are held at the post office for postage. Frank Hamilton, Pittsburgh's popular baker and temperance worker, is on a visit to Baker Heess, of this city. Frank is looking well and will leave the smoky city about the 1st of January for Chicago on business. The Tyrone Gas and Water Company are replacing their old wooden water pipes with iron ones, which temporarily cuts off the usual supply of water to consumers. But the present inconvenience will be their ultimate gain. The narrow gauge locomotives built at the railroad shops in this city for the Danville and Richmond road have been shipped to their destination. Messrs. Amos Davis and James Alloway accompanied the engines to put them together and in running order. D. S. Brumbaugh, Esq., of Roaring Springs, was unfortunate enough yesterday morning to receive a kick in the small of the back from a playful horse. He thinks he was fortunate in that it was not a mule that did the kicking. However, his step is not as lithe as is his wont. A most agreeable surprise party visited the residence of Miss Mollie Shaffer, on Howard avenue, last evening. After having a merry time they departed to their homes in the hope of being permitted to call on the amiable Miss Shaffer soon again. There were about fifteen couples present. The Tribune compositors return thanks for an elegant cake. On account of failing health Mr. John C. Sullivan resigned the Secretaryship of the Keystone Building and Loan Association on Wednesday evening. Mr. S. has filled the office acceptably since the association started. Mr. Edwin M. Amies, a very promising young man in Messrs. Alexander & Herr's office, was elected to fill the vacancy. Dr. J. W. Isenberg, of Eldorado, is preparing the way to be reckoned as Blair county's big fruit grower. He is putting out an immense number and variety of blackberry, raspberry and currant rootlets, besides fruits of other description. He lately purchased several acres of the Kemp property on Brush mountain and purposes converting it into a grand fruit orchard. The doctor understands pomology as well as he does the art of dentistry, judging from the fruits we have sampled from his snug premises at Eldorado. The clothing store of L. M. Woolf, on Main street, in Johnstown, was entered by burglars on Wednesday night or Thursday morning and about $400 worth of goods carried away. Mr. N. D. Maher, of the General Superintendent's office, at a raffle the other night drew a pig worth $12. "Nick" is of the opinion that he will be all right during the coming winter, even if the price of board does have an upward tendency. Mr. Enoch Blackwell has been visiting his son, Clayton E. Blackwell, in this city. Mr. Blackwell while here bought of McGarvey, at McGarvey's station, two horses, which he intends to drive home with him to Mansfield, Tioga county, Pa. The viewers appointed at last October court to view and open Twelfth avenue, from Sixteenth to Nineteenth streets, in this city, will assemble to-day at 10 o'clock to attend to the duties of their appointment. The avenue to be opened will cut away the two story addition of the White Hall Hotel, part of the house of John A. Pfeifer, covering all of his lot, and several properties along the line. Mr. Crawford Orr, of Sinking valley, shot two deer in the "Kettle" yesterday. They were both does, and the most remarkable thing about it is the fact that the one did not move an inch after its companion was shot. They were both standing close together, and it is supposed that the report of the shot that killed the one was not heard by the other because of the direction of the wind. Notes from Our Neighbors. Thompson's store at Potter's Mills, Centre county, was robbed on the 8th inst. Of $50 in cash, $2.700 in notes and a lot of postage stamps. The McVeytown pulpit is making war against "Cooney's" news agency, cigar store, confectionary and checker parlor. "Cooney," double your contributions and 'twill all be right. Turning His Wife Into the Street. Between 7 and 8 o'clock last evening Samuel Brimmer, who resides on Eleventh avenue, a short distance beyond the "culvert," was arrested by Chief Holtzman and Officer Allen. Mrs. Brimmer had sent for the officers and complained that her husband had been flourishing a revolver and threatening to shoot her. The man was intoxicated and when he was arrested had a "seven shooter" in his hand, which was taken from him by the policemen. Brimmer was taken to the lock-up and his case will be disposed of by the Mayor at a hearing this morning. Benefit Concert to Company C of Hollidaysburg. IN a special train last evening forty members of Company D, of this city, accompanied by several of the Fifth regiment officers and the Altoona City Band, visited Hollidaysburg for the purpose of attending the benefit concert given by the band to Company C, of that place. The soldiers were met at the depot by Company C and escorted to Condron's Opera House, the band meanwhile playing a march. Inside the hall a large audience had assembled, and the exercises were opened with the "Rip Van Winkle" overture and the selection of "Maritana" by the band. The reciting of "Sheridan's Ride" by Martin Bell, Esq., followed, and then came a burlesque recitation of the poem of "Barbara Frietchie" by E. Gerst, both of which were exceedingly well rendered. Several choice selections were rendered during the evening by the band, interspersed with recitations and tableaux, the latter being considered the finest ever put on the stage at Hollidaysburg. A special feature of the entertainment was a drill by Company C, which so far exceeded expectations and the maneuvers were so skillfully executed that the members of Company D looked at one another in surprise, feeling that they must "pick up their flints" and look to their laurels. By special request the band performed "Pinafore," which was not on the programme. The elite of Hollidaysburg turned out on the occasion, and the entertainment was a success financially and artistically. At the conclusion the Altoona visitors were escorted to the train in waiting and were sent on their homeward journey with three hearty cheers. Company D and the band are very much pleased with the treatment they received. The Altoona company will probably give an entertainment before many days, to which the Hollidaysburg "boys" will be invited. The Twelve-hour Go-as-you-please Medal. The medal for the man who wins the "twelve hour go-as-you-please" match in the Opera House on Thanksgiving day, to be given under the auspices of the Eureka Social Club, has been received through Mr. J. W. Ebert and is now on exhibition at the cigar store of Mr. J. S. Stier, the permanent stake- holder. The medal is about two inches in diameter and the edge is scalloped into eleven points. In the centre is the monogram of the Eureka Social Club. Surrounding it appear the words, "Twelve-hour go-as-you-please, November 27." This medal is suspended from a rectangular clasp two inches and a half long, to which is attached the pin, by which the whole is to be fastened on the breast of the winner. The figures "18" and "79" appear at either end, and on the centre, where the clasp is enlarged into circular form, is the figure of a man running. The Bad Fix of Babcock, Wilson and Richardson. The three suspicious characters - Babcock, Wilson and Richardson - who passed through Altoona on Tuesday evening on Atlantic express and were arrested in their room at the Fallon House on Wednesday morning about 2 o'clock, being subsequently committed to jail to await a requisition from the Governor of Virginia, were also arrested on a charge of carrying concealed deadly weapons, a revolver having been found on the person of each. The prisoners were arraigned before a Lock Haven Alderman on Wednesday evening on the charge of false pretense and of carrying concealed weapons. After the evidence had been heard the Alderman deemed the charges of sufficient gravity to require bail of each in the sum of $300 on the first charge and $200 on the second. Not being able to get bail the prisoners were remanded to jail to await the action of the grand jury. Arm Broken by a Fall. A young man named Frank Robinson, 16 years old, met with a painful accident about a quarter past 11 o'clock last night. He is a son of Mr. John Robinson, who keeps a grocery store at Twelfth avenue and Twelfth street, and had been to Hollidaysburg with the military attending the concert. On his return he was in the act of ascending the steps at the Logan House. Being coated with ice his feet slipped and he fell on the steps with his right arm doubled under his body, the result being the fracture of the bone at the wrist. The young gentleman was taken to a room in the Logan House, where the fracture was reduced by Dr. Christy. He was subsequently taken to his residence. Injured by Being Struck With an Engine. Mr. Miles Geissinger, a freight conductor on the middle division, while helping to make up a train below the Fourth street crossing, on Wednesday evening, was struck by engine No. 88 and his back was considerably injured. At the time of the accident Mr. Geissinger was standing with his back to the train. Richard Irvin, aged about 18 years, whose home is in this city and who is employed as a brakeman on the western division, had one of his fingers mashed while coupling a caboose to an engine near Pittsburgh yesterday morning. He arrived in this city last evening and will "lay off" until his hand is [in] condition to resume his occupation. A Room in the Lock-up Instead of the Logan House. A man who said his name was John Gallagher and that his residence was at Chambersburg entered the Logan House about 2 o'clock this morning in a slightly intoxicated condition and asked to be given a room. For some reason Mr. Baer, the night clerk, declined to accommodate Gallagher, when the latter swore that he would not leave the house till he had been given a place to sleep. Some further words ensued, and then Mr. Baer sent for the policemen. The man was taken charge of by the officers, after declining at their suggestion to engage a room at some other hotel, and locked up. He had in his upper outside pocket a small revolver, which was secured.