NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, November 25, 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, Tuesday, November 25, 1879 ADDITIONAL LOCAL NEWS. Probably the Oldest Pedestrian in Altoona. John Fitzharris, Sr., father of M. Fitzharris, Esq., of the St. Lawrence Hotel, stated to a Tribune reporter yesterday that he was now close upon 86 years of age and that he was contemplating walking to the residence of his son at Hollidaysburg, a distance of about seven miles, this morning. He stated that he had just then - about 4:30 P.M. - returned from a "run" of four miles. One morning this old gentleman was accosted as he was passing eastward along Eleventh avenue by a merchant who was opening his store - the hour was 6:15 in the morning - and was asked what he was doing up so early. "Be me troth," said the aged man, "I'm jist afther comin' from Hollidaysburg!" And it was so - the old gentleman having taken a very early start. For a man of his years Mr. Fitzharris is very hearty and strong, and his frequent tramps seem rather to add to his vigor. Trainmaster Sands' New Position. Mr. Joseph H. Sands, who has for some years been trainmaster of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in the yard at this place, has resigned his position to accept that of Superintendent of the Shenandoah Valley railroad in Virginia. Mr. Sands will leave for his new field of duty this evening. His headquarters will be at the town of Charlestown, the county seat of Jefferson county, W. Va., ten miles southwest of Harper's Ferry, a place of about sixteen hundred inhabitants. The successor of Mr. Sands has not yet been appointed. A Workman's Foot Severely Bruised. Barney Fitzpatrick, who resides on Twelfth street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, met with an accident in the lathe shop yesterday morning, where he was employed as a machine hand. A gear wheel which a fellow workman was rolling struck a clamp near his (Fitzpatrick's) machine, causing it to fall on his foot, severely bruising the member. He was hauled home and a company physician sent for. The Original Desk Used by "Agent" Scott. The original desk which was used by Hon. Thomas A. Scott while agent at the Mountain House for the old Portage railroad is now in the possession of John C. West, of Hollidaysburg. There is quite a contract between it and those in use at the present day. STATE NOTES. Rev. A. S. Leinbach, of Reading, ahs 1,440 communicants in the Reformed Church under his charge. Tom Moorhead, formerly of Mt. Union, has sold seven eighths of his interest in a mine near Leadville, Colorado, for $20,000. The Lebanon Manufacturing Company has a contract to build 400 cars for the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railroad Company. The Governor has appointed Joseph S. Louser, Esq., of Heidelberg township, to be Associate Judge of Lebanon county, vice Judge Light, recently deceased. Thomas Burns died in the Easton jail on Wednesday night from the effects of a cold contracted while swimming in the Delaware, in 1877, to escape the police. The Portland, Northampton county, Enterprise reports that parties who have been digging for silver near Wind Gap have come across a rich vein of lead and silver ore at a depth of 130 feet. Dilworth, Porter & Co., of Pittsburg, have stopped their puddling furnaces, because they now use old rails for the manufacture of spikes instead of pig iron. In consequence of this sixty men are thrown out of employment. Mr. Henry Myers, residing near Campbellstown, Lebanon county, has in his possession ten bundles of rye straw that were cut with a sickle sixty years ago by Rev. Samuel Hershey, now of Mount Joy township. The straw, old as it is, is in a perfect state of preservation. This is particularly a curiosity in this age of reapers and mowers. CITY AND COUNTRY. ARGUMENT COURT. Business Transacted Yesterday - Adjournment to January - The Bar. The clear, sonorous voice of the crier heralded the sitting of the court at precisely 10 o'clock yesterday morning, and forty members thereof quietly seated themselves in the bar. His Honor Judge Dean immediately proceeded to call the bar for the purposed of hearing any motions or petitions the members might have to make. After the disposal of this business and upon the opening of the book containing the argument list Hon S. S. Blair appeared before the court asking a continuance of the entire list, assigning his reasons. The court after some deliberation continued the list until Monday, January 5, 1880, at 10 o'clock A.M., but agreed to hear the surety of the peace cases and one case in which Mr. Brophy was concerned. The surety of the peace cases were as follows: Commonwealth vs. Jane Burkhart. Threat. Nolle pros. was entered on payment of costs by defendant. Commonwealth vs. Charles Haid. Threats. Nolle pros. was entered on payment of costs by defendant. Commonwealth vs. Wellington Duncan. Threats. Continued on application of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth vs. Robert Mansfield. Threats. Defendant sentenced to pay costs of prosecution. Commonwealth vs. Miles McGuire. Threats. Continued on application of Commonwealth. Commonwealth vs. Thomas Burley. Desertion. Case heard, and it was ordered that defendant pay the costs of prosecution and the sum of one dollar per week for support of his child the same sum to be applied in purchase of clothing for the child and balance for boarding, payment to commence on the first week of October, 1879. Defendant to give bond in the sum of $100 to keep the peace for one year. Commonwealth vs. George Sipes and Frank Sipes. Threats. Continued on application of defendants, and they were ordered to enter into recognizance in the sum of $200 for appearance at next session. Commonwealth vs. Frank Bailey. Threats. Sentenced to pay costs and enter into recognizance to keep the peace for one year. Commonwealth vs. James Thompson. Fornication and bastardy. Defendant sentenced to pay a fine of $5 to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for use of Blair county and costs of prosecution, and further pay to Laura Brown the sum of $40 lying in expenses and the further sum of $1 per week for seven years for the support of the child, to begin on the 1st day of September, 1879. He was further ordered to give bond with one good security in $500 conditioned for the compliance of the sentence. Commonwealth vs. Thomas Drosenberger. Open lewdness. Defendant sentenced to pay a fine of $25 to Commonwealth for use of Blair county and costs of prosecution. Dr. J. T. Christy vs. A. J. Bigham. Rule to show cause why satisfaction should not be stricken off. Rule made absolute and judgment reinstated. Jack Kephart, appointed warden of the Blair county jail, was confirmed by the court. TOILETS OF THE BAR. The bar appeared in their Sunday clothes and made a very presentable appearance. Quite a competition exists between the different localities from whence the legal lights hail. Tyrone attorneys usually appear with well worn habiliments, and depend altogether upon the brain part of their exhibition, but to-day was an exception so far as the toilet was concerned - Hicks, Stevens and Riddle all appearing in new store clothes fitting them admirably. Attorneys representing the Cove district were appareled as farmers usually are, and if they were dispossessed of heavy gold watch chains you could not tell the difference. Altoona always exhibits more new styles of cheap clothing than any other parties, though to give due credit some wear cloth of fine texture. Newry is represented by a young sprig of the law neat, tasty, but seldom has his hair combed. Hollidaysburg presents the Solons of the Bar, and, of course, their appearance comports therewith, none appearing before his Honor except in faultless apparel, down to our bachelor farmer friend Jaekel. FROM HOLLIDAYSBURG. Rev. Mr. Scott, of Bellwood, preached in the Baptist Church on Sunday morning and evening. The Ladies Aid Society will give a supper and festival in the Baptist Church this evening. All are cordially invited. Messrs. Foust and Hatch, the only Hollidaysburgers who sail on the raging canal, have returned to their winter quarters apparently satisfied with their summer's work. Those iron bridges have been shipped, and on Monday next workmen will be here to erect the one at Duncansville, and immediately after the Tyrone bridge will be placed in position. Uncle Sam's mail bags are getting to be useful for the transportation of many articles besides letters. Yesterday Dr. Smith received a fine Durham bull, and a lady by the same post got a screech owl. Samuel H. Lemon, Esq., having completed his railroad contract from Downingtown, returned home on Saturday. There was no visible mark on him from that terrible accident. It was lucky he fell on the bridge in place of the bridge falling on him, or it might have proved otherwise. James P. Stewart received by mail from the far West a dangerous-looking Indian scalping knife found on the banks of the Cottonwood river in Kansas, accompanied with the directions: "Go for your enemies." As James P. has none of them, we suggest that it be presented to Dr. Burket, who is after certain scalps. BIG HERD OF DEER. Thomas H. Wilt, a Juniata township farmer, reports seeing the other day, while passing over the Allegheny mountain, a drove of seventeen deer. He had no gun at the time, but early on Saturday morning, accompanied by three other hunters, started for the feeding grounds of the deer, all fully armed and equipped. When the hunters return we will finish this item. ACCIDENTS. Aaron Lingafelter got three fingers of his right hand almost severed on Saturday while charging a puddling furnace in the big rolling mill with pig iron. Yesterday William Kellerman, Esq., received a dangerous fall, caused by the breaking of a board in the second story of his stable. He fell a distance of twelve feet to the lower floor, but fortunately escaped without any serious injury, though severely hurt. ROOST HIGH. J. Irvin Brotherline, Esq., had his big Thanksgiving gobbler gobbled and Mr. Samuel H. Baker had his Thanksgiving goose boned, both on the same night. Gone to join that menagerie. The Kellerman House chicken coop was visited the other night by some kind of a blood sucking varmint that cleaned out the coop. FROM HUNTINGDON. Rev. A. N. Hollifield has recovered from his recent illness. Mr. Christ Long is erecting a house on the lot of Jackson Africa to serve as a residence for himself. Miss Fannie Hamilton is lying very ill at her mother's residence in West Huntingdon with diphtheria. Rev. W. W. Hicks, of Florida, preached an able sermon in the First Methodist Church on Sunday morning. On Saturday afternoon a shooting match took place at Echo Glen, in the suburbs of this place, for turkeys. Messrs. Bert McGlaughlin and W. P. Conrad succeeded in winning two apiece. THANKSGIVING DAY. Rev. E. G. Hay, of the Lutheran Church, will preach a Thanksgiving sermon in the German Reformed Church on Thanksgiving morning, the service to begin at 10:30. In the evening the Children's Temperance Union will give their annual entertainment in the same church. The programme is an excellent one and the meeting will be largely attended. FROM NEWRY. On Saturday evening a large supper party was given at the Franklin House, kept by Frank McCoy, to which a large number of the friends of Dr. Charles Bulkley, of Philadelphia, were invited. The following are the names of the guests who surrounded the festive board: T. C. Nelson, of Altoona; H. Heinsling, D. McSmith, G. J. Miller, of Salsburg; J. H. Lykens, Newry; Dr. Beigle, D. Tinklepaugh, Dr. M. F. Black, W. H. Patterson, J. K. Patterson, M. Cassidy, Michael Burns, Dr. J. A. Rohrer, of Hollidaysburg, and Robert Wallace, of Duncansville. Mr. H. T. Heinsling acted as spokesman for the Altoona gentlemen and W. H. Patterson for Newry. The occasion for which this supper was gotten was the departure of our esteemed friend Dr. Bulkley, who has been with us for some months past. He will leave on Monday morning for his home in Philadelphia. Before us was spread one of the most bountiful suppers of the season. Mr. McCoy knows how to get up good suppers and how to entertain the guests. After supper the party proceeded to the parlor, headed by Dr. Bulkley. Mr. McCoy entertained the party by singing a song entitled "The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane," accompanied by his daughter, Miss Minnie. The music was well executed. Mr. McCoy is somewhat of a vocalist. The good cheer will long be remembered. School Report. Grace of pupils belonging to Grammar School No. 1, Fourth ward, for the month ending November 21, 1879: A CLASS Nettie Wagner 100 Joseph Fink 84 Daisy Woodall 94 Lily Hooper 84 William Ketler 92 James Rote 81 Tillie Endress 91 William Thompson 68 Ida Reigh 91 *Venie Eirhart 61 Daniel Ford 91 *Blanche Bartley 55 *Carrie Ketler 89 Ettie Robison 47 Maggie Miller 89 *Hattie Clark 46 Albert Jaekel 89 *Louie Bigler 44 Myra Kinch 85 *Ella Black 25 B CLASS Blanche Burkett 98 William Klink 84 Maggie Metzgar 98 *Nellie Rogers 83 Jennie Davis 98 Susie Long 83 Annie Herr 97 Samuel Christian 83 Corrie Campbell 97 Harry Brumbaugh 80 Lily Dailey 96 Lizzie Condrin 74 Belle Stoner 96 *Jennie Fowler 73 Mattie White 96 Hattie Trotter 68 Wilbur Ramey 95 Harry Freeland 68 Lizzie Metzgar 92 Andie Bussman 62 Elmer Boynes 92 *Jessie Weidel 59 Samuel Attig 91 Virginia Clark 54 Ella White 89 Alice Franz 54 Charles Weston 88 John Gern 32 *Bella Boyles 84 *Absent on account of sickness. Letter List. ALTOONA, Pa., November 24.- Following is the official list of letters remaining uncalled for in the Altoona postoffice November 24, 1879. If not called for within four weeks they will be sent to the dead letter office. To obtain any of these letters personal application should be made, giving date of list: LADIES. Ager, Mrs. Amanda Lear, Mrs. Hannah Behey, Lizzie Lawrence, Mrs. Kate Dugan, Mrs. Sarah Lantz, Mrs. Jennie E. Faust, Mrs. Christian Leidy, Rachel Fleming, Mary Ana McQuillen, Mrs. Mary Flick, Ellie Nolan, Annie Houseman, Edit Paulman, Leana Hileman, Frances E. Sell, Paulina Hale, Rebecca Smith, Mary Jones, Lillie Treese, Mrs. Mary Kauffman, Jennie Thomas, Mrs. Mollie G. Kriner, Eliza Woodburn, Carrie GENTLEMEN. Boyle, J. C. Lewis, David Bryan, William S. McClellan, John Conrad, O. P. Mock, John J. Culp, Benner Mentch, Isaac Davidson, Blair McCuen, A. J. Eivert, A. N. Martin, Thomas L. Eckert & Son Nevin, Timothy Geesey, Jacob Peoples, Harvy M. Gaffney, John Reed, Charles N. Gardner, C. G. Retallick, John Hamilton, Jona. Smith, John D. Johnson, W. H. (colored) Smith, W. B. Johnston, J. W. Thompson, Thomas L. Kochler, Mr. Woods, Strong Knox, James Wilson, Robert Little, Daniel Webb, George C. PACKAGES. Charles Eckert & Son Miss Minnie Herr J. H. Brown William McNelis John Elliott Daniel H. Higgins Barbara E. Hanlon William H. Kenney - 2 Mrs. Jennie E. Lantz Dr. William Lemmon T. S. PATTON, Postmaster CITY AND COUNTRY. Things Briefly Told. Mr. F. T. Bishop, chief clerk to Superintendent John Reilly, has been confined to the house with pleurisy since Thursday last. At times Mr. Bishop has been quite sick. Mr. J. S. Colburn, janitor of the Fifth ward school house, has tendered his resignation to the Board of Directors, to take effect December 1. There are plenty of applicants for the position. It is given out that the wheel foundry will be removed to the lower shops, where a commodious structure will be erected for that department the coming year. The ground occupied by the old foundry and the proposed new temporary structure will be occupied by the demand for the extension of other departments. The lower shops are the proper place for the wheel foundry, that being the place the passenger and freight cars are built. THE "SILVER GRAYS." The "Oldest Inhabitants" Organize Themselves Into a Permanent Club. A the furniture warerooms of J. W. Cherry, No. 804 Twelfth street, eleven gray-haired, venerable looking gentlemen assembled last evening for a conference. It was the first meeting since the temporary organization at Lloydsville last August of the "Silver Grays Social Club," composed of gentlemen not less than 60 years of age. The members present at the meeting last night were Robert Alexander, Temporary President, 74 years of age; John Miller, 74; Jacob Renner, 72; Michael Clabaugh, 71; W. F. Sellers, 68; H. Fettinger, Sr., 68; A. McGlathery, 66; Matthew Black, 65; J. S. Eby, 62; William McClellan (called the "baby" of the club), 60. The meeting was for the purpose of effecting a permanent organization, and it was called to order by Mr. Eby, who suggested that Mr. Alexander, the "father" of the society, be selected as Permanent President of the club. The suggestion was unanimously and enthusiastically concurred in. For Vice President Mr. Allen McGlathery was elected, and Mr. Henry Fettinger, Sr., was made Secretary. Mr. John Miller was decided upon as the proper person to take care of the club's funds and was made Treasurer. Mr. Eby then read a sketch of the first meeting of the club, which was at a picnic at Wapsonnonock in 1874, since which time until August, 1879, at Lloydsville, there had not been a meeting. The draft of a constitution for the government of the club was then read and adopted. It comprises ten sections, the first five of which are devoted principally to the subjects of "officers," qualifications for membership," etc., the latter permitting any "white male citizen" to become a member. The five concluding sections are as follows: The objects of this association are purely of a social nature. No sectarianism or party politics shall be permitted in its discussions at any meeting of the association. One of the principal objects for which this association has been instituted is the holding of annual "picnics." These reunions may partake of both a physical and mental characteristic, such as reading short sketches of prose or poetry - either original or selected - by some of the members; also, a variety of athletic games may be indulged in suitable to the occasion. It is desirable that we hold frequent meetings throughout the year, at such places as may be designated by the association from time to time, for social intercourse and intellectual improvements as well as for business purposes. It is hereby ordered that when members greet each other on the streets or elsewhere it shall be by the endearing name of "Brother." It shall be one of the duties of this association to visit its sick and infirm brethren at their residences as often as each individual brother may find it convenient to do so. This rule shall not be considered imperative upon any member of the association, but is urged as a matter of charity and good feeling toward an invalid brother. One the death of a brother notice shall be given of the event to each member of the association by the Secretary, when it shall be ordered that the association attend the funeral in a body, and also that a suitable badge be adopted to wear on such occasions. The following old gentlemen were then proposed for membership: Peter Miller, George R. Everson (who being present was at once elected), John Herr, John F. Rainey, Joseph Dysart, Henry Ickes. After a few moments spent in social chat, the club adjourned to meet at the call of the President. Peculiar Fascination that Ended in Death. The name of the brakeman killed on Ramey & Co.'s tramroad, near Houtzdale, noticed in Saturday's Tribune, was Martin Hockenberry. He had been in the employ of Mr. Ramey for a considerable length of time, and had quit his employ on three different occasions with a view of seeking employment elsewhere. There seems to be in the case of this unfortunate man "A divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them as we may," from which he endeavored to escape, but all his efforts were unavailing, and he was bound by some mysterious enchantment that kept him lingering around the works of the firm. The last time he quit his employers he had all his goods packed to move away, but the strange infatuation chained him to the place. One day he remarked to the chief sawyer that he would remain if he could secure the position of an off bearer in the mill. Mr. Ramey was spoken to about the matter and readily consented to Hockenberry's desire. After remaining in this position for several weeks one of the men on the tramroad got his foot mashed, when he desired to give up his place at the mill and take that of the disabled man, believing that was the position after all to which he was best suited, having been the occupation he followed previous to becoming an off bearer. It was cheerfully given him. The day or so before the fatality overtook him in conversation he remarked the excellent condition of the road and the equipment, saying it was never better. But in the midst of this fancied security he was lured on to a terrible death, which appeared to be in store for him, though hid from his eyes, and yet his frequent retirement from the service of his employers without any apparent cause would seem to indicate a presentiment of coming misfortune. Origin of the Name of the Modoc Engine. The Pittsburgh Dispatch, in answer to the question of a correspondent, "How did the Pennsylvania Railroad Company come to call a locomotive a Modoc engine?" says "the word Modoc, applied as a name to a certain class of locomotive engine, is a term as arbitrary as the name John which precedes that of Smith. It was applied to the engines because it happened to be in everybody's mouth about the time they were invented, which was near the date of Captain Jack's arrest." The first of these engines was built about the time of the trouble with the Modoc Indians. There was some difficulty in putting it together and getting the machinery in working order, when a workman was so disgusted over the intricacies of the machine that he called it a "Modoc," and this appellation has followed all engines of Class I. The second car built for the Directors of the Pennsylvania road was a great lumbering house on wheels, and in pushing it by hand through the depot here an employe gave it the name of "Freedman's Bureau," and it ever after went by that name, just such a circumstance as originated the name "Modoc" to locomotives. It was subsequently sold to the Central Transportation Company and converted into a sleeper. Levan Hose Company Reorganized. The Levan Hose Company, which was supposed to be among the things of the past, was reorganized at the Good Will engine house last evening under the same name. Eighteen young men were enrolled as members and the following officers were elected to serve for three months: President, John Kimmel; Secretary, E. Hamilton; Treasurer, William Endress. The members think that the company will continue to exist now without difficulty, as the Good Will company is "engineering" the organization.