NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, November 26, 1879, Blair County, PA

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Items from the Morning Tribune, Altoona, Wednesday, November 26, 1879

Assaulted and Brutally Beaten by a Ruffian.

  A man with his head and face all cut and bleeding entered the office of 
Dr. Walter Bell, Eighth avenue, above Twelfth street, yesterday morning, and 
inquired for the physician, who was not in at the time.  He stated to Mr. 
John F. Storm that he had been waylaid and beaten, but did not give his name 
or the name of the party who had abused him.  During last evening a Tribune 
reporter learned that the man had expressed his intention of making 
information against his assailant, and a visit to the office of Alderman 
O'Toole disclosed his name, that of the man who had beaten him and the fact 
that proceedings had been commenced.  In fact the information had been made 
before a physician had been consulted, and the man's face, which presented 
an ugly spectacle to the Alderman, had been dressed when he returned to the 
office.  After leaving the office of Dr. Bell the injured man, whose name is 
William Henry Stine, called upon Dr. Christy, who made an examination of his 
hurts and found that the upper jawbone on the right side of his face, 
holding four teeth, was broken off, and it was found necessary to remove it.  
Stine was also considerably hurt in other parts of his head and face.  He 
stated that a man named Levi Yohn, who lives in Logan township, had attacked 
him in the brutal manager which his condition indicated as he was passing in 
the neighborhood of Mill run, near the three culverts.  What Yohn's object 
was Stine did not know, as there never had been any quarrel between them.  
Stine was on his way to work when set upon, and he at once came to this city 
for medical treatment.  A warrant was issued by the Alderman for the arrest 
of Yohn, who is said to be the same individual who was in jail about two 
years ago on a charge of stealing powder from Fries' hardware store.

STATE NOTES.

  Andy Tracy, the McKean county murderer, is to be hung on the fourth of 
next month.
  Mr. Frank Sneft, Leyan Valley, York county, saw a hawk swoop down upon a 
rabbit.  He took good aim and killed both.
  Daniel Hamm, Sr., York county, captured a large wild cat near the Texas 
mill a few days ago of the black variety - a very rare animal in that 
locality.
  Judge Galbraith, of Erie county, has adopted the policy of revoking 
licenses in all cases where it can be shown that the proprietor of a saloon 
or tavern is unworthy to hold it.
  Mr. Simon Klinger, of Washington township, Dauphin county, was severely 
injured by a strange hog which she attempted to drive from her premises.  
The lady was thrown to the ground and severely bitten.
  In May last Mr. Thomas Plunker, of Pittsburg, lost his wife and one child 
with diphtheria.  Since then he has lost five other children from the same 
cause, and he is now the only one left of a family of eight.
  A fire at Lock Haven on Friday night destroyed the news and cigar stand of 
D. L. Bisel and a small printing office owned by him.  Everything was burned 
but a stove.  There was but a small insurance.  The fire originated from the 
stove.
  Hon. George D. Jackson, State Senator from the Twenty-fourth Senatorial 
district, composed of Lycoming, Montour, Columbia and Sullivan, died on 
Sunday after a lingering illness, at Du Shore, in the latter county.  
Senator Jackson served several terms in the house before his election to the 
Senate.  The present was his second term of service in the Senate.  He was a 
Democrat.

CITY AND COUNTRY.

THE KINDERGARTEN.
A "Tribune" Reporter Pays a Visit to the Institution - What he Sees.

  The "kindergarten," which has been an object of considerable effort with 
some of our citizens, was put in operation in the school room attached to 
St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church on Monday morning.  A visit made by a 
Tribune representative yesterday morning revealed many points in connection 
therewith that may prove of interest to our readers.  The institution is in 
charge of Miss Johanna Steichele assisted by Miss Jeannette Bussman and Miss 
Anna Snyder of this city.  The "infants" are eighteen in number and range 
from 3 years and 4 months to 6 years of age.  When the reporter put in an 
appearance they were engaged in the opening exercises.  The children were 
ranged in a circle, the ladies in charge joining hands with them.  Their 
hands were folded, a short child's prayer in German uttered by Miss 
Steichele and the regular programme - if programme it may be called - was 
commenced.  After a short period of physical exercise which partook more of 
the nature of play than of work, the little ones were seated at low tables 
and supplied with materials for making "weaving mats," which materials 
consisted of sheets of colored paper cut into clips without separating the 
ends entirely, into which were threaded narrow slips of white paper, making 
a very neat checker work.  The needle is an ingeniously contrived 
arrangement about eight inches in length, by which the white slips are 
grasped and introduced into the openings in the mat.  The pupils take 
pleasure in this work which interests as well as imparts deftness to little 
fingers.  This work was continued until the children grew tired, when recess 
was given, and preparations made for the lunch, which formed probably the 
most interesting feature in the "school."  The table was supplied with 
apples pared, cored and quartered, bread and butter, cakes, knick-knacks, 
etc., forming a light but enjoyable luncheon.  The children who had been 
playing about in great glee were stationed in rows along the sides of the 
room - the boys forming a row on the right, the girls on the left.  Each 
young gentleman in turn walked to a little lady, offered his arm and 
escorted her to the table, taking positions behind their respective chairs.  
All having gathered around the board he draws back his companion's chair, 
places it in position, waiting until she is seated, then seats himself 
beside her.  The utmost attention is paid to the matter of politeness, and 
carried out by so young children it is amusing to witness.  The viands are 
passed by some one of them chosen by Miss Steichele, grace is asked, and the 
repast is eaten with the greatest gusto.  Having been excused from the table 
the little ones were put to work once more upon the mats.
  The "kindergarten" is in session from 9 o'clock till about fifteen minutes 
before 12, noon.  No session is held in the afternoon.  Miss Steichele 
seemed to take pleasure in showing the various workings of the institution 
and exhibited specimens of the work the children would be required to do 
when practiced.  The strips used at present in the "mat" work are about one-
half an inch in width, but narrower ones will be used as the pupils advance 
in dexterity in handing them, forming beautiful designs in various colors.  
Success seems to be crowning this new departure in the school system, and we 
predict that such an interest will ultimately be manifested by our citizens 
as will make it an unqualified success.  Rev. Charles Jaekel and George W. 
Kessler are, we believe, the leading spirits in this move, and are to be 
highly commended for their successful efforts.  Those of our citizens who 
care to see something entertaining, as well as novel, will do well to call 
and view the "Kindergarten."

An Aunt Who Would Not Pay Her "Nevvy."

  On the 8th of the present month Alderman Rose heard the case of Samuel K. 
Orr against Matilda Orr, his aunt, which involved a claim of $100 for 
services in obtaining the signatures of the heirs of John Orr, deceased, to 
a paper which was an agreement to allow Matilda Orr (who is a maiden lady) 
$840 for taking care of John Orr during the sickness that terminated his 
life.  After the signatures were obtained Miss Orr for some time put her 
nephew off with promises of payment of his claim, and at least said she 
would not pay it at all.  Then suit was brought to recover.  At the hearing 
the evidence for the prosecution showed that the nephew's claim was correct 
and just.  The defense made no effort to contradict, and Alderman Rose 
awarded judgment for the amount.  While a Tribune reporter was in the 
Alderman's office yesterday Miss Orr called and took an appeal from the 
decision, being determined to take the matter to court.

ANOTHER TRIBUTARY.
The Lewisburg, Centre and Spruce Creek Road to Pass to the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company.

  The Philadelphia Record says the Pennsylvania Railroad Company will soon 
add another line of rails and ties to its long list of branches in the 
foreclosure of the mortgage of the Lewisburg, Centre and Spruce Creek 
Railroad Company, whose bonds it holds in the sum of $2,000,000.  In 1877 
the people of Penn's valley, one of the richest valleys of the State, with 
the assistance of the Pennsylvania railroad, opened the now insolvent road 
from Lewisburg, on the Northern Central railroad, as far as Spring Mills, in 
Penn's valley, a distance of forty-two miles, with the intention in the 
future, should business warrant the scheme, of extending the line to Tyrone, 
on the main line of the Pennsylvania railroad, the entire length of the road 
to be eighty-four miles.  Beyond the completed portion there are about 
seventeen miles of the road graded, but, as yet, without superstructure.  
The original object of the new line was to open up extensive ore bands 
located in that section of the country, but the business of the road thus 
far has been limited to the transportation of agricultural products down 
from Penn's valley and carrying back coal and store goods.  The Pennsylvania 
railroad really built the line by advancing the $2,000,000 to the company 
and taking their first mortgage bonds for the money so advanced, and the 
former corporation has held an operating lease on it ever since.  But the 
venture thus far has proved unprofitable, so much so that the unpaid 
interest on the bonds has accumulated to nearly the face value of the bonds 
themselves.  At last the Pennsylvania Railroad Company has determined to 
foreclose the mortgage, wipe out the capital stock, which represents only 
about $350,000, and assume the absolute ownership and management of the 
branch.  It will be sold at the Philadelphia Exchange by James A. Freeman & 
Co., auctioneers, on the 13th of next month, and there is no possibility of 
any one stepping in to outbid the bondholders, to do which they must at 
least relieve the mortgage of the load it now carries.

FROM WILLIAMSBURG.

  Mr. James Smith, of Frankstown, was in town on Monday.  Jim is full of fun 
and a "boss boy."
  Mr. Jerry Whitehead has been shipping chickens, turkey and all kinds of 
poultry to Philadelphia.
  Mr. Samuel Strasser has gone to the city for goods.  Tom Snyder, of 
Martinsburg, fills the office of druggist.
  Andrew Riley, Sr., who is near his three score and ten, is seriously ill.  
We hope for his speedy recovery.  He has been a citizen of this place for 
about 40 years.
  The union Thanksgiving service will be held in the Presbyterian Church at 
10:30 A.M.  Rev. W. W. Dunmire will officiate.  A cordial invitation is 
extended to every one to be present.

CITY AND COUNTRY.
Things Briefly Told.

  The Mapleton steam tannery is for sale.
  Arrapahoe Tribe of Red Men, of Huntingdon, has disbanded and the funds, 
$900, divided among those who were in at the death.
  Mr. Joseph H. Sands departed on Philadelphia express last evening for his 
new field of duty on the Shenandoah valley railroad in Virginia.
  H. A. Folk, for some time assistant foreman of the blacksmithing 
department at the lower shops, has been promoted to the foremanship.
  The Vigilant Fire Company will give a grand ball at the Opera House on 
"the night before New Year."  It is expected that it will be a fine affair.
  Charles Boyles, who pleaded guilty to robbing Kerr's store at 
Shirleysburg, Huntingdon county, was sentenced by Judge Dean on Friday to 
pay a fine of $20 and undergo an imprisonment in the Western Penitentiary 
for the term of two years and six months, and is now reposing in that 
institution.
  A number of the friends of Mr. George Armstrong, of Millville, gathered at 
his residence last evening and passed several hours very pleasantly.  The 
occasion they were called upon to thus honor was Mr. Armstrong's 31st 
birthday.

FORT HUNTER PARK.
The Old McAllister Homestead, Near Rockville, to be Converted into a Park.

  The success attending the numerous excursions the past season to the 
Allegheny mountains, and other points of interest in the Juniata valley, has 
created a demand for picnic grounds and parks further east of the city.  The 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company have had in contemplation the preparation of 
picnic grounds at Millerstown, that being deemed a suitable point both on 
account of distance from Harrisburg and other large centres, and also for 
its water conveniences.  But a formidable rival to Millerstown has sprung up 
in the person of Hon. A. McAllister, of this county, who proposes to fix up 
and put in order the McAllister homestead, five miles this side of 
Harrisburg, and near the Rockville station.  This spot was known in earlier 
times as Fort Hunter, and has been in the possession of the McAllisters for 
over 100 years.  It contains 270 acres, and is well located and adapted for 
the purpose of picnic grounds or a magnificent park, the tract being well 
wooded.  There is a lake of water on it 500 feet wide, half a mile long and 
sixteen feet deep, affording all the extent and water necessary for boating.  
From the old Indian lookout there is a magnificent view of Harrisburg, the 
Cumberland valley, Duncannon and other points up and down the Susquehanna.  
It was at this particular spot the Indians did their cooking, and the 
hearthstones are yet plainly visible, though it is 150 years since they 
occupied it in cooking their meals and watching for the white man as he 
ascended and descended the river.  Still the spot remains as bare as when 
the fire burned on it more than a century and a half ago.  There are five 
fine springs of water on the land.  Besides these attractions there are 
others not less interesting, such as the "Witches' Hollow" and the 
"Enchanting Echo."  In this latter locality no matter how softly the word 
may be spoken it comes back to the listener with a wholly different tone, 
startling him with its very weirdness. There are also the remains of an old 
Indian mill; the stones on which they ground their corn are yet to be seen.  
Mr. McAllister proposes to put these grounds in first-class order and open 
them to the public on the 1st of May next with a grand demonstration.  
Distinguished gentlemen from different parts of the country will make 
speeches on the occasion.  There are no public roads through the grounds, 
and they are approached only by railroad; thus visitors cannot be annoyed, 
because the railroad company can have the control in their own hands.  The 
officers of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company propose looking at these 
grounds and their facilities, and it is not improbable that Fort Hunter will 
be chosen for the park and picnic grounds rather than the point at 
Millerstown.  It certainly has many attractions, both ancient and modern, 
over the latter place, and would prove agreeable to the Harrisburg people 
and the towns in the eastern part of the State.

Hand Lacerated in the Planing Mill.

  While working in the planing mill of the railroad company, on Saturday, 
George Gracey, who resides on Second avenue, between Third and Fourth 
streets, attempted to set the bit in a planer.  The machine was moving 
slowly at the time, but while Mr. Gracey was thus employed, the machinery 
commenced to run rapidly.  His hand was caught and the heart of it was badly 
cut and lacerated.  The unfortunate man has not been able to resume work 
since.
  Joseph Fogle, employed in the lower machine shops, fell to the floor in a 
faint yesterday, and for a little while anxious workmen who gathered around 
thought he was dead.  He soon after recovered, however, and declined the 
services of a physician.

Miss Moser's Present from Her Pupils.

  Miss Kate L. Moser, a teacher in the Eighth ward schools, was very 
agreeably surprised yesterday when her appreciative pupils presented her 
with a fine Thanksgiving turkey.  It was a question who were the happier - 
the teacher at the pleasant surprise or the little ones in the making of the 
substantial present.  Miss Moser wishes publicly to thank her pupils through 
the Tribune for their kind remembrance, the exhibition of the spirit which 
prompted it being of infinitely more value than any material thing.
  The scholars of the First ward second grammar school yesterday presented 
Mr. A. T. Rupert, their teacher, with a fine turkey.  The worst feature 
about it is that Mr. Rupert has no "frau" to cook it for him.  Still he 
knows where to put it that it will do the most good.

Chairman Metz Appointed Deputy Sheriff.

  Mr. George M. Metz, of the First ward of this city, Chairman of the 
Republican County Committee, yesterday as a token of appreciation of his 
services for Mr. G. T. Bell in the late election received the appointment of 
Deputy Sheriff.  Mr. Metz will enter upon the duties of his office on the 
5th of January.  It will be necessary for the new Deputy to remove to 
Hollidaysburg, which he proposes to do in the spring.  Mr. Metz has the 
qualifications to make a competent officer, and if he sticks to the line of 
procedure marked out in the hearing of a Tribune reporter yesterday he will 
make a popular one - so popular, in fact, that it would not be a matter of 
surprise to find him in the Sheriff's office himself at a later period.

Witnesses Having Age.

  In the case of Enoch Isenberg's administrators against Sarah J. Allen et 
al., tried last week in the Huntingdon court - being an action of ejectment 
for a tract of land in Porter township - there were eight witnesses whose 
united ages amounted in the aggregate to 590 years.  They were John Porter, 
aged 83; John Piper, 83; Michael Householder, 66; John Everts, 68; Samuel 
Isenberg, 69; Jacob Kough, 74.  Mr. Kough identified a deed which he had 
written when he was a young man teaching school near Alexandria forty-seven 
years ago.

Assaulting a Citizen With Stones.

  Philip Halton was engaged in opening a drain for W. W. Yohn at the 
Seventeenth street bridge yesterday, and while working beneath the bridge a 
number of boys - some of them 15 years of age and over - congregated 
overhead and began pelting him with stones.  The matter grew so serious that 
Mr. Halton was compelled to suspend work.  He was struck several times with 
the missiles - one with considerable force hitting him on the back of the 
neck.  The boys also threw mud over Mr. Halton and conducted themselves in a 
generally reprehensible and disgraceful manner.  The cases of some of them 
at least will very likely be attended to to-day.

An Elopement Nipped in the Bud.

  The Huntingdon News says a single man named Cheney and a married woman 
named Foster, who reside in the Broad Top region, attempted to elope on 
Wednesday.  A telegram from a Justice of the Peace was placed in Officer 
John Westbrook's hands, who arrested the couple when they got off the train 
at Huntingdon and lodged them in jail.  At a hearing before Judge Dean the 
next day the woman was discharged and Cheney was handed over to the 
Constable.