NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, November 27, 1879, Blair County, PA

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Items from the Morning Tribune, Altoona, Thursday, November 27, 1879

STATE NOTES.

  John Lightner, of Perry county, threshed eight dozen and nine sheaves of 
wheat that yielded 8 1/4 bushels by measure, weighting 65 pounds to the 
bushel.
  The Pittsburgh Sunday Globe says that the Dispatch of that place is 
negotiating for a $50,000 Hoe perfecting press, and proposes issuing an 
eight page paper.
  The flight of Alderman Seibel from Erie causes great excitement here.  It 
is believed that he has obtained thousands of dollars in trust for widows 
and orphans.
  Mr. J. J. Stoerr and Miss Maggie Muegel, of Pittsburgh, while on the way 
to a party masked as Kaiser Wilhelm and wife, went to a parson and were made 
one while thus attired.
  Dr. Jonas R. McClintock, known as the "Boy Mayor," and who represented 
Allegheny county in the State Senate, died in Pittsburgh Tuesday morning, in 
the 72d year of his age.
  The commissioners of Berks county have sent to the commissioners of 
Schuylkill a bill of $348 for the board of Jacob and J. Albert Huntzinger 
during their whole confinement.  Whether or not it will be paid has not yet 
been determined, and Commissioner Garrett will go to Reading to investigate 
the matter.  All the expenses of the trial have been paid by Schuylkill 
county.

CITY AND COUNTRY.

Owen Cunningham Again in Trouble.

  On Friday last Owen Cunningham was acquitted in the Lancaster courts on 
two charges of false pretense, preferred by William T. Youart, of that city, 
and James Hauck, of Cambria county.  He was arrested soon after his trial by 
Detective Roat, of Harrisburg.  He was taken to that city and lodged in 
prison to answer at court the charge of defrauding Gottlieb Swilkey, 
formerly of Lancaster, who is now keeping a hotel in Harrisburg.  He is said 
to have secretly removed his trunk from Mr. Swilkey's hotel without settling 
his board bill.  Cunningham is a resident of Carrolltown, Cambria county, 
and it is said that he was at one time worth $50,000.  He served in the army 
during the war, and was a prisoner at Andersonville; while there he 
contracted a disease, from which he is now suffering, and if he is arrested 
much oftener he will certainly die from confinement, thinks the Lancaster 
Intelligencer.

Water for Altoona.

  EDS. TRIBUNE: One of the important questions presented by the increase of 
population in Altoona and demanding a solution is how to increase the supply 
of water.  It is very plain that we must soon have more water than can be 
supplied from Kittanning Point and the Brush mountain.  This being the case 
we cast about to see where there can be more water had.  When the question 
is squarely looked at, and our resources counted there need be no fears, as 
there is plenty of water on the east and west slope (mark that west slope) 
of the Allegheny mountain that can be made flow into Altoona to supply our 
engines, locomotives, stationary and fire, tea kettles and drinking cups.  
To enumerate what can be made to flow to our reservoirs without the use of 
force pumps - and there should be none other sought after so long as it will 
come to us by gravitation - first, the waters of Mill run, Juniata and 
Riggle's gaps can be piped here.  These are about all the streams on the 
east slope of the mountain that can be made to flow in this direction.  From 
the west slope of the Alleghenies I would bring over the mountain the 
beautiful stream of the purest water flowing past L. Plack's saw mill.  I do 
not know the name of the stream, but think it is called Laurel run, and next 
bring over Clearfield creek from a point at about John Kratzer's.  At first 
sight this may look visionary, but not so when you come to see how it can be 
done.  The way to do it is this: The distance to Plack's saw mill is six or 
six and a half miles, the shortest route.  Lay a pipe six inches or more in 
diameter, as the capacity of the stream will allow, from Altoona, going up 
Dry Gap over the summit, down at east foot of Bald Knob to Plack's mill.  
Close the ends of the pipe, and at the spring near the head of Dry Gap make 
an opening in the pipe and turn in the spring.  Do the same with the spring 
at Bald Knob; let them flow in until the pipe is full to the springs; then 
close up these openings and make another opening at the summit, and haul a 
few hogsheads of water to fill up the remaining space in the pipe, and when 
full close up.  Then with the west end in Plack's milldam and the Altoona 
end in a good, large reservoir, open the ends of the pipe and we will at 
once have in operation the largest siphon ever heard of.  The same operation 
will bring over Clearfield creek by way of Kittanning or Mill run gap.  
  G.L.M.
    Altoona, November, 26, 1879.

FROM HOLLIDAYSBURG.

  Robert Wallace picked his teeth at the Logan House yesterday.
  A. B. Hicks, Esq., departed last evening for a three weeks' tour in the 
West.
  Dr. Rohrer shouldered his sixteen-shooter and started Tuesday for the 
Beaver dam hunting grounds.
  A letter is held at our postoffice for better directions addressed "Hugh 
Gallagher, Mount Sarrat, Johnston county."
  The engine shed at Martinsburg has been torn down and the lumber brought 
to this town and piled up at the Gaysport bridge.
  We expect to be thankful to-day.  A pair of fine fat ducks with J. G. 
Reed's compliments is the groundwork for our thanks.  In this connection we 
would advise any of the Tribune readers who love a good dinner to call at 
Reed's dining rooms.
  Yesterday, about 4 o'clock, a man came to town after Dr. Roller, stating 
that a man had been dangerously hurt in the Keenan quarry.  From what we can 
learn several men were engaged in quarrying stone, when the huge rock came 
down unexpectedly, catching the one person and injuring him very badly.  He 
is not expected to survive his injuries.

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.

  Mr. and Mrs. David Landis, of Philadelphia, accompanied by Count Dassi, an 
Italian nobleman, are expected to arrive on this morning's train and be the 
guest of J. A. Landis, M.D.  Count Dassi, besides being a noted General, had 
the honor of representing the Italian nation at our late Centennial.  He was 
so well pleased with our free government that he still tarries with us.

A ONE-SIDED HORSE TRADE.

 On Tuesday a stranger came into town driving a broken down old nag, and had 
the following to relate: He said while leisurely driving down the Allegheny 
mountain he was met by a smooth-tongued stranger who bantered him for a 
horse trade, which he very peremptorily declined.  After traveling together 
for a short distance the horse trader requested the privilege of putting his 
horse to the wagon, as he was anxious to know how his horse would work.  The 
request was complied with, and the horse was found to work like an old 
stager, but the trader refused to take the horse back, alleging a trade was 
a trade.  When the stranger attempted to take his property the horse dealer 
pulled out his revolver and threatened to shoot him if he made any further 
advances toward taking his horse.  The argument was so forcible that the 
stranger meekly drove on with the old nag.  It is said this game was played 
successfully once before by the same man, who is well known.

FROM ROARING SPRINGS.

  J. K. Templeton and E. Hair are in Philadelphia during this week.
  Henry Eckard, the young man who accidentally swallowed his artificial 
teeth and plate, was happily relieved without the necessity of a surgical 
operation.  Nature solved the problem.

A Code of Signals for Girls.

  Marchant, in his "Betrothals and Bridals," suggests the following code of 
signals for girls: "A ring on the first finger to denote poverty and 
willingness to get married; on the second finger, money and a disposition to 
listen, though nothing is promised; on the third finger, 'I am already 
engaged, so you needn't trouble yourself;' on the little finger, 
deliberating."

CITY AND COUNTRY.
Things Briefly Told.

  Ex-Sheriff Funk reports the lime trade very brisk.  He has more orders 
than he can well fill, but thinks he will be equal to the demand.
  Harry Nixdorf is back again at Nixdorf's restaurant, having recovered from 
the severe illness which necessitated his removal to Lancaster.
  Letters addressed "E. C. Weston, Galatin, Mo." And "Miss Maggie Jack, 
Blackwell City, Iowa," are being held for postage at the Altoona office.
  Dr. Lindsey expects to be absent on Saturday at an operation to be 
performed on the mother of Hon. Harry White by Dr. Pancoast, of 
Philadelphia.
  Mrs. Elizabeth Crangle, aunt of Mr. and Mrs. William Lewis, died at the 
residence of the latter on Monday night, in the 88th year of her age.
  Professor A. L. Guss, of Huntingdon, has been elected a corresponding 
member of the Dauphin County Historical Society, with privilege to speak and 
vote in the society.
  A passenger and second class freight agency has been established at 
Morrisdale, on the Philipsburg branch of the Tyrone and Clearfield railway, 
and R. B. Wigton appointed agent thereat.
  A three day old baby was among the travelers on the way passenger train 
yesterday.  It was of French parentage, and was born at Trenton, New Jersey.  
Brakeman Jake Roberts had serious notions of adopting it, but was deterred 
by that "widow."
  Samuel Shields, a freight brakeman on the middle division, was taken sick 
in the railroad men's reading room about 6:15 o'clock last evening with an 
affection of the heart.  He was conveyed to his home at Harrisburg on 
Philadelphia express, accompanied by Railroad Policeman Mock.
  C. C. Shannon, Jr., Albert Burkholder, C. W. Kayes, Thomas McCann, 
"Unknown," Joseph Freshcorn, "Fatty" Kendig and Patrick Jones are the men 
who will contest for the honors and the prizes of the twelve-hour go-as-you-
please pedestrian match that begins in the Opera House at 10 o'clock this 
morning.
  Officer Allen yesterday captured Master "Fatty" Ward, the dumpy newsboy at 
the depot, for being concerned in the stone throwing assault upon Philip 
Halton at the Seventeenth street bridge on Tuesday morning.  "Fatty" was 
taken completely by surprise, but was hauled off blubbering to the 
Alderman's office, where, on giving the names of several boys concerned in 
the assault, Mr. Halton withdrew the prosecution.  If the boys caught 
hereafter had nothing to do with the affair it will probably not be the 
fault of "Fatty's" inventive genius.
  Four of the men concerned in the robbery at the store of L. M. Wolf, in 
Johnstown, a few days ago, have been arrested and are in the Johnstown lock-
up.  Nearly all of the stolen property has been recovered.
  Mr. J. F. Frueauff, formerly of Hollidaysburg, this county, sends the 
Tribune a copy of the Herald, printed at Leadville, Col.  The paper contains 
the advertisement of a "mine developing company" of which Mr. Frueauff is 
the solicitor.  The Herald was only twenty-four days old last Sunday, but 
shows signs of prosperity, being published daily, including Sunday.
  The Board of Directors of the Sun Printing and Publishing Company effected 
a permanent organization at its meeting yesterday.  Mr. A. J. Riley was 
elected President; Mr. N. C. Barclay was made Treasurer and Captain R. W. 
Guthrie was selected as clerk.  The board then elected Mr. W. P. Furey 
editor of the paper.
  There was observed on the streets yesterday one of the finest and 
handsomest delivery wagons turned out from any manufactory this season.  It 
was the property of Westley & Kephart, grocers, and was built by those 
excellent workmen, Palmer & Morse, Eighth street, between Sixth and Seventh 
avenues.  The body is in color a deep carmine, with large gold letters on 
the panels.  The side panels beneath the seat are oval in shape, with 
burnished gold glass, on which the names of the builders are engraved.  
Messrs. Palmer & Morse now have on hand a large stock of sleighs, which are 
being rapidly disposed of.

Arrested for Threatening to Kill His Mother.

  Mrs. James A. Reeder is a middle-aged white woman who lives on the western 
confines of the Sixth ward, and her husband, Mr. James A. Reeder, is a coal 
black negro.  Mrs. Reeder was formerly married to a man named Penlow 
(white), and when her pale faced spouse passed over the river she concluded 
that a colored man would best suit her for a life-companion the balance of 
her days, and so she married Mr. Reeder.  Mrs. Reeder has a son named Blair 
Penlow.  When Blair drinks liquor he is unable to control the deviltry which 
bubbles out all over him, but when sober he is considered a well-behaved 
young fellow.  Blair was intoxicated yesterday and took exception to the 
management of affairs in the Reeder household.  He went to work to demolish 
things generally about the establishment, and before he got through he swore 
he would kill his mother and the whole family.  This thoroughly frightened 
Mrs. Reeder and she had her wicked son arrested and locked up.  He was too 
drunk for a hearing in the morning.  In the afternoon the parties assembled.  
Mrs. Reeder told her story, adding that a female neighbor told her that her 
son had followed her with a knife; this she did not see, however.  Blair had 
nothing to say in his own behalf except that if he had been sober he 
wouldn't have conducted himself in such an unseemly manner.  In default of 
$200 bail Penlow was remanded to the lock-up to await removal to the county 
jail.

THANKSGIVING AND TURKEYS.
A Number of Educators Made Happy.  Mr. Allen's Brobdignagian Turkey.

  There has been a perfect shower of turkeys let loose upon the teachers of 
our public schools in anticipation of the festivities of to-day, the pupils 
seeming to think that on this holiday the most appropriate presents that 
could be made to their popular instructors would be something to tickle the 
palate and grace the home board.  Beside the lady and gentleman who were 
yesterday mentioned among the fortunate ones Mrs. Annie E. Moore, of the 
Third ward school, was completely surprised when a large delegation of 
little ones marched into her room yesterday bearing a huge, fat turkey, 
accompanied with a great paper of cranberries and a fine head of cabbage.  
Mrs. Moore was so much taken back that for a moment she scarcely knew what 
to say, while many of the jolly, good-natured and kind-hearted scholars 
laughed at her temporary embarrassment until they were weary.  The pupils 
thoroughly enjoyed the giving, Mrs. Moore was happy in the receiving, and it 
would be difficult to say whether pupils or teacher experienced the most 
genuine pleasure at the event.  The teacher wishes the affectionate children 
many happy returns of the day.
  Miss Sallie J. Steel, of the Third ward school, was presented with a fine, 
plump turkey which she promises she will enjoy to-day at dinner, and Miss 
Sadie Reagan, of the school in the same ward, was made to remember her 
little folks by being presented with two chickens and several fancy 
articles.
  The boys of the First Grammar School in the Third ward, remembering the 
many acts of courtesy and kindness shown them by the janitor, Mr. Jonathan 
Killinger, "threw in" and bought a monster turkey, which they presented to 
the janitor.  The little girls in Miss Stouffer's school, not to be outdone 
by the juveniles of the "sterner sex," also presented Mr. Killinger with a 
large turkey, and added to their gift coffee, sugar, jellies, cranberries 
and celery.
  Yesterday the pupils of the Sixth Ward First Grammar School overwhelmed 
their teacher with surprise by presenting him with a fine, large turkey.  
The best feature about this is that our friend Mr. Elder, unlike Mr. Rupert, 
has a "frau," and one who knows how to cook it, too.
  Mr. J. B. Bowles, teacher of the First ward grammar school, and Mr. J. 
Robertson, janitor of the First ward school building, were each presented 
with a fine turkey by their friends in both departments on Tuesday, for 
which they desire us thus publicly to express to them their thanks.
  Mr. Allen, the proprietor of the West End dining rooms, purchased for $4 
yesterday the biggest turkey gobbler that has been heard of so far this 
season.  He stated last evening that the "gobular" weighed thirty-four 
pounds and that he was tall enough to rest his head with ease on a high 
counter.  The bird is very tame, gentle and intelligent, and his present 
owner proposes not to slay him on the Thanksgiving altar but to keep him as 
a pet on account of his unusual proportions.