NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, December 13, 1879, Blair County, PA

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Items from the Morning Tribune, Altoona, Saturday, December 13, 1879

LOCAL HAPPENINGS
THE DEER CASE GOES FOR THE DEFENDANT.

  Yesterday morning the Recorder's office was filled with hunters from 
over the hills, all interested in the deer case of Hiram Gardner vs. 
Alexander Riley and Martin Turnbaugh.  And it's likely to prove a dear 
case for all parties before it is through.  The parties are from the 
vicinity of Bell's Mills.  Plaintiff claimed $15, and defendants asked 
for a rule of reference upon which to refer the matter to three 
referees.  The rule was granted and Hon Charles J. Mann, James 
Mulhollen and Isaac Maines were chosen.  About two o'clock the taking 
of testimony was begun.  Mr. Gardner first gave his testimony, stating 
that he had shot the deer, and followed the blood.  Afterwards saw the 
deer and the bullet-hole in it.  The deer weighed about 160 pounds and 
was worth 15 cents a pound.  Quite a large number of other witnesses 
were examined.  The defendant stated they had killed the deer and 
skinned it, and there was no bullet hole in the skin of recent date.  
After speeches from counsel the referees decided that no demand was 
made for the venison before the writ was issued, therefore the 
plaintiff is not entitled to damages, and that the defendants must pay 
their witnesses, and the plaintiffs pay the docket costs, with right to 
bring a new action.  Of course under this the deer stays in its present 
quarters.  As a matter of fact the deer is eaten, and it was not a very 
first-class one, either, having been run by the dogs so much as to 
taste the meat unpleasantly.  A new action will probably be brought in 
the case.

He Did Steal Rev. Shearer's Overcoat.

  The Tribune was correct in its inference that Henry Clausen alias 
George T. Miles, was the individual who spirited away the Rev. J. F. 
Shearer's overcoat.  When arrested in Harrisburg for plying his false 
pretense vocation and for forgery he had the clerical garment on his 
back.  Chief of Police Cilley, in acquainting Mr. Shearer of the fact, 
was requested by the latter gentleman to examine the pockets of the 
overcoat for a pair of cassimere gloves and a bandana handkerchief.  
The gloves were found, and Clausen swore some when the Chief told him 
he "might get them at some future time."

Arrested for Larceny.

  William Gorricht was arrested last night at his father's residence at 
Fourth avenue and Fifth street.  For some time past pigeons have been 
stolen from various parties and on the night of the 10th inst., he 
captured a pair which were concealed in the cellar and found by the 
officer.  The warrant was issued by Alderman Rose and served by Officer 
Fettinger.  A hearing will be had early this morning.  The pigeons were 
taken from J. R. Dobbins, Thirteenth street and Eighth avenue.

A Lively Runaway.

  Yesterday morning a team belonging to Fred. Olmes ran off at the 
Seventeeth street bridge.  The wagon was filled with lard, meat, etc., 
which was all scattered along the road.  A pair of spirited horses were 
attached to the wagon and they frightened in going over the bridge.  In 
jumping to one side they pulled the wagon over against a bank, where it 
was upset.  The wagon was very considerably broken by its rough usage.  
The driver also went with the edibles, but was not much hurt.

First Methodist Sociable and Lyceum.

  This evening the following programme will be tried out at the First 
Methodist Sociable and Lyceum, commencing at 7:30 o'clock: Oration - 
Prof. Davis; Music - Duet - Beautiful Moonlight, Misses Laura and Maize 
Ake; Essay - Mr. James Barr; Select Reading - Mr. James Falls; Music - 
quartette - One Step More, the Misses Ake and two gentlemen; Reading of 
paper entitled the "Quiz," editors, Miss Lizzie Snyder and W. L. 
Woodcock.

Not Guilty of Murder.

  Norristown, Pa., December 12. - The jury in the case of Jefferson 
Jack and Horace Hallman, on trial for the murder of Samuel Croaks, a 
neighbor, brought in a verdict tonight of not guilty as to Jack, and of 
involuntary manslaughter with recommendation to mercy as to Hallman.  
The judge refused to accept the verdict, saying they could not make 
Hallman guilty of involuntary manslaughter.  The jury again retired and 
shortly after brought in a verdict acquitting both Jack and Hallman.

CITY COUNCILS.
Lively Times Over the Streets.

  Last night a meeting of City Councils was held in their hall under a 
special call by President Malloy.  All present, except Mr. Kendig.  He 
stated that the object of the meeting was to consider the pest house, 
the house on the Good Will property and the streets.
  The President stated there were complaints of the character of the 
occupants in the pest house, but that he personally knew nothing of 
them.
  Mr. Taylor then said that it had been represented to him that the 
place was filled with persons of bad repute, who lived there without 
paying any rent.  Two years ago last fall the committee furnished the 
women with coal free of charge.  A year ago they applied for it again, 
but were refused.  He wished to know how they had the right to occupy 
the property.
  Upon being called, Mrs. Owens said that he had heard these reports, 
and made careful inquiry into the matter.  So far nothing of a damaging 
or improper character had come to his attention of the old lady 
occupant.  She had recently had a woman with her, and this woman had on 
one occasion come home intoxicated.  He thinks the old lady a woman of 
excellent character as also does her minister.
  Inquiry was made as to the authority of the woman to occupy the 
house, when it came out that Council had given her permission to occupy 
the house that she might take care of it.
  Mr. Ball then made a motion that the Committee on the City property 
be instructed to ascertain what if any charges there are against the 
pest house.
  He then spoke upon it, stating clearly the manner in which the lady 
was given possession.  He thought that if the party occupying it was a 
reputable woman she should be allowed to occupy the house free of 
charge.
  On the question being called the vote was almost unanimous in the 
affirmative.
  The subject of the occupancy of the house on the Good Will engine lot 
was then brought up.  The trouble here was that the house had been 
rented some time since, but the rent was not paid.  In fact, it was 
stated that but one month had been paid lately.
  A motion was made that the Mayor be instructed to inform Council at 
its next meeting what action had been taken for the recovery of the 
rent.  Carried.
  Upon a call from the President Mr. Ball stated that the city stone 
quarry was in such a condition that very little more stone could be 
taken out without blasting; that much more stone was needed, and they 
wanted the ideas of Council on the subject.
  Mr. Casanave said that Acting Street Commissioner Kelley had told him 
that they had enough stone out for the present.
  Mr. Bowman made a motion that the stone now out be used in filling up 
Eleventh avenue, as it badly needed it.  He then named several wards 
which had been fixed up to the exclusion of improvements in other 
wards.  These remarks made quite a breeze in different quarters; each 
member taking part thought his ward was shamefully neglect for all the 
others.  One of the causes of grievance was that Council ordered work 
done and that the Street Committee neglect it and did what it felt 
like.
  Mr. Bowman's resolution was amended by Mr. Casanave, who moved that 
all work ordered done by Council be done in the order in which it is 
ordered, thus giving a fair chance to all.  This did not suit some, but 
upon a division it was carried by a vote of 8 to 5. . . .

Robbed of His Valuables.

  On Thursday night Martin Zemmerer was spending the evening socially 
with some friends in a Fifth Ward hotel, when he was robbed of his 
valuables.  After the evening was pretty well advanced he, with five 
other men, walked out toward his home.   The next morning he awoke and 
soon discovered that a $125 watch and chain and quite a large sum of 
money were missing.  Suspicion rests on one of the party who walked 
home with him, and he will be investigated.

FROM HOLLIDAYSBURG.

  Hon. Thad. Banks was much better yesterday, and it is hoped that he 
will recover.
  Miss Ella Bollinger is home again from a visit to Tyrone and other 
points.
  Miss Mollie Geesey, of Altoona, is visiting relatives in this place.
  B. M. Johnson & Co.'s store is all fixed up with evergreens, etc., 
for the holiday season.
  Mrs. George Sadtler, of Baltimore, arrived in this place last evening 
on a visit to her father, Hon. Thad. Banks.
  B. M. Johnson, Esq., is lying very ill at the St. Cloud Hotel, 
Philadelphia.  Mrs. Johnson will go to the city this morning.
  Walter Lindsay opened out his new tin shop yesterday morning in the 
Lovett building on Allegheny street.  We wish our young friend success.
  Mrs. Dr. Neall and son Charles, of Philadelphia, who have been 
visiting the family of Mr. C. B. Jacobs, left for their homes 
yesterday.  They were accompanied by Miss Belle Jacobs, who will remain 
with them for several months.
  
SALTED TAFFY.

  At a taffy pulling the other night, our young friend John Cliver 
played one of his jokes.  He got around the stove with the young ladies 
and right before their eyes placed about half a pound of salt in the 
boiling molasses.  None of them noticed it and after they had eaten it 
they wondered what made them drink so, as they had not partaken of 
anything salty at supper.

SUB'S FAREWELL.

  Your regular correspondent has returned from his Ohio trip, and will 
take up his pen again on Monday.  He enjoyed his trip, but says the 
weather was bad.  We have tried to do our best to furnish you the news 
of our borough as well as we could, and now we bid you farewell.  We 
also bid farewell to Matthew Murray, his dog Morgan and the female gut 
gang, hoping that we have not offended them in the least.  We bid you 
all, farewell.

FROM ROARING SPRINGS. [sic]

  Mrs. Templeton is slowly recovering from a recent attack of illness.
  The paper mill here turned out in one day this week 14,000 pounds of 
paper.
  Since Mr. Replogle has found water, lots are selling it in Replogle's 
addition to Roaring Springs.
  D. M. Bare, Esq., is putting up an engine in his mill.  The 
increasing demand for his flour required this improvement.  His water 
tower was ample to do a large business.
  Three more new houses are in contemplation.  S. B. Replogle, Henry 
Eckard and J. D. Rightnour are the parties who propose to build.  All 
have commenced their foundations.
  Martin Bell, Esq., was seen in town yesterday.  He and Brumbaugh were 
pitted against each other in a case.  Mr. Bell is popular here.  He is 
looking up his prospects for the District attorneyship.  We wish him 
success.
  Hon. A. S. Landis, of Hollidaysburg, and A. V. Dively, Esq., of 
Altoona, spent the day here on Thursday.  An arbitration called them 
here - Messrs. Landis and Brumbaugh on one side; Dively on the other.  
The case ended in a dog fall by settlement.

FROM TYRONE.

  D. P. Ray, Sr., will represent Tyrone at the reception of our much-
feted General at Philadelphia on Tuesday.
  Burgess Jones seems to be determined to have order when in the hall.  
He gave one noisy rooster the grand bounce on Thursday evening.  
Burgess, shake!

THE COAL TRADE.

  The coal trade on the Tyrone and Clearfield branch for the present 
week will reach 8,000 loaded cars, and increase over last week of 540 
loaded cars.  Our report of the trade for Monday, in Thursday's Tribune 
was written "about 520 cars," instead of "1,520" - 1,000 too many.

WINDOW SMASHED.

  While pushing a large trestle to the front of Councilman Preuaire's 
store room, which is undergoing a thorough remodeling, yesterday 
morning the workmen accidentally shoved it through one of the large 
plate glass windows which had only been put in the day before.  Again 
Ed, we say, unfortunate.  The fates seem to be against you.

HEAD LUMBERMAN.

  Mr. Richard Beaston, Mr. John F. Fowler's confidential clerk, was in 
town yesterday.  He says that they are now doing more work than ever in 
their huge lumber trade, and order after order keeps rolling in on 
them.  The recent extensive purchase of white pine timber near Howard, 
Centre county, by Mr. Fowler, places him at the head of the list of 
lumber men in this region.

SPLENDID HARNESS.

  Yesterday morning we were shown a pair of single, gold mounted 
harness made by John A. Hiller of Tyrone, which for beauty and superior 
workmanship defy all competition.  This is the set of harness that was 
on exhibition at the Hollidaysburg fair a year ago, and as a matter of 
course took the first premium, being vastly superior to any of the many 
others there.  We are told that in future this beautiful set will adorn 
the horse of G. W. Burket, M.D., he having purchased it only a few days 
ago.  It was not paid for out of money made in the Prothonotary's 
office, however.

CITY AND COUNTRY.
Things Briefly Told.

  Major Hurd is going to contest for renomination on the Democratic 
side.
  Jacob Hite, a horse trader of Harrisburg, is in the city.
  Squire C. B. Jones, of Hollidaysburg, has returned from his trip to 
the west.
  Mr. John Shecky, of Orbisonia, will preach in the Reformed Church to-
morrow morning and evening.
  Matthew Calvin, the popular flour merchant of Rodman Furnace, was 
visiting in Altoona yesterday.
  On Wednesday, at the White Hall Hotel, there were 29 mules, 17 horses 
and 10 head of cattle traded for and sold.
  Jacob Wilt, employe of the wheel foundry, yesterday morning had one 
of his feet slightly bruised by a bar of pig iron falling on it.
  The house and lot belonging to the estate of the late John Swartz, 
Esq., on Seventh avenue and Seventh street, was sold yesterday at 
administrator's sale, and purchased by his widow for the sum of $2,310.
  Albert Thompson, the young man who was killed in Clearfield county 
last Tuesday, by a tree falling on him, was buried from his father's 
residence in Logan township, this county, in Mowry's cemetery.  His 
back was broken in two places.
  Rev. H. F. King, of Hollidaysburg, assisted by several pastors of 
Huntingdon county, last Tuesday constituted a new church to be known as 
the Raystown Branch Baptist Church.  Mr. H. L. Bunker, of 
Hollidaysburg, also assisted at the services.
  Sampson Taylor yesterday returned from Camp Phoenix, the rendezvous 
of the Altoona deer hunters, carrying an empty bag.  Lawyer Herr 
sported a lonely pheasant.  They report two deer strung up at the camp, 
which trophies will be brought to the city next Tuesday.
  The quarterly meeting services of the African Methodist Episcopal 
Church on Sixteenth street will be held to morrow.  Preaching at 10:30 
A.M., sacrament at 3 P.M. and services at 7:30 P.M.  The pastor, Rev. 
A. W. Evans, will be assisted by Revs. J. M. Palmer and R. M. 
Henderson.
  James McBride and William Harmon, in the employ of Mr. F. W. Olmes, 
will contest with George W. and J. Winners, two Lock Haven butchers, 
for $100 a side, as to which can slaughter a beef and prepare it for 
the market in the shortest space of time.  The contest will come off 
about Christmas at the slaughter house of Mr. Olmes in this city.  The 
former party claim that they can do the job in about twelve minutes.
  Matthew Dunn, of Eighth avenue and Seventeenth streets, one of our 
oldest citizens, is suffering with a severe attack of rheumatism.
  The Methodist Episcopal church, recently burned at Tipton, has been 
rebuilt and services will be held in it for the first time on Sunday.  
Rev. George Guyer is pastor in charge.
  Charles McDermott, who is wanted by the police, was very emphatically 
helped out of the St. Lawrence Hotel by the clerk yesterday, since 
which he has not been seen.
  Jeremiah Ritz, who comes up to his drug store from Hollidaysburg 
twice a week, missed the train yesterday and had a long carriage drive 
in consequence.
  Letters addressed to "J. J. Fillmore, McElhattan, Clinton county, 
Pa., and George McClay, Philadelphia, Pa.," are held at the postoffice 
for postage.
  Messrs. Lingenfelter & Bros, of Sixth avenue and Ninth street, whose 
floor caved in as reported yesterday, have men engaged in repairing 
damages.
  Mr. Joseph Storey is not a candidate for the Democratic Mayoralty 
nomination.  Mr. Storey would come nearer making a unit of his party 
than any other Democrat that could be put in the field, if he would 
stand his hand.

Rev. J. Shearer Gets a Good-humored Pounding.

  We live in a criticizing, suspicious, punishment-inflicting age.  
Political aspirants criticize each other, men of every station in life 
are ever scrutinizing in their observations and even social circles do 
not hesitate to inflict punishment on those whom they consider 
deserving of it.  We have become so accustomed to such controversies, 
that we do not pay much heed to them, but when a congregations charges 
its pastor with quiet deserving punishment, we feel it our duty to 
investigate and charge and note the punishment.  Thursday evening the 
sociable of the Second Lutheran congregation met, and at the conclusion 
of some interesting literary exercises, the President, Mr. J. P. 
Herring, called the pastor, Rev. J. F. Shearer forward, and expressed 
regrets that the unpleasant task of preferring a charge against the 
Reverend gentleman devolved upon him, but to be true to the society and 
the people whom he represented, he must make a charge.  In a calm 
decided manner, he charged him with so conducting himself, that the 
people after due deliberation concluded that he deserved a good 
pounding.  Mr. S. B. Treese was delegated to take charge of the 
criminal and retire to a side room, where the pounding was inflicted.  
Mr. Shearer claimed that he had been arraigned, charged and punished 
without any opportunity of self vindication, that he was completely 
exhausted, and to return thanks was so delicate and tender a matter 
that words failed to express his feelings.

[Note: A "pounding" refers to the practice of holding a surprise party, 
at which the guest of honor is given a pound some useful item, usually  
food, by each guest.]

A Handsome Present.

  The friends and employes of Mr. S. Wilkinson, general agent of the 
Singer Sewing Machine Company in this and adjoining counties, yesterday 
received a handsome present as a testimonial.  Accompanying it was the 
following letter:
  "Altoona, December 12. - J. Wilkinson, Esq: Sir - This being the 
anniversary of the opening of the Singer Manufacturing Company's office 
in Altoona, under your supervision, we the employes of said office 
desire to express to you our due appreciation of your kindness and 
courtesy to us during the past year.  Please accept this chair as a 
token of our kind regards for you, hoping that the coming year will be 
as profitable to us all as the past one has been."  Signed by the 
employes.
  The chair is quite a fine one, and will be highly prized by Mr. 
Wilkinson.  The agency at this place is the second largest in the State 
outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Death of "Black Sam."

  The Cambria Freeman prints the following, which may be of interest to 
the readers of the Tribune about Hollidaysburg and Duncansville: "Not a 
few of our readers will be sorry to hear that 'Black Sam,' as he was 
familiarly called, or Samuel Williams as he called himself - his true 
name being something else - died in Indiana town about a week ago.  In 
years agone he was an employe about the several hotels of Ebensburg in 
the capacity of porter doing his duty well, but specially 
distinguishing himself as the possessor of a voice whose melody uptuned 
was wont to disturb the rest of our residents at about the hour of 5 
o'clock, rain or shine, every morning.  Sam was born in Virginia, of 
negro parents, and was a slave, the name of his master being Sanderson.  
Becoming dissatisfied with slavery, at the age of probably 20 years, he 
ran away and succeeded, after a variety of adventures, in reaching 
Pennsylvania.  Our first acquaintanceship with him dates in 1850, when 
Sam was living in Duncansville, Blair county.  The old Portage railroad 
was then in existence, and Sam, on the look-out for passengers for the 
hotel which he represented, chanced to see amongst the throng the 
familiar face of his master.  What did I do then? said Sam; why, I just 
got a big carving-knife and stuck it in my boot, and then I scooted for 
some place where there was no railroad!  He was not pursued, owing to a 
multiplicity of reasons not here necessary to enumerate, but up to the 
hour of the enunciation by President Lincoln of the proclamation 
abolishing slavery throughout the length and breadth of the Union, he 
was haunted by a continual fear of recapture and re-enslavement.  He is 
gone, and peace to his manes*!"

[*manes = "The remains of the dead," according to the 1828 Webster's 
Dictionary.