NEWS: Items from the Altoona Tribune, November 12, 1885, 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 Altoona Tribune, Thursday, November 12, 1885 CITY AND COUNTRY. Mrs. George Leslie is seriously ill at her husband's residence on Seventh avenue. Among the fourth-class postmasters appointed yesterday were W. H. Lightner at Shirleysburg, Huntingdon county, and W. Potter at Karthaus, Clearfield county. Lewistown Gazette: Rev. D. W. Hunter, late pastor of the Baptist church here, has removed to Altoona and will now be pastor of the Eighth ward Baptist mission of that city, together with the Juniata and Mill Creek churches. Councilman L. P. work, of the Third ward, has returned home from Rome, N.Y., whither he had gone to have a cancer removed from his hand. The operations was an entirely successful one and Mr. Work feels greatly relieved. R. G. Ford, of Bellwood, superintendent of the Bell's Gap railroad, is now at Colorado Springs, Colorado. On Tuesday, November 3, Mr. Ford and a part of gentlemen made the ascent of Pike's Peak. The Denver Tribune says the party had a fine day and a glorious trip. The mother of Messrs. A. F. and R. A. O. Kerr, of this city, arrived in Altoona Wednesday from her home in Iowa. Mrs. Kerr is 92 years of age, yet despite this, bore up under the fatigues of the journey remarkably well. She will remain in the Mountain City some time visiting her sons. In response to a letter announcing the serious illness of his father, at his home near Martinsburg, Office David H. Miller, of the city police force, departed on Saturday in the hope of seeing his father while yet alive. Death had come to the venerable gentleman, however, before his son arrived. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon. Mr. Miller was aged 84 years. Messrs. George Geesey, John Kellets and John McClure, three residents of this city, who have acquired a reputation as coon hunters, on Friday night one week ago killed three coons - weighing 21 /3/4, 16 and 12 pounds respectively. On last Friday night they killed one weighing 9 pounds. During the present year the trio of hunters have killed nine of the varmints. All this was done on Brush and Allegheny mountains. On Thursday last Mrs. Lilian Reamer was married to Humphrey Barton, esq., at the residence of the bride's mother, in Youngstown, Ohio. The bride, who has visited Altoona, is a sister of Mrs. Holliday, wife of Superintendent R. L. Holliday, of the Bedford division of the Pennsylvania railroad, and enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Barton is an attorney-at-law, and is located at St. Paul, Minnesota. He was a former resident of Bedford. The Woodland correspondent of the Philipsburg Journal says: We regret to learn that Rev. J. K. Lloyd, who has so earnestly filled his calling as pastor for the Methodist Episcopal congregation, at this place, for the past three years, has been appointed by Presiding Elder Leidy, to fill the vacancy at Williamsburg, Blair county, and will take his departure from this place next Monday. Mr. Lloyd and his estimable wife have made many warm friends during their stay here and it will be with much sorrow that their sudden departure will be felt in this community. Installation of Officers. At the meeting of Altoona lodge No. 107, I.O.G.T., last evening the following officers were installed for the current term: Worth chief templar, S. T. Etter,; right hand supporter, Maude Jackson; left hand supporter, Annie Stiffler, worthy vice templar, Lizzie Boyer; secretary, C. W. Bradley; treasurer, M. M. Haines; financial secretary, Ed. Logue; marshal, Annie Patton; inner guard, June Schwartz; outer guard, Alice Gardner; chaplain, Mrs. Mary Lower. School Reports. The following is the report of the Millville grammar school for the month ending November 6, 1885: Average percentage for attendance, conduct and progress in class as follows: *Maggie Ake 97, Maud Ayers 89, Minnie Ayers 90, Ruth Aiken 89, Rillie . . . Lucy Rice, 90, Laura Rice, 93, Sallie Robison 100, Christeena Stuer 91, *Beckie Sellers 100, *Maggie Wike 90, Mary Wilt 100, James Cole 79, Willie Ayers 76, *Blair Davis 89, *Franklin Fissell 90, Emory Hesser 77, Joseph Hoover, 89, Gilbert McGough 94, Willie Lantz 78, James Robison 89, *Charlie Vaugh 90, Harry Brown 89, Clarence Clapper 89. *Attended every day in the month, D. Edward Butler, Teacher. Report of Logan school for the month ending November 6: Whole number enrolled, 52; average attendance, 41. The names of those who attended every day are: Katie Sidler, Dessie Maurer, Nannie Maurie [sic], James Sidler, Roy Maurer, Roy Figart, David Yingling and Harry Gwin. Percentage of A class is as follows: Jennie Gwin 98, Minnie Thompson 95, Clara Figart 97, Dessie Maurer 100, William Maurer 96, Milton Thompson 94 and John Beck 92. Returned from New Orleans. James W. Ickes, the delegate from Jerry C. Burley division of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, has returned from New Orleans where he had been in attendance on the meetings of that brotherhood. He reported having had a first-rate time. In looking over a book in that city he came across an account of the various sums of money donated to that city during the time when the yellow fever was so bad there and so many cases resulted fatally. In the account he found Pennsylvania was put down for $17,770.33, and of this sum Altoona contributed $1,089. 10. Certainly a fair showing for the Mountain City. A Remarkable Escape. Mr. Andrew Dillon and family reside at No. 1720 Eighth avenue. On Thursday evening last Marie, a 7-year-old daughter of Mr. Dillon, while playing about in the attic story of the family residence, fell out of a window in the room alighting on the grape arbor, and breaking through this landed at the kitchen door. The distance from the window to the ground is over thirty feet, yet, strange to relate, the little girl received no serious injuries. She had a remarkable escape from a horrible death. Improving Slowly. Mr. Samuel A. Martin, residing at Seventh avenue and Fifteenth street, had the misfortune several weeks ago of inflicting a severe cut in his right leg just above the knee, while working in the pattern shop. Since the accident he had been confined to his bed, but is improving, and is now able to walk about the house. It will be several weeks before he will be in a condition to return to work. HOLLIDAYSBURG HAPPENINGS. Mr. William Bouslough lost a horse on Monday while in Altoona. The animal dropped dead on the street. The jury commissioners, Joseph Maize and Samuel Fink, are at work placing in the wheels the names of persons who are liable to serve as jurors during the next year. They are exercising great pains in their selections. The Longfellow lyceum took a walk on last Friday afternoon to Brush mountain and visited Miss Figart's school. The members of the society entertained Miss Figart's pupils with songs, recitations, dialogues, etc. Mr. Anthony Leap, contractor and carpenter, has just completed a very fine residence in Duncansville for Peter Bradly, and has started in on the erection of another for Mr. James Malone, of Gaysport. Mr. Leap, as well as other carpenters in town, is full of business at present, which is gratifying intelligence for everybody. We find the following in the "State Topics" of the Philadelphia Press of Wednesday: "The democrats of Frankstown and Frankstown township, Blair county, are very indignant over the appointment of J. C. Cruse as the postmaster of Frankstown. He is an avowed national greenback labor party man, and is at present a member of their county committee for his district." We are informed by a prominent democrat from Frankstown that the appointment was a good one, and the general public was well satisfied. Mr. Cruse is said to be non-partisan. Colonel John H. Keatley, for many years a resident of Hollidaysburg and at one time well known in this county, was elected a member of the Iowa legislature from Council Bluffs. The Des Moines (Iowa), Leader, refers to our old friend Keatley in the following complimentary manner: "The most magnificent victory in Iowa is that of Colonel John H. Keatley, of Council Bluffs. He had a majority of 1,100 in a county which is now represented exclusively by republicans. And it is well deserved. Every democrat in the state will rejoice in his splendid endorsement. He will help to strengthen his party in the legislature and in the state. With such men at the capital, the times are going to be interesting." We congratulate Colonel Keatley on his large vote and evident popularity, but regret exceedingly that he is still on that side. The second month of our public schools closed on October 30. There were 471 enrolled; the average attendance was 435 and the percentage of attendance 95 - lower than the first month because of the mumps in our primary department. Three hundred and five pupils made full time in attendance; 110 visitors call in the various schools. The pupils who received "reward for examination honors," are: Levell Baldrige, Lucy Wilson, Hattie Elliott, Minnie Pinkerton, Gertrude Bracken, Steel Smith, Junie Rothrock, Ida VanAllman, George Meyers, Willie Gardner, Ella Thompson, Sadie Lyons, Stella Cann, Nannie Smith, Celina Fox, Joe Irwin, Sadie Glass, Eddie Thompson, Jennie Goldman, Carrie Weil, Madge Smith, Rose Cliber, Charles VanAllman, Hettie Johnston, Horatio Huff, Harry Banker, George Curry, Jennie Young, Mary Brandt, Willie Clark, Fred McClure, George McGraw, Hattie Crissman, Millard Plummer, John Humes, Maggie Meyers, Willie Garber and Robert Garber. On Thursday a young man named Howard Waight almost met death from asphyxia. He is about 18 years of age and the son of William Waight, ex- constable of Frankstown township, with whom he resides. Young Waight, who has been employed at No. 1 furnace, in company with two others, John Teters and J. H. Shaw, entered the hot blast oven for the purpose of repairing a pipe shortly after noon. Waight being inexperienced in work of this kind, was unconscious of the fact that he was inhaling gas, and for this reason occupied a position where the wind or draft passing near him drove the gas in his direction. In a little while Howard was entirely overcome, and when removed was unconscious. His condition was regarded as a very critical one, and at one time it was thought he could not recover. He suffered from paroxysms during the entire afternoon, when temporarily relieved by medical aid. Every effort was made by his physician, Dr. D. S. Hays, to save his life, and towards evening he had recovered sufficiently to be removed to his home. TYRONE TOPICS. Mrs. Charles Burkholder is improving her photograph gallery by raising the second story and the addition of a porch in front. Mr. Harry Albright cut a gash about an inch long in the index finger of his left hand Tuesday morning while whittling a stick. The rolling mills at the Tyrone Forges are doing excellent work now, and on Monday the forges were put in operation. A large force of men are employed. Mrs. B. W. Bell is confined to her home through sickness, being compelled to give up her duties at the postoffice. Her many friends hope for her speedy recovery. Rev. Dillworth, who has been supplying the Presbyterian pulpit the past few weeks, took his final departure for his home yesterday morning on account of failing health. The score of the Tyrone rifle club on Saturday was as follows: S. Rush 70,J. C. Stewart 56, W. Carns 74, W. Guyer 84; total 304; average, 76. Several of the members are absent from town which accounts for there being such a small attendance. A 10-year-old son of Mr. Con. Sullivan, of East Tyrone, met with an accident Monday about noon which may result in his death. He had gone into the yard at the shops and attempted to get on a freight train, and in so doing was struck by a bolt which penetrated one of his legs near the thigh and inflicting [sic] other injuries. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken home, where medical aid was summoned; but owing to reaction not having taken place at a late hour last evening, nothing was done. His condition is very critical, and grave doubts are entertained as to his chances for recovery. The Tyrone Literary society will meet in Literary hall Friday evening. A general invitation is extended to everybody to be present and it is hoped many new members will be enrolled and assist in keeping up the interest of the meetings. Ladies are especially urged to join. The programme for Friday evening is about as follows: Music reading, Miss Bessie Hays; orations, W. H. Spangler and A. R. Read; referred questions, by Miss Helen Burleigh, A. H. McCamant and C. H. Jones; music; debate, "Resolved, That the Modern Tramp is a Creature of Necessity." Affirmative, J. W. Howe, W. L. Hicks; negative, G. A. Dickson, R. S. Seeds; music. Mrs. F. D. Beyer, accompanied by her daughter, Mrs. Frank Waring, returned home last Wednesday. Some months ago Mr. Waring removed to South Carolina partly for the benefit of his health and to establish a business in a new and thriving country, but more especially for the benefit of his wife's health, which had been poor for several years. After being there a short time the desired effect was experienced and a new lease of life seemed to be vouchsafed for them; but it was only temporary, and the wife's disease became as troublesome as ever. Mrs. Beyer paid them a visit some time ago and deemed it advisable to bring her daughter home with her, who was just able to endure the journey. She has been confined to her bed since her return. We hope, with her many friends, for her permanent and speedy recovery. ROARING SPRING RIPPLES Eli Smith, esq., lost a valuable horse on Wednesday. Mrs. Dick and Mrs. Cowen have returned from a very pleasant visit to friends in the west. Miss Maggie Longenecker is one of the teachers in the Everett schools. She is an efficient teacher. S. F. Cooper, esq., and daughter Annie, of Alexandria, are spending several days at their old home here. B. D. Martin, our champion hunter, bagged a fine wild turkey a day or two ago. Thaddeus Smith also killed four turkeys. D. M. Bare, esq., is erecting a fine coal siding and building opposite the railroad station, and has put up a pair of weigh scales. J. W. Young will have fine quarters for his coal yard. WILLIAMSBURG WAIFS. On Tuesday Rev. Mr. Warren and family left us. We are sorry to part with them. The new Methodist preacher, Rev. Mr. Lloyd, is expected to arrive here on Thursday morning. R. C. Ackley and family, of Kankakee, Ill., are the guests of Mrs. Ackley's brother, David Maize. Miss Rene and Bertha Cramer, Mr. Isenberg, Wheatley and G. E. Schmucker return their thanks for the hospitality they received at the homes of the good people of Williamsburg. The prohibitionists of this place having closed what they consider a successful campaign in Woodberry and adjoining townships, concluded to have an oyster supper in honor of the members of the glee club, who rendered them so much assistance, Monday evening at the residence of Mr. John Clark. About thirty or thirty-five of the more active workers joined in the supper. Your scribe and better-half being of the number can bear full testimony to the rich repast enjoyed by the guests. After the cloth was removed the following sentiments were proposed by different guests and responded to as follows: "Our Guests, The Glee Club," Rev. D. Conway. "Our Cause," Rev. George Warren. "The Women, Our Helpers," Rev. C. B. Gruver. "The Experience of a Campaign Orator," James Patterson. "The Clergy of Williamsburg, Always in the Lead," John Clark. "The Result, or Twenty Years Set Back," J. S. Ake. "A School House on Every Hill and No Saloon in the Valley," J. M. Spencer. "The Community We Live In," W. A. McCormick. The exercise were enlivened throughout by songs by the glee club, and all the exercises were pleasant and instructive, and the whole company were delighted and went away at an early hour more than ever convinced that these prohibitionists mean business. The band concert was a success in every way. The rain falling in the evening did not deter the people from coming and filling the house full and every one of them went away well pleased and delighted, pronouncing it the finest concert that has been in Williamsburg for many a day. Miss Rene Cramer more than filled her part of the programme. Her performance on the piano was superb. Altoona should be proud of such a performer. Miss Bertie is shy and rendered the song "I Am So Shy," with perfection. She showed the dude to be a clever fellow. Her singing is good. Professor J. W. Isenberg with his cornet made sweet music, convincing his hearers that sweet melody and beautiful strains can be produced by a horn. Mr. J. W. Wheatley, the violinist, is a young, but rising performer on his favorite musical instrument, the violin. The sweetness he made gave entire satisfaction to the most fastidious. The violin he used was one of Dr. R. Fasolt's, which was finished the day previous to the concert. Mr. Wheatley says it is simply immense; one of the very best he ever used. Good and being finished in white, it was a beauty. Mr. G. E. Schmucker's flute solo was so good that it was called for two or three times, which speaks more for it than I can. Ed.'s bashfulness alone prevented it being repeated. The performers were encored over and over again. At the request of our people the concert will be repeated in the very near future, with an entire new programme. The following persons from Altoona were present to hear the concert: Dr. R. Fasolt, W. L. Pennock, Charles A. Buch and Charles W. Billin. Come again, gentlemen, and we will have chicken for you, sure. SINKING VALLEY ITEMS. Major Fleck and George W. Orr received a cargo of German carp recently and we suppose in a few years they will be doing a wholesale business in the fresh fish line. Harry L. Jones, the young man who lost his right arm one year ago last September, is now canvassing for the "Life of Grant," and we would bespeak for him a liberal patronage from one and all. He is worthy and to favor him is but charity and will be thankfully accepted. MARTINSBURG MATTERS. F. W. Keagy, hardware merchant, is in the east purchasing goods. Professor J. T. Whitaker is lying serious ill at the Keagy house. S. P. McFadden, esq., one of Hollidaysburg's substantial citizens tarried with us yesterday. Robert Mattern, of Jamestown, Colorado, is with us, the guest of his uncle, Ex-Sheriff Alex. Bobb. George G. Shiffler, who has been confined to his bed for sometime considerably indisposed, is improving somewhat. The residence of John Brennaman on West Allegheny street has been remodeled so that it now presents a model of beauty. Rev. A. C. Whitmer, a former pastor in this village, preached morning and evening in the St. John's Reformed church Sunday last. Rev. J. H. Zinn will deliver his "Through Libby Prison and Home Again," for the benefit of the Lutheran church, in Goetz's hall, this evening. Rev. D. S. Shoop preached his farewell sermon to his people Sunday evening, to an overflowing congregation. The sermon did not abound in glittering sentimentalism nor flights of oratory, as was anticipated, but, on the contrary, was simple, plain, practical, being replete in good common sense; a sermon that every one in the community should have heard. During the retiring pastor's stay with us he has made hosts of friends by his unostentatious manners and social qualities. . . . School Reports. The following is the report of the Carson valley school for the month ending October 30, 1885: Number in attendance, 41; average of attendance, 36; percentage, 88. Those attending school every day during the month are as follows: Maggie Selwitz, Louella Stiffler, Dolly Wilt, Sadie Cochran, Clara Selwitz, Mary Cochran, Florence Yingling, Sadie Martin, Carrie Sherman, Lizzie Dell, Edward McCoy, George McCoy, Walter McKee, Peter Wilt and David Cochran. Those receiving 100 per cent. for good lessons are: Maggie Selwitz, Louella Stiffler, Dolly Wilt, Sadie Cochran, Clara Selwitz, Mary Cochran, Sadie Martin, Carrie Sherman, Lizzie Dell, Emma Selwitz, Annie Stiffler, Ella Derno, and Lydia Dell. Boys - Edward McCoy, David Cochran, Harrison Derno, Eli Derno and David Stiffler. The girls and boys are looking forward with the greatest anxiety when they will occupy the new school house, which is nearing completion. They think they can do better work when they get into the new school building. D. M. Lotz, Teacher Following is the report of the Pleasant Hill school, Logan township: Number of scholars enrolled, 28; average attendance, 24; percentage, 88. Names of scholars present every day: Agnes Miller, Mary McMullen, Effie Findley, Elias Miller, William Conroy, Charles Piper, Frank Barner, John Detwiler. Belle Cryder, Teacher. The following is a report of the Allegheny grammar school for the month ending November 6, 1885: Number in attendance, 37, average attendance 30, per cent. of attendance 88, number of visitors 30. The per cent. of the A class in orthography is as follows: Gertie Gibboney 97, Bertha Garland, Maggie Corson, Carrie Jackson, Mollie Casswell, Mary McGough, Laura Haas, Clara Johnston, each 100, Mertie Ake 98, Maggie Hesser 99; Frank Vaughn, Harry Rice, Jerry Yingling, Elmer Christian, each 100, William Lowe, George Hall, Ira Clapper, 99. The per cent. of the B class is as follows: Maggie Mitchell, Aggie Smiley, Bessie Haines, Ettie Weymer, Maggie Barker, Alice Vaughn, Tottie Hinkle, Maria Robinson, Mattie Christian, Nora Haas, each 100, Lizzie Baker 99, Lillie Caswell 98, Susie Clapper 97, Joseph Oo, Frank Jackson, Lee Carson, Fred. Leibig, Willis Gibboney, Charley Lowe, each 100, Charley Frank 99. A literary society has been organized by the school, which is held every Friday afternoon. A regular programme, consisting of practical questions in geography, grammar, history and physiology; also select reading, declamations and essays, after which a regular discussion on some question is given by the scholars, which brings in the patrons and friends of the district anxious to hear their children, and all go away well pleased. M. W. Black, Teacher. MINES MINERAL. Mr. J. R. Pryor, a well known and much esteemed citizen of this place, met with a very painful accident about two weeks ago. At the time named Mr. Pryor went to the woods for procuring a pole for some particular use. While walking along looking for the desired object, not thinking of the dangers that are constantly besetting our path, he tripped on a root and falling forward against a stump some three or four feet high, injured his side so that he has been scarcely able to attend to his work since. He did not consult any one until last Saturday, when Dr. Brown on examination found two ribs broken. Dick is doing very well now and we hope he may soon be his wonted self again. WOODBURY SPLINTERS. Rev. J. H. Mortimer has moved into the Vaughan house. Professor William R. Vaughan has gone to Florida for the winter. Abram Keagy has purchased the Christopher Casper farm for $8,550. Our sick - Mrs. Shimer is slowly improving; Miss Kate Beamer is getting worse. William Winter, one of our old soldiers, starts west this week to prompt a farm. At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Woodbury and Pattonville turnpike company on November 2d, Dr. S. H. Smith was elected president, and D. F. Keagy was continued as secretary and treasurer. Watson S. Allen, who had a siege of seventeen weeks in the hospital at Cleveland, O., where he had been treated for a fracture of the knee cap, had so far recovered the use of his limb that he was allowed to come home about two weeks ago. On Sunday he had gone to Sabbath school, and on his way home fell and displaced the fractured bone. He considers his last condition worse than the first. From Sharpsburg. Mr. John H. Butler met with a serious accident a few days ago. While at work on a scaffolding, which the workmen had put up for repairing a house, the scaffold gave way and Mr. Butler was thrown to the ground. He was using a hand-ax at the time, but in falling the ax turned in such a way as to cut an ugly gash across his left eye. It was necessary to call a physician to sew up the wound. HUNTINGDON COUNTY JOTTINGS. The whole number of soldiers' orphans admitted into the various schools from Huntingdon county aggregates 218. Mr. John Power, of Todd township, who lately applied "grease from the frying-pan and sulphur" to the heads of lousy chickens, soon found the lice gone - and the chickens dead.