NEWS: Items from the Altoona Tribune, July 31, 1918, 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, July 31, 1918 TYRONE TOPICS. LAST OF 1918 MEN EXAMINED Another examination of registrants was held at the headquarters of district draft board No. 2 yesterday. With the exception of a few stragglers, this completes the examination of all the young men who registered for military duty on Jun 5, 1918. The result of yesterday's examination follows: Accepted for Service. Joseph L. Nash, Lakemont. John J. Kois, Juniata. Clayton S. Cassidy, Tyrone. William S. Hoffman, Bellwood. Victor R. Weierick, Juniata. Frederick J. Peters, Tyrone. Franklin L. McCanns, Tyrone. Leo A. Wilt, Juniata. Robert A. Wolf, Tyrone. Charles N. Cohn, Altoona. Ira Albert Fisher, Tyrone. Calvin Glass Heiley, Juniata. *William Housel, Lorain, O. James R. Taylor, Tyrone. Paul Edgar Minnigh, Altoona. William McK. Garber, Tyrone. William A. Oswald, Bellwood. George B. Henry, Altoona. Blair S. Summers, Lakemont. William F. Sawyer, Tyrone. Paul Dewey Thomas, Tyrone. Raymond B. Smith, Bellwood. Stephen J. Kirsch, Altoona. Joseph J. Howel, Tyrone. Walter T. Huber, Altoona. Accepted for Limited Service. Earl Dennett McClary, Carmel, N.Y. *Examined for other boards. Referred to Medical Advisory Board, August 1. Elwood R. Holt, Tyrone. Failed to Appear. Horace Campbell, Tyrone. (Colored). EVENTS ABOUT TOWN Thomas F. Connery, of 318 West Eleventh street, is mourning the loss of a Ford runabout which was stolen early yesterday morning. Mr. Connery, who is a boiler inspector, had contemplated departing early in the morning for the mining region in [cont'd page 4] Altoona Tribune, Wednesday, July 31, 1918, page 2 HOLLIDAYSBURG. THREE SOLDIERS GO TO CAMP Three more men were sent away yesterday morning by County Draft Board No. 1, going to a training camp at Syracuse, N.Y., to be trained as United States firemen, and policemen. This is a new branch of service for limited service men, who are not fitted for various physical defects, to go into active service, but can perform different kinds of useful work. These men are taught to be expert firemen, for the extinguishing of any fires that may occur, to guard munition stores and plants and various other places. As 1,700 men are needed in this department it is likely that a number of other local limited service men will go in this branch. The members who left yesterday morning were: Carl M. Hancuff, of Williamsburg; Charles L. Berkheimer, of Roaring spring, and William Diehl, of Claysburg. They met at the office of Secretary Robert W. Smith of the draft board yesterday morning, and were given parting instructions and inducted into the army service, after which Rev. E. E. Harter, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, invoked God's blessings upon them. They took their departure on the 10:24 train and were accompanied to the depot at Gaysport by members of the Home Defense Police, war board and other citizens, the Liberty band furnishing the music. The auto-truck of the Phoenix Fire company was in line, on account of the three men going away to become firemen. They rode on the truck to the station. A good-size crowd accompanied the parade to the depot, where the departing men were sent on their way with the wishes of the people for a successful service under Uncle Sam. While waiting for the arrival of the train, the band rendered a very pleasing program, and also played several selections later on the Diamond. Hollidaysburg is proud of its Liberty band, which is ever ready and willing to furnish music for every occasion on very short notice. It is a cosmopolitan organization, containing descendants of various nationalities; all patriotic Americans to the core, who are glad to render their services at any time. ALEXANDER M'LANAHAN AN ACE Mrs. Hawly McLanahan, of Philadelphia, who is a visitor at the home of her father-in-law, J. King McLanahan Sr., of East Allegheny street, has received a cablegram announcing that her son, Alexander McLanahan, a prominent young American aviator in France, has successfully brought down his fifth enemy warplane and had been decorated with the insignia of an ace. Mr. McLanahan's the 11th American aviator to be thus honored. The young airman is well known here, having frequently visited his relatives. He was tutored for several years by Blair Hull, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Hull, of Hollidaysburg, a refrigerating engineer, who installed large plants in France. Young Mr. McLanahan's father is a leading architect of Philadelphia. Hollidaysburg people are justly proud of the accomplishment of this intrepid and skillful young flyer. PEOPLE COMING AND GOING Misses Jean, Elizabeth and Mollie Hoover, of Newry, were week-end visitors at the home of their grandmother, Mrs. Harry Sellers, of Front street. Mr. and Mrs. Max E. Moore and two children have returned from a pleasure trip to Newark, N.J., New York city and other points in that section. Mrs. Frank Burger and three children, of Johnstown, are visiting at the home of Frank Burger of Garber street. J. C. Campbell, of St. Louis, Mo., was a business visitor in town yesterday. Mrs. John Caldwell, daughter, Miss Elizabeth, and son, David, of Irwin, Pa., are visitors at the home of Mrs. Caldwell's father, William V. Hughes, of East Allegheny street. Charles W. Kinkead, of Pittsburg, was a business visitor in the 'burg yesterday. C. B. Griffin, of Williamsport, spent yesterday in town. EXAMINATION OF REGISTRANTS A call has been issued by the Hollidaysburg draft board, for registrants of the district who will undergo physical examination today and tomorrow. Following are the men called for the two days: Wednesday Morning, July 31. William McKinley Strayer, East Freedom. James Grant Kitzinger, Gaysport. Raymond Kaust Smith, Newry. Frank Calvin Smith, Roaring Spring. Wilbur Dean Leighty, Duncansville R.D. 2. Herman Joseph Frank, Hollidaysburg. John C. Kensinger, Henrietta. Samuel Musselman, Klahr. Thursday Morning, August 1. John Alfred Musser, Cove Forge. James Lawrence Smith, Claysburg. Ray Russell Miller, Martinsburg. Lee Smith, Bedford. Peter Eldon Hite, Roaring Spring. David Roy Shoeman, Martinsburg. William Berkhimer, Ore Hill. John William Smith, Hollidaysburg, R.D. Edward Musselman, Canoe Creek. William Harrison Kunsman, Gallitzin. David Ross Reighard, Claysburg. Bernard Lancelot Brumbaugh, Williamsburg. Clarence Tipton, Claysburg. J. Irvin Dively, Claysburg. Roy Hazel Lauffer, Williamsburg. Millard Bentley Formhals, Hollidaysburg. John Earl Hoenstine, East Freedom. WILLIAMSBURG Mrs. H. O. Snively and niece, Miss Mamie Miller, of Pittsburg, spent Tuesday at the home of Mrs. Snively's sister, Mrs. Clyde Stewart, at Claysburg. Alex Whyte, of New York, is visiting his sister, Mrs. W. W. Spinney, of First street. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fox, of Pittsburg, are visiting the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. I. I. White, of West Second street. Miss Anna Patterson and niece, Miss Marjory Stevenson, of Dillon, Mont., en route from Boston, Mass., where the latter is attending college, are guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Ross, on High street. J. F. Ellsworth, Williamsburg's most venerable citizen, who has been confined to his bed since March, on the 18th inst. Attained his 91st birthday. Owing to his remarkable vitality the aged gentleman lingers, while material things have ceased to attract him. Each day finds him a little weaker and his death is expected at any time. Local draftees, Paul Henderson, Howard Allender and Frank Royer, were given a farewell by the C. M. Schwab band and friends on Monday morning at the P.R.R. depot, as they left to join the Blair county contingent at Hollidaysburg. K. W. Hansuff [sic], who will be located at Syracuse, N.Y., left Tuesday, the former named being appointed to Washington state. A fine program was rendered Saturday evening by the pupils of Miss Emma Biddle's music class at the home of Mr. Samuel Brumbaugh, of Morrison's Cove, with two hundred people in attendance, which proved most enjoyable. Light refreshments were served. The following pupils participated in the program: Reba Smith, Ellis Stultz, Carrie Hoover, Mary Hoover, Ethel and May Treese, Francelia Wagner, Gertrude Smith Lithian Smith, Ruth and Marie Querry, Virginia Smith, Martha Hoover, Ethel Mock, Bertha Longanecker, Mary McDermott, Marie Stultz and Grace Snowbarger. ALDERMANIC NOTES. Cases Heard or To Be Disposed of in Courts of Local Magistrates. George Sipple, charged with desertion and non-support of his wife and with violation of the boarding house act, will be given a hearing this afternoon before Alderman Gorsuch, of Third ward. John Kime was arrested yesterday on a warrant from Alderman Gorsuch, charging him with defrauding a local boarding house keeper to the extent of $10. The magistrate reserved his decision, pending a settlement. Altoona Tribune, Wednesday, July 31, 1918, page 4 POLICE STATION NEWS. Alderman Shuff Sits as Committing Magistrate in Police Court. Alderman W. C. Shuff sat as committing magistrate at police court yesterday, in the absence of Mayor C. E. Rhodes. Chester Riggin charged with disorderly conduct and arrested at 11:30 Monday night at 1428 Tenth avenue, was fined $4.30 and Mary Thomas, his companion, forfeited $10,80 security. One drunk was discharged. Another drunk was brought in last evening and William Mitchell, drunk and panhandling, was apprehended at 7:50 p.m. at Eighth avenue and Twenty-fourth street. Paul Babalis, a draftee, charged with failing to report to the west side draft board, was arrested yesterday afternoon and taken before the proper authorities, on a technical charge of desertion. Altoona Tribune, Wednesday, July 31, 1918, page 5 TYRONE TOPICS, Continued. Clearfield county and had therefore parked the car in the vicinity of his home. When he went for the machine at daybreak it was missing. The police were at once notified and immediate search was instituted. A liberal reward is offered for the apprehension of the thief and any information leading to the whereabouts of the car will be greatly appreciated by Mr. Connery. The members of the post office force were dinner guests last evening of Postmaster A. S. Garman at his beautiful summer home, "Edgefonte," near Bellefonte. The party was transported to and from in automobiles, and judging from the reports being circulated it surely must have been some jolly gathering. Transfers of Real Estate Recorded. The following realty transfers were placed on record in the office of Recorder of Deeds G. C. Irwin, at Hollidaysburg yesterday: Frank A. Ford, et al., by sheriff to Jennie M. Trego, Roselawn addition, $300.00 Eighth Ward L. and B. association to Daisy L. Van Zandt, Juniata borough, $2,580.00 William W. Good and wife to William W. and Susan Good, Allegheny, section B, $1.00? John S. Seeds and wife to Guy F. Stover, Juniata borough, $3,200.00? Altoona Tribune, Wednesday, July 31, 1918, page 6 JUNIATA. A Pleasant Visit. Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Sorrick, of 706 Fourth avenue, returned on Monday night from Lake, O., where they attended the one hundredth reunion of the settling in Summit county, O., of the Sorrick clan. Three hundred were present and represented the extreme north and south, coming from the states of Washington and Florida. Mr. Sorrick reports a most delightful time and one he would not have missed for a great deal. Mr. and Mrs. Sorrick were accompanied by a sister, Mrs. E. T. Rhule, of Williamsburg. PERSONALS Mrs. Annie Karns and daughter Mildred were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Longenecker, of Roaring Spring. Hart Martin, of North Bay, Canada, was the week-end guest of his brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Martin, of 906 Third avenue. Dr. J. G. Watson and daughter, Mrs. Louise Watson Jones, of 427 Fifth avenue, are visiting in Norristown, Gettysburg and Philadelphia. Miss Grace Hamilton, of 619 Eighth avenue, is entertaining Misses Mary Margaret and Madaline Glasgow, of Huntingdon. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cuthbert, of 113 Thirteenth avenue, are receiving congratulations over the arrival of a baby girl. MINES Homer Shoenfelt and family, of Clover Creek, were visitors at the home of Mrs. Henrietta Pryor, on Sunday. Mrs. A. M., Miss Lottie, J. A., J. F. and Mrs. J. F. McDermott and daughter Mary were kindly entertained at the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kauffman and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Brumbaugh, of near Curryville, on Sunday last. A little daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. John Brantner on Friday last. Mother and babe are getting along well. DUNCANSVILLE Miss June Neil left today for her future home in Ohio. Ray Piper, J. Edward Perry and Charles Echard left on Monday for training in the national army, Piper and Parry [sic] to Camp Forrest, Lytle, Ga., and Echard to Vancouver, Wash. Mrs. Howard Coleman is visiting friends and relatives in Everett. Jack Selwitz moved to Hollidaysburg yesterday where on account of his work it will be more convenient for him. Mrs. H. A. Liebegott, of Martinsburg, and daughter Emma, a student nurse in the Presbyterian church, Philadelphia, were guests at the residence of C. Liebegott on Friday and Saturday. Cornell Landis was painfully injured on Monday evening about 5:25; while riding on the running board on Forsht's truck he was caught between the side of the car and Howard Wilt's truck which ran into it at the corner of Market and Irvine streets. Mr. Wilt had started to turn to the left into Irvine street, while John Forsht swung to his left to clear, when Mr. Wilt quickly turned to the right and ran into the Forsht machine. Both trucks suffered little damage. Young Landis' left leg was badly bruised from the knee to the ankle and will no doubt keep him from work for several days. Two others were on the running board with him but saved themselves by jumping. William Yeckley, C. E. Hanley, J. Blair Leighty and A. S. Webb motored to the P.O.S. of A. convention held at Ormenia, last Saturday. All were delegates and report a fine time. Altoona Tribune, Wednesday, July 31, 1918, page 7 NEWS OF SERVICE MEN AT HOME AND ABROAD R. W. Bixler, Member of Crew of Torpedoed San Diego, Visits Uncle Here R. W. Bixler, a native Pennsylvanian and a member of the crew of the torpedoed U.S.S. San Diego, is visiting at the home of his uncle, J. A. Melhorn, of 517 East Walton avenue. He has been granted a furlough to recuperate before again entering the service. He is a first class machinist and has been in the service for two years and was at Vera Cruz during the Mexican trouble. He says that the San Diego was struck about 11 o'clock in the morning and sank in twenty-six minutes. He was in the water four hours before being picked up by a tanker. Mrs. John Conly, of 1102 Thirteenth avenue, has received word from her brother, Captain F. P. Hickey, [that he] has arrived safely overseas. He is with an engineering regiment and previous to his sailing was visited by his sister. Mrs. Bosserman, of 2407 Beale avenue, now has four sons in the service of the United States. Yesterday she received word from Fred Bosserman, formerly a clerk in the Chicago post office, that he had enlisted and had been assigned to Fort Sheridan. Two other sons, Jesse and Philip are in France and another is at Camp Jackson. LEAPS FROM ROOF Seventeenth Street Man Gives Cop Chase and Takes Jump After Locking Self in Room Patrick Conaty, of 963 Seventeenth street, was arrested for being drunk and disorderly at his home at 2 o'clock this morning, after he had abused his wife and caused considerable trouble. Conaty locked himself in a bathroom when a policeman went after him and later he fled to a porch roof and jumped from it to another building below. He hid in an alley, but was finally captured and locked up. Altoona Tribune, Wednesday, July 31, 1918, page 8 PERSONAL NOTES Items Concerning Persons Whom You May Chance to Know Mrs. Annie Hormaner is visiting with relatives and friends in Reedsville. Louis Klineordlinger and wife, of York, are in the city visiting with relatives and friends. Miss Hattie Butler, who has been visiting for a week in Clearfield, arrived home yesterday. Misses Mary and Julia Tate, of 1002 Twenty-second avenue, are guests of Mr. and Mrs. L. K. Johnston, of Fairbrook. Leo Adams is confined to his home at Llyswen by illness but last evening was reported as somewhat improved. M. J. Maney, county tax collector on the east side of the city, returned home last night from a visit to relatives in Lancaster. Mrs. Frank Long has returned to her home in Huntingdon after undergoing treatment at the Altoona hospital for a few weeks. Mrs. John R. McComas, of 1108 Thirteenth avenue, has returned home from attending the funeral of her brother, Philip C. Yingling, at Baltimore. George W. Keubler, former city commissioner, is confined to his home at Howard avenue and Tenth street by sickness. He was reported as somewhat improved yesterday. Mrs. Joseph Conrad, of 1500 Eighth avenue, accompanied by her son, Charles, has returned from a visit to her son W. H. Conrad, a member of the 309th aero squadron at Garden City, L.I. Superintendent of Mails, J. C. Bralier; Sherman Waight and Chester Glunt, post office clerks, and Carriers Edward Holt, Harry Weyandt, Joseph Campbell and O. L. Blackburn, are enjoying their annual vacations this week and will also be off duty next week. REGULAR ARMY HAS TAKEN 30 IN WEEK Sergeant Greiner Has Had Busiest Period of Local Career - Seven More Enlist Sending away thirty or more recruits from this city and vicinity within the last week, Sergeant Greiner, of the regular army recruiting office, has experienced the busiest period of his local career. Seven additional rookies were obtained yesterday. Three of them departed during the day and the remaining four will leave for Harrisburg headquarters today. James C. Stewart, 906 Eleventh avenue, joined the ambulance corps. He was employed in the city as a chauffeur. John C. Kelley, 508 Eighth avenue, and William E. Hight, 711 Eighth avenue, enlisted in the hospital corps, making a total of seventy-one for the month to date. It is hoped that enough volunteers will appear today to bring the July total to the seventy-five goal, or beyond it. The figures for the present period are the highest in several months. TWO LABORERS HURT AT ACETELYNE SHOP Denholm Man and Italian Resident Injure Hands on Switch Joints - Other Mishaps Edward Vanscoyoc, aged 45, of Denholm, and Antonio Romeo, aged 47, of 314 Seventh avenue, both Pennsy laborers, suffered injuries to their hands while working at the East Altoona acetylene shop at 2:45 yesterday afternoon, when the members were caught between two switch joints. Several lacerated and contused fingers of the left hand were received by the men and they came to the Altoona hospital dispensary, where they were given attention. The nail was torn from Romeo's left index finger. Herbert Kern, aged 40, of 1801 Adams street, and employed at No. 3 erecting shop, caught his right index finger between a main rod and safety yoke and suffered a severe incised wound. Lloyd Kennedy, aged 38, of 2014 Fourth street, received a contusion over the left eye when an electric motor struck him at No. 2 passenger car shop. William Catalina, aged 48, of 811 Ninth street, a janitor at East Altoona round house, fell in descending from a work train yesterday afternoon and sprained his left leg. He was given attention at the hospital dispensary. LOCATES IN PHILADELPHIA. Albert J. Kauffman Secretary in Food Administration Office. Albert J. Kauffman, a former well known young man of the city, has located in Philadelphia and is now in the government service. He was on July 12 appointed executive secretary to M. H. Wright and L. W. Wheelock, in the division of public education of the United States food administration. This division takes care of all advertising pertaining to the use of food and to educate the public to conserve food. He has been in the advertising business for several years and knows the value of publicity. TAXI DRIVER TO FACE EMPLOYER'S CHARGE Echo of Saturday Night Joy Ride Will Be Heard in Aldermanic Court Paul Maines, a taxi-driver employed by W. G. Thompson, of this city, was arrested yesterday on a charge of operating a motor car while under the influence of liquor which was preferred by his employer before Alderman J. C. Gorsuch, of Third ward. It is said the case is the outgrowth of a wreck near Prince Gallitzin spring on the Fountain Inn highway, involving a party of joy-riders Saturday night or early Sunday morning. The taxicab, it is alleged, was badly damaged, although none of the party was injured. Maines furnished bail for his appearance at a hearing this afternoon at 4 o'clock. Several women were occupants of the cab, it is stated, and a city charge of pandering will likely be preferred against the driver today. VENTRE RELEASED ON BAIL FOR HEARING Will Be Given Hearing Friday Night on Charge of Killing Antonio Gioiosa Frank Ventre, the man who ran over and killed little Antonio Gioiosa, of 113 Seventh avenue, on Monday afternoon while driving along Seventh avenue with a load of hay, will be given a hearing before Alderman W. C. Shuff on Friday evening on the charge of manslaughter. District Attorney M. D. Patterson will represent the commonwealth in the prosecution of the case. Ventre was arrested a few hours after the death of the boy and was confined to the city prison all night. Yesterday afternoon his case came up before Alderman Shuff and after a consultation with District Attorney Patterson he was released on $1,000 bail for a hearing. The time was set for Friday evening and a number of witnesses will be subpoenated [sic] to testify in the case. Ventre didn't stop after he ran down the boy and this caused a bitter feeling against him. He said yesterday that the reason he did not stop was because he feared the women who had become greatly excited when the boy was run down. CORPORAL OF MARINES RE-ENLISTS FOR WAR William F. Baylets, Honorably Discharged July 23, Again Enters Service Honorably discharged at the United States marine corps barracks at Norfolk, Va., on July 24, Corporal William F. Baylets, of 2316 Sixth avenue, came home, waited nearly a week and re-enlisted yesterday at the Mateer building recruiting station for the duration of the war. Corporal Baylets is 25 years old and has served four years with the soldiers of the sea. He was aboard the U.S.S. "Utah" most of the time and is an expert rifleman. He will be sent to Philadelphia this morning and then will get thirty days' furlough, prior to going into service again. Thomas Oliver, of Mifflin, and Lester M. Hetrick, of Martinsburg, were also accepted yesterday by Sergeant H. E. Nale and will be sent to training stations today. Ten or twelve others expect to leave for the same points on Friday morning. LIGHTNING BOLT HITS HOUSE; $100 DAMAGE Home of G. W. Yates, 1117 Twenty-eighth Avenue, Is Struck During Storm A cold bolt of lightning struck the home of G. W. Yates, of 1117 Twenty- eighth avenue, at 1:35 p.m., yesterday during the severe rain storm and caused $100 damages to the roof and bath-room. Members of the family were badly frightened but escaped harm. Firemen from No. 9 station were summoned but found their services were not required as the bolt did not ignite the dwelling, which is a two-story frame structure. Striking the roof, the lightning tore through between the joists, for about 2 1/2 feet, followed a window frame and caused plastering in the bath- room on the second floor to drop and damage the room otherwise. Heavy showers during the afternoon caused many minor washouts over city streets and unpaved avenues, and affected some gardens. TRAINRIDER BELIEVED DEMENTED, IS CAUGHT Slav Saying He's Bound for Native Land to Join Army Jailed 20 Days Josef Sebich who says he's a Slav and wants to get back home to join the army and fight, told Alderman J. C. Gorsuch, Third ward, yesterday afternoon following his arrest for illegal trainriding, that he was 20 years old but could account for only sixteen years of his existence. Authorities believe the man is mentally deranged. He was taken from the top of a car in an eastbound train coming into the western end of the Pennsy yards during the afternoon. He wore no top shirt but had only a ragged, thin and sleeveless garment which was adapted more for hot weather than the sort Altoonans experienced yesterday. Sebich talked rationally at times and on other occasions his mind seemed to wander. He informed the magistrate he was 8 years old when he came to America, which was eight years ago. Then he stated he was registered under the federal law. He came from Jackson township Cambria county, near Johnstown, he said. Alderman Gorsuch committed the man to jail for twenty days, pending a thorough investigation of his case, to determine whether he is demented or is attempting to evade the draft regulations. Altoona Tribune, Wednesday, July 31, 1918, page 10