Newspapers: Items from the Altoona Tribune, May 8, 1918, Altoona, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ SELECTIONS from the Altoona Tribune, Wednesday Morning, May 8, 1918 - page 1 COALPORT MINER A WOULD-BE SUICIDE Aaron Peacock, Aged 38, Brought to Hospital Withy Bullet Wound of Chest An attempt to take his own life while partly under the influence of liquor, at his home in Coalport last night in 9.30, resulted in Aaron Peacock, aged 38, a miner, shooting himself in the left chest and his admission to Altoona hospital early today. It is claimed that Peacock had been drinking considerably this week and last night he procured a revolver and place it over his chest, pulling the trigger. He evidently thought he was aiming at his heart, but his unsteadiness saved his life. Neighbors heard the shot and the borough burgess and several others brought the wounded man to this city in a motor car. He was admitted to the hospital at 12.10 (?) a.m. The bullet passed into the left ribs above the hear and came out beneath the left shoulderblade. Peacock's condition is serious, although he has a chance for recovery. SHOPMAN SCALDED BY BURSTING STEAM PIPE Ralph Stamm, Duncansville R.F.D. 1, Hurt at No. 2 Erecting Shop Ralph Stamm, of Duncansville R.F.D No. 1, and employed in the Pennsy shops as a blacksmith's helper, suffered second degree burns of his right arm, and right and left sides of his body at 9.30 last night when a steam pipe burst at No. 2 erecting shop. Stamm is in Altoona hospital and his condition is not immediately serious. He was working with several other men near a steam pipe, which was filled with waste water, and it suddenly exploded. The scalding liquid drenched the lower part of Stamm's body. He was admitted to the hospital at 10.15 o'clock. His companions escaped with slight burns. William Styers, aged 32, a Pennsy brakeman residing at 1212 Eighteenth street, had his left hip probably fractures when it was caught between him and a car which he was riding on, at 8 p.m. yesterday. The car was being taken into a mine at Portage. He was brought to this city and admitted to the hospital at 12.40 this morning. An X-ray picture will be made today. SELECTIONS from the Altoona Tribune, Wednesday Morning, May 8, 1918 - page 2 ARGUMENT COURT IN VERY BRIEF SESSION Several Cases Continued, Attorneys Being Absent. Court Adjourns at 11. Yesterday's session of argument court was very brief, as a number of cases listed for argument during the day were continued owing to the absence of attorneys interested. Court opened at 9:30 o'clock and adjourned at 11 o'clock, to reconvene this morning at 9:30. The case of Commonwealth vs. William Garratson, confessed slayer of Peter Martin, of East Altoona, was taken up in a rule to show cause why C. A. Davis, a witness, should not receive his fees. The commonwealth was represented by District Attorney Marion D. Patterson, and Mr. Davis by Attorney D. Lloyd Claycomb. The commonwealth alleged that there were some irregularities regarding the man's being sent to jail and held there as a material witness, and on this ground and on the fact that the man is alleged to have later contemplated perjury in behalf of the defendant in the murder trial, who later confessed, the district attorney held that David was not entitled to witness fees ordinarily allowed by law. The case of Leora Hay Nutt vs. Glora Shoenfelt, for rule to show cause why plaintiff should not file a more specific abstract of title, was continued by the court until the first Monday in September. Several other cases of small importance, scheduled for hearings before the court, were discontinued on account of the absence of the attorneys connected with these suits. DR. HART GETS DAUGHTER Judge Thomas J. Baldrige yesterday handed down a decision in the case in which Dr. C. E. Hart, the well known dentist of Altoona, sought to gain the custody and possession of his daughter, Vivian Hart, from his brother-in-law and sister- in-law, William D. and Zada Carbaugh, directing that the child be delivered into the custody of Dr. Hart. The latter is also directed to pay the costs of the proceedings. The court in his opinion said the evidence showed that Dr. Hart has ample means to properly provide for the girl and that it will be for the child's best interest to be in his custody and possession. The girl is aged 13 years. Mrs. Carbaugh is her mother's sister, she having taken Vivian at her mother's death. Following the call sent here on Monday, four young men have been obtained so far by No. 1 board, for thirty registrants skilled in various trades and occupations, and many more volunteers are expected within the next few days, as this method gives the men in the draft a chance to choose their service. The next contingent will be sent to various cantonments on Friday, May 17. The quartette secured by the board so far includes Dr. Thayer Lykens, of Newry, an employe in the chief chemist's office in Altoona, enlisted for the gas defense service and will be sent to Washington, D.C. Edgar Raymond Vipond, of Blair township, son of Contractor John S. Vipond, has enlisted as construction foreman and goes to the aviation field at Camp Sevier, Greenville, S.C. There have also been secured for this allotment two colored men, who will go to the newly opened aviation camp at Fort Wayne, Mich. The first of the colored lads to enlist was John Henry Walker, of Hollidaysburg, a graduate of the local high school, who will go as a clerk. Perry Jackson Brown, a grandson of the late Moses Brown, of Hollidaysburg, goes to the same camp as a carpenter. PEOPLE COMING AND GOING Rev. Julius F. Seebach, pastor of the Lutheran church, who has been commissioned by the Lutheran war work commission as a camp pastor, for a service of three months, left yesterday afternoon for Chillicothe, O., where, after spending a few days at a training camp, will go to Camp Taylor, at Louisville, Ky., to which he has been assigned for service. Vincent Hart and wife have taken possession of the Joseph Hart homestead property on Walnut street, that was vacated by Miss Mary Hart soon after the death of her aged mother, Mrs. Barbara Hart. Miss Hart, who is living with relatives for the present, will in the near future build a home adjoining the homestead. Contractor Joseph B. Condron has purchased from Edgar P. Dobbins, executor of the John H. Law estate, seven cottages known as the Queen Anne cottages, located at the corner of Bedford and Franklin streets, Gaysport, the consideration being private. In speaking of Dairyman J. C. Keller, of Northfield, removing to the E. C. Bell farm, west of Gaysport, which he had bought, an error was made in stating that Mr. Keller had purchased the farm, as he has leased it for a period of years. Mrs. Harry Hebrank and sister, Miss Emma Goodfellow, of Springfield, O., are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Frank Goodfellow, of East Allegheny street. BELLWOOD Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McCartney, of Mountaindale, were Bellwood visitors. William H. Moore, for a number of years assistant baggage master at Bellwood, has taken the position of chief clerk at the Bellwood division round house. The change is a promotion for Mr. Moore, who well merits it. His successor is Harry Alton Campbell. Ira Bowers, of Buffalo, N.Y., and Mrs. T. J. Goodfellow, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., spent a few days recently with their sister, Mrs. LeRoy Nearhoof, and family of Antis. The convention of the Seventh district of the Blair County Sabbath School association, which comprises Antis township and Bellwood, will be held in the Bellwood Methodist Episcopal church Tuesday, May 21, afternoon and evening. Speakers in the evening will be Rev. Charles Embrey and Rev. W. Graham Walker, First Church of Christ, Altoona. The pupils of the Central Grammar school, of which Miss Barbara Martin is teacher, has enrolled 100 per cent of the Junior Red Cross. This is the first room in the North Side building to reach this goal. . . . SELECTIONS from the Altoona Tribune, Wednesday Morning, May 8, 1918 - page 3 TYRONE TOPICS NOTES ABOUT PEOPLE The many friends of George B. Replogle, former instructor in Tyrone High school, will be pleased to learn that he has been commissioned a second lieutenant. Lieutenant Replogle is now a part of the 305th Engineers, stationed at Camp Lee, Petersburg, Va. Mrs. George Bookhammer and son James, who have been spending the past winter with friends in Tyrone, departed yesterday for Washington, D.C., where they expect to make their future home; Mr. Bookhammer being employed on government work in the capital city. Miss Thelma V. Davis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John N. Davis, of Columbia avenue, was a member of the 1918 graduating class at Drexel Institute, Philadelphia, and received her diploma for the full course of Domestic Science and Arts from that institution last week. Miss Davis has returned to her home in Tyrone where she will spend the summer. Councilman J. S. Ginter, is confined to his home on Columbia avenue, suffering from a threatened attack of pneumonia. NO GERMAN NEXT YEAR An adjourned session of the May meeting of the Tyrone board of education was held last evening with Messrs. Crawford, Shirk, Fleck, Piper, Zentmyer, Himmelright and Mrs. Smith present. The question of discontinuing the study of the German language in the schools was taken up and thoroughly discussed. It was deemed inadvisable to discontinue it for the remainder of the present term but after this term it will be discontinued. The election of teachers was next discussed and upon Mr. Shirk's motion Harry B. Weaver was elected principal of the High school at a salary of $1,550. Superintendent Halston and Principal Weaver wish to get in touch with the situation of moving some of the teachers if the teaching of German is to be discontinued next year so the remainder of the high school teachers will not be elected at present. In reference to the increase of salary to all of the grade school teachers Mr. Zentmyer moved that the matter be referred to a special committee consisting of Superintendent Halston, Mr. Fleck and Mrs. Smith and their report to be given at a special meeting at the call of the president. JUNIATA PERSONALS Misses Zella Mullin and Laura Winslow, of Patton, were week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Heller, of 702 Fifth avenue. Miss Grace Bain, of 215 Ninth avenue, has returned from a short visit with her sister, in Alexandria, Va. WILLIAMSBURG Miss Ruth Moore, of Hollidaysburg, is a visitor at the home of her sister, Mrs. E. T. Clark, on Second street. Ellis Rhorback, Blair county agent for the R. L. Dollings company, investment bankers, with district headquarters in Altoona, was a visitor in Williamsburg the first of the week. Simon F. Zook, a prominent agriculturist of Curryville, was in Williamsburg on Saturday in the interest of his candidacy for assembly in the Second Blair county district. Miss Verna Gurd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Gurd, of Spring street, was one of the graduates at the Nurses' Training school, Jefferson hospital, Philadelphia, this spring, having successfully completed the prescribed course. Miss Gurd will remain at the institution to pursue a post course during the summer before returning home in September. Under the management of Miss Grace Stroup, the initial session of kindergarten was opened on Monday morning for the months of May and June, at the public school building, when a goodly number of juveniles were registered. The season promises to be an unusually successful one. R. W. Cunningham, a well known farmer of Catherine township, who recently retired from his interesting occupation after a long and successful career, became a resident of Williamsburg last week, occupying the tenant dwelling of J. C. Metz, in East End. On account of illness, Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have been unable to take possession of their new home on East Third street, recently purchased from J. G. Metz. Mrs. W. S. Rose, of Woodland, Clearfield county, left Saturday morning after an extended visit at the home of her aunt, Mrs. W. A. McCormick, on Second street. She was accompanied home by her mother, Mrs. R. E. Spencer, who remained over the week-end. Mrs. R. R. Roller was an Altoona visitor on Tuesday. SELECTIONS from the Altoona Tribune, Wednesday Morning, May 8, 1918 - page 4 SALEMVILLE Mrs. Harriett Ebersole, of this place, is at present employed in the home of Mr. John L. Brumbaugh, of Curryville. Daniel Kagarise and wife, of Claysburg, were Sunday visitors at the home of Mrs. Mary A. Kagarise. A. C. Negley, wife and daughter, Elizabeth, of Maria, were visitors at the home of A. W. Watter, on Sunday. Mrs. Elizabeth Hoover, mother of our townsman, Samuel Hoover, spent several days with him recently. Rev. R. R. Thorngate, of New York state, who was recently elected pastor of the English Seventh Day Baptist church at this place, has arrived to take charge of the work in his new field, and will occupy the parsonage as soon as his household goods arrive. Albert King, wife and three children, also his sister and aged mother, all of Houstontown, this state, took dinner with their friend, Mr. C. L. King of this place on Monday. Notwithstanding that "grandmother" is past 80 years of age she is active and says she enjoys traveling in the auto very much. She is the widow of Mr. Abram King who, years ago, visited his brother, Rev. Christian King of this place. Chauncey Imler has put his sawmill in operation on the mountain south of our town. The first lumber was sawed on Monday and the whistle is now heard regularly. The connection on the steering of a Ford car driven by Mr. Mearle King on Monday evening, gave way causing him to run in the fence at the garden of our townsman, Mr. George Bowser. He had good control of the car and no damage except a hole in the fence resulted. Mrs. Mary Golden, of our town, has gone to Philadelphia to visit her daughter, Mrs. Anna Hill. John Shriner and family, of Woodbury, and Mrs. Homer Shriner and family of Hickory Bottom, visited the Shriner homestead at this place on Sunday. S. Howard Gump, of Everett, who is an aspirant for the legislature called on his Republican friends in the town on Monday. Messrs. J. H. Baker and F. W. Walter, two of our energetic citizens, ascended the slopes of lofty old Pinegan until they reached the coveted summit on Sunday morning. So calm and still was the air that their voices were distinctly heard in the valley below a mile and a half away. A party consisting of James Treese and his brother John and Misses Leola and Alta Himes, of Roaring Spring, accompanied Miss Mary King who had been in Altoona and the Springs for several weeks to her home at this place on Monday evening. After spending the evening very pleasantly with Miss King the Springs party returned home. An infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Kagarise was interred in the cemetery at this place on last Thursday. H. W. Fetter who has been on the sick list for several weeks is again able to do some light work. The Freshman class of the New Enterprise High school gave a party at the home of Mr. J. H. Baker, of this place last Wednesday evening. The evening was hugely enjoyed by all. Those present were: Prof. Raymond Gorsuch and wife, Fannie Dunkle, Minnie Baker, Priscilla Zimmerman, John B. Baker, Rosella Baker, Bert Walter, Warren Bechtel, Tobias Henry, Roy Guyer, Grace Deal, Prudence Markey, Kenneth Bechtel, Lester B. Guyer, Bessie Teeter, Robert Walter, Roxie Koontz, Carrie Ferry, Paul Detwiler, Elizabeth King, Byron Ober, Marietta Baker, Paul Wyles, Cloyd Croft, Norman Holsinger, Charley Baker and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Baker. ALDERMANIC NOTES Cases Heard or to Be Disposed of in Courts of Local Magistrates Mrs. Madeline Little was accorded a hearing last evening by Alderman Gorsuch, Third ward, on an assault and batter charge preferred by Mrs. Lavinia Charles. She was discharged on payment of costs and entered bail to keep the peace hereafter. SELECTIONS from the Altoona Tribune, Wednesday Morning, May 8, 1918 - page 6 DUNCANSVILLE Edward and Anna Shultz, of Altoona, were guests at the home of Charles Shultz on Sunday. John Gibson and wife, and Earl Gibson and wife were in Huntingdon on Sunday, visiting relatives. Miss Carrie Ross, of Williamsburg, was a guest at the home of Reuben Mountz over Sunday. H. M. Liebegott in company with a number of friends motored to Stoney Lonesome on Sunday evening. Justice of the Peace J. K. Shoenfelt on Monday received word that his son Charles had arrived safely in France. Celebrates 90th Birthday Rev. John Elliott, the clergyman who founded the First Presbyterian church of Tyrone sixty-two years ago, recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of his birth. Rev. Elliott is a resident of Oswego, Kan., where he still enjoys excellent health and continues his interest in the thriving church of Tyrone, which has grown from the organization which was first called "John Elliott's Folly." Rev. Elliott established the church at Tyrone with a membership of eleven and of this little band of pioneers all have passed away except one, the venerable Adam Lefford, aged 94 years, of McVeytown, who was the first elder. SELECTIONS from the Altoona Tribune, Wednesday Morning, May 8, 1918 - page 9 HUNTINGDON J. E. Smucker, one of our prominent citizens, on Friday last quietly celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday anniversary at his home. A jazz orchestra of eight pieces has been organized by W. C. Shultzabarger, freight agent of the Huntingdon and Broad Top railroad at this place. The entire membership is drawn from the Municipal band. The Boy Scouts had this unique organization furnish music for a dance last Monday night. At a meeting of the executive committee of the Huntingdon County Farm Bureau on Friday last, Robert S. Clark was installed as the county agent of the organization. Mr. Clark is a young man from Bucks county, and is a graduate in the agriculture from the Pennsylvania State College. A fight occurred at the Aetna powder plant on Friday night. One of the guards was drowned and another man was killed, so it is meagerly reported. At the Aetna powder plant early Saturday morning it was discovered that a guard had met death during the night. The body was found in a vat of cold water, a mark on the back of the head indicated that he had been struck by someone or had fallen from or stumbled into a ladder by the vat. The body was identified as that of Guard Carey, who was regarded as one of the best in the service. An inquest is being held by the Mifflin county coroner. The large bank barn 90 by 95 feet on the farm of Alexander Port estate, situated one-half mile from Cottage in West township, was struck by lightning about 2 o'clock Sunday morning and burned to the ground. All the stock was saved, but the wagons and farming implements burned with the barn. The tenant on this farm is N. C. Russler. There is partial insurance. SELECTIONS from the Altoona Tribune, Wednesday Morning, May 8, 1918 - page 10 THIS DATE 25 YEARS AGO Martin Bell, esq., announced himself as a candidate for the judicial office of the county, subject to Republican rules. James C. Barger and G. W. Wythes, both Royal Arcanum officers, left to attend the sixth bi-ennial session of the grand council at Williamsport. Charles Harris, aged 17, of the east side, was stabbed by a drunken man rushing from a brothel at Ninth avenue and Seventh street. His right arm and wrist were badly cut. PERSONAL NOTES Items Concerning Persons Whom You May Chance to Know C. W. Stahl, of Lewistown, is a business visitor in the city. Frank Whitekettle is visiting with relatives and friends at Markelville, Pa. Ike Silverman, of the Strand theatre, is in Pittsburg today on business. Misses Esther and Evelyn Rowles, of Clearfield, visited friends in the city yesterday. Joseph E. Stuart, the organist at the Strand, accompanied by his wife, is visiting in New York. Francis A. Barron, of 710 Eleventh avenue, is in Pittsburg attending the session of the United States court. James V. Westfall, a well known clerk in the Westfall store, is seriously ill at his home on Twelfth street. Miss Annie Owens, who has been teaching in the Snead seminary, Booz, Ala., is visiting her cousin, Mrs. Snyder, of 404 Third avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hart, of 423 Cherry avenue, are home from a visit to their son, Fred Hart, jr., located at the aviation field at Camp Milington, Tenn. Miss Jennie Sanders, of Sixteenth street, and her mother, Mrs. Anna Lego, are home from a visit to Fairfield, O., where Charles F. Sanders is in training. The found him in good health and enjoying army life. WOMAN DISLOCATES SHOULDER, SLEEPING Unusual Case Is Included Among Patients Treated at Hospital Dispensary Mrs. Cora Harnish, aged 36, 602 East Bell avenue, had a dislocated left shoulder reduced yesterday at the Altoona hospital, and stated the injury developed while she was asleep, when she twisted the member in some unknown manner. Joseph S. Shriner, aged 24, 311 Fourteenth street, was hit on the head by a dowel pin at a Pennsy roundhouse, suffering lacerations and contusions, yesterday. He was treated at the dispensary where the following other patients were given attention: Philip T. Poorman, aged 52, 1524 Seventh avenue, Juniata, lacerated left eye, hit by rivet; Chester Stein, aged 23, 215 East Fifth street, contused and fractured right foot, hit by steel; Howard M. Force, aged 48, Llyswen, lacerated left ring finger, hit by chisel; Mrs. Liza Sprow, aged 49, hospital Employee, lacerated left ring finger. Myer Schwartz, aged 41, 2229 Twelfth avenue, wrenched his left thumb on a car at eastbound repair tracks, breaking and contusing the member. Harry O. Wilson, 21, 1408 Seventh avenue, suffered a contused left foot when hit by a main rod. William Swanger, 52, 2502 Fourteenth avenue, had his left hand contused by a lever. George W. Karl, aged 17, 2512 Fifth avenue, received a contused and lacerated right foot. PAUL W. GOETZ IN BIG AVIATION DEPOT, Writes of Soldiers He Has Met Who Recall Big Feed the Altoona Ladies Gave Them One of the latest letters received from Paul W. Goetz, of 835 Twentieth avenue, now with the American expeditionary force in France, informs his friends that he is now employed as a stenographer in a big aviation supply depot. His office is on the fourth floor of the building, a floor devoted to aeroplanes and machine guns. He says: "The work is very interesting and I am getting practical business experience that I would never have had a chance to get at home." Here is another extract that will interest many of our readers: "Another thing I am going to tell you, and it is something of which Altoona people can be proud. When we meet a soldier over here we generally ask him from what part of the States he comes. When, l tell them that I am from Altoona, Pa., they all say, 'Oh. that's where we got that swell feed from the ladies.' It was the only place the fellows were given anything, from Texas to New York. Of course I wasn't lucky enough to come through the best little city in the world on my way to New York." He adds that since he was detached from the One Hundred and Second Aero squadron and attached to the One Hundred and Fifth squadron he has visited Poietiers, Tours and Paris. He didn't just pass through but stayed in each long enough to see most of the points of interest. He is so near Paris that he goes there every Sunday, He finds the great city a wonderful place, even in this great war. He considers himself very fortunate in being so close to the great city, as comparatively few of the American soldiers have yet enjoyed that privilege.