OBITUARIES: DUBLIN Family, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by June Weston Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ DUBLIN, James V., 1973 DUBLIN, James W., 1937 DUBLIN, William C., 1937 _________________________________________ James V. DUBLIN Altoona Mirror Of 1502 13th St., died at 12:39 a.m. today, July 30, 1973, at Mercy Hospital, where he was admitted July 2, after an extended illness. He was a PRR gang foreman, retiring in January 1961. He was born in Altoona on Sept. 30, 1895, a son of James W. and Leona (Westfall) Dublin, and was married to Madeline M. Talbot. Surviving are his wife, a son and daughter, Robert of Washington, D. C., and Mrs. Betty Lou Talbott of Hyattsville, Md.; two step children, William Talbot of Altoona and John Talbot of Riverdale, Md.; four grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Harriet Selwitz of Altoona. Mr. Dublin was a veteran of World War I, serving with the Army overseas. He was a member of the Heidleberg Club, Bavarian Club and Frohsinn Singing Society. Friends will be received in the Saleme Funeral Home, Juniata, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow. ________ James W. DUBLIN William C. DUBLIN Altoona Mirror June 15, 1937 GUARDSMEN SAVE THREE IN PARTY AFTER 12 HOURS 35-foot Cabin Cruiser Is Submerged After Plank on Hull Is Ripped Off by Heavy Driftwood in Delaware Bay CAPTAIN'S BODY MISSING Five Altoona men and two State College men lost their lives while on a fishing expedition in Delaware Bay yesterday. Three members of the party, including James E. Stine, aged 45, of Altoona, Edward C. McKee, aged 52, and Charles Stoddard, Jr., both of State College, were rescued and are in the Dover, Del. hospital. The dead victims: Howard N. Bussard, aged 50, of 1417 Twentieth avenue, Altoona, proprietor of Bussards market on Eleventh avenue. James W. Dublin, aged 76, of 1013 Lexington avenue, Altoona, retired electrical contractor. William C. Dublin, aged 38, of 623 Fourth Avenue, Altoona, Pennsy machinist. Herbert C. Linn, aged 34, of 5117 Fourth avenue, Altoona, trolley operator. William A. Ebner, aged 29, of 415 Willow avenue, Altoona, Pennsy machinist. B. W. Fishburn, aged 48, meat market proprietor in State College. Theodore Watson, aged 38, State College insurance man. Six In Party Left Here on Sunday The six Altoona men left this city Sunday for Bowers Beach, Del., making the trip in the younger Mr. Dublin's automobile. They proceeded to State College where they were joined by Mr. McKee, a former Altoonan and the other State College men. Arriving at their destination in the Delaware bay district, they boarded the thirty-five-foot cabin cruiser Teal which yesterday afternoon submerged five miles west of Mymol Light after a plank on her hull ripped off. Coast guardsmen recovered the bodies of seven dead victims today and also rescued Stine, McKee and Stoddard, all of whom had been in the water for more than twelve hours. The three men who survived the tragedy saved themselves by hanging to driftwood throughout the night. Hasty examination of Stine, McKee and Stoddard, before they were rushed to the Dover hospital indicated splendid chances all would recover, although they suffered from shock, exposure, and exhaustion. Tell Of Tragedy The three survivors told the coast guardsmen a story of the tragedy of the sea that might have come from the pages of a thrilling book. Starting about 5 o'clock yesterday morning on a fishing trip, the Teal suddenly began filling with water after a plank ripped loose from the craft. The 22 year old skipper, Lloyd Davis of Bowers Beach, whose body had not been recovered at noon today, took command when the situation became critical for those aboard the boat. He told his passengers that all must don life belts and take their chances in the open sea. Huge waves swept over them as they plunged overboard. The survivors said Davis was the first to perish. The Teal was discovered half submerged off the shoal at dusk yesterday when Caleb Jackson, a fisherman, sighted the frail craft and notified coast guards. Then began an all-night search by a flotilla of coast guard boats and fishermen. Finding of Ebner's body early today caused authorities in the bay district to loose hope that any members of the party would be found alive but the three men were picked up shortly afterward between Bowers Beach and Lewes, Del. The Altoona Mirror telephoned to the Dover hospital, where it was reported that Stine, McKee and Stoddard were in "fair condition" although all were greatly exhausted and suffering from shock. All three men were conscious when admitted to the institution. Apparently the members of the party managed to stay together for a time after they abandoned the sinking craft. This was evident when Stine and the other two rescued men told guardsmen of how their companions drowned one by one in the sea waters. Two automobiles owner by the younger Dublin and one of the State College men were left parked near Bowers Beach where late Sunday night or early Monday morning the party of ten Altoona and State College residents boarded the craft. Expected Last Night It had been the intention of the men to return to their homes last night. When they did not return, none of their families felt any serious alarm by reason of the fact that they said they might not be back until today. The body of Ebner was found floating near a lighthouse in the vicinity of Bowers Beach and was brought ashore by coast guardsmen. Delaware state police joined in learning the identity of the victim and in turn notified relatives here of the finding of the Altoonan's body. The Mirror also was in communication by telephone with the state police at Dover, Del., where it was confirmed that the seven bodies of the victims had been recovered and also that Stine, McKee and Stoddard had been rescued alive. The Mirror received the first word of the apparent tragedy at 6 o'clock this morning and as time elapsed it became known the fate of the fishing party which turned from joy to sorrow when the small craft sprung a leak and soon sank. Former Altoonan Edward C. MeKee of State College, a member of the fishing party, is a former Altoonan, residing in this city until a few months ago when he removed to State College where he conducts a produce establishment. The McKee family home was at 1505 Ninth street. A daughter, Mrs. Don Perry, resides at Seventh avenue and Thirteenth street, both Mr. and Mrs. Perry communicating by telephone with the Dover hospital at noon today. Mr. McKee, known to Altoonans as Eddie, has been engaged in the produce business for some years. He is widely known as a sportsman and a former member of the Altoona "Y" Golf and Tennis Club, the Blair Racket club, and of the Altoona "Y" Men's club and Tenpin league. Stine Able Swimmer The wife of Stine, who survived the waves of Delaware bay by clinging to driftwood, said today her husband is an excellent swimmer. This doubtless served the man well in his fight for life as others in the party disappeared from view one by one. Stine, McKee and Stoddard were floating near one another in the water, coast guardsmen reported today at Dover. The guardsmen said that all the victims wore life belts when found in the water. The boat was examined by the guardsmen and the missing plank from the hull gave mute evidence of the tragedy. Altoona Mirror June 14, 1937 SKETCHES OF MEN LOST IN DELAWARE Altoona Residents Drowned on Fishing Trip In The East Were Well Known In This Community FATHER AND SON ARE AMONG LOCAL VICTIMS Shadow of Grief Is Cast Over City as Word of Tragedy Is Received - State College Men Known Here. A Shadow of grief and sadness was cast over the city this forenoon as word spread among the people that a number of well known citizens had lost their lives in Delaware bay in the east while on a fishing excursion. The men who were drowned were well known in and about the city. Two of the State College victims were likewise well known. In but few instances in the history of the Altoona Mirror has there been such a demand for information as was experienced in the editorial rooms of the paper during the forenoon, telephones ringing almost continuously as anxious inquirers called from near and far to learn the fate of the men who were in the fishing party. The tragedy for the members of the Dublin family was of double import as father and son were among the number lost. It was fairly late in the forenoon before it could be established just which members of the party had been rescued and which were lost and members of the respective families of all members of the party were held in suspense for a number of hours. James W. Dublin James Washington Dublin resided at 1013 Lexington avenue and was a well known retired electrical contractor and former employee of the Pennsylvania railroad. Born in Williamsburg on Nov. 28, 1860, a son of Daniel and Susan Dublin, both deceased, he received his early schooling in Williamsburg where his parents were among the earliest residents. In 1874, Mr. Dublin as a boy went to the Clover creek section and worked on a farm for four years and came to Altoona in 1878. He obtained employment with the Pennsylvania railroad in the telegraph department, under foreman W. H. Markland. He remained with the railroad for a period of twenty-three years and in 1904 he left the company service and entered the electrical contracting business for himself. His first store was located at the rear of the former Second National Bank building at Eleventh avenue and Eighteenth street and remained there for about ten years. He continued in active business until his retirement in September, 1936. Mr. Dublin was married some years ago after locating in Altoona, on Oct. 16, 1889, to Miss Leona Westfall, now deceased. He was the father of six children, five of whom survive, namely: Vernon Dublin, Mrs. Leona Steindel, Mrs. Vincent Saleme and Mrs. Wilfred Selwitz, all of Juniata, and Robert Dublin of Altoona. He also leaves one brother, Harry A. Dublin, retired hotel man in Pittsburgh. Despite his 76 years of age, Mr. Dublin enjoyed excellent health. He was unusually active and was fond of fishing. He held membership in the Blair County Game Fish and Forestry association. He had been a member of the First Methodist church here for the past twenty-six years. William Charles Dublin William Charles Dublin was 38 years of age and was a native of Altoona. He was the son of James W. Dublin and Mrs. Leona Westfall Dublin. His mother died in 1906. He was employed as a machinist in the Pennsylvania railroad shops in this city. He was married to Miss Helen Plank on Nov. 25, 1919. The wife is living, along with the following brothers and sisters: Vernon Dublin, Mrs. Leona Steindel, Mrs. Vincent Seleme and Mrs. Wilfred Selwitz, all of Juniata, and Robert Dublin of Altoona. Mr. Dublin held membership in Bethany Lutheran church. He resided at 623 Fourth avenue. The tragedy which claimed the life of the younger Mr. Dublin was the second to strike the life of Mrs. Helen Dublin, her father having been killed in a Pennsylvania railroad accident some years ago. Howard N. Bussard Howard N. Bussard was born in Everett fifty years ago. He resided at 1417 Twentieth avenue and was the proprietor of Bustard's market at 1130 Eleventh avenue. He had been identified with the business interests of this city for many years and had resided here practically all his life. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Olive Bussard, and the following children: Jane, Vivian, Catherine, Howard, Jr., Paul, and Shirley, all at home; two sisters, Mrs. Olive Bussard Baird of 2628 Seventh avenue and Miss Nellie Bussard, of State College. His parents Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Buzzard, reside with Mrs. Baird on Seventh avenue. CONTINUE SEARCH FOR ONE VICTIM James W. Dublin, Aged 76, of Altoona Is Still Missing Following Fishing Party Tragedy THREE SURVIVORS ARE ON ROAD TO RECOVERY Coroner Harry Camper of Dover, Del., Announces Belief Elder Dublin Died In Bay Waters (by United Press) Dover, Del. June 16. - Three survivors of a sea tragedy that took the lives of at least seven of their companions apparently were recovering at a hospital here as a search by air and sea was continued today for the eighth man in Delaware Bay. The three men were rescued and seven bodies, including that of Lloyd Davis, 20-year old skipper of the ill fated fishing craft, were recovered by coast guardsmen and fishermen yesterday. The missing man was James W. Dublin, aged 76, of Altoona, PA., but coroner Harry Camper said he had been informed by one of the survivors that he had seen the elderly man slip from the plank to which they were clinging. Because of his advanced age, authorities considered it virtually impossible that he had survived the ordeal. At Kent General hospital, the conditions of James E. Stine, aged 43, of 320 Twenty-sixth avenue, Altoona, and Charles W. Stoddard, Jr., aged 35, State College High school teacher, and Edward McKee, aged 52, State College produce dealer, were given as satisfactory and a hospital attache said they had "passed a comfortable night." Dublin Is Missing Previously, it had been reported that the bodies of all of the eight lost in the bay waters between Bowers Beach and Lewes when the thirty-five-foot cabin cruiser Teal sprung a leak on Mohawk Shoals had been recovered. A check-up by the coroner revealed, however, that Dublin is still missing. The seven bodies were identified as those of Davis; Howard N. Buzzard, aged 50; William Dublin, aged 38, son of James W. Dublin; William A. Ebner, aged 29 and Herbert C. Linn, aged 34, all of Altoona, Pa.; and Clyde W. Fishburn, aged 48, and Edward J. Watson, aged 41, both of State College, Pa. Ironically, survivors revealed that most or all might have been saved had they stayed with the cruiser which settled on a shoal but did not sink completely. The men had jumped into the sea when the craft started to fill, but were unable to return to it because of the strong current. No Trace of Dublin At noon today the Altoona Mirror telephoned to Bowers Beach, Del., and it was officially learned that no trace had been found of the elder Dublin. Harry Blake reserve coast guard member and one of the men who rescued Stine and the other two survivors, informed The Mirror that a score of boats still were searching for the Altoonan. Blake, an experienced seaman, was of the opinion that the 76-year-old man could not have survived the ravages of the sea waters and that his death was believed certain. Blake also said that the elder Dublin could have been washed out of his life preserver which would result in the body sinking beneath the water's surface. Blake also told briefly of the rescue of Stine, McKee, and Stoddard. He said Stine and McKee were unable to talk and were almost prostrated when rescued. Stoddard was in fine condition despite his long time in the water, Blake said, and was able to tell the events of the sea tragedy. Mrs. Stine and her son Wilfred left Altoona yesterday to visit the husband and father at the Dover hospital. Mrs. McKee and Mrs. Stoddard, wives of the rescued men, left State College this morning to motor to Dover to also visit with their husbands. Boat Rests on Shoal. Stine, Stoddard and McKee, patients in the hospital at Dover, Del., have related the harrowing experiences that overtook the fishing party but were convinced that none of their companions would have met death had the entire group remained on the leaking boat. The lurching, water-filled boat they deserted to leap into the bay didn't sink completely as those aboard expected the craft to do. Instead, it went down a few feet, rested on a sandy shoal and stood staunch and secure while battering waves kept the victims from reaching it once more. The boat was still there as coast guardsmen and others continued the search for the elder Dublin's body today. The submerged craft, the Teal, was known to many Pennsylvanians who have gone to Bowers Beach, Del., to enjoy summer fishing. Stine, McKee and Stoddard were rescued by a fishing boat early Tuesday after clinging to a flimsy hatch cover of the craft from which they jumped Monday afternoon. The three men endured untold fear and physical suffering during which they saw three of their companions become exhausted, one by one, and lose their grips upon the piece of debris. The body of the skipper, Lloyd Davis of Bowers Beach, was found floating face downward in the bay waters ten miles off shore yesterday afternoon. The crew of the fishing schooner Ida II found Davis' body and brought the victim ashore. BODY OF DROWNED MAN FOUND Body Of James Dublin, 76, Altoona, Recovered Near Scene Of Tragedy Bowers Beach, Del., June 17. The body of James Dublin, 76, of Altoona, Pa., last of eight victims of the submerging of the 35-foot cabin cruiser Teal, was washed ashore today at Bennett's Pier, about three miles south of here. The body was found by an officer of a CCC camp who had gone with a crew of workers to dig ditches in that section. Although hope of finding Dublin alive virtually had been abandoned, Coast Guardsmen had continued the search throughout the night by sea and air. The discovery spelled double tragedy for the Dublin family, as a son, William Dublin, 34, also perished with his father and six others. All other bodies previously had been recovered. Only three survivors were rescued after a night of horror in Delaware Bay after they had left their partly- submerged craft on Mohawk Shoals to take their chances with the elements. The three, all apparently recovering at a Dover, Del., hospital, were James Stine, 50, of Altoona, and Charles W. Stoddard, Jr., 35, and Edward McKee, 50, both of State College, Pa. The party was returning from a fishing trip when a plank was ripped from the Teal's hull and the boat began to fill with water. Remains of James W. Dublin, 76 year old Altoonan, Missing Two Days in Delaware Bay Waters, Washed Ashore Three Miles From Bowers Beach, Del. OFFICER OF CCC CAMP FINDS LIFELESS FORM Robert Dublin, Whose Father and Brother Perished With Six Others In Fishing Party, Learns Detailed Facts of Agony and Suffering of Dying Men (By United Press) BOWERS BEACH, Del., June 17. The body of James Dublin, 76, of Altoona, Pa., last of eight victims of the submerging of the 35-foot cabin cruiser Teal, was washed ashore today at Bennett's Pier, about three miles south of here. The body was found by an officer of a CCC camp who had gone with a crew of workers to dig ditches in that section. Although hope of finding Dublin alive virtually had been abandoned, Coast Guardsmen had continued the search throughout the night by sea and air. The discovery spelled double tragedy for the Dublin family, as a son, William Dublin, 34, also perished with his father and six others. All other bodies previously had been recovered. Three Recovering Only three survivors were rescued after a night of horror in Delaware Bay after they had left their partly-submerged craft on Mohawk Shoals to take their chances with the elements. The three, all apparently recovering at a Dover, Del., hospital, were James E. Stine, aged 45, of Altoona, and Charles W. Stoddard, Jr., aged 35, and Edward C. McKee, aged 52, both of State College, Pa. The party was returning from a fishing trip when a plank was ripped from the Teal's hull and the boat began to fill with water. Visits Survivors. The heart-rending story of agony and suffering that the eight men endured prior their deaths in the sea tragedy was given to Robert F. Dublin of 1710 Fourth street, this city, whose father and brother perished with six others in the fishing party by the three survivors at the Kent Hospital in Dover yesterday. Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Dublin left this city late Tuesday and arrived in Dover yesterday morning. After claiming the body of William C. Dublin, aged 38, of 623 Fourth avenue, the couple then visited the coast guard station where they learned of the intensive search being made for the older Dublin. Prior to leaving Dover yesterday afternoon to accompany the younger Dublin's body to Altoona, Mr. and Mrs. Dublin visited Stine, McKee and Stoddard at the Dover hospital where all three men are rapidly recovering from the horrors of their twelve hour struggle to live in the icy waters of Delaware bay. From the lips of Stine, McKee and Stoddard came the true and authentic story of how one by one the victims of the fishing tragedy drowned despite the efforts of the three who survived who tried to bolster the courage of their companions. Talk Of Experiences. Mr. Dublin today gave to an Altoona Mirror representative the harrowing tale he heard from the three living members of the ill-fated party. The boat with eleven men aboard was returning to Bowers Beach, Del., Monday afternoon shortly after 4 o'clock when the craft started leaking. Efforts of the men to stop the flow of water failed and finally a veritable fountain of water poured into the hold. This resulted in the 20-year-old skipper, Lloyd Davis, commanding his passengers to don lifebelts. After tearing planks and other available parts of the boat loose, they threw this material into the water to provide them with buoys with which they could gain holds to keep them on the surface of the water. One by one the men leaped into the water. The senior Dublin was the last passenger to jump. He was followed by the youthful skipper. It was at 4:50 o'clock Monday afternoon that the men leaped into the water as the watches of all the men stopped at that time. "Mr. Stine and also Mr. McKee told me yesterday that for a long time the men remained cheerful and were together within a radius of fifty feet. They said my father was one of the most cheerful of the lot. Stine and McKee urged their companions to keep their arms and legs moving in order to check cramp from the chilled waters," said Mr. Dublin today. Dies of Heart Attack. The young skipper, Davis, was the first to die and apparently his death resulted from a heart attack as the doctors who examined the body failed to find any water in his lungs. It was known that the youth had a heart ailment and the strain of the tragedy apparently proved to much for him. The ten members of the fishing party were believed getting along well in their predicament when suddenly a storm broke over the bay. Terrific rain and hail fell accompanied by high winds, which lashed waves to great heights. This caused the men to become separated. Six members of the party including Stine, McKee, Stoddard, Howard N. Bussard, Herbert C. Linn and James W. Dublin were clinging to the hatchway for many hours. "The survivors told me that intense cramp made their fight for life almost unbearable and several of the victims went stark mad prior to their drowning," Mr. Dublin said today. "Stine had a narrow escape when my brother grabbed for him in his dying gasps. Stine's clothing was torn to shreds in his encounters with the men who became crazed with fear as they remained in the water during the night. Like a Bad Dream. "The three who are living described the night of terror as like a bad dream to them. The events of the deaths of the eight in the party are hazy to them, they told me yesterday. Herbert C. Linn, aged 34, of this city was the last of the men to die. He gave up just twenty minutes before the three surviving men were rescued. "Stine suffered from less shock and exposure than McKee or Stoddard and the Altoona man was able to walk into the hospital. The other two men had to be carried into the institution. All were conscious but were in complete exhaustion and suffered greatly from shock. "As we entered the hospital yesterday the survivors greeted us. Stine was in good spirits but McKee and Stoddard were still showing the strain of their trying experiences. They talked freely to us of their narrow escape and also described the deaths of several in the party," concluded Mr. Dublin. While in Dover, Mr. Dublin learned that a valuable diamond ring and the sum of $400 were found on Mr. Bussards body. All of the bodies recovered by the coast guards and fishermen, had life belts around them. Will Return Home. Stine, McKee and Stoddard expected to leave the hospital today and will arrive at their homes tomorrow, Mr. Dublin informed the Mirror today. All three men will be accompanied by their wives. They will make their journey to Altoona and State College in the two automobiles which the party of ten used Sunday to go to Bowers Beach. The body of James W. Dublin is expected to arrive in Altoona late tonight. A double funeral for the father and son will take place at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at Gilden funeral home. The funeral of Herbert C. Linn will take place at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the home, 4117 Fourth avenue, in charge of Rev. H. W. Glassco, pastor of Fifty-eighth Street Methodist church. Interment will be made in Alto-Reste cemetery. The funeral of Howard N. Bussard of 1417 Twentieth avenue will be conducted at 1 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the home. The body may be viewed at the residence. The funeral of William A. Ebner of 415 Willow avenue will be conducted at St. James Lutheran church at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Interment will be made in Rose Hill Cemetery. The funerals of Edwin J. Watson and Clyde W. Fishburn, State College men, who died in the tragedy, took place today in State College. Altoona Mirror June 18, 1937 DUBLIN - DUBLIN Funeral services for James W. Dublin of 1013 Lexington Ave. and his son, William C. Dublin of 623 4th Ave., will be conducted by Rev. Edwin Clapper, acting pastor of Bethany Lutheran church and Rev. Edward Watkins pastor of the First Methodist church, at Gilden's Funeral home on Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Interment of James W. Dublin will be made in Fairview cemetery and William C. Dublin in Oak Ridge cemetery. The Body of William C. Dublin may be viewed at the funeral home.