At six o'clock last Wednesday evening the large barn of the Lebanon County Alms House at Avon, was destroyed by fire. The conflagration was seen and reported by railroad employees who were on trains and passed that place at the time. A large quantity of hay and grain was destroyed; live stock was saved. Contents partly insured.
Tuesday evening just after the adjournment of the Quarter Sessions Court, one of the prisoners who was being escorted to the prison van by the officers of the court, broke away and ran up Court street, but was headed off in Reed street by a citizen, who handed him over to Mr. William Keen, one of the tipstaves, and he was safely brought back and placed in the van. He was one of the four prisoners on trial for burglary near Mohrsville.
Worth Deisher, a son of William Deisher, a former resident of Maidencreek twp., this county, was recently murdered by the Indians. He went west for the purpose of hunting Buffaloes and bringing home their hides. He was joined by some nine other persons, and the party was divided into squads of five. Deisher and his four companions were gone a day, and not returning in the evening, search was instituted for them, and the next day all were found massacred.
A meeting of about fifty citizens of Berks, Montgomery, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Bucks counties, who feel an interest in the building of the "People's Freight Railway," to run between New York and the Mississippi, was held last Tuesday afternoon at Lorah's Hotel, Pottstown. Dr. Jonathan Zerbe, of Lebanon, presided and addresses were delivered by Mr. McConaughy, the Chief Engineer of the Road, Esaias Billingfelt, of Adamstown, T.W. Ludwig, of Douglassville, and others. It was stated that $5,000 would suffice to make the preliminary survey for Pennsylvania, part of which is already subscribed. Another meeting to further the project will be held at the Colonnade HOtel, Philadelphia on Tuesday of next week.
Two years ago the mining of Iron ore was commenced on the premises of J.J. Seitzinger, Esq., in Spring township, about a mile from the Harrisburg bridge. Already the mining operations cover an extent of 20 acres. Two large washers have been erected and about one thousand tons of hematite ore are taken out per month. The excavation has only reached a depth of some thirty feet, but it is quite wide in extent. W.M. Kaufman, Esq., of Sheridan, is the lessee of the mines, and the mining is done under the superintendence of Daniel Sell, who has over 30 persons employed. The ore is hauled to the Lebanon Valley Railroad, a distance of about three-quarters of a mile, by Aaron Adam, the tenant on Mr. Seitzinger's premises, and is shipped thence to Sheridan. The premises consist of 304 acres, and it is probably the largest farm occupied by a tenant in Berks county.
The highest vote polled for Assembly in Reading, was cast for Jacob Miller, the new Democratic candidate chosen in place of Michael McCullough, who received 3,232 against 3,202 cast for Amos B. Wanner, his Democratic colleague. The lowest vote was for Col. D.C. Keller, who received 2,643 against 3,000 for Samuel Frees, his Republican colleague. This shows that eleventh hour candidates run the best. The Democrat who run highest in the county was Judge Woodward, who received 10,779. He had also the highest majority, 5,624, against 5,311 for Latta, the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor. The highest Republican vote in Berks was given to General Harrison Allen, who received 5,631. The total vote in Berks at the late election, for Lieutenant Governor, was 15,909, against 21,845 polled for Governor in 1872--showing a falling off in the vote of the county of 5,936, the Democrats falling back 3,337, and the Republicans 2,537. The Temperance candidate for Lieutenant Governor pulled only 4 votes in the whole county--rather a discouraging exhibit.
Rev. Z.H. Gabel, Lutheran, confirmed a large catechetical class last Saturday at St. John's Church, in Exeter township.
The catechetical class of St. Peter's Church, near Moselem furnace, under the charge of Rev. F.K. Huntzinger, pastor, will be confirmed to-day, 14th instant. It numbers 22.
The class of catechumens of the Schwartzwald Church, under the instruction of Rev. B.D. Zweizig, met for the first time on the 4th instant. The class is a large and interesting one, numbering 28. From present indications the class will be largely increased.
Rev. Thomas Iaeger, pastor of the Lutheran Church at Shoemakersville, has some 25 or 30 candidates for confirmation on his catechetical list.
Rev. A.S. Leinbach, Reformed, recently administered the sacrament to 356 communicants in Schwartzwald Church, in Exeter township; Alsace Church, 190; Hinnerschitz's Church at Tuckerton, 123; Trinity Church at Leesport, 75; Spiece's Church in Alsace township, 156; Shalter's Church in Alsace township, near Clymer's furnace, 37. His catechetical classes are also large.
The new spire of the old or First Reformed Church on Washington street, above Sixth, Reading, is rapidly approaching completion. The spire is 192 feet high and is surmounted by a giltcross 8 feet in height. The cross is copper excepting the surface. Below the cross is a copper ball, also gilt, four feet in diameter. The spire tapers gracefully from the brick work and is covered with slate. When finished it will present a beautiful appearance. The interior of the church and the parsonage will also be completed in a very short time.
Rev. A.B. Jack, of Hazleton, Luzerne county, delive[re]d a lecture on "Robert Burns," in St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Franklin street, last Tuesday evening. The church was crowded on the occasion and the lecture was a brilliant one fully sustaining the high reputation of its gifted author.
Rev. Wm. P. Orrick, Rector of Christ Cathedral, (Episcopal) will take up a collection to-morrow morning, in his church, in aid of the Mayor's Poor Fund. Rev. Mr. Hendley, of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, made a collection to the same fund last Sunday. All the churches in Reading have been requested to contribute to this fund.
The members of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Pottstown, elected Rev. D.K. Kepner, of Slatington, their pastor last Saturday afternoon, in place of Rev. Wm. G. Laitzle, who recently accepted a call at Catawissa.
The second of a series of organ recitals was given in Christ Cathedral, Reading, last evening, by Frank H. Bradley, the brilliant organist and choir director of the church. These recitals will be continued monthly during the winter. The admission will be free, but a collection will be taken up to meet expenses, and the overplus, if any, will be given for charitable purposes.
Protracted meetings have been held during the past week in St. Peter's M.E. Church, south Fifth street, and in the church of the Evangelical Association, in North Ninth street, between Elm and Buttonwood.
The English Methodists at Boyertown have been holding a series of revival meetings during the past week.
Rev. J. Sassaman Herman (Reformed) held communion services in St. Peter's Church, Richmond township, last Sunday, and administered the sacrament to 113 persons including a class of twelve catechumens previously confirmed.
Rev. John Fechtel, the assistant pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church, this city, has been appointed to the Pastorate of the Bridesburg Church, Philadelphia, and will take his departure in a few days. His appointment to fill a higher position, and one of greater responsibility, which it is an unmistakable reward for faithful services, and on that account very gratifying to himself and friends, will nevertheless be a source of regret to a wide circle of parishioners and citizens.
Last Sunday a special collection was held in the A.M.E. Church, on North Tenth street, towards the payment of the church debt, which together with money collected by subscription, amounted to $81.71. Payments were made on claims as follows: Mr. Brown, $40; estate of Mr. Vaughn, $20; Mrs. Hertzel, $11; Reading Gas Company, $5; Rev. A. Wilson's traveling expenses, $5; leaving a balance of 71 cents to defray the expense of cleaning the church. The thanks of the pastor and the trustees are tendered to the donors.
Rev. Solomon Neitz, pastor of the Evangelical Church on Eighth street, this city, will deliver a lecture on "The Organ in Divine Worship." at Allentown, on the 18th inst. The Allentown Herald pays him the following deserved compliment: "He is known to be the profoundest thinker and most eloquent speaker, in the German language, in this State, and in the English language he has distinguished himself as one of the foremost orators that ever preached from any pulpit in this city.
The Ladies Aid Society of the Universalist Church, in Reading, have been holding a very successful Fair, in the basement of the church during the past week. The proceeds, which will be considerable, will be for the benefit of the Sunday School attached to the church.
Charles C. Maltzberger, the well known dealer in tobacco and segars, whose place of business is in Penn street between Sixth and Seventh, died suddenly in Philadelphia last Saturday morning. His remains were brought to this city and buried from his residence on North Fifth street, last Wednesday afternoon. The funeral was attended by the several Masonic Lodges and the Knight Templars, of which he was a member. Mr. Maltzberger was in the 40th year of his age, and leaves a wife and family. H was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends who mourn his untimely death.
Christian Ritter, on of the oldest, if not the oldest citizen of Reading, died in this city last Monday in the 95th year of his age. He was a cousin of the late Hon. John Ritter, and was born in Exeter township, April 9, 1780. He was a lifelong Democrat and polled his last vote on Tuesday of last week. His funeral took place yesterday afternoon at 1 o'clock, and was attended by a large number of relatives and friends. Interment at Charles Evans Cemetery.
William C. Krouse, a well-known citizen of Reading, died last Tuesday, of consumption, in his 54th year. He was buried yesterday morning in Charles Evans Cemetery.
Under this caption the Pottsville Miners' Journal speaks in the following complimentary terms of the new depot restaurant in this city:
"The restaurant in the P. & R. R.R. Co.'s depot at Reading is proving to be a great public convenience. There travelers can procure good meals at moderate charges, instead of bad meals at exorbitant rates as is usually the case at railroad depots. For instance, a good cup of coffee is there furnished for five cents, and other materials in proportion. Mr. John E. Wootten keeps an eye on the management of this restaurant, and that circumstance alone is a guarantee[e] of its being well managed.
Rev. G.F.J. Iaeger, an old and well-known Lutheran preacher, residing near Kleinsville, this county, delivered his farewell sermon recently in Dunkel's Church in Greenwich township. In former years he served as many as 9 congregations, but latterly preached only at Dunkel's Church. Pastor Iaeger is nearly 80 years old, and served the above named congregation for 51 years. During this time he delivered 586 sermons, baptized 633 persons, married 180 couple, preached 338 funeral sermons, confirmed 478 persons and administered the Holy Communion to 81,500 persons. Rev. B. Smoll is Pastor Iaeger's successor.
Mr. George Gelbach, Treasurer of the Church Extension of the Reformed Church, acknowledged the receipt from Rev. A.S. Leinbach, Treasurer of the Lebanon Classis, $50 from First Reformed Church, Reading, Rev. H. Mosser, pastor; $6 from the Sunday School of the Swartzwald congregation, Rev. A.S. Leinbach, pastor; $15.15 from the Sinking Spring congregation, Rev. W.F.P. Davis, pastor. The whole amounts to $71.15, all for the use of the German Mission in this city.
Market Commissioner Denhard arrested a man named John S. Good, residing near the Deep Cut on the Reading and Columbia Railroad, on the charge of stealing cattle from several farmers in Lancaster county. The Commissioner had considerable difficulty in getting God, but he finally succeeded and brought him to this city, and locked him up. He will have a hearing before Justice Denais, of Spring township on Saturday next. It is thought that other parties are also implicated in the stealing.
There is a stone barn on the farm of William Merkel, in Richmond township, which is in all probability the oldest structure of the kind in Berks county. It was built in 1744 or just 130 years ago. It is used now only for the storage of sheaves of grain, Mr. Merkel having erected a new and large Swiss barn. There is an old stone house on the same premises which was built in 1794.
The Court of Quarter Sessions for the November Term was opened last Monday morning at 11 o'clock, presented the Hon. J. Hagenman, Additional Law Judge, presiding, and Hons. George W. Bruckman and Daniel Buskirk, Associate Judges.
The grand jurors were called, four not having answered. Mr. Jesse Orr, (moulder, First Ward) was selected as foreman when both he and the other jurors were duly sworn. No special instructions were given. The usual charge, pertaining to the finding of bills and the necessity of exercising dispatch, was given.
The returns of all the constables of the county and city were then called for an presented. The following were placed in the hands of the District Attorney for adjustment, viz:
Of Alsace -- reporting the index boards not all up but having them prepared.
Of Bern -- reporting bridge over the Union Canal at Merkel's not made (it having been washed away by a flood) and the necessity of a new bridge being constructed.
Of Earl -- reporting the bridge near Jonathan Cleaver's not in good order, and the necessity of having new bridges across streams that freeze up during Winter.
Of Oley -- reporting bridge near Kauffman's Mill not in good order, being too low and overflowed during high water.
Of Richmond-- reporting road (from Furnace to Maidencreek) not in good order and dangerous.
The petit jurors were called, four not answering. Two were excused, viz: Thomas Rambo, blacksmith, Sixth Ward, deafness; Abraham Witman, shoemaker, Ontelaunee, deafness.
Four ordinary cases of fornication and bastardy were disposed of.
One hundred and thirteen cases of 23 different criminal offences were returned from the city and different parts of the county to the District Attorney for the November Term of the Quarter Sessions, viz: Fornication and bastardy, 22; assault and battery, 38; assault and battery with intent to kill, 1; assault and battery with intent to commit rape, 1; larceny, 22; receiving stolen goods, 1; malicious mischief, 5; false pretence, 3; cruelty to animals, 3; forgery, 2; selling unwholesome provisions, 1; homicide, 1; gambling house, 1; criminal connection, 1; perjury, 1; bigamy, 1; fraud and forgery, 1; malicious trespass, 2; selling liquor without license, 1; selling liquor to minors, 2; issuing fraudulent tax receipts, 1; embezzlement, 1; keeping disorderly house, 1.
Hiester Ebbert was found guilty of an assault and battery upon Aaron L. Kline, the prosecutor. Kline struck Ebbert's dog with a cane whilst Ebbert and two other persons were passing by Kline's house for the reason that the dog had just committed a nuisance upon his pavement. Ebbert admitted that he had run his left fist under Kline's nose. Verdict guilty. Sentenced to pay $5 and the costs.
Andreas Alt was indicted for an aggravated assault and battery upon Adam Einselle. Parties met some months ago at a saloon in Reading, and after angry disputation got to blows, when Alt threw a spittoon into the face of Einselle, skinning it considerably. Verdict not guilty, defendant directed to pay two-thirds of the cots and prosecutor one-third.
Frederick Weiland pleased guilty of an aggravated assault and battery upon Daniel D. Hart, policeman of Reading. Hart interfered between Weiland and his wife to prevent injury to the latter, when Weiland stabbed Hart in the elbow. Sentenced to jail for one year.
Sarah Strunk pleaded guilty of the larceny of a small quantity of iron from the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company. She was in jail six weeks, considering which, and defendant not having been arrested on any previous occasion; the court sentenced her to pay the costs and admonished her not to appear in Court again for the same or any other offence.
William Howell pleaded guilty of receiving a stolen coat, the property of William Castor. Sentenced to jail for ten days.
John Baker was indicted for an assault and battery upon Joseph Morrisson. Parties met at Floto's Park, Reading, on the last Sunday in August, and through words got to blows, when Baker knocked Morrison down and kicked him in the face several times, causing blood to flow and doing serious injury. Verdict not guilty, each party directed to pay one-half of the costs.
David Geist pleaded guilty of forging two notes in October last at Hamburg, upon George Hoffman, the one for $540 and the other for $560, and also an order for pig iron valued at $90 upon the same person. Sentenced to jail for 18 months. He also pleaded guilty of a second charge of forging two notes in October last, at the same place upon Samuel K. Fisher, the one for $355 and the other for $595. The sentence in this case was deferred to be held as a matter of recognizance for further good behavior.
Edward Brensinger was found guilty of an assault and battery upon James Fegely, at Mertztown, this county, some months ago, which arose from a dispute about a wagon, when defendant knocked prosecutor down. Verdict guilty. Not sentenced.
Henry C. Weidner pleaded guilty of an assault and battery upon Abbie Hains, he having slapped her on the mouth in a dispute on Penn street. Sentenced to pay $10 fine and costs.
Charles Mink was indicted for the larceny of a horse blanket and a whip from his employers H.F. & JJ.F. Boyer, livery stable keepers of this city, about two months ago. Failing to make out the case, the prosecution was abandoned by the Commonwealth and a verdict of not guilty was taken.
Frank Louder, who was indicted separately for the above offence, was then placed upon trial and Mink was used as a witness. He stated that late one evening defendant came to the stable and handed him a bundle, which he said contained a pair of pants, and asked him to take charge of them for him. He did not open the bundle, which was wrapped up in paper but not tied, but deposited it in the rear of the stable. some four or five days afterwards, a bundle containing the stolen blanket was found by Mink in the same place where he had put the other, wrapped in the same paper. As there was room for doubt as to the contents of the first bundle, the jury gave defendant the benefit of it and acquitted him.
Edward Walker, Joseph Walker, James Walker and Priscilla Walker were indicted for an assault and battery upon Henry Carey. Priscilla Walker alleged that Carey was guilty of a criminal offence of which he was acquitted at the last session. Carey then abused Priscilla by words when she struck him. The other defendants were present aiding and abetting her. Verdict, Priscilla Walker guilty, with a recommendation of mercy; other defendants not guilty.
John McCloskey pleaded guilty to a charge of malicious mischief on oath of Caroline Moyer. Defendant threw in the door of the prosecutrix's house with a stone, he having been angered by taunting words. Sentenced to jail for 30 days.
John Doheny pleaded guilty of the larceny of about a ton of pig iron, which he had taken from Wright, Cook & Co.'s furnace, at Monocacy, piled near the canal, and was about to transfer it to his boat and carry away. He was sentenced to jail for five months, he having already undergone an imprisonment of three months.
Ferdinand V. Moyer was indicted for an assault and battery upon Augustus Werner. Parties live in Centre township. Last September Werner passed over Moyer's land with horses and drove one of them upon him whilst working, when he, Moyer, struck the horse with a grubbing hoe, and said that if he, Werner did this again he would strike him, raising the grubbing hoe at the time. The charge of battery was abandoned. Verdict not guilty, defendant to pay two-thirds of the costs and prosecutor one-third.
Barbara Bush pleaded guilty to an assault and battery upon Anna Cavenaugh. Offence ordinary, and defendant was sentenced to pay one cent fine and costs.
Thomas Harrison, Joseph Harrison, James Murphy and John Coleman were indicted for the larceny of a silver watch, revolver, and a pocket book containing $15 from the dwelling house of Edwin Mogle, near Mohrsville, in the beginning of last September. Murphy and Coleman were seen along the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad above Mohrsville, making a nuisance. They were told to discontinue and thence they went to Mogle's house. Mogle getting to his house, found his back shutter broken open and the said parties fleeing away They were followed to a woods near Hamburg and there they got into the company of Thomas Harrison and Joseph Harrison. The watch and revolver were found with Thomas Harrison. The money and pocket book were found in the track of the party taken after they were disturbed and pursued. Thomas Harrison pleaded guilty. Verdict guilty. Thomas Harrison sentenced to jail for 18 months, and the other three defendants for one year.
William Willnian was acquitted of a charge of false pretence on oath of John Hinnershitz. Parties live in lower section of the county. Defendant came to prosecutor to get boarding and lodging at his home about a year ago, and told him that though out of work, he had over $200 deposited at the Pottstown Bank. Upon this prosecutor boarded him for six months at a cost of over $70, when he found that the defendant had no money either with himself or on deposit. The defendant had paid money on account of the boarding and kept a running account with the prosecutor, which it was contended negatived a false pretence. And the court charged that a man under such representation was obliged by the law to exercise caution and make inquiries, and that it was for the jury to ascertain whether the prosecutor had made the necessary inquiry, &c.
Cornelius Dress pleaded guilty of bigamy, on oath of Mary E. Hoffman. Parties are living at Birdsboro. Defendant married prosecutrix on September 11th last, having at that time been the husband of another woman, formerly Caroline Leffler, of Schuylkill county, whom he had married about two years ago. Sentenced to jail for six months.
Caspar Scharff pleaded guilty of an assault and battery upon Wilhelmina Billig. Parties live at Reading. A few weeks ago defendant after some quarreling attempted to pull the prosecutrix out of the window of the house where they were at home and injured her arm. Sentenced to jail for 10 days.
John Ward pleaded guilty of an assault, and battery upon Charles Bechtel. Parties live at Reading. some months ago they met at Jackson's Locks at the foot of Sixth street, and after disputing together the defendant knocked prosecutor down. Sentenced to pay fine of $1 and costs.
Henry Bitting pleaded guilty of malicious trespass in entering upon the premises of the prosecutor John Shurr, taking and carrying away a quantity of green corn. Sentenced to pay $1 fine and costs.
Catharine Ream was indicted for getting a horse and carriage some weeks ago from Hiram Schitler, liveryman of Reading; under false pretences. The indictment was quashed because the offence charge was not within the provision of the statute.
Richard Remp, was acquitted of an assault and battery alleged to have been committed upon Daniel Musser, prosecutor. Parties live in Brecknock township. Musser's wife left him and went to Remp and in the beginning of last August he went to Remp's to get his wife to return. When there he, his wife and Remp's wife got into an angry and loud altercation and disturbed Remp who was sleeping at the time. He came down and the same altercation was continued when Remp struck Musser with a clap-board. Remp testified that he was struck first before he struck Musser. The parties were directed to pay each one half of the costs.
Daniel Musser, in a cross action, was acquitted of an assault and battery upon Richard Remp, the jury directing each of the parties to pay one half of the costs.
Henry W. Hughes pleaded guilty of an assault and battery upon Emma Bitting. Parties were at Spring Valley Hotel, near Bernhart's Dam, on the night of the Fourth of July last where Hughes laid violent hands upon the prosecutrix, threw her down and did her serious injury. Sentenced to pay $5 fine and costs.
Henry Devine, Henry Dearolf, and George Dearolf, three small boys, were indicted for stealing copper and brass from the Round House of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company about two months ago. The Court intimated that instead of prosecuting such juveniles for the charge alleged, an effort should be made to apprehend the junk dealers who instigated boys to steal iron, &c., and then bough such articles knowing them to be stolen. They were held in their own recognizances to appear at the next January Sessions.
David Pflugfelter was indicted for an assault and battery upon Mrs. Mary Miller. Parties are neighbors in Reading. The defendant and prosecutrix's husband were quarreling about a certain out house and whilst passing blows at each other, prosecutrix ran between the contestants and received a blow. Verdict not guilty, each of the parties having been directed to pay one half of the costs.
Edward Ball was acquitted of the larceny of a pocket book containing $25, and a check of over $100, charged to have been feloniously taken from Thomas Rambo. On the night of the last Governor's election it was proven that Rambo and Ball walked together to the Republican Headquarters on Penn street between Fifth and Sixth streets, to hear the returns of the election. After hearing some of the returns while standing in the crowd, they together walked down towards Fifth street, and at a point some little distance from the crowd, Ball reached around Rambo from behind and thrust his hands into Rambo's pockets. At the time, Rambo gave no thought to this act of Ball's, but soon after, upon visiting Barbey's saloon, Rambo discovered this his pocket-book was stolen. Then he charged Ball with the theft. Defence adduced evidence proving character of Ball for honesty.
Charles Clemmens, a boy, was acquitted of a charge of cruelty to animals. It was alleged that he and another boy had tied a dog and cat together for the purpose of making them fight, upon a commons in the upper part of the city.
The David Stauffer case, in which it is alleged, on oath of Rudolph Mozer (a butcher of Reading) that defendant (a butcher of Lancaster county) stole several beefsteaks and stuck them into his pocket, whilst attending market some months ago, was continued to Monday morning next and will be the first case called for trial.
Persons convicted during the week and not sentenced will receive their sentences next Monday morning at the opening of Court.
The Grand Jury acted upon ninety-seven bills of indictment, of which seventy-eight were returned true bills, and nineteen were ignored. True bills, as follows: Fornication and bastardy, 9; assault and battery, 29; larceny, 14; malicious mischief, 2; forgery, 8; cruelty to animals, 3; false pretence, 3; threatening letter, 1; malicious trespass, 1; breaking down dam, 1; bigamy, 1; selling liquor on Sunday, 1; selling diseased flesh, 1; fraud, 1; conspiracy to defraud, 1; murder, 1; selling unwholesome provisions, 1; and ignored bills, as follows: Assault and battery, 7; gambling, 1; larceny, 9; selling without license, 1; selling to minors, 1.
The Grand Jury also viewed the Harrisburg and Lancaster bridges, crossing the Schuylkill river at Reading, and made their presentment to the Court Wednesday afternoon declaring them nuisances. Of the twenty jurors ten voted for the presentment and ten against. They were then discharged with the thanks of the Court for the efficient and prompt manner in which they transacted the business that was laid before them by the District Attorney.
The District Attorney, Peter D. Wanner, Esq., has fixed the first Monday in December for hearing desertion and surety of the peace cases. But a limited number of cases, about a dozen, have been returned to him, all of an ordinary character.
Thirty-one jurors were summoned to attend a Court of Quarter Sessions and of Oyer and Terminer to be held next week. Twenty-four of them are from the county and twelve from the city. They have 18 different occupations, viz: Farmers, 13; wheelwright, 1; carpenters, 2; hatter, 1; plow maker, 1; blacksmiths, 2; yeomen, 3; merchants, 3; hay dealer, 1; innkeeper, 1; clerk 1; printer, 1; coal dealer, 1; photographist, 1; machinist, 1; bricklayer, 1; barber, 1; drover, 1.
Messrs. Benjamin Shalter, of Alsace and Henry Graul and William Ebbert, of this city, have been appointed by the Court of Quarter Sessions. Viewers to lay out a public road in Oley township, to lead from a point in a road leading from Friedensburg to Mahlon Knabb's where another intersects the same near the house of Mr. Merkel to a point in the road lately laid out from Kemp's to the Oley Turnpike.
Saturday, November 21st, is the regular Rule Day of November Term. The judgment list will be called, general matters in all the courts transacted, and moneys realized by Sheriff's sales disbursed.
The second week of the Quarter Sessions will be opened on Monday morning at 11 o'clock. The Hon. J. Hagenman will preside.
Hopewell furnace has been blown out and shut down, and it is unknown when operations will again be commenced.
Birdsboro has 343 registered voters of whom 120 did not vote at the last election, and it is said 100 of these are Republicans.
The hills, or rather woods, beyond Birdsboro were on fire a couple of days and nights last week, burning over several hundred acres.
Mrs. George Shaner a few days ago discovered a rabbit sitting under a pile of brush that was provided for boiling soap, whereupon she went into the house and got her husband's gun, and came out and deliberately shot the rabbit. She then prepared and cooked it for supper.
Messrs. E. & G. Brooke, proprietors of the Birdsboro Nail Works, manufactured the enormous quantity of nearly 14,000 kegs of nails during the month of October, and not a pound of them remains on hand. Nearly all their nails are now shipped to California.
Prof. H.G. Hunter, Superintendent of the Birdsboro School Department makes a full monthly report of the condition of the Department under his charge. The number of pupils is as follows:
Grammar school, 22; Intermediate grade, 30; Secondary school, 43; Primary School, 50; Brooklyn school, 53; Fairview school, 46, Total number registered, 254. Average per school, 42. Average per school last month, 40. Number of pupils admitted during the month, 10.
All examinations will be held every two months during the term, and a general examination for promotion at the close of the term. Reports showing the results of the examination will be sent to parents within ten days after each examination, except the first. Several weeks may transpire before all the reports showing the results of the first examination will be sent.
The Bernville Branch of the South Mountain Railroad touches us within one square of Main street; about 3 miles of the road between Reading and Straustown are graded, masonry of culvert included. There are ten gangs of men regularly at work who are making great progress. More men will be added from time to time and work pushed ahead as fast as circumstances will allow. Our people are taking a great interest in the enterprise and are doing all they can in aid of the project, and with such hard working men like President Bell, the Board of Directors, and such an efficient Superintendent as Mr. Westbrook at the head, we have all reason to believe that the road will be in running order by the early part of next summer.
On Wednesday our friend and old citizen Mr. Jacob Werner, sr., was buried, aged 79 years. He had been a citizen here for upwards of 28 years. In his early life he followed the manufacture of rope and cordage and of later years the manufacture of brooms and zinc wash boards.
Our townsman Ephraim Witman, successor to Conrad & Witman, dealer in grain, lumber and coal is doing a lively business, especially in the coal branch of his business. People begin to believe that "winter days are coming on" and are therefore laying in a liberal stock. He has his own boat running regularly to the coal regions, but finding it inadequate he was obliged to employ as additional boat. There are coal sold here besides but not in such large quantities.
On Tuesday evening an interesting and happy family reunion took place at Lancaster. It was at the residence of Mrs. Sprenger the aged mother of J.J. Sprenger, Esq., the editor of the Weekly Review, and a sister of our townsman, Frederick Lauer, Esq. The Intelligencer thus speaks of the occasion:
All the children, twelve in number, were present--three males and nine females, all married except one. Ten of them have families aggregating 36 children, and some of these married and have children. The ages of the children of Mrs. S., and who were all present are as follows: 53, 52, 50, 48, 46, 44, 42, 40, 37, 35, 33, and 31. The children formed in pro cession according to age, in the dining hall, and from thence proceeded to the parlor, where the old lady sat in waiting, each imparting a salute by a kiss as they passed on, after which all took their seats in rotation, when the old lady arose and said: "Now comes my turn"== the she passed around the circle imparting her blessing upon each of her family. The mother is now 75 years old and blessed with excellent health. It seldom happens that so numerous a family is thus brought together at one time, and no doubt the full attendance was very gratifying to all of them.
Rev. D.B. Albright, Superintendent of the Orphans' Home at Womelsdorf, acknowledges the receipt of the following contributions to that institution:
| Mrs. Fenstermacher and others, Allentown, per Mrs. Garenflo, clothing | $5.00 |
| Mrs. Eliza Shively, Newport | 1.25 |
| Mrs. Elizabeth Nill, Chambersburg, toward buying an acre of land for the Home | 30.00 |
| Mrs. Bleistein, Sr., Lebanon, 1 quilt and 2 pairs of stockings | 6.00 |
| Mrs. Wm. H. Deshler, Allentown | 1.00 |
| I.G.W., in memoriam | 5.00 |
| St. Parts Sunday School, Ohio, per Daniel Lyon | 3.00 |
| First Reformed Church, Reading, Rev. H. Mosser | 5.00 |
| Mrs. Sarah Haak, Reading | 10.00 |
| Friedens, Schuylkill county, Rev. J.A. Shultz | 3 |
| Minersville, Schuylkill county | 8.25 |
| Charity Box of the Home | 5.71 |
| Total | $128.21 |
Partridge shooting is now lawful.
Reading is too much neglected in our schools.
Improvements are still going on all over the city.
The streets ought to be scraped and the holes filled up.
The turkeys are getting ready for Thanksgiving Day.
This is certainly a second edition of the glorious Indian Summer weather.
The trees on Mount Penn and the Neversink are completely denuded of their foliage.
Our markets were never more abundantly supplied with game than they are at present.
The best way to provide for the poor is to give them employment.
Considerable money changed hands on the results of the election.
The fall weather has been especially favorable for farming pursuits thus far.
On the 28th inst., a grand fox chase is to come off at the public house of John Bortz, in New Jerusalem.
The new school house at Sheridan was occupied, last week, by Misses Schultz and Walter, for the first time.
A party of sportsmen of Newmanstown, were out gunning one day last week, and brought home eighteen rabbits.
Mr. Penrose Seltzer, of Newmanstown, near Sheridan, has received a fine dapple gray horse from New York, for his own use.
Prof. I.B. Hankey, of Boyertown, while assisting in the removal of a piano, Tuesday last, was somewhat injured by its falling upon him.
Berks county will have a number of candidates for the minor positions in the House of Representatives at Harrisburg this winter.
There is an on dit [sic] that the entire force of the Reading Railroad Company's employees in this city will shortly be put on full time again.
The name of Mr. Asa G.W. Smith, of this city, is mentioned in connection with the Democratic nomination for Sergeant-at-Arms of the State Senate.
Good. Postmaster General Jewell has announced his intention of prosecuting to the extreme limit of the law the senders of scurrilous postal cards and obscene literature.
A sewing machine was stolen from the tailor shop of Mahlon Wesner at Douglassville, Berks county, last Wednesday night. It was subsequently found near the railroad.
Sportsmen are frequently met with nowadays returning form the hillsides and woods bearing fine specimens of "cotton tails" and the pretty mottled quails.
With the approach of Thanksgiving Day, ever species of poultry is making its appearance, for which you pays your money and you takes your choice.
A stump of a tree was found five feed below the surface of a slate foundation, in East Hanover township, Lebanon county, by the workmen on the South Mountain Railroad.
AT the late election, Frees had 208 majority over Wanner in the wards south of Penn street, 337 majority in the wards west of the railroad.
The figures 1791 on the corner stone of Trinity Lutheran Church at Sixth and Washington streets, have been recut. That was the year in which the corner stone was laid.
The Allentown News speaks in commendatory terms of Mayor Evans' appeal to the several churches of Reading for aid for the Poor Fund, and also of the contributions of bread by two or three Pen street merchants, and says that "the time will soon be at hand for Allentown to make a move in the same direction." By the way the establishment of a Poor Fund such as we have in Reading, is being urged in different cities.
Mr. Lawrence P. Ressler, Assistant Engineer of the First District of the Reading Fire Department, and second base of the Active Base Ball Club, has had an offer of $1,000 a year for his services to join a new professional club just organizing at Washington. The offer is held under consideration by Mr. Ressler.
Messrs. J.L. Stichter & Son, 505 Penn Square have just received an order from a committee of the Rainbow Fire Company to import from Sheffield, England, a cast steal fire alarm bell to weight 3,000 pounds. It will be the larges bell in Reading, and is expected to arrive within the next three months. The Rainbow Committee are Messrs. George W. Dauth, Benjamin Fleishman and William L. Graul.
A few days ago, a wholesale slaughter of sheep by worthless dogs took place among some of the farmers in the vicinity of Chesterville and Loulenburg, Chester county. Among the losers were Thomas H. Marvel, who lost 19 sheep; James Wilson, 25; Enoch Moore, 8; William Harper, 25; Thomas Mercer, 12; William Springer, 6; and William Baylis. Other farmers also lost more or less.
Mr. Thomas Care, of Warwick township, Chester county, while out gunning for rabbits on Monday afternoon last, shot himself in the thigh, inflicting a severe wound. He had laid his gun on a stump, for the purpose of getting out his tobacco pouch, when the gun accidentally exploded, and discharge its entire contents in his leg.
An old Bible printed in the year 1749 at Oxford, England, by Thomas Baskett, Printer in the University, and which has been in the possession o f the Lee family for 125 years, has been presented to Mr. Samuel Lee, residing at No. 842 North Eight street. It also contains the Book of Common Prayer, &c., in use at that time in the Church of England. Mr. Lee intends placing the book on exhibition at the Universalist Fair.
Mr. Lee was also presented with a pair of spectacles over a century old, and which were in the Lee family during that time. They are an interesting relic.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Wood, of the Diocese of Philadelphia, will dedicate the new Catholic Church of St. Cecelia, Coatesville, Chester county, on Sunday, November 22d, at 10:30 a.m. Solemn High Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. and the sermon on the occasion will be preached by the Rev. Ignatius F. Horstmann, D.D., of St. Clark's Seminary, Overbrook. A number of other clergymen are expected to be present. An admission fee of $1 for the benefit of the church, will be charged.
John Addams, of Bern township, milkman brought to this city last Monday fifty dollars in pennies, which he exchanged for paper money. The pennies were contained in a grain bag, and weighed 46 1/2 pounds.
Mr. Elam Ludwig, residing near Amityville, this county, wile on his way from his home to Douglassville, the horse he was driving took fright and ran away, upset and broke the carriage, but Mr. Ludwig fortunately escaped uninjured.
Owing to the rush of trade on the Schuylkill Canal, the Company find themselves short of teams. Three mules towing two boats can frequently be seen. Private teams are now being hired. Mr. Aaron Hartenstine, of Pottstown, has a team employed towing between that place and Royer's Ford.
Messrs. John Addams, Joseph Kohl, and Daniel Becker, of this county, will leave on Wednesday for Clearfield county, where they will engage for several weeks in hunting deer on the Alleghany mountains. They will be joined at their destination by Mr. B. Shartle, of this city, who is at present hunting for deer in the vicinity of Renova, Clinton county.
Some thieves broke into the tailor shop of Mr. Mahlon Wesner, Douglasville, a few evenings ago, and stole a Singer Sewing Machine and some other articles. The frame work of the machine was found the following day in a field near by, but the machinery had been removed. The thieves had probably boarded a coal train with their ill-gotten goods, and decamped.
The freight on the Berks County Railroad has been increasing steadily, whilst recently the passenger travel has decreased, owing to there being fewer passenger trains on the road than heretofore. The Boston built passenger locomotive, a wood burner, leased from Mr. P. O'Reilly, made its first trip last Sunday. Saturday morning's train over the Berks County Railroad brought 70 persons to Reading.
A party of youths from Boyertown, Gilbertsville and Gablestown, who have been in attendance at the revivial metings now in progress at New Berlin, Montgomery county, nightly disturn the worship, not only during church services, but by insulting remarks t o those returning from the meetings, and by fighting among themselves. They should b e looked after and taught a lesson that they will not soon forget.
Monday morning at the opening of Court, on motion of Major Samuel L. Young, Hiram Y. Kauffman was admitted to practice in the several courts of Berks county. Mr. Kauffman was a student in the office of Horace A. Yundt, Esq., of this city, under whose directions he prosecuted his legal studies for the past several years with great diligence. He passed a very creditable examination before the Examining Committee.
The evening train down loast Sunday, on the Reading Railroad, overtook a flock of sheep near Douglassville. The sheep instead of being frightened off the track by the blowing of the whistle, scampered ahead of the train, causing the engine to run very slowly for a mile until a cross-road was reached, when the sheep turned off, and the trian resumed its usual speed. The screaming of the whistle and the slow rate at which the train was running, caused considerable alrm to the passengers, until the cause was explained to them.
The steam collier "Berks," Captain Frank Worth, of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company's line, left Philadelphia for Fall River at noon on November 4, where she discharged six hundred tons of coal, and returning arrived at Philadelphia at 4 p.m., Nov. 7th, thus making the round trip in four days and four hours. Captain Worth has also made other quick trips to Boston and New Bedford. The trip to Fall River is believed to be the fastest on record, and is so claimed by Captain Worth.
J.C. Bunting & Son, EAst Penn Square, offer for sale the improved double-hinge lockjoint pocket and valise umbrella, the most convenient article of this kind yet manufactured. An umbrella is something so universally used that any improvements in construction that render it more agreeable to wear are always heartily welcomed. The new style now offered by Messrs. Bunting & Son, are worth a trial.
The employees at the Danville Mines, at Mount Pleasant, this county, struck on Friday alst, in consequence of their wages having been reduced 23 per cent. The mines are now standing idle.
Four young men from Friestown, this county, made a trip between Saturday morning and Sunday night to Rehrersburg, Shaefferstown, Bernvill, Blue Marsh, Reading, Wernersville, Womelsdorf, Stouchsburg, and Mt. Aetna.
Governor Hartranft has issued a proclamation fixing Thursday, the 26th inst., as Thanksgiving Day in this State, the same day selected for a National Thanksgiving by President Grant.
The burglars' plan of binding and gagging bank cashiers and forcing them to give up the keys of the vaults may be easily frustrated. Many banks are now furnished keys which may be taken apart and the pieces intrusted at night to several persons.
Mr. Adam Bard, has had two large valuts constructed under the pavement in front of his property at the southeast corner of SEventh and Penn streets. One is 32 feet long and the other 27 feet, and both are 12 1/2 feet wide.
Mr. Benneville Garloff, a resident of Kutztown, whil one a visit to Mt. Zion, Lebanon county, last week, fell down the outside stairs of John A. Glick's cabinet-maker shop, was taken home and died.
Some time on Tuesday night the bulk window of the tin store of of W.S> Rapp, at No. 213 North Eighth street, was broken into, and and a number of articles of tin ware were carried off. The entrance was effected by breaking one of the panes of glass.
Mr. Amos S. Esterly has again become the proprietor of the City Hotel, at Sixth and Cherry streets, having bought out the interest of Mr. J.W. Adam. He took possession on Tuesday. Mr. Esterly was Mr. Adam's predecessor, and now becomes his successor.
The Democratic leaders in this city have already fixed up a slate in case Hiester Clymer should be chosen U.S. Senator. Senator Ermentrout is to go to Congress and William B. Albright to the State Senate. This looks a little like counting the chickens before they are hatched.
A well executed counterfeit $5 bill, purporting to be the issue of the First National of Chicago, has been detected. The text and signatures of the bill are complete imitations of the $5 bills of the Trader's National of Chicago, with the words "First National" substituted.
The exhibition of Hargreaves Lodge, I.O. of G.T., No. 1057, Boyertown, on Saturday evening last, was largely attended. The address of Gen. Wagner, and the Recitations by Miss Sadie Jackson, were the prominent features of the entertainment, and both elicited rounds of applause.
J.T. Sharpless, of Edgemont, Delaware County, raised this season, two hundred and sixty-five bushels of corn, by measure from two and five-eights acres of ground. The lot was heavily manured on the sod two years ago, and afterwards thirty bushels of lime were applied to the acre.
There will be no lack of Democratic candidates for Mayor at the approching City Election. The names of S.E. Ancona, Hon. J. Lawrence Getz, Henry M. Keim, William B. Albrfight, and J. George Seltzer, Esqs., have already been suggested by their friends. Mayor Evans has no opposition, thus far, on the Republican side.
Mr. Graybill, of West Earl township, Lancaster county, has discovered an immense slate quarry in the bed of the Conestoga creek, near Earlville, and extensive preparations are making, we believe, to work the same. This will be a great acquisition to the resources of the township, if it yields as largely as is expected, and it will also prove quite an addition to the industries of the neighborhood where located.
Mr. William R. Lewis, of the Ubil House, this city, one of the happiest and most successful Minrods in the State, on Friday went along the line of Berks and Chester counties, and in two days "bagged" quail, rabbits, pheasants, woodcock and squirrels to the extent of forty-two head. Mr. Lewis returned home on Saturday evening, and sent "remembrances" of his excursion to a number of his friends.
Franklin B. Gowen, Esq., President of the Reading Railroad Company, arrived at New York on Sunday from Europe in the steamship Republic.
Hon. Charles R. Buckalew and Maj. J.M. Wetherill, of Pottsville, were in town last Monday and stopped at the Mansion House.
Mr. John E. Wootten, General Superintendent and Mr. L.B. Paxson, Superintendent of Machinery of the Reading Railroad, were in Pottsville on Monday, looking after the interests of the Company.
The Wilmington Commercial is authority for stating tha tCol. James M. McCarter has again entered the ministry. He was at one time pastor of the Fifth Street M.E. Church, this city, and subsequently of the M.E. Church at Lebanon, where in the early days of the rebellion he doffed his ministerial robes and became Colonel of the 93d Pennsylvania Regiment. For several years he has not been preaching, and has been residing in Caroline county, Maryland.
Keppleman-Brown -- On the 10th inst., by Rev. H. Mosser, Mr. Wm. Keppleman to Miss Ellie C. Brown, both of this city.
Rogers-Harris -- On Thursday, Nov. 5th by the Rev. Wallace Radcliffe, Mr. Charles Rogers, of Springfield, Mass. to Miss El?a Harris, of Reading.
By Rev. A. Johnson Long -- On October 24th, in Stouchsburg, John Meyers, to Emma Lebo, both of Womelsdorf. On October 31st, in Stouchsburg, Franklin D. Potteiger, of Stouchsburg, to Ellen Shueler, of Robesonia.
By Rev. Thos. C. Leinbach -- On October 24th, Washington C. Kantner, of Reading, to Sallie H. Epler, of Bern. -- On October 31st, Wm. H. Nagle, of Shartlesville, to Catharine Ann Rentschler, of Upper Bern. -- On October 31st, Franklin M. Webber to Annie Susanna Reedy, of Tulpehocken.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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