J.K. GRANT of Boyertown, presented the petition of 28 electors of that town, to the Berks county court, alleging that JAMES B. STAUFFER, who appeared to have three majority over JOHN SCHAEFFER for Town Council at the election held February 19, last, was not legally elected. A number of votes, it is alleged, were counted, the ballots being defective, and that there were more votes counted than there were cast for him. There will be a hearing on Friday, March 16th. A similar petition was presented by the same attorney, wherein it is alleged that W.W. WREN, to whom the officers gave a certificate that he was elected school controller of Boyertown for two years, was illegal and incorrect, that although W.W. WREN received six votes than ELI WEASNER, the term for which was designated at three years, and not for two years, whereas the term of ELI WEASNER was designated for two years, and it is contended was elected for the term resignated. There will be a hearing in this case at the same time.
Sheriff FRANK BROBST, of Berks county, was arrested by Constable REIFSNYDER, on ALDERMAN WEBER's warrant. The information on which the warrant is based is sworn to by A. MORRIS KERSHNER and states that the sheriff has fraudulently received and taken from the county rewards and fees to execute his duty other than are allowed by the act of assembly. The information then states a long list of cases on which it is alleged surcharges were made. Mr. BROBST entered bail Monday, in the sum of $500 for court. Mr. KERSHNER was a deputy under Sheriff BROBST until last fall, when he was dismissed. He is also one of Mr. BROBST's bondsmen. A short time ago Mr. KERSHNER brought a civil suit against Mr. BROBST to recover the balance of his salary from the date of his dismissal. When Sheriff BROBST was seen he said he was certainly innocent of having committed any intentional wrong or charged any illegal fees.
Miss DASIE GEHMAN, teacher at the Warners school, near East Greenville, was confined to her home, this week on account of ill health. Miss GEHMAN, expects to return to her duties next week. FRANK M. KELLER, of East Greenville, had charge of the school during the week.
Capons are fowls, and when properly prepared are food fit for the gods. The gourmands prefer them. J.C. HANCOCK has a number of capons on his farm, and his foreman, EDWIN ZEPP is fattening them so as to be in fit condition. Capons command a good price on the market, and poultrymen and farmers might do well to try this branch of the business.
At Monday's session of the Evangelical Conference, Rev. W.A. LEOPOLD, of Reading, introduced a resolution, which was adopted, condemning open halls of Congress on Sunday. The next meeting of the Conference will be held in Hazleton next February. J.F. WHITE was elected Statistical Secretary and Rev. S.T. LEOPOLD, Editor of the Conference Journal. Revs. J.L. BOYER and A.H. DOERSTLER, were received into the itinerary of the Conference, and Rev. M. KETNER received license as preacher on trial.
On March 15th the Senior-Junior inter-class debate will be held. Messrs. SHERWOOD W. KINGSBERRY and E.G. HESS will represent the Juniors, while the Senior Class has chosen Messrs. HARRY Z. HIBSHMAN and H. GOAS. Professors H.W. KRIEBEL and C.K. MESCHTER attended the teachers institute at Salfordville last Saturday. Prof. WARREN S. MARTS gave an address at Manheim on the same date. Last Monday Dr. A.V.V. RAYMOND, President of Union College, Schenectady, New York, addressed the students on the value of thorough preparation and college training. The fortnightly Sunday service was conducted last week by Dr. G.K. MESCHTER, of Worcester.
A special meeting of Pennsylvania and New Jersey dairymen who are members of the Philadelphia Milk Shippers' Union was held Saturday afternoon in Mercantile Library Hall, with J. WALTER PANCOAST, of Woodstown, New Jersey, presiding. The purpose of the union is to secure to shippers a remunerative price for milk and fair regulations regarding its shipment. The first act of the meeting was to elect an Executive Committee, which will hereafter have a decided voice in the local milk trade. The committeemen are empowered by the constitution to "provide for all expenses, designate the price of milk, confer with the Milk Exchange to settle differences and shall have such further power and authority as shall enable them to conduct all the business of the union." It took a great deal of time to divide the Executive Committee equitably among the neighboring district, but the following were finally elected: HARRY LLOYD, Sharpstown, New Jersey; SAMUEL L. FORT, Wrightstown, Pa.; JOSEPH A. BURROUGHS, Merchantville, New Jersey; ROBERT CAMERON, Norristown, Pa.; CHARLES S. ATKINSON, New Hope, Pa.; HARRY HOOPES, Tanguy, Pa.; CHARLES GLEASON, Brandywine Summit, Pa., and H.B. YORGEY, Ironstone, Pa. The president is also an ex-official member of this committee. The different members present reported a considerable amount of enthusiasm with regard to a union movement among the milk shippers in this vicinity, but enough time had not elapsed to enroll the many dairymen who were willing to join. It was therefore determined to defer any general action with regard to the price of milk until the enrollment shall show that nearly all the shippers around Philadelphia have joined the new movement. The dairymen claim that at the present price of 3 1/2 cents a quart they cannot sell their milk, except at a decided loss, and a determined effort will be made to get a price of at least four cents a quart from the Milk Exchange.
ISAAC BUZZARD, a member of the famous family of Welsh Mountain outlaws of that name, is now blind and paralyzed, and is an inmate of the poorhouse of Berks County. His brother, ABE BUZZARD, leader of the gang, still has two years to serve in the Eastern Penitentiary. Ike says that Abe has thoroughly reformed and will likely engage in church work when he is released. IKE BUZZARD, who is 46 years old spent fifteen years of his life behind bars. He is believed to be truly penitent.
The honest citizens living in the vicinity of Little Oley, Berks county, were surprised one day last week, to learn that one of their neighbors, was fraudulently using the mails to secure money. SAMUEL H. NULL, who resides near the village, was arrested on last Friday by U.S. Marshall, P.D. HELMS, of Philadelphia. He was charged with using the mails for fraudulent purposes. Several weeks ago NULL noticed an advertisement in the Philadelphia Press, for two raccoons. He at once answered it instructing the parties to forward $1.50 and he would express the animals. This he failed to do. On another occasion he contracted to send a party pigeons to the value of $5.24. He was mailed a money order, which was paid him at the Boyertown Post-Office. But as in the other case he failed to send the birds. When the officer arrived at the NULL's home, Friday morning he found that worthy gentleman in bed. He explained his business, and NULL seemed very much excited. He requested the officer to allow him to go up stairs and dress. He took advantage of this opportunity to make his escape and quietly slipped out of the window. The fugitive would have made good his escape, had he not been noticed by CHARLES LEIDY, who at once notified the officer. The officer rushed out of the house and after firing two shots in the air the man stopped. NULL, bears a bad reputation, and those who know him attribute his love for rum to his downfall. He leaves a wife and five small children at the mercy of the world. His family is in very poor circumstances, and the sight at the depot, when the poor wife said, farewell to her worthless husband, was a bad one. Kind persons gave the woman some money, which she immediately used for provisions as her husband failed to properly provide for her and the little ones. The miserable mans aged mother, who is now past her eightieth years, and who makes her home with him, was compelled to look at her once promising son, led away to prison.
The grey driving horse of OWEN HENRY of this borough died on Monday, under peculiar circumstances. The horse was seemingly all right on Saturday evening, and when Mr. HENRY saw the horse on Sunday, and was ready to use him he found that the animal could not open his jaws and that he was sick. Dr. JESSE Z. HILLEGASS of Red Hill was summoned. He at once diagnosed it a severe case of lockjaw. The horse gradually grew worse and died on Monday morning. The only cause from which the horse might have developed this sickness was attributed to a slight abrasion of the skin near his caudal appendage, due to the rubbing of the stable blanket.
HENRY B. SWEISFORT, the oldest resident of Frederick township, celebrated his ninety-second birthday anniversary on Wednesday. He now lives a retired life on the farm which he conducted for many years, which is beautifully located between Green Tree and Perkiomenville. Mr. SWEISFORT was born in New Hanover township on the 6th day of March, 1809. The life of this aged gentleman is exceptionally interesting, as he was one of the most successful farmers in that vicinity. He obtained his education in the township schools, which in those days afforded but little opportunity to the farmer's son. While still a lad he learned what was then one of the most profitable trades of the day - a tailor. He successfully conducted this business, saving considerable money, for a period of fourteen years. Shortly after retiring from the tailoring business Mr. SWEISFORT began farming and successfully conducted a large farm until 1885, when he retired from farm life. Mr. SWEISFORT's long life has been one of usefulness, in which he has enjoyed exceptionally good health. His straightforward manner of conducting his business has gained for him the respect of all with whom he is acquainted. He has always taken an active part in any move to the interest of the township. He is an active member of the Keelers Church at Green Tree and attends regularly, notwithstanding the fact that he has to travel a distance of two miles. During this aged gentleman's long and useful life he has held many offices in the church, which he always conducted to the best of his ability. This remarkable old gentleman enjoys the use of all his faculties, his eyesight and memory are good, notwithstanding his advanced years. Mr. SWEISFORT is the father of a large family, who have become respected citizens in their different localities in which they reside.
WARREN REED, residing on the Ridge Road, near Tylersport, died on Monday evening, after being bedfast for the past ten years. He was a son of the late JESSE REED, and was helpless for the past six years. He had to be attended to like a child. He died at the home of his son Howard. His age is about 50 years. The funeral will be held at the Old Goshenhoppen church this forenoon. Rev. J.L. ROUSH will officiate.
Dr. DANIEL G. HERSH of Red Hill, on Monday purchased a home in that town located near HEIST's general store. The house was owned by a number of Red Hill capitalists. It is a double dwelling house and is at present tenanted by ALFRED HILLEGASS and MILTON JONES. The reported price paid for the house is $2500. Dr. HERSH expects to take possesion in April and will have alterations made and have the interior of the building changed, so that it will be suitable for his offices and dwelling house.
JEROME BAUMAN, a young man residing between Woxall and Rudy, started the manufacture of cigars at his home. ORESTORA SCHAFER of Sumneytown, this week took out a government license for the manufacture of cigars in that town.
EUGENE W. SCHOLL, Notary Public of this borough, on Sunday lost a pocket book containing a large sum of money and valuable papers. The papers were subject to the payment of bearer. The money which the purse contained amounted to over fifty-seven dollars and the loss caused Mr. SCHOLL considerable worriment. He first noticed his loss, when he arrived at the Pennsburg Bank on Monday morning, for the purpose of depositing the different notes. He at once instituted a thorough systematic search, but failed to learn anything of the missing pocket book. Mr. SCHOLL had despaired of finding it, but when he returned to his home on Tuesday he was agreeably surprised by his wife, who approached him and handed him the missing pocket book. Mrs. SCHOLL informed him that she found it in an outbuilding where Mr. SCHOLL in some accountable manner dropped it.
The March term of Criminal Court began at Norristown on Monday morning, with Judges SWARTZ and WEAND on the bench. The criminal list contained sixty-one cases, most of which were of a trivial nature. All the jurors responded to their names, except Jacob K. ALLEBACH, H.C. COLEMAN, Joseph FRANKENFIELD, Perry W. GRESH and Charles WAGNER. The court excused John D. GERHARD, Reese C. ROBERTS, Lewis CARTY and Jonas G. HANGEY. The grand jury retired and selected Wm. F. HERBERT, of Lower Merion, as foreman, and John P. KLINE, of Red Hill, as clerk. Herbert U. MOORE, who successfully passed his final examination, was on Monday sworn in as a member of the Montgomery country bar. William MACK, of Norristown, was convicted of felonious entry and larceny, MACK is the man who was shot by Officer HAGGERTY, while trying to escape when caught carrying brass faucets stolen from an empty house. Assault and Battery - George FRYER, of Pottstown, pleaded guilty to the charge of assault and battery on E.T. PLUSH, proprietor of the Commercial hotel, of Pottstown, on the 7th of January last. FRYER entered the hotel and asked a bystander to let him drink on him. The proprietor refused to permit him to be served under the circumstances, whereupon FRYER got very impudent. While being ejected FRYER kicked Landlord PLUSH and smashed things generally. Burglary - George PRATT, pleaded guilty to the charge of burglarizing the house of Geo. PARRY, of Wyncote and was sent to the penitentiary for four years. Stole Chickens - David SMITH, pleaded guilty to stealing chickens from Mary PLACE, of this borough, and got 60 days. Trespass - Murrell HARMER, entered the house of Minnie KELLY, of Ogontz, on the 5th of December. He passed the entrance door, walked through the dining room and was about ascending a stairway when Mrs. KELLY saw him. HARMER at first said that he had made a mistake and was looking for a contractor supposed to live in KELLY's house. Afterwards he said that he was sent there to examine the drainage. He got eighteen months for trespass and felonious entry. Convicted of Larceny - Joseph TENNY and Harry WILLIAMS, boys, were convicted of the larceny of a lunch basket and music roll from the Heacock boarding school at Chelten Hills. They were also caught with railroad way bills which TENNY said he was to keep until WILLIAMS secured a reward. The way bills represented stock valued at $1000 and were stolen from Jenkintown station. Stole a Pair of Pants - Peter CONLY, pleaded guilty to stealing a pair of pants from H.B. BERKOWITZ, of Conshohocken. He got three months. Stole Cash - Sophie ALLEN, a colored woman, pleaded guilty to stealing cash from Frank ENGLE, at Ogontz. She got 1 year and 3 months. Stole a Suit of Clothes - Edward CHALFANT, pleaded guilty to the charge of feloniously entering the dwelling house of Lewis DICKSON, of Lower Merion, and stealing therefrom a suit of clothes and a shirt. He also admitted stealing other clothing belonging to Thomas BURKE. He was sent to jail to serve two years and a half at hard labor. One Year for $250. Theft - John RANDALL, pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing a lamp and bracket from the Chelto Hills station on the Philadelphia and Reading Railway. The property was valued at $2.50. The prisoner was sent to jail for one year. Four Months for Tramping - Thomas SMITH, was sentenced to four months in jail for tramping. He had entered a plea of guilty.
The trustees of the Old Goshenhoppen church near Salford station recently purchased about twenty-one acres of land from Squire M.H. WALTERS of Rudy. The land has not been cultivated yet as only recently the timber was removed from it. The land adjoins the woodland belonging to the church. The tract was formerly the property of the late Jesse ZIEGLER.
The employees of Dunn's cigar factory Boyertown, have recently done a kind and noteworthy act towards one of their fellow workmen who is a cripple. John WAHLFURT is a cripple and unable to walk without artificial legs. Last week he purchased two new legs, from the money which had been collected in the cigar factory and among the citizens of Boyertown. The assistance which this man received from his fellow workmen and citizens of his town is highly appreciated by him, and words can not express, Mr. WAHLFURT's feelings to those who have so kindly aided him.
The assault and battery case charged against Frank O. HENDRICKS of Woxall, by Nathan S. RENNINGER of Perkiomenville which was to be tried at this term of Court was settled. The matter was adjusted by Mr. HENDRICKS paying the costs and satisfying Mr. RENNINGERs claim. This trouble originated through a bill Mr. HENDRICKS owed Mr. RENNINGER. During a period of excitement Mr. HENDRICKS assaulted Mr. RENNINGER, after which suit was brought and the matter was adjusted before it was brought before the courts.
The members of the Reformed Building Association, of this borough on Tuesday evening met in the church building for the purpose of transacting their regular business and elect officers to serve for the ensuing year. The following officers were elected, Mrs. Susan HOFFMAN, President; Mrs. S.T. SUMMERS, Vice President; F.F. HUBER, Secretary; Rev. J.L. ROUSH, Treasurer. The following committee was appointed as auditors, D.K. GRABER, Abner MILLER and Oswin TRUMBORE.
The Pennsburg and East Greenville borough councils met in their respective council chambers in regular session on Monday evening for the last time for the year 1900. The usual reports of the borough officials were heard and the members indulged in a few pleasant remarks about the work of the year just ended. The Pennsburg borough council met in the town hall and President BARNDT called the meeting to order. Those present were Messrs. MOYER, KLINE, BARNDT, REED, BITTING and SECHLER. The report of the year's work was then heard, after which the following bills were presented and ordered to be paid: S.B. KEPLER, Salary...$27.50, Gilbert & Hevener, Coal Oil and Gasoline...$21.36. This last meeting of the old council was held for the purpose of hearing the Treasurer's report and paying those bills which were contracted for by this body. As there was no further business it was moved that the old council adjourn. After adjournment of the council, the retiring members Messrs. KLINE and BARNDT were called upon to address the body. After a few brief remarks and before the new council was organized, the members indulged in jokes at each other's expense. After Squire SMITH had the necessary papers ready the newly elected councilmen, Milton T. KLINE and Victor H. STECKEL took the oath of office. Preparations for the organization of a new council were then made. Jacob SECHLER and Charles M. REED were nominated for President. Six votes were cast and after the ballots were counted the vote stood a tie. Another ballot resulted in REED receiving four votes and SECHLER two. REED was ordered to occupy the chair. The nomination for secretary was then made. H.J. SMITH was the only nomination made and he was unanimously elected. For borough Treasurer M.K. GILBERT was nominated and elected. Upon a vote it was decided to have the treasurer's bond $2,000 as previously. The President appointed the following committees to serve during this year: Road Committee - Jacob SECHLER, William BITTING and V.H. STECKEL; Lamp Committee - George TRUMBORE Jr., Milton MOYER and Milton KLINE. They decided to hold their regular meetings as before, on the first Monday of the month and the time to begin from April to October at 7.30 o'clock, the balance of the year at 7 o'clock. Council also decided to pay the same wages, $1.25 per day per man and $2.00 for horse and cart for work on the roads, as in previous years. The Secretary's salary was ordered to be ten dollars per year. Upon motion an appropriaton of ten dollars was ordered to be paid the Board of Health, after which council adjourned. The last regular meeting of the East Greenville borough council was held in the council chamber, on Monday evening. The meeting was called to order by the president, J.A. GERHART. All the members of the council were present and they at once proceeded to business. The first matter of importance brought before that august body, was presented by, councilman, T.H. HOFFMAN. Mr. HOFFMAN informed the council that he had been instructed by Dr. J.G. MENSCH, of this borough, to make the following statement, to be acted upon at once, "Dr. MENSCH, requests the council to have a representative meet him at the earliest possible convenience and adjust the claim, he now has against the borough." This little trouble has existed ever since the erection of the borough water plant. Dr. MENSCH, who owns a large grist mill, claims that the water plant interferes with his milling business, as the water supply was to a considerable extent interfered with. Dr. MENSCH claims that this depreciates the value of his property, and insists upon having damages. No action was taken on the matter. A letter was read from J.B. HILLEGASS, Esq., of Norristown, attorney for Miss Laura KEPLER, of this borough, affixing the damages, for the extention of the proposed street. The amount of damages asked was $150. The matter also was laid on the table without further action. T.H. HOFFMAN, then handed over to the borough clerk $5.25 for gravel purchased from the borough by Supervisor Jacob KURZ, of Upper Hanover township. The gravel was removed from the embankment at the water works.
A peculiar accident occurred at White's mill, one mile west of Tylersport, one evening last week. In a building adjoining the mill dwells Theodore HARTLEY, with his wife and two small children. While the family was seated at supper, Mrs. HARTLEY walked over into the mill on some errand, while the machinery was running at full speed. A draught caused by a open door blew her clothing so that it was caught by an upright shaft, which was revolving rapidly. Before she had time to realize her position, it had torn every stitch of clothing from her body, which fact alone saved her life. Her cries brought her husband to the scene. Drs. ACKER, of Tylersport and BLANCK, of Green Lane, were hurriedly summoned. Her injuries were considered very slight, consisting of abrasions upon the left side of her body. That she escaped with her life is remarkable, as the clothing was wound around the shaft so tightly that it was necessary to cut it loose. It was later learned that Mrs. HARTLEY's injuries were of a more serious nature and the unfortunate lady is now in a dangerous condition.
A party of young people, from Boyertown, took a drive to Bally on Saturday evening. They engaged the services of Matthias ANTHONY, to act as driver, and hired one of Liveryman LEIDY's large coaches. Four of Mr. LEIDY's spirited horses were hitched to the coach and a string of sleigh-bells were fastened to each animal. The young people had a delightful time and the party returned to their home during the night, well pleased with the trip.
James B. NICHOLSON, for the past thirty-five years Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Order of Odd Fellows, and a past Grand Sire of the whole Order, died Monday at his home, 1542 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, after a long illness. Mr. Nicholson had been in failing health since January, 1893, when he was stricken with paralysis while addressing a meeting of Odd Fellows at Berwyn. He never recovered from this attack, which left him incapacitated on the right side, though till recently he was able to be present every day at his office in Odd Fellows Temple. Bright's disease and old age were the direct causes of his death. He was 71 years of age.
The Young People's Society of the West Swamp church near Milford Square held an interesting meeting on Sunday evening. The attendance was exceptionally large. The topic for the evenings discussion was, "Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for Strength." It was ably discussed by Miss Addie MUSSELMAN and Messrs. James ROSENBERGER, Earl HIXSON, Allen BLEAM, and Elwood SHELLY. At the close several remarks were made by several of the members. An impressive recitation was then given by Miss Mabel HUTTEL. Mrs. Mamie SNYDER, then rendered a beautiful vocal solo. The meeting then came to a close and the large audience returned to their respective homes highly pleased with the services. This society is doing a wonderful amount of good among the young people in the church. They are continually adding new members and the interest taken by them in the good work is certainly encouraging.
J. MANLIN, fireman on engine No. 60, on the Perkiomen Railroad fell from the morning train near Green Lane. He was noticed lying along the track by the middle brakeman who gave the alarm. The train was stopped and the fireman was assisted into the caboose and taken to Green Lane Station. He was removed to his home at Allentown with the next train. Mr. MANLIN was severly bruised by the fall as he struck his hip on the edge of a tie, and he was unable to walk without assistance.
A pleasant surprise party was tendered Miss Katie Moll, on Tuesday evening in honor of her twenty-second birthday. Quite a number of her friends were present and a most enjoyable evening was spent. About ten o'clock the guests were invited into the dining room, where a sumptuous collation was served. The guests later returned to the parlor where the remainder of the evening was spent in a social manner.
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