John M. HOFFMAN, of Philadelphia, died on Friday at the age of 59 years, 7 months and 24 days, of cerebro-spinal meningitis brought on by a fall down stairs ten days before his death. Mr. HOFFMAN conducted the butcher business in Pennsburg about twenty-five years ago. He was twice married. His first wife was Diana KLINE, a sister of Lewis H. KLINE, of this borough and the following children survive: Mrs. Edwin UNDERCOFFLER, of Hoppenville; Mrs. Katie STEIDEL and Mrs. Annie SMITH, both of Philadelphia. He is also survived by his widow, nee Ada JOHANNES, formerly of Pennsburg, and six children all residing in Philadelphia and two brothers William, of Niantic, and Henry, of Gibraltar, Berks county, and one sister, Mrs. Abraham DYSON, of Philadelphia. The funeral was held on Tuesday at Christ's church, Niantic. Rev. J.J. KLINE officiated.
John BARTMAN (picture), the oldest resident of Upper Hanover township, died on Sunday of typhoid pneumonia, after a four days illness. Mr. BARTMAN was born near Deep Creek, New Hanover township, on December 10, 1810. He learned the carpenter trade while a youth, but only followed that trade for four years. He then started farming and continued that for sixty years, after which he lived a retired life. He was quite active for his age and helped on the farm during the busy season and this fall helped to husk corn. He was a good pedestrian at his advanced age, only the other week he walked over to Pennsburg, which is about a mile and a half from his home and back in half a day. He lived to the ripe age of 92 years and 4 days. He is survived by his widow and one daughter the widow of William SMITH of Upper Hanover. Jacob BARTMAN of Harleysville, is the only surviving brother. The funeral will be held on Monday. Services and interment will be made at Christ's Church, Niantic.
Rev. Dr. A. R. HORN, of Allentown, died suddenly at 6 o'clock on Tuesday morning. He was in good health until the day before when he attended a Christmas festival at Seidersville, Lehigh county. On his way home on the trolley he was seized with a vomiting spell and during the night he had another, at the same time he did not feel ill. He was found dead in bed the next morning. Dr. HORNE, however, died as he had often expressed himself, and that was suddenly and without pain, and there is very little doubt but that his wish was fulfilled. Rev. Abraham R. HORNE, A.M., D.D. was one of the most prominent instructors of youth in the state, and was the founder of the "National Educator." He was the son of David L. and Mary HORNE and was born in Springtown township, Bucks county, on March 24, 1834. Rev. Dr. HORNE was a clergyman of the Evangelical Lutheran church and served congregations ever since he was ordained a minister in 1859. He studied theology privately and his first charge was at Keller's church in Bucks county and at Quakertown. The funeral will be held today at the St. John's Lutheran church, Allentown. Rev. Dr. REPASS will officiate.
Mrs. John K. ZIEGLER, of near Woxall, died on Christmas morning of paralysis, at the age of 55 years. She is survived by her husband and the following children: Irwin, of Salfordville; Mrs. Isaac S. BUCHER, of Salfordville; Harvey, of Rudy; Mrs. Sarah Jane RITTENHOUSE, Mrs. Alice RITTENHOUSE, both of Kulpsville; and Mrs. Mary L. ALLEBACH, of Lansdale. The funeral will be held on Tuesday at the Indian Creek Dunkard Meeting House.
[Picture - Jonathan CHRISTMAN]
Jonathan CHRISTMAN, of near Milford Square, Bucks county, on Saturday celebrated his birthday anniversary. He rounded out his eighty-sixth year and is blessed with good health and the enjoyment of all his faculties. He is never idle whenever there is any work around, and during the corn husking season just ended he could daily be seen out in the fields at husking. He husked one hundred and seventy-five shocks of corn during the season. Mr. CHRISTMAN lived in Pennsburg for twenty years and conducted a farm. in 1894 he sold his place here and moved to his son Daniel, near Milford Square. About four years ago his wife died and since he lives with his son. He is yet robust and vigorous and his general health and natural abilities are yet far superior to the average man of his age. He is able to read without glasses and during his lifetime he read the Holy Bible through four times and all without the aid of glasses. Mr. CHRISTMAN was never sick worth mentioning. He is a total abstainer from all intoxicating drinks. He is the father of the following children, who all live in this immediate vicinity: Daniel, of near Milford Square; Mary, wife of Nathan HARING, of Pennsburg; Edwin, of near Kraussdale; Amanda, relict of Edwin BOYER, of near Finland; Sarah, wife of Mahlon KRAUSS, of near Brick Tavern; Lovina, wife of Henry TRUMP, of Red Hill, and Malinda, wife of John GREN, of Argus.
Rudolph BECKER, of Perkiomenville, lost his pocketbook containing seventeen dollars in the Perkiomen creek. During the high water this week he was on the bridge which spans the creek near that place and while leaning over the walls the purse fell from his coat pocket into the stream. The rapid current quickly bore it away and Mr. BECKER is minus the money and the purse, which was valued at one dollar.
Amandus SNYDER, of Upper Hanover township, near Pennsburg, has this week been appointed by Register of Wills Henry GROFF as one of his transcribers. Mr. SNYDER at present holds a clerical position in the laundry department of the State Hospital for the Insane at Norristown.
The Sunday-school of the New Goshenhoppen Reformed church held a collection on Christmas day for the Orphans at Womelsdorf. The collection amounted to $65.94.
The sixth district teachers' institute of Washington township will be held at Frey's school house near Eshbach, Berks county, on January 10. During the day D.W. BERKY will have charge of reading, and A.L. BRUMBACH of "Home Study." A class drill will be conducted by the teacher of the school, F.H. STAUFFER. "How to obtain the best results in spelling," by A.F. KEMP; "Morals in the Home," Oswin HERB; "Are monthly examinations beneficial to the child?" by A.S. BERKEY, will be discussed. In the evening an extensive program will be rendered by the pupils in charge of Mr. STAUFFER, consisting of dialogues, recitations, songs, drills and a literary contest. All are cordially invited to attend.
Milkman John REITER, of Red Hill, on Wednesday morning presented every one of his customers with a beautiful waiter. He had a large covered wagon on which he had the presents stored and in the rear step he had a "Santa Claus" stationed who handed out a present to every customer after they had made their purchase of milk in the forepart of the wagon. Mr. REITER has the oldest established milk route through these boroughs and enjoys a large patronage.
Harvey SAMSEL, of New Hanover, and Miss Olivia HUFF, of Fagleysville, and John A. KULP, of Fagleysville, and Miss Mary SHELLENBERGER, of Fruitville, were united in holy matrimony on Saturday.
Gideon W. MARSH, who was president of the ill-fated Keystone Bank, of Philadelphia, when it collapsed a dozen years ago, on Wednesday breathed the air of freedom. The commutation of his long sentence, recently made by Presid ent Roosevelt, went into effect at 12 o'clock Tuesday night and some time Wednesday morning he left the penitentiary. One of those who greeted Mr. MARSH was Attorney E. Cooper SHAPLEY, who was his council and who with several other personal friends had perfected a plan whereby the ex-banker's departure from the prison was made as quite as possible. These gentlemen had arranged for Mr. MARSH to make his home with one of his sons and have found him a clerical position with a large manufacturing establishment. He will later embark in a business enterprise, the nature of which is yet a secret, but which is said to be highly promising. The ex-banker has no idea of opening his old Ridley Park home, his wife having secured a divorce on the ground of desertion since he was sentenced on December 13, 1898, to 12 years and 9 months imprisonment. Mrs. MARSH is now earning her own living in New York city.
Rev. C.S. WIEAND (picture), of Pottstown, on Sunday rounded out the nineteenth year of his pastorate in the Zion's Reformed church of that town. Nineteen years ago, on the Sunday before Christmas, Rev. WIEAND entered the pulpit of that church for the first time. The Rev. Mr. WIEAND had up to that time been a resident of Pennsburg, and was the founder and principal of Perkiomen Seminary up to the time of his accepting the call of the Zion's Reformed church of Pottstown. The residents of the Perkiomen valley reluctantly saw the Rev. Mr. WIEAND and his family leave this section.
A birthday party was held on Wednesday evening for Miss Alice LAYTON, of Powder Valley, in honor of her 18th birthday. The guests were entertained with graphophone music by A.S. MILLER and by addresses and vocal solos by Viola and Murdie SCHULTZ, of Philadelphia. Her parents presented her with a nice bed set. Many other fancy articles were given her by friends. The guests were treated to a splendid supper, prepared by the parents.
Jerome G. BEALOR, of Red Hill and Miss Katie A. FOX, of Pennsburg, went to Lancaster City on Wednesday morning and were married there that evening at the home of the groom's parents. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin FOX, of Red Hill, and the groom is a cigar packer employed at the Red Hill cigar factory.
Harry Warren GEHMAN, the seven-year-old son of Mrs. Warren GEHMAN, died at the home of his mother, No. 527 1/2 Union street, Allentown, at 8.30 o'clock, Friday night from the effects of drinking nearly a pint of gin. Mrs. GEHMAN is the widow of Warren GEHMAN, who was killed about three years ago at the Pennsburg planing mill, by being struck with a fly wheel. Ever since that time Mrs. GEHMAN has been compelled to work to support her family of four children, the oldest of which is twelve years. She had been working at New Jersey and four weeks ago moved to Allentown, and began work in the Southdown Knitting Company, at the foot of Lehigh street. Mrs. GEHMAN has not been feeling well lately, so she drank gin for her ailment. Her son, Warren, she alleges complained of not feeling well and she occasionally gave him gin. Mrs. GEHMAN leaves the house for her work befoer 6.30 o'clock in the morning. Friday morning before she left Warren asked for some of the gin, but the mother refused to give him any. After she had gone young GEHMAN went to the closet in the room where the gin was and drank the contents which consisted of nearly a pint. The mother upon coming home from her work at noon found him lying on the bed in a stupor. Medical assistance was summoned, but the boy was found to be unconscious. He was unable to take medicine and died at 8.30 o'clock without having gained consciousness. Mrs. GEHMAN is heart-broken at the occurrence, he being her only son. After the death of the boy's father, he was with the family of David BIERY, of this borough, until last Spring when he was taken by the mother. The three sisters who survive are, Florence, Bertha and Edna. The funeral was held on Wednesday morning from the residence of the mother. Services and burial were made at the New Goshenhoppen church, near East Greenville.
Amos SCHULTZ, of East Greenville, has been awarded a free tuition contract by the Correspondence Institute of America, Scranton, Pa. This contract entitles the holder to a free mail course in either illustrating, ad. writing, journalism, proof reading, book-keeping, stenography, practical electricity of electrical engineering. As Mr. SCHULTZ already has one of these contracts he will be glad to transfer the extra one to any worthy person who is interested.
Baker Thos. E. MARSTELLER, of Pennsburg, is considered one of the best reinsmen in this borough and on Christmas day he fully demonstrated that fact. He was out sleighing with his two grey mules hitched in tandem style. He attracted considerable attention as the little folks crowded the sidewalk thinking it was "real Santa Claus" with his reindeers.
John N. O'BRIEN, aged 50, of Schuylkill Haven, a fireman on the Reading Railway, was killed instantly on Wednesday, while riding in his cab, one mile below Royersford. The train was running forty miles an hour when the main rod of the engine broke and struck O'BRIEN, cutting off his head.
Thomas MOHR, of Philadelphia, celebrated his eightieth birthday anniversary on Christmas at the home of his daughter Mrs. Emma SCHWARTZ, of the American house. Guests from Allentown, and Philadelphia were present. A splendid collation was served the guests.
The St. John's Lutheran Sunday school of near Pennsburg presented the pastor Rev. O.F. WAAGE, on Christmas, with a beautiful roll top writing desk. They also presented the organist, O.F. BERNDT with a Morris chair.
A telegram was received in this borough from Howard C. HILLEGASS, editor of the Sun, of Saratoga Springs, New York, on Christmas morning, stating that twins were born to Mr. and Mrs. HILLEGASS on Christmas eve.
Samuel R. SHUPE, of Evansburg, this county recently wrote the Lord's prayer in a circle the size of a nickel. This is quite a remarkable piece of work when the fact that Mr. SHUPE is 72 years of age is taken into consideration.
The reports of the last census show that the counties of Lancaster, Montgomery, Chester, Berks and Bucks, in Pennsylvania, lead all counties in the United States, if area is taken into consideration. Lancaster County, the garden spot of Pennsylvania, with 552,761 acres of land, of which 478,325 acres are under cultivation, leads the list with the following to its credit: A great number of farms - 9437 - than any other county in the Union; in the value of its buildings, their total worth being $23,147,820; a greater gross income from its agricultural products than any other county, amounting to $9,210,815, and the value ot its products exceeds that of any other county amounting to $12,613,415.
Berks county is a close second in the number of its farms in the state, having 7375 farms to it credit, while Montgomery is next to Lancaster County in the value of its land and improvements; also in the value of its buildings, which are valued at $19,080,400. Lancaster and Chester Counties lead the state as to the value of live stock. Bucks County, the home of the Quaker settlements, stands forth in the United States as to its value of farm buildings.
The figures from the 1900 census reports show that within the limits of those five counties live a class of people familiarly known throughout the world as the "Pennsylvania Dutch," a wonderful race, who have been held up as examples of conservatism and thrift. The chief products raised by this hard-working people are wheat, rye, corn, oats, potatoes, clover and timothy hay. While Lancaster produces more tobacco than any other county in the state, Berks and Chester Counties raise considerable fruit, the peach being in abundance, while Montgomery and Bucks raise more small fruit and garden vegetables, on account of being in close proximity to the Philadelphia markets. Their farm land is a rolling country, with an occasional hill, and between those hills abound the most fertile valleys in existence, which bring forth good crops. On account of the many creeks and rivers running through those fertile valleys short crops seldom occur, even in dry periods.
Their barns are of immense size, 70 to 120 feet in length, by 30 to 50 feet wide, with double rows of stalls, with stabling accomodations for 10 to 15 horses, and three times as many cows. These barns are known in the Pennsylvania German as "Schweitzer scheuer" (Swiss barn), built part of stone and part of boards, painted red, with the usual decorations of a picture of a horse and a cow in large circles on the front of the barn, and the proprietor's name underneath. Their farm houses have all the necessary improvements, and are homes of comfort luxury and refinement, not palaces, but the abodes of practical men and women, who depend solely upon farming for a livelihood.
The up-to-dateness of those sturdy agriculturists is well illustrated by the Worcester's Farmers' Union of Montgomery county, the most remarkable independent farmers' organization in the United States. It is independent in the sense that it has no connection with state or national organizations, and exists solely for the financial, agricultural and educational benefit of its 600 members. The members have their own club house, they are building their own telephone lines and they are holding under advisement the erection of their own electric lighting plant to furnish light and power to its members. This organization was started 12 years ago with nine members, in a little room of a country inn, and now its 600 mem- are scattered over a radius of 20 miles and hold their meetings in a two-story building, 40 by 70 feet. There are weekly meetings and monthly lectures. They employ their own chemist, who analyzes their fertilizers, and hence they are not deceived by bogus fertilizer companies.
In its neighborhood the best roads are found, their schools are in a progressive state, they enjoy rural free mail delivery, they have telephone and telegraph facilities and their farm machinery is of the best obtainable. Those Pennsylvania Germans have shown to the world at large that they are not newcomers with a German accent on their tongues, but are sons of the Revolutionary fathers and of the bluest colonial blood. The haymaking and harvest season is the most happy time of the year, for the sturdy Pennsylvania farmer and the farmer's wife and his daughters take an active part in the farm work. A day on the farm at this season is a novel attraction to a city man. In the morning the farmer and his family arise at 4.30 o'clock. The men feed the cattle and the women curry the horses and milk the cows, while the wife prepares the breakfast. After breakfast the machinery is started. Often the women operate the mower and binders, if they have faithful horses, and as a general rule the Pennsylvania German's horses is such, that its superior is hard to find, well fed and bred, always gentle. Not only do the women operate the binders, but they follow the binder and shock the grain.
Among the settlements it is no uncommon sight to find the women on the hay rake, hay tedder, on the wagon loading hay, or following the cradle to bind the sheaves. Not only are the women healthy outdoor laborers, but they are noted as good housewives. With them nothing ever goes to waste; they save all odds, and use them. Their dishes and their pies and cakes are noted throughout the state, and their cooking would make a dyspeptic visitor's heart joyful. They are devoted to their families and to God. Family quarrels are rare, and the communities for miles around are called neighborhoods, for they associate freely, making friends, and in time of need are ever willing and ready to help each other.
One of the most novel customs among them is the 9 a.m. repast during harvest time. At that hour the wife, with one of her daughters, enters the field of labor and retreats under the shade of a tree spreading the table linen on the grass. Upon this cloth is set the repast for the laborers. At such a meal coffee, milk and lemonade are drunk, while pies, cakes, cold meat, pickles, beets and fruit complete the bill of fare. In some of their settlements this repast is repeated at 3 p.m. This custom originated with the Pennsylvania Germans and they are the only ones that still practice it. In former years liquor was used as a beverage at such meals, but this practice has disappeared. The Pennsylvania farmers are great feeders, and their live stock is of the best. They all keep some full-bred cattle, and the Jersey, Holstein, Shorthorn and Ayrshire cows are kept for milking purposes, while the Hereford is bred for beef. The farmers are well educated and their sons and daughters find their way into the front ranks at the colleges and universities of our country. They have established in their communities in Eastern Pennsylvania some of the best institutions of learning, and no money is spared in this cause. No more liberal class of working people could be found, their own homes, their churches, their kind disposition, their duties to their families and neighbors, all bearing ample evidence to this statement.
Miss Emma NICE (picture), of Perkiomenville, was on Christmas married to C.C. ELLIS, of the Doweite colony, at Zion City, with which sect he is prominently connected. The ceremony was performed by Elder HAMMOND, of Zion City. The bride is a daughter of miller John H. NICE, of Perkiomenville, and is a graduate of Juniata College, where she made the acquaintance of Mr. ELLIS, who at that time was a professor in the college.
Former Constable William L. LYON, of Reading, who has just begun serving a six months' sentence for extortion; is tiring of the monotony of life in a prison cell, and will ask for a pardon, owing to his advanced age. He sent word to several friends that he wished to have their assistance.
There are at present ninety-eight prisoners in the county jail. Of that number five are females. On Christmas Day through the kindness of Warren GOTWALS they enjoyed a chicken dinner.
William L. ELKINS has donated a lot valued at $6000 to the congregation of the Ogontz Evangelical Lutheran Church, C.G. SPIEKER, pastor. The church building will be erected on the site in the spring.
Harmon TICE and son, of Pottstown, were awakened early Sunday morning by fire and smoke in their rooms. They found that their bedding was on fire. They saved their lives by leaping from the second story window. One hundred and fifty dollars, in cash, the building and its contents were consumed, making a total loss of $2500, with an insurance of $600. The origin of the fire is unknown.
Two slick young fellows were operating in Quakertown for several days last week selling spectacles. They succeeded in victimizing several people. One of them who gave his name as A. Leonard GOULSON, of Philadelphia, went to the home of W.F. GATSCHELL and represented that he had been sent there, as Mrs. GATSCHELL wished to buy a pair of spectacles. Mrs. GATSCHELL, inquiring whether her husband had sent him, was told directly he had done so, and she was persuaded to buy a pair costing $10. The glasses proved to be worthless and the frame looked like a second handed one. Mr. GATSCHELL had a warrant sworn out and the sharper was arrested by Constable FUNK and given a hearing before 'Squire OCHS, on a charge of misrepresentation and fraudulently obtaining money. The fellow was thoroughly frightened and gladly returned the $10 and paid the costs. The same evening the spectacle peddlers packed up their belonging at the Bush House and left Quakertown. It is probable that they had victimized others who have not made complaint and that by their hurried departure they escaped being arrested on similiar charges.
Attorneys for the heirs in the DISSLER will contest of Reading have given notice that they will apply for a receiver to take charge of the assets of the estate, now in the hands of the executor, Rev. Dr. Samuel R. BRIDENBAUGH, pastor of the Second Reformed Church. On July 24 attorneys for the heirs filed a bill in equity against Dr. BRIDENBAUGH, in which a receiver was asked for. The property was estimated to be worth about $13,000. It is now proposed to ask the executor to make an accounting of the money given him by deceased during her lifetime. Judge BLAND overruled Dr. BRIDENBAUGH's exceptions to the decision of the Orphans' Court, making him the defendant in the issue to be framed for the trial of the case in the civil court. He had desired to be the plaintiff in the litigation.
A remarkable demonstration took place in the Berks courthouse when Antonio TADDAI, a Philadelphia Italian and street musician, only 17 years old, who shot and killed John TRAYER, Edward HARTMAN and Samuel STITZEL in front of a hotel in that city on July 4th, was acquitted. The verdict was rendered in the presence of a large audience, and it apparently met with approval, as it was no sooner announced than the courtroom rang with cheers. The tipstaves were powerless to check the demonstration, which is regarded as remarkable in view of the fact that the bullets fired by this waif the street brought death to three men belonging to Reading families of good standing. The prisoner, who could scarcely understand what was transpiring, broke down and wept when his father tottered to his side and told him that he was free. TADDAI owes his acquittal to the success of his counsel in establishing the theory of self-defense. The boy left for Philadelphia at once. He says he will never again carry a pistol or operate a street organ.
Dr. R.B. BLANDELL, formerly of New Mexico, now living in Reading, has invented a device for the hanging of murderers which he wants the County Commissioners to adopt. He has made a design to show how this device will work. A piece of steel is fitted behind the neck of the condemned. This steel has sharp corners, the edges rounded off, and it is covered with three thicknesses of cloth. The rope is passed through the holes at either end. When the rope is drawn taut the steel presses against the neck. By this means, the inventor says, the neck will always be broken, and a quick death will result. The ropes are to pass over two rollers at the top of the gallows and fastened to a sack containing twice the man's weight of sand or gravel. The Sheriff pushes the lever and lets the sack of sand drop. The murderer is jerked upward and his neck is broken. Mr. BLANDELL has asked Sheriff MOGEL to give his invention a trial at the hanging, on February 5, of Samuel GREASON, who was convicted of the murder of John EDWARDS at Stouchburg.
Thieves threw a brick through the window of the jewelry store of Gus SCHOEMAN, of Norristown, on Saturday night. They secured several watches and a quantity of silverware. Two men were pursued for several squares, but they escaped.
G. MCGOWAN, president of the Farmers' Institutes of Berks county, was at Boyertown and arranged for an institute at that place, on January 16 and 17. The speakers from a distance will be Mr. MCGOWAN, Col. John A. WOODWARD, of Centre country; Prof. Franklin MENGES, of York county, and Henry W. NORTHUP, of Lackawanna county.
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