One of the carpenters employed in the erecting the St. Andrew's Reformed Church in the course of erection at the corner of Ninth and Gordon Streets, Allentown, was killed by accident on ???day afternoon. The victim is James URFFER, of Allentown, formerly of ???el where he is well known and where some of his brothers now reside. He was in the employ of the contractors who are doing the carpentering work of the Church, and was working with a gang of five on the steeple of the tower, which is about 80 feet high. They were engaged in erecting the uprights for the steeple and only two of the twelve remained to be put into position. He and a brother Daniel, who is also a carpenter assisted by another, were on the first ????? of the tower fastening the timbers to a rope by which they were drawn to the top of the Steeple. The timbers consisted of planks about ?? feet long and 10 inches wide, tapering at both ends. One of these had been fastened and drawn up, and while the workmen at the top were shifting it to place it in position, the timber slipped through the noose of the rope and out through the opening of the floor on the top of the tower down to the first floor. The three men on the lower floor were standing together and the falling timber struck James on the shoulder and the side. The force of the blow knocked James between the rafters and he fell to the basement, landing on his head. He was immediately carried out and medical assistance was summoned, but by the time the doctors arrived he had died. His injuries consisted of terrible gashes on the left side of the head and shoulder, a fractured skull and a broken leg. Deceased was born at Hereford, July ????. He learned his trade at Hereford and later worked at Philadelphia. In February he moved to Allentown. He was married four years ago, and is survived by his wife and one child, his ????er, and the following brothers: ????? and Allen, of Philadelphia; ?????, of East Greenville, Edward and ?????, of Hereford, and Daniel of Allentown. The funeral was held on ?????, A.R. HORNE officiating. Interment at Rittersville.
The children and grand children of Mrs. Martha RITTER, of Harleysville, ???ered her a birthday party on Sunday in honor of her 72nd birthday. ???ty-six had assemble, among which was the following: August RITTER, John ????? and family, Charles BRENNER and family; Rein ZIMMER, John RITTER and family, Annie RITTER, Maggie RITTER, ???ed RITTER, Conrad RITTER and family, of Harleysville; John RITTER and wife, of Franconia; Webster G. KULP and family of Souderton; Conrad MAUTE and family and Fred RITTER and family, of Salford; ????? KULP and family of Woxall; Henry ???EHOUSE, of Hendricks.
The remains of Colonel Edwin Laurence DRAKE, the discoverer of Petroleum, which were laid to rest in 1880 in Niskyhill Cemetery, Bethlehem, were removed therefrom on Wednesday and taken to Titusville, where in 1859 he tapped oil from the first well driven for that purpose. The remains will be reinterred at the base of a $25,000 monument to his memory and the burial ceremony will be witnessed by the public officials and the residents of the Pennsylvania oil country.
The wife of Dr. C.T. WAAGE stumbled while walking over the porch at her home on Thursday and fell, breaking her arm and wrist.
Returning to town, on Wednesday afternoon with a one-horse team, having a load of saw dust, Edwin ERDMAN, of East Greenville, accompanied by his son Marion, met a street piano at the side of the EISENLOHR cigar factory discouring music for the cigar makers. The horse became frightened and started to run away. The wagon was upset, pinning the boy under it. The horse tore out of the harness and in his efforts Mr. ERDMAN received a kick on the knee that will disable him for some time to come. A number of people assembled and on liberating the boy, who was unconscious, it was found that his left arm was fractured, his hip dislocated and that he had an ugly cut in one of his arms. Dr. Daniel HERSH was called who eased the injured father and son after which they were placed on an improved ambulance and removed to their home where their wounds were dressed and the proper medical attention given.
The court this week set aside the proceedings, instituted by William XANDER against Emil WEISS before Justice of the Peace Edwin D. REITER, to obtain possession, under the Act of 1830, of a butchering establishment, in the Borough of Pennsburg, leased to Mr. WEISS. HILLEGASS & LARZELERE, attorneys for Mr. WEISS, certioraried the proceedings and filed exceptions to the record of the justice. These exceptions came up for argument this week, and were sustained by the Court, and the proceedings before the justice reversed. Mr. WEISS is still in possession of the premises notwithstanding the fact that proceedings to obtain possession, under the Act of 1863, have recently been instituted before Magistrate LENHARDT, of Norristown. Mr. WEISS' attorneys have also certioraried these proceedings.
Wm. A. WELKER, of Red Hill, has a pen holder that he has used constantly for the past twenty-six years. The pen holder is made of gold and shows its hard usage. It is worn through where it has been constantly in the grasp of the thumb and fore fingers and the side resting along side of the index finger at the knuckle is worn through for a space of more than an inch.
James ROBERTS, one of the oldest residents of Milford Square, who on Tuesday celebrated his seventy-eighth birthday anniversary, has the distinction of being probably the only living person in Bucks county who made trips from Philadelphia to Pittsburg by wagon before the two cities were connected by railroad. ROBERTS, it is claimed, made seven round trips fifty-seven years ago.
Dr. Jesse Z. HILLEGASS, of Red Hill, won first money in the 2.16 class at the Lebanon Fair on Wednesday, with Gale, fourth money with E.Z.H. in the 3.00 minute class, and second money with Trouble in the 2.19 class on Thursday. The purse for each class was $300.
Mary SEIBERT, widow of Samuel R. SEIBERT, died at the German Hospital, Philadelphia, on Monday evening, as the result of an operation performed on Saturday, to relieve her from kidney troubles. She was a born SCHULTZ, and brought her age to 43 years, 2 months and 25 days. She is survived by three minor children, Jonas, Howard and Samuel, who are staying with relatives, her mother, Mrs. Enoch SCHULTZ, of Hereford, and the following brothers and sisters: Levi N., of Norritonville; Irvin N., of Chapel; Daniel N., of Hereford, with whom she resided; Sarah, widow of Abraham KRAUSS, of Hereford; Lydia, wife of Enos SCHULTZ, of East Greenville; Susana, wife of Wm. SCHULTZ, of East Greenville, and Rachael wife of Nathan SCHULTZ, of Hosensack. The funeral will take place today from the residence of her brother, Daniel N. SCHULTZ, of Hereford. Interment at the Hosensack church, near Palm. Rev. O. S. KRIEBEL officiating.
William HILLEGASS, formerly a resident of near Geryville, but lately residing with his son, Reading, at Marydell, Md., died on Monday, of summer complaint, aged about 80 years. He is survived by three sons, Reading, of Marydell, Md.; Oswin of Norristown, and Calvin, of Nebraska. The funeral was held yesterday from the residence of Frank R. SCHLENKER, of near Geryville. Interment at the New Goshenhoppen Church Cemetery.
Anthony SEIPT, of Skippack, well known throughout the county, died on Sunday, of apoplexy aged 76 years, 10 months and 28 days. He is survived by his wife and two children, Mrs. Emma Jane WOLFE, wife of Dr. Samuel WOLFE, of Philadelphia, and Manilius D. SEIPT, a banker, of Nashville, Tenn. The funeral was held on Thursday. Interment at the Schwenkfelder burying ground, Worcester. Revs. Wm. S. ANDERS and G.K. MESCHTER, D.D., officiating.
Elias NICE, Sr., died at his home at Souderton, from a stroke of apoplexy, on Saturday, aged 74 years. He is survived by the following children: Gideon, of Hillegass; Tobias, of Harleysville; Mrs. Jefferson ERB, of Souderton; Aaron, of Lansdale; Henry, Elias and Allen, of Souderton. The funeral was held on Thursday. Interment at Franconia.
Mrs. Hannah BOYER, wife of Daniel BOYER, of Upper Hanover township, near the New Goshenhoppen church, died yesterday forenoon of inflamation of the bowels. She was only sick since last Saturday, and brought her age to about 42 years. Mrs. BOYER was formerly married to a Mr. WEISS with whom she had two children, who with her present husband survive. Her first husband died ten years ago. Six years ago she was married to Mr. BOYER. She was a born SCHWEINHARD. The funeral will be held next Thursday, at the St. Paul's Lutheran church. Rev. O.F. WAAGE, officiating.
John EDELMAN, died at his residence at Sumneytown, last Friday, aged 24 years, as the result of a kick received in a playful manner from a fellow workman about a year ago. He is survived by his wife and one child. The funeral took place on Tuesday. Interment at Sumneytown church, Rev. W.B. FOX, officiating.
Henry EISENHEIS, aged 72, street commissioner of Spring City, was instantly killed on Tuesday evening by a Pennsylvania fast freight. EISENHEIS attempted to cross the railroad track although the safety gates were down and the train only a few feet away.
Forrest J. CRESSMAN, of Sumneytown, who is abroad to study music has written to friends from Berlin, Germany, saying: "I am enjoying my trip to the fullest extend; will stay here three weeks in Berlin before going to Dresden, Prague, and Vienna."
The large farm of the WEAVER estate at the Yellow House, Berks county, was sold on Tuesday for $48.50 per acre. As showing the depreciation of farm values, it is pointed out that Colonel Jeremiah WEAVER once refused $200 an acre for this property.
On Tuesday afternoon William BOYER, of Reading, was found dead in a wagon into which he had crawled to sleep. He was strangled by a cud of tobacco.
The Peter MILLER farm containing 90 acres, situate near Hoppenville, was sold at public sale on Thursday to Gottleib WEISS for $1300. Immediate possession was given and by spring Mr. WEISS will move on the property.
John R. SWAVELY, formerly a clerk in the office at the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, accompanied by Adam RESSLER, went to Conestoga Creek, near East Petersburg, Lancaster county to fish, RESSLER taking an electric battery and a stick of dynamite along with which they attempted to fish in violation of the laws SWAVELY held the dynamite in his hand and secured to it was a wire connecting with the electric battery. Before throwing the explosive into the water SWAVELY called out some instructions to his companion, and in carrying them into effect the electric current was accidentally turned on. Instantly there was a terrific explosion and SWAVELY received the full force of the dynamite. One hand was blown off, the left eye was destroyed and several frightful wounds were inflicted in his abdomen.
The Presidential party while en route from Lennox to Pittsfield, Mass., on Wednesday morning in a tally-ho coach, was struck by a trolley car going at the rate of thirty miles an hour. President ROOSEVELT was only slightly injured. Secret Service Agent CRAIG was instantly killed, the driver, David J. PRATT was so seriously injured that he died later, and Private Secretary CORTELYOU sustained injuries which, it is feared, will prove fatal. The other members of the party escaped with slight bruises and contusions. Both horses were killed. The crew in charge of the trolley car has been placed under arrest.
Irvin SCHANTZ, of Steinsburg, has raised 225 bushels of the carmine variety of potatoes on three quarters of an acre of ground. Some of the tubers weigh 2 pounds.
Fire broke out in the old FRY store property, at Trappe, on Monday evening at 9.30 o'clock and destroyed it completely. The Collegeville Fire Department was soon on the scene and saved the adjoining buildings from ruin. The origin of the fire is unknown. Charles W. GROSS, of Philadelphia, owns the property and had it completely furnished but it has not been occupied for some time. The flames were discovered on the third floor and this leads people to think that through gnawing at a match a mouse may have caused the fire. The residents of the town responded immediately upon the discovery of the fire, but could do nothing beyond removing the furnishings of the first floor. The house was furnished with antique furniture, valuable both intrinsically and historically. The house with all its contents is a complete ruin, approximately a loss of fully $5000.
Mrs. Catharine OTT, who died recently at Coopersburg, willed her entire estate, valued at about $5000 to the Reformed Orphans' Home at Womelsdorf, the Home for Aged, in Philadelphia, and the Reformed congregation at that place, in equal shares.
The financial statement of the School Directors of Whitehall township, Lehigh county shows that Clement V. ECK, its tax collector who commited suicide, was exactly $955.47 short. It is likely that the township will lose the money as ECK had no bond.
G.M. CARL, of Schwenksville, this week fished a diamond ring valued at $125 out of the Perkiomen creek. The ring had been lost by a lady of Philadelphia while boarding at the Schwenksville Hotel.
Two fine granite monuments have been erected on the Old Goshenhoppen cemetery by George E. BEAR. One has been placed on the George FEGELEY lot, the other on the GROFF lot.
Green Lane, has the honor of being the home of Mark HILTEBEITEL (picture), who has recently announced himself as a candidate for County Commissioner. Mr. HILTEBEITEL was born in Upper Salford township, in 1836 and received only the limited education that the crude country schools of that time furnished, but his own native shrewdness placed him far in advance of many who lacked his abilities and fared no better than he did in education. He worked on his father's farm until he was nineteen years, when he apprenticed himself to learn the milling trade, which he followed for 10 years. In 1856 he purchased the farm at Green Lane, which he has occupied and faithfully cultivated ever since. Mr. HILTEBEITEL, is one of the Board of Managers, of the Perkiomen & Sumneytown Turnpike Co., and is interested in the Perkiomen National Bank, of East Greenville. He is a member of the Reformed church, of Sumneytown, having served many years as deacon, elder and trustee. In politics he has always been a Democrat and has worked faithfully in the interests of his party. He will not be lacking friends and support at the Democratic Convention when his name is presented for County Commissioner, and if elected he will serve his constituents faithfully.
This well known Upper Hanover candidate, William I. SMITH (picture), was born in New Hanover, in 1852. He was educated in the common schools and at the age of seventeen learned the carpentering trade which he has followed ever since. Having a gang of his own for the past 14 years. At the age of twenty-four, he moved to Upper Hanover where he has lived ever since. In connection with his trade he is conducting a small farm. He is a leading citizen in his community and township and is a member of Huber's Lutheran congregation and organized Freed's Sunday school with seven members, which has increased to a membership of 175, and has been its superintendent ever since. He is a member of Pennsburg Lodge of Odd Fellows, of East Greenville Castle Knights of the Golden Eagle and President of the Hillegass Creamery Association since its organization. He has never held any public office outside his township where he has been Judge of Elections for years, at various times he represented his party at County Conventions as a delegate and has been a life long Democrat. He has the assurance of strong support by the party in various sections of the county and if nominated and elected he will make a worthy member of the Board of Commissioners.
Harvey HARING, of Hillegass, and Jesse Z. HILLEGASS, of Red Hill, brought a bull to town, on Saturday, having but one front leg. The animal was born with but three legs and is even not provided with a shoulder blade to which the missing leg should be attached. The bull was shipped here from New York state where it was exhibited at the fair this week. It will later be on exhibition at the various fairs throughout the eastern part of the State.
Daniel K. GRABER, of this borough, has a tomatoe plant of the Pondorosa variety in his garden, having twenty-five mammoth tomatoes. Daniel says it is the result of good Democratic soil.
Judge SWARTZ, on Monday, denied a new trial in the suite of Charles COX, against the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company, and the verdict awarding Mr. COX $13,500 will stand. COX was injured in the Exeter wreck and brought suit against the company, and was awarded $7,500. The defendants secured a new trial on the grounds that they had discovered additional testimony. The second trial resulted in COX securing a verdict for $13,500.
John HUSLA, an eleven year old boy of Philadelphia, who is visiting his aunt Mrs. Altemus SAYLOR, of Allentown, accompanied by a number of boys went to the Jordon, near Gordon street bridge, to swim on Monday. HUSLA was told that the water was very deep when in fact it was shallow. The boys had heard of his abilities as a diver and were anxious to see an exhibition of aquatic feats. On the strength of the assertions of the boys HUSLA dived and struck a stone, fracturing his skull. The life of the boy is in danger.
E.B. FAUT, of Finland, has been awarded the contract to place stone steps in front of the Odd Fellows building, of this borough, the steps are made of natine granite and are well dressed making a neat appearance. Mr. FAUT is an experienced stone man and any work entrusted to him in the line of curbing, crossing stones, door and window sill, steps, etc., will be faithfully executed in the most complete manner possible. Alvin DELONG, of this borough, put the stones in place on Monday.
Wilson K. MOHR, the late Grand Master of Odd Fellows and a prominent lawyer, is lying in a critical condition in Allentown Hospital, after undergoing an operation.
Sallie R. JONES, of Conshohocken, committed suicide on Sunday, by drowning herself in a bath tub. She solicited her sister Martha, to go to Plymouth Meeting saying that she would call upon her physician for medicine. When Miss Martha went to church her sister, who has been suffering from nervous prostration and melancholia for the past three years, was in apparently better health than for some time and Miss Martha apprehended no danger. On her return she was surprised to find the house locked, but thinking her sister was still at the office of the doctor, she went thither, but Sallie was not there. The doctor returned with Miss Martha and entered the house through a second story window. A strong odor of gas pervaded the house. Upon investigation it was found to come from the bath room, the door of which was locked. Calls failing to bring any response, the door was burst in. The missing sister was found in the bath tub which was full of water. Resuscitation was attempted, but without avail, as life had fled for some time. Asphyxiation had been tried which seemingly proved a failure so drowning was resorted to. The Coroner was called to make an investigation.
Last Friday, on returning from Sellersville, Granville GERHARD, of this borough, stopped at Finland and met Fritz KEYSER, of that place, whom he asked to make settlement for a bill of about four years standing. KEYSER became abusive and commenced to jostle Mr. GERHART which was resented by laying hands on KEYSER and asking him to desist, KEYSER drew a knife and threatened to kill GERHARD. KEYSER was arrested for assault with intent to kill, but as GERHARD had laid hands on him in asking him to stop his nonsense, KEYSER was allowed to go unpunished.
A Government envelope which Mrs. Frederica LEHSER, of North Coventry, near Pottstown received on Tuesday contained a voucher for $612 back pension money due her husband, the late Charles LEHER, who died in January last. Twenty-five years ago he applied for an increase of his pension. It seems that the claim was pigeon-holed, and when her husband died Mrs. LESHNER applied for a widow's pension. When she received the envelope she thought it was a widow's pension, at the usual rate of $8 per month. She has also been granted a widow's pension.
Oliver SHEIRER, of Ironton, had a severe attack of coughing while working in the oats field which resulted in death. He stopped work and applied local remedies and obtained partial relief, but this was followed by a severe spasm producing a hemmorhage which produced sudden death.
On Saturday evening a strange dog appeared at the home of Nathan HEYDT, of Fruitville, and killed three out of a flock of eight ducks and injured three of Mr. HEYDT's geese.
J.G. FRANKENFIELD, of Chapel, had an encounter with a tramp last Sunday, that he will not soon forget. The tramp, known as "Brummel BETTLEMON," made his appearance at the home of Mr. FRANKENFIELD in the morning and in an imperious manner demanded a cup of coffee. This was refused by Mr. FRANKENFIELD, the tramp, to enforce his demands, tried to pummel Mr. FRANKENFIELD with a heavy cane. The tramp was grabbed by Mr. FRANKENFIELD in self-defense and treated to a severe choking and finally thrown to the ground, Mr. FRANKENFIELD being on top. The tramp had a bloody nose and departed in a crest-fallen mood.
Amos SCHULTZ, of Niantic, raised over four hundred bushels of potatoes, on two acres of ground. Wm. M. HOFFMAN, harvested 35 bushels of potatoes from a patch containing 8,000 square feet.
Thursday a week ago, lightning struck into a wild cherry tree, about 250 feet from the Passmore Post Office and killed one of a herd of cows that were standing under the tree. The cow belonged to Mahlon MATHIAS, tenant on the farm of Jacob LATSHAW.
On Sunday, August 24th, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham HAAS of Kraussdale; Mrs. H.D. KNECHT and daughter Helen, of Lardgraff, West Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey B. HASS, and Mr. and Mrs. Lewellyn ACKER and daughter Catharine, of East Greenville, went with a coach to Emaus, took the trolley to Allentown, and from there they went to Unionville, where they took dinner. In the afternoon they took the trolley to Slatington, Slatedale and the Blue Mountains. They covered a distance of 85 miles, by team, trolley and foot, till they reached home. The party returned home late in the evening delighted with their trip.
Frank REITER, of this borough, and H. H. KRAUSS, of Kraussdale, entered as students at Muhlenberg College, at its opening on Thursday.
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