Aaron B. SHELLY, who has been sickly for more than a year died very suddenly on Sunday night at his home at Steinsburg, aged 45 years. He is survived by a widow and seven children. The funeral was held on Thursday at the East Swamp Mennonite meeting house, near Brick Tavern.
Mrs. Elizabeth H. LANDIS, died at the home of her son-in-law, Daniel HITTEL, of New Berlinville, of cancer, aged 81 years, 2 months and 8 days. The funeral will be held this morning at 9.30 o'clock. Interment at Boyertown.
Joseph FRETZ, a life-long resident of Morwood, but late of Lansdale, died on Saturday, aged 73 years, 6 months. The funeral was held on Wednesday. Interment at the Franconia Mennonite Burial Grounds. Revs. MOYER and CLEMMER officiating.
Mrs. Sarah WESCOE, formerly of Macungie, died at the home of her son-in-law, A.B. CLEMMER, of Philadelphia, after a short illness of heart disease, aged 80 years. The funeral was held on Wednesday, services in the Memorial M.E. church, Philadelphia, after which the body was brought to Macungie and interred on the family plot at the St. Mathews Lutheran church.
This energetic Civil War veteran is one of the most enterprising business men that the upper end of Montgomery and the eastern end of Berks counties ever had. Captain SCHALL (picture) was born at Dale Forge, Washington township, Berks county, January 23, 1840, being the son of the late David and Catherine ENDY SCHALL. In early boyhood he attended the public schools in his vicinity; later the Elmwood Institute at Norristown, completing his intellectual training in private schools at Reading. When the call for troops was made at the beginning of the Civil War, he organized and was made captain of Company G., 167th Regiment Pa. Vol. Inft., which was mustered in for nine months' service. The regiment was at first attached to the eighth corps of the army of the Potomac, later to the first corps. It was in several severe engagements and saw hard service. Captain SCHALL was a brave soldier and served valiantly, always eager to discharge his full duty, and made an enviable record of which he may justly feel proud. On laying aside the accoutrements of war and receiving his discharge, Captain SCHALL returned to his home and served in a clerical position for some time. In 1872 he removed to the Dale Forge farm, a tract acquired by his father in 1828, in connection with which he carried on the lime business for several years. He later took up his residence in this borough and engaged in the coal and lumber business. After some years he moved to Barto, Berks county, where he followed the same line and in connection with coal and lumber, he handled grain, enjoying an extensive trade. Recently, he disposed of his business and removed to Oakbrook, near Reading, where he lives in retirement. In politics, Captain SCHALL has always been a Democrat, and his party at various times honored him with office. He is a member of the General William H. KEIM Post No. 76, G.A.R., of Reading, and a consistent member of the Reformed church. Captain SCHALL has always been a leading citizen in the several communities in which he resided and has a host of friends by whom he is highly esteemed and honored.
Charles MACK, Noah BECKER, Dallas GRABER and Walter STRUBLE, of East Greenville, went coon hunting on Monday night. They succeeded in killing one that weighed 15 pounds.
Four years in the Eastern Penitentiary for stealing four nickels, a year for each nickel, was the punishment meted out yesterday in a Philadelphia court, to Lewis H. WEISS, convicted of entering the house of Charles ASGEITH in Germantown. WEISS, who is a negro, was scared off the premises before he could secure any additional booty.
Miss Maud TAYLOR, of near Freed's School House, fell from a pear tree last Friday and broke her left arm. Dr. W.H. HUNSBERGER was called who reduced the fracture.
In order to hurry the kitchen fire with kerosene oil, ten-year-old Sylvester HAAG, of Reading, was badly burned about the face and arms in the explosion that followed.
While C.J. RHODE, ex-member of the Legislature, was assisting at a saw mill in a tract of woodland he is cutting down several miles from Kutztown, a log fell on his leg breaking it.
The quite little town of Franconia, was thrown into the wildest excitement on Monday evening, it had experienced many a year, perhaps never before. About 8 o'clock Gertie, the two-year-old daughter of Edwin B. FREED was reported missing. Immediately the whole village was trying to locate the little tot. They searched the four roads leading from the village thoroughly, but no trace could be found. A little later David WISMER found a foot-print in the dust on the pike leading toward the meeting house. They at once directed all their lanterns in that direction. Some on foot walked about a mile, but finding nothing but foot prints, decided to return and get teams. They did so but still some walked. They were all supplied with lanters of all descriptions. Two teams drove while a half dozen others walked. The teams drove aside of each other so as to see both sides of the pike. They drove for about a mile and a half when they were startled by cries from thoses who were on foot that the lost child had been found. The teams returned and were surprised to hear that the child had lain a little to one side of the road and that they had looked over it when they passed. When the child was found it was fast asleep, evidently walking till it was tired and dropped down and fell asleep. They took it up embraced and kissed it when it awoke and laughed. The little child had walked fully a mile and a quarter and had lost one shoe. The hunt took nearly three hours, while the parents were in the most distressed condition. That night there were no happier people in the town than Mr. and Mrs. FREED.
The will of Theodore SCHOLL, dec'd. lately of this borough, was filed in the office of the Register of Wills, Norristown, on Thursday. After providing for the payment of his just debts Mr. SCHOLL bequeathed $200 to his step-mother, Mrs. Herman ROTH, to take a trip to Europe and divided the remainder in equal shares among Mrs. Chester GREULICH, Charles SCHOLL and Miss Lizzie ROTH. Hermann ROTH is appointed executor. The estate is estimated to the amount of $1,000.
The farm of the late John S. ALDERFER, in Franconia township, containing 67 acres, was sold on Thursday to Levi ALDERFER, of Lederachville, for $7,000.
Miss Sarah SALLADE was tendered a birthday party at the home of her parents at Hereford last Saturday evening. A large number had assembled to do honor to the occasion. Various games and amusements were enjoyed and a bounteous supper was enjoyed.
While assisting at the funeral of Mrs. Mary SEIBERT, of Hereford last Saturday, Wm. H. SALLADE in slicing bread with a cutting machine got the second finger of his left hand caught and cut off the tip completely.
A trusted and faithful negro farm hand James THOMPSON, was foully murdered on Wednesday night, on the Edge Hill road near the Old York road, for a small sum of money belonging to his employer, Henry McCLOSKEY. The crime was one of the most atrocious and adds another to the list of Montgomery county tragedies. Mr. McCLOSKEY, a prosperous Bucks county farmer, living at Jamson's Corners, not far from Edge Hill had sent THOMPSON to Philadelphia on Wednesday with a load of hay. THOMPSON disposed of the hay and with the proceeds, $28.90, in his pockets started for home. As the team progressed from Philadelphia towards home THOMPSON was seen and recognized by many people along the route, and accompanying him on the team was a white man roughly dressed, but a stranger to all who saw him. About three hours after seen by William F. MESSER, of Abington, the lifeless body of the negro was found by Mr. MESSER. He and Mrs. MESSER had seen the team when it passed their home at about 6 o'clock, but they were unable to recognize the white man as both he and THOMPSON were wrapped in blankets to protect themselves from the heavy downpour of rain at that time. A few miles beyond the MESSER homestead the team was met by Frank BUCKINS, a carpenter of Edge Hill. As he passed, a white man was tying the horses to the fence by the wayside. BUCKINS asked if anything had happened to the team, but receiving no reply, he passed on without noticing anything beyond the blue suit and slouch hat worn by the man he addressed. Later, while Mr. and Mrs. MESSER were taking a drive they came to the team tied to the fence and saw no one about, and passed on. On returning about two hours later they again met the team in the same place and commenced to investigate. On walking to the hay wagon MESSER was horrified to find the head of the negro protruding from beneath the blankets in the hay wagon, with one side of the skull crushed in. The coroner was notified and an inquest was held. When the clothing of the murdered negro was examined the cause for the murder became fully apparent, as his pockets were rifled of all but a few pennies and a weigh-bill which showed how much he had received for the hay. THOMPSON had been in the employ of McCLOSKEY for the past three years and was fully trusted by his employer and respected by all who knew him. The assailant has not been found.
The grand jury of Lehigh county failed to find a true bill against Chas. REINHART, of Quakertown, who was charged with arson. The case was passed upon Wednesday and the only evidence produced before the jury was that Mr. REINHART was upon the premises during the afternoon the barn was burned. People who know him well do not believe that he had anything to do with the fire.
Michael SMITH, a wealthy bachelor, living alone, near Lynnport, Lehigh Co., was found dead in his residence by a brother, who resides nearby. Deceased was not seen by his neighbors since Sunday and becoming alarmed, a search was made. Death was due to heart failure.
Harry SACKS, of Quakertown, has a pumpkin which he raised in his garden that weighs 56 pounds and measuring 54 inches in circumference. Another freak produced in his truck patch is eight ears of pop corn enclosed in one husk.
Dr. Alfred TRUMBAUER, of Vera Cruz, on Friday morning, of last week, found the dead body of a man in one of the sheds of the Mennonite church, between Old and New Zionsville. The doctor passed there on Tuesday and noticed a man lying but thought he was sleeping as his body was covered with an overcoat. On Thursday he passed again and saw the man lying, but gave no thought to the matter. After getting home in the evening he recalled the fact and determined to investigate on Friday morning. He accordingly passed the place and the man was still there. He was surprised to find the dead body of a man in a partly decomposed condition, who proved to be William WESTALL, of Philadelphia. The doctor drove to New Zionsville, and asked landlord M.S. BREY, to accompany him to the church, and the two made a closer observation and then notified Coroner GOHEEN. The coroner found papers in the clothes of the man showing that he was elected a member of the Philadelphia branch of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, branch No. 1, on December 5, 1892, at the age of 36 years and 10 months. He also carried a book of a carpenters' Union good for 1892 to 1898. The coroner is of the opinion that the man went into the shed to sleep and was sticken with apoplexy, as there were no marks of any kind on the body he carried some pictures, possibly those of his parents. His home was given on the papers as No. 253 North Ninth street (city), meaning Philadelphia.
A fire broke out in a frame attachment, 12 by 12 feet, to the stone house of Charles VOLK, of near Finland. The building with its contents and the porches of the house were completely destroyed, but by heroic effects the stone dwelling was saved.
Thomas McCREA, of Finland, raised a potato on the GERHARD farm weighing 3 1/2 pounds, and Jacob FAUT, of near Finland, sent a tomato to town that weighed 2 pounds and 3 ounces.
Harry GEHMAN, foreman of the Souderton Independent office for the past ten years has bought the Coopersburg Sentinel, from I.D. YORKEY. Mr. GEHMAN will take possession on Monday.
Joseph BARKER, of Pleasant Run, brought four tomatoes to this office weighing seven pounds. The largest weighed 2 pounds 7 ounces, the second 2 pounds. A fifth, weighing 3 pounds, he sent to Philadelphia.
Robert A. DILLINGER, of Egypt, formerly of Old Zionsville, and Alice T. GERMAN, of Neffsville, were married on Saturday, September 6th, by the Rev. Eli KELLER at Allentown.
Frank N.D. BUCHMAN, formerly of Pennsburg, was ordained on Wednesday evening, in St. John's Lutheran church, Allentown. Rev. Mr. WELLER, of Orwigsburg, preached the ordination sermon.
Rev. A.S. FLICHTHORNE, pastor of Trinity Lutheran church, Norristown, for nine years, preached his farewell sermon Sunday and will enter the mission fields of India. He will sail from New York in October.
Mr. and Mrs. V.H. STECKEL, Dr. and Mrs. W.H. HUNSBERGER, Mr. and Mrs. George H. HART, Mr. and Mrs. John KAUFFMAN and Thomas MARSTELLER, of this borough and Dr. N.H. RAHN, of Perkiomenville, had a private picnic at Sanatoga Park last Saturday.
Mrs. Thomas G. TIEHL, of Pricetown, Berks county, had an exciting time in rescuing her two children from a copperhead snake. The children were at play in the garden and when they saw the snake, screamed for help. The mother arrived just as the reptile was coiled up and ready to strike. She beat it to the ground with a shovel and then cut off its head.
William M. MAULE, who resides at Collins, Lancaster County, is the recipient of a high honor conferred by the United States government, having been appointed forestry inspector of the Philipine Islands. His appointment came unsolicited and as the position is of great importance just at the beginning of the development of the islands possessions, his friends regard it as a fitting recognition of his ability. Mr. MAULE at an early age entered Swarthmore College, where two years were spent in general science. Leaving Swarthmore he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued the biological course. He later took the course of forest engineering in Cornell University. He has had much experience in practical forestry, both from New York College and from experience gained while in the service of the United State bureau of forestry in the forests of Washington and region. He will sail for Manila about October 1.
Two red beets, one measuring 22 1/2 inches in circumference, weighing 7 pounds, the other twenty-five inches in circumference, weighing 7 3/4 pounds have been raised by Henry G. GERHARD, residing on the YEAKEL farm near Palm.
While Walter GRATER, of Lederachville, and Preston NYCE, of Lucon, were returning home from the concert at Woxall, on Saturday night they mistook the lane at Mrs. B.Z. ALDERFER's place for the road and turned in the lane at the top of the hill. After going a short distance they discovered their mistake and turned back. Owing to the darkness, instead of going to the end of the lane, they turned over the stone wall, about ten feet high. Waldo ZIEGLER heard the crash and lost no time in assisting them. Fortunately the boys only received slight bruises, but the wagon was badly broken.
The corner-stone laying of the New Court House on Monday at Norristown, was a very interesting ceremony and was attended by people from various Sections of the County. Judge A.S. SWARTZ had charge of the ceremonies and Judge H.K. WEAND deposited the various articles into the stone, while Judge W.E. SOLLY laid it in a befitting manner. Congressman I.P. WANGER made the closing address. A wide range of articles was selected for future generations to gaze upon. These are the articles: Daily Times, Herald, Register and the Law Reporter, issues of September 6th. Corn, Wheat, Oil and Wine, sealed in small bottles. Paper weight with photograph of the old Court House, contributed by S.R. EISHER. List of county officials. All silver coin 1902, nickel piece, one cent 1902. Statement showing population of Montgomery County at each decennial census. Statement showing number of taxables in Montgomery county at stated intervals. Statement showing the amount of assessed valuation of real and personal property in Montgomery county for the year 1902. List of the members of the Bar of Montgomery County, Sept. 8th, 1902. List of the students at law at the Montgomery County, Sept. 8, 1902. List of the boroughs in Montgomery county, Sept. 8, 1902, showing from what district taken when created. List showing the townships in Montgomery county, Sept. 8th, 1902, showing when created and from what districts taken. Directors of Montgomery County - 1902.
Mrs. Elman MILLER, of this borough, accidentally overturned a coffee pot, filled with boiling coffee on Monday, and threw the contents on her foot, scalding herself very badly.
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