In the death of William M. GEARY, the superintendent of Blockley Insane Asylum in Philadelphia and formerly the occupant of many offices of distinction in the Quaker City, Upper Hanover township loses one of its sons who not only added lustre to its name but who always was proud to refer to the Upper End as his birthplace. Mr. GEARY, who was a member of the Perkiomen family of GERY's that has lived in the valley since before the Revolutionary war, died in the Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia last Saturday, having been there since April 26. Born on June 14, 1845 he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan GERY who lived in Upper Hanover township, in the home opposite East Greenville depot. His father was a poor farmer. He was given thirteen weeks' study in the Bucks County Normal School, and had to leave to go to work on the farm. Mr. GEARY when but 11 years old, took sides with the Abolitionists. His parents were pro-slavery, and the boy had to leave home when he was 14 years old. He obtained employment with Adam FREES, a farmer, at Wissahickon Station, on the Pennsylvania Railroad. He resumed his studies under Mrs. FREES, and for the two years he was there he devoted himself to cultivating his mind. Several times he attempted to enlist, but his father, whose sympathies were with the South, had him discharged on the plea that he was a minor. Before he reached his majority, he became a brakeman on the North Penn railroad and, in successive stages, rose to the position of master of transportation. After successfully holding that job until 1892 he accepted the superintendency of the Philadelphia, Newton and New York Railroad, retaining it until January 1896 when, having been elected Recorder of Deeds, of Philadelphia County, by an immense majority he took his first political office of importance, though he had been elected in 1889 to the City Common Council and re-elected for several successive terms. During the greater part of his residence in Philadelphia he took an active interest in city and state politics and for nearly twenty-five years was the Republican leader in the nineteeth ward. In 1892 he was elected president of the Anti-Cobden Club which was a power in its time. After his term of Register of Wills expired, Mr. GEARY was appointed to the superintendency of Blockley and was most successful. He was compelled to resign a few years ago on account of ill health. In March 1865, he married Miss L.A. KELLER, of Sellersville. He was a member of the New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church and a Knight Templar.
J.W. BUTZ, the feed dealer, at Palm, has a hen which during last week laid three eggs of the follwoing sizes: six and three-fourths by seven and one-half inches; six and one-half by seven and one-half inches and seven and one-half by eight and three-fourth inches.
The Quakertown Times says that at a public sale at Zion Hill, last week, a young woman from Allentown appeared and offered to sell her two-month-old child either at public or private sale. She had no offers upon either condition.
The well known cigar manufacuring firm, of Otto EISENLOHR and Bros., of Philadelphia, recently sent a check of $100 to the Trumbauersville congregations to help pay the new church organ. One thousand dollars will be paid by Andrew CARNEGIE.
Mrs. Oliver CURTIS, of South Perkasie, committed suicide by hanging herself with a sheet from the rafters of the house. The third floor of the house being too low to hang in, the woman utilized the garret stairs. When the body was discovered life was not yet extinct, but she died soon afterward. This was her second attempt at suicide. The day preceding she had swallowed a lot of landanum, but evidently took an overdose. She remarked to some one that "This will never do," and that she would finish this thing up soon. The reason for the suicide is not known, but is supposed to have been caused by the financial troubles of her husband. She was the wife of Oliver CURTIS, who is employed as bartender at the Trio House, Perkasie. The couple only moved to Perkasie a few weeks ago from New Galena, where they kept hotel, until the Sheriff seized the property. The woman was about 35 years old and weighed about 200 pounds. The family consisted of the husband, wife and two children.
The horse belonging to Isaac HUBER, of New Hanover, that was injured in the runaway from the Town and Country office at Pennsburg, several weeks ago was on Sunday killed. The animal was stabled at Haring's Hotel and in spite of the careful veterinary attendance lockjaw developed. The President of the insurance company was notified of the condition and after looking at the animal he ordered it killed.
Nathan LEESER, the new landlord at the Palm Hotel, extended an invitation to his neighbors to take dinner with him on Ascension Day. The invitation was accepted by the neighbors and between forty and fifty partook of the bounteous collation which he had prepared. A general good time was spent and the treat was appreciated by all.
The dwelling house of Adam BIERLY, of Tylersport, narrowly escaped from being burned down on Tuesday morning. But with the aid of the neighbors the fire was brought under control. A defective flue was supposed to have been the cause of the conflagration.
The teams of David HELMORE, of East Greenville and Dr. A.O. GERY, of Chapel, collided on Main street, East Greenville, on Wednesday evening. Luckily no one was injured and only a few spokes were broken out of the buggy of Dr. GERY.
Mr. and Mrs. Hermann S. ROTH and daughter Lizzie, of Pennsburg, will spend the summer in Germany. They will sail on the steamer Palatia on Wednesday, May 25. They expect to return some time in August.
Samuel K. SLONAKER, of Perkiomenville, has been appointed constable of Frederick township, in place of Harry MOORE, who moved to Boyertown and caused a vacancy.
George GARR, of Pennsburg, on Tuesday moved from that town to East Greenville.
Harvey HAUCK, of this borough, on Tuesday moved to Pottstown where he has secured work.
William BREY, of this borough, left on Monday for Gettsburg where he attended the Convocation of the Grant Commandery of the Knights of Malta. He represented the Perkiomen Commandery No. 338.
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver ERB, of Boyertown, spent Sunday with the formers parents Mr. and Mrs. Samuel ERB, of this borough.
John FREDERICK and daughter, of Allentown, formerly of Pennsburg, visited friends here on Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob B. HILLEGASS, of Norristown, spent Saturday and Sunday with the formers parents Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. HILLEGASS, of this borough.
One of Liveryman John F. WEYAND's horses died on Monday.
Rev. W.U. KISTLER, of Athol, spent Monday, in this borough. The reverend gentleman recently had a call extended him by the St. Marks Lutheran, of this town and the St. John's Lutheran Churches, of near Spinnerstown.
Misses Ada and Naomi HUNSBERGER, of Blandon, Berks County, spent the week with the family of their brother Dr. W.H. HUNSBERGER, of this borough.
F.D. SHOMO, a contractor, of Philadelphia spent Saturday and Sunday with the family of William B. DIEHL, of this borough.
John M. KUHN, proprietor, of the Telford Hotel and Irvin EDELMAN, both, of Telford, visited friends in this borough on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. John SCHULER and Mr. and Mrs. Horace SCHANTZ, of Vera Cruz, on Sunday visited the family, of merchant J.S. HOTTLE, of this borough.
Rev. G.W. LUTZ, the newly elected pastor of the Pennsburg Reformed church will preach at that church tomorrow forenoon at 9.30 o'clock and in the evening at 7 o'clock.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank MOYER, of Spinnerstown and Mr. and Mrs. Irvin MOYER, of Quakertown, visited the family of Horace S. MOYER, of this borough.
Daniel KRAUSE, of East Greenville, has accepted the position as bar clerk at the Pennsburg Hotel. He will enter upon his duties next week. He at present has a similar position at the Globe Hotel.
Henry B. FREED, of Souderton, a candidate for County Treasurer at the Republican Convention on June 28, accompanied by Assemblyman Josiah M. LANDIS, of Franconia, visited their friends in these boroughs on Saturday. The former placed his political card in our columns. Mr. FREED is quite prominent among the republicans in the county and there is no doubt but that he will be the nominee.
One of the most exciting runaways ever seen in Perkasie, occurred on Friday evening, and it was almost a miracle that no one was injured or maimed for life . A horse driven by Harry WOLFMEYER, of Perkasie, took fright as the driver was helping his wife into the carriage at South Perkesie and ran away, throwing Mrs. WOLFMEYER out. She grabbed hold of the carriage step and clung to it for over a quarter of a mile, then fell from exhaustion and pain. She was able to walk to the house, where it was found that she was but slightly injured. Her clothing, however were torn to shreds, and she had to borrow a dress to go home. When the horse started Mr. WOLFMEYER was knocked down by the wheel, but got to his feet quickly and made a dash for the horse, but was knocked over again and received a cut on the head. The horse ran up to Perkasie, and an unknown man tried to stop him, but was unsuccessful, being knocked down, and runover by the wagon. He was not much hurt. The horse continued on his way to his stable where he stopped, and was found by Mr. WOLFMEYER a few minutes later. The wagon was somewhat broken.
An unconscious man with a broken leg was found by an officer on the outskirts of Allentown. He recovered at the hospital. He said he was Daniel O'DONNELL, of Reading. He followed the Forepaugh circus and fell from a trolley car. He dragged himself 2 blocks with his broken leg, and then lapsed into unconsciousness. He will recover.
Miss Irley CHRISTMAN, 15 years old, formerly of Allentown, disappeared from the home of her aunt, Mrs. Melvin FRICK, of Centre Valley, where she was at home. The girl had nothing with her but the clothes she wore. Nothing has since been heard of her.
Lewis HEITZ and William SCHULER, of Finland, on Saturday, caught a monster carp in the Swamp creek in that village. They had considerable trouble in landing the fish. He measured twenty four inches and weighed ten pounds.
Emptying a new barrel of tar into a hot pit at the pipe works at Emaus on Monday evening, Joseph BORCHEFTER fell in. He sank to his waist in the boiling tar, and will probably die of his scalds, although he was speedily rescued.
Ex-Prothonotary Michael S. KULP is seriously ill at his home in Telford. Some time ago he fell from a pile of lumber, fracturing a rib. An internal abscess formed, and an operation was performed on Monday.
Several hundred dollars worth of revolvers and knives were stolen from the store of Harvey S. BRANDT, of Norristown on Sunday night.
While the family of Frederick SELTZER, a tailor residing at No. 5244 Pine street, Philadelphia, was driving over the turnpike grade crossing on the Perkiomen Railroad near Rahn's station, on Saturday afternoon, the carriage was struck by a train. Gertrude, the eight year old daughter, was instantly killed. Mr. SELTZER's left leg was broken below the knee and he was badly cut and bruised. Mrs. SELTZER was cut in the head and was suffering from shock. Marion, the eighteen months old baby, was hurled up an embankment, but escaped with a few bruises. When the engine struck the carriage Mrs. SELTZER was holding the infant on her lap. The horse was killed and the carriage demolished. Mr. SELTZER was driving at the time of the accident. He was not aware of the approaching train until the pilot of the engine was within a few yards of the carriage. The injured were placed on a train and taken to Bridgeport and later removed to Charity Hospital. The body of Gertrude was taken in charge by Undertaker O'BRIEN. An examination showed that her neck had been broken. The only external mark was a slight cut on her forehead. Mrs. SELTZER and her infant were able to leave the hospital on Sunday afternoon. Mr. SELTZER was about to spend several days in the country with his family and was returning from a drive when the accident occurred. The parents were not aware that their daughter had been killed until several hours after the accident. Mr. SELTZER's place of business is No. 3260 Chestnut street, Philadelphia. The train was in charge of Engineer RADER and Conductor Warren KOONS, of Allentown.
John B. HUNSBERGER, a well-known farmer of near Gratersford, and his son Irvin had an exciting experience on Monday. The former was standing in front of a land roller and was oiling it when the pole flew up and scared the horses which started to run away. The roller passed over the former and the young man was caught and crushed against a tree. The former escaped with slight bruises but the latter had his right forearm bent so that it may remain slightly crooked. That it was not broken is strange. He also sustained bruises all over his body and suffered much pain. Dr. J.M. MARKLEY attended to the injuries.
The faculty of the Reformed Theological Seminary at Lancaster made these awards of prizes in connection with the seminary commencement: Schaff prize in church history, $100, divided between G.W. LUTZ and J.J. SCHAEFFER; Dietz prize of $60 and $40, Henry G.L. KIEFFER and Charles E. ROTH; second rhetoric prize, $20 to H.K.L. KIEFFER.
Dr. Wm. H. HUNSBERGER, of Pennsburg, this week accompanied W.L. PATTERSON, of Hoppenville, in the latter's automobile. The doctor took his first lesson in automobiling and when he feels capable of being able to operate one he will use his own machine which he purchased from an Allentown party last fall.
Henry G. SCHWEINHART, of near Gilbertsville, has a hen's egg which is a curiosity, being double shelled and one egg within the other, the outer egg measuring 7 1/2 by 1 inches in circumference, and is soft shelled; but the inner one is hard shelled and normal size.
The first composition of Claude HARLEY (picture), the pianist of Pennsburg, has been received from the hands of the printer and is ready for the public. The title of the composition is "Sinfonia Waltzes," and is dedicated to the Sinfonia Fraternity of America, the only secret musical fraternity in America and of which he is a member. This has been pronounced by those who profess to be able critics, a master piece and bids fair to place our genial young townsman on the ladder of fame. The work must be heard to be appreciated. The lovers of music of this vicinity will be given an opportunity to hear and judge the composition this evening as the Douglas Concert Company will present it for the first time to the public at the concert in Odd Fellow's Hall. Mr. HARLEY started lessons on the piano at the age of eight years and one year later he was the regular organist in the Methodist Sunday School at Zieglerville. At the age of thirteen he was elected organist of the Heidelberg Reformed Chruch, at Schwenksville, and held that position for nearly five years. After resigning there he served two years in a similar capacity at the St. James Reformed Church at Limerick. He is a graduate of the class of '99 of the Schwenksville High School. He took music lessons on the piano from Professors Howard FREED, of Lansdale and H.K. BECHTEL, of Pennsburg and later entered the Broad Street Conservatory of music in Philadelphia, where he studied piano with Preston OREM, Mus. Bac., and Composition with U.A. CLARKE Mus. Doc. He graduated in composition with the class of 1902, after which he studied the piano with Gilbert R. COMBS, the Director of the Broad Street Conservatory. About three years ago Mr. HARLEY started to teach music and he at present has a large number of students scattered throughout this upper section of the Perkiomen Valley.
David NEIMAN, a Pottstown fisherman on Tuesday caught a twenty-seven and one-half inch carp while he was asleep. He has been in the habit of throwing a line from his bedroom window into a pond by the side of his house, and becoming drowsy while thus fishing, he wound the line around his big toe and fell asleep. He was soon awakened by a mighty pull, which caused the line to cut deep in his flesh. He however succeeded in catching a big German carp.
Claude HARLEY, the pianist of Pennsburg, has been engaged to assist at a concert in the Trinity Reformed church at Norristown, on Tuesday evening. The concert will be for the benefit of the church and the concert company is made up of Philadelphia and Norristown talent.
The three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry GOOD, of Hamburg Berks County, strayed from the parents yard on Sunday afternoon and fell into a creek and was drowned.
While standing in her yard, at Kennett Square, Mrs. Michael FLAHERTY was shot in the arm by a stray ball from a rifle.
Frank ROTHENBERGER, of Pennsburg, baker in the employ of Thomas E. MARSTELLER, tendered his resignation, in order to accept a position as baker and pastry cook at a summer hotel at Niagara Falls. He has been at this same hotel during the summer months, but for the past six months he was the head baker with Mr. MARSTELLER. He will enter upon his duties on Monday, May 23.
The concert given by the Citizens' band of East Greenville on Saturday evening in the K. of P. Hall in that borough was well attended. Miss HUNSBERGER who was to render several vocal selections was incapacitated and Mrs. Charles B. WEIRICH, of Perkiomen Seminary, rendered several beautiful selections.
Rev. C.C. BOYER, of Kutztown, will preach a Baccalaureate sermon to the graduating class of the Pennsburg High school tomorrow evening in the St. Mark's Lutheran church. Services will begin at 7 o'clock.
W.J. BIEBER, of the Emaus Hotel, formerly of Lebanon, who bought out Sicher Bros., again sold the property to F.H. CRAMMER, of Haddonfield, N.J.
Rev. George W. BROWNBACK, of Reading, has at last found his ideal. For over two years he has gone up and down the country in search of a wife, has corresponded with many candidates for his hand and has visited others. Two years ago he inserted an advertisement in a matrimonial paper, and then issued an address on the subject, declaring the woman must possess the following qualities: "She must be good looking and stop her tongue a-wagging. She must be a lady in the kitchen as well as in the parlor, and must know how to bake pies, cakes, bread, cook a good meal, sew and have every accomplishment of a good housewife. She must not bother her neighbors nor partake in any idle gossip and must be civil, courteous and pleasant at all times. Some women are street angels and house devils. Such women I have no use for. They must be the same at all times. Until I find such a wife I shall forever remain single." Mr. BROWNBACK on Monday announced that he had been married on April 29, to Miss Blanche DECON, of Newark, N.J. She is 30 years of age and the clergyman is five years older.
The hosiery factory of HIESTER & HIRST at Womelsford was demolished by dynamite on Saturday night. The machinery in the building was wrecked, and parts of the engine were hurled a block. This is the second time efforts to destroy the factory have been made in a month. About four weeks ago incendiaries fired the building, and it was damaged slightly. Since then it has been idle, and part of the machinery had been taken out for repairs. Noise of the explosion aroused all the town's inhabitants, but investigation failed to reveal the wreckers, although a man was seen running from the mill soon after the mill was wrecked. Members of the firm say they did not know they had an enemy who would be quilty of such an outrage.
County Superintendent J. Horace LANDIS examined the pupils of our High School last Friday. The senior class is composed of the following who passed with the averages following their names: Charlotte E. HERSH 85 6-14, Elsie S. BAUMAN 80 1-14, Blanche M. SCHWARTZ 76 5-7. The following Juniors were examined at the same time and all passed successfully: Mamie HEVENER, Florence TRUMBORE, Elsie DIEHL, Alice YOUNG, Leroy HILLEGASS, Howard SCHANTZ, Horace ESHBACH, Oscar MARSTELLAR and Clarence SUMMERS.
The case of Albert S. LEIDY, of Boyertown, against the borough of Boyertown this week was on trial before Judge ERMENTROUT, of Berks county. By the opening of Walnut street in the borough, certain lands of the plaintiff were condemned and two small buildings thereon. Viewers allowed the plaintiff $2100 damages from which the borough appealed and the award was lowered to $1050. The plantiff considers himself entitled to a greater amount of damages and asked for a jury trial. The premises in Boyertown were viewed by the jury.
Standing close to an upright shaft in his father's mill, little Walter KRAMER, of Hartz's Store, Berks County was caught by the shaft, whirled till he was unconscious and only saved alive by his father stopping the machinery.
A penny of 1793 was sold in Philadelphia on Friday for $235. Other pennies were sold from $75 to $170 a piece.
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