The large swiss barn owned by the YOST estate of Norristown and tenanted by Norman HARPEL, situate near Spring Mount, was totally destroyed by fire on Wednesday evening. Eighteen head of cattle and one horse perished in the flames. The fire was not discovered until to had reached such a furious rage that it was utterly unsafe to enter the building. Mr. HARPEL had gone to the post-office in the village close by and when he seen the fire he ran home as fast as he could go and almost exhausted went into the horse stable and managed to get three horses out and loosen the fourth, but he could not get out of the stable and ran in the back part of the stable wehre he perished. The wife of Mr. HARPEL saw the flames first and went out to the barn, but did not trust to enter the stables on account of the interior being in flames and smoke already. The building was insured in a Norristown company and Mr. HARPEL had his cattle and contents insured in the Goshenhoppen Fire Insurance Company for ??? The loss falls heavy on Mr. HARPEL, as a lot of machinery and hay and straw were consumed by the flames. Nothing was saved from the burning building. The origin of the fire is unknown.
A family reunion was held in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon YERGER, of Fruitville, on New Year's day. Quite a number of friends were present. Those present were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Magnes BAUER, Mr. and Mrs. George EDDINGER and children Marie and Joseph, Chas. and Mary MILLER, all of Allentown; Mr. and Mrs. Charles ERB and Sarah YERGER, of Pottstown; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. KUHNS, Mr. and Mrs. Henry EDDINGER, Mr. and Mrs. James MILLER and son Frank, Bally; Mr. and Mrs. John STENGEL, Clayton; Mr. and Mrs. Leo MELCHIOR and children Katie, Clara and Mary, Mamie SCHWOYER, Ella BOWER, Joseph SCHWOYER, Fruitville. The day was enjoyed by all.
County Treasurer FREED, of Souderton, a Mr. SOUDER and another gentleman from the same village, on Wednesday visited our boroughs and had conversations with different councilmen of the two boroughs relative to the establishment of an electric light plant here. The object of the gentlemen is to form a stock company, they to hold a large portion of the stock and sell the balance to residents of the boroughs.
FELL IN WATER WHEEL AND WAS INJURED
Reed KUMRY, the miller at Kumry's mill, between Geryville and Trumbauersville, had the misfortune of falling into the water wheel at his mill and was injured. He was trying to remove some ice from the wheel when he slipped and fell into the moving wheel. He was painfully injured by the sharp edges of the wheel.
A chicken thief is making visits to the hen roosts of Red Hill citizens of late and only the other week several turkeys belonging to Charles F. MOTZ, of the Red Hill Hotel were stolen. The thief evidently thought this a good place for on Sunday night he again entered the hennery of Mr. MOTZ and stole thirty chickens.
Charles F. BARNDT, formerly of Line Lexington, who is now at Columbus, Ohio, was awarded a gold medal for producing the most popular modern and novel vehicle at the St. Louis exposition.
Leap year was a flat failure in Berks county, as but 1547 marriage licenses were issued, as against 1638 in 1903. The marriage license clerk believes the girls were too bashful to propose.
Two children of Alexander BARSUGLIA, of 912 Reed street, Philadelphia, a girl 3 years and a boy of 6, discovered Wednesday night what they thought were Christmas candies in a closet in their mother's room. They ate the tiny chocolate coated globes, and in an hour were dead from strychnine poisoning, after suffering great agony. Between them they had taken almost the entire quantity of the deadly drug, which had been prescribed as medicine for the mother. Mrs. BARSUGLIA was in the house at the time, but did not see them eat the pills. It was not until they began to writhe in agony and cry with pain that she asked what they had done. On learning the truth, she sent for a physician who endeavored to save the children's lives, but the large amount of the poison taken rendered his skill of no avail. The father of the family, who is a book-keeper, arrived home from work just as his children were dying. The parents found some consolation in the fact that their youngest child, a baby only a year and a half old, was asleep at the time his brother and sister made her find, else he, too, would have been asked to share the deadly sweets. Doctor SLAUGHTER, in speaking of the case said: "Each one of the pills, contained one-sixtieth of a grain of strychnine. One of them would have been sufficient to have caused the death of a child. Had the pills dissolved more readily in the stomachs of the children, death would have ensued within three of four minutes.
The Mennonite Congregation of Zionsville, held their yearly settlement on Monday, January 2, 1905, in the basement of the church. The treasurer's report showed a balance of $60 in the treasury after the payment of all expenses. Rev. SHELLY for about fifteen years pastor of the congregation, handed in his resignation at this meeting. Rev. SHELLY resigned on account of his inability to have services at the Zionsville Church every Sunday. Rev. SCHORMAN, of Pennsburg, a young Mennonite minister who came to this country from Germany within last year was unanimously elected to the charge. Rev. SCHORMAN is a gifted pulpit orator and an earnest church worker. The superintendents of the past year were again re-elected. William HIESTAND was chosen deacon. The coming summer the church will be repainted and a new ceiling put in the main room.
The Bucks and Lehigh Horse Insurance Company held their annual meeting at the public house of O.J. ENGELMAN, Steinsburg, last Saturday and the following officers were elected for the ensuing years: President, W.E. HANGEN, Steinsburg; Vice-president, John M. ZUCK, of Rosedale; Secretary, J.A. BRUNNER, of Limeport; Treasurer, Wilson S. MOYER, of Coopersburg; Directors of Bucks county, A.H. ENGELMAN, Rosedale; Erwin SCHANTZ, Spinnerstown, and Harry GEHO, Steinsburg; from Lehigh county, Henry DICE, Plover; James HEIMBACH, Steinsburg, and Dr. H.W. LOWRIGHT, Centre Valley; Appraisers, Elmer CARL, Locust Valley; M.C.A. KECK, Emaus, and Thos. OTT, Limeport.
A stranger entered C.G. HEIST's store at Red Hill one day this week and represented himself to be a grocery agent and without funds. He asked the clerk for a loan and after it was refused he wended his way towards the door. The clerk thought he left and waited on another customer. He soon heard the front door open and saw the stranger make his exit, becoming suspicious he went to the front of the store and found a box which contained an embroideried pair of suspenders open and the contents gone. Being busy and unable to follow the culprit at the time, he made good his escape.
The Lutheran congregation of Ridge Valley, near Argus, presented their pastor Rev. J.H. WAIDELICH, of Sellersville, with a purse containing one hundred and forty-one dollars and twenty-five cents. The donation was given him as a Christmas gift and was for the purpose of purchasing a horse for his use.
William F.A. TITUS, proprietor of the Farmers' Hotel, Skippack, has leased the Perkiomen Bridge Hotel, Collegeville, and expects to take possession some time in February.
Twelve horses and a traction engine failed to move a log house, over a century old, which had been raised by jacks in a string sled near Morgantown, Berks County.
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac HUBER (picture). Fifty years ago today Isaac HUBER, of New Hanover Square, led Miss Susanna MILLER, of the same place, to the altar, and as a consequence they will tomorrow have the pleasure of celebrating their golden anniversary. Their children, grand children and several invited friends will be present and spend an enjoyable time with the venerable couple. The children will all be with the aged couple by ten o'clock, when a reception will be held and at 1 o'clock, p.m., a bountiful repast will be served. Both Mr. and Mrs. HUBER are life-long residents of the vicinity in which they reside, having lived within a radius of ten miles of their present home. Mrs. HUBER was born in Upper Hanover township, on October 23, 1836, Mr. HUBER having been born in Douglass township, at the Huber Homestead, which has been in the family name for 162 years. At age of seventeen years he learned the trade of a shoemaker. He followed that trade for 15 years after which he engaged in farming and continues it to the present day. The aged couple were blessed with twelve children, Lydia, wife of Samuel FREED, of Frederick, Charles and Thomas, both infants, are deceased. The children now living are: Jacob, of Boyertown; Rebecca, relict of Henry BOWMAN, of East Greenville; Isaac, of Zieglerville; Amanda, wife of George SHOLLENBERGER, of Pottstown; Mary Ann, wife of Percival REIDNAUER, of Boyertown, Samuel, of Zieglerville; Emma, wife of Clarence LEVENGOOD, Camden, N.J., and Noah, at home. Mr. and Mrs. HUBER were married by Rev. Lewis C. HERMAN, exactly a half a century ago today.
Permanently disabled by being shot while on a gunning trip, Harry W. DERSH of Pottstown, a former Reading Railway brakeman, who was married on Wednesday evening to Miss Carrie E. WENTZEL, of the same town, received a handsome wedding gift from the Philadelphia and Reading Brotherhood of Trainmen in the shape of a $1350 check.
James HAY, of Norristown, is under arrest and Harry IRONS, of the same town, is in the hospital suffering with a knife wound in the left side. Both are under 16 years and the affair is said to have been the result of a quarrel. HAY will be held to await the result of his alleged victim's injuries.
John STEYER, of Hillegass, had the misfortune on Wednesday to lose his silver watch. It had an Elgin movement. The finder will receive a reward by returning same to the owner.
A birthday party was held on New Year's eve for Elmer COVELY at the home of Harry GROMAN, of Vera Cruz. It was the event of his thirtieth birthday anniversary and his friends took advantage of the occasion. The Vera Cruz Band was present and they rendered some choice music during the evening. A ten o'clock luncheon was served and all did ample justice. At a late hour all returned to their homes well pleased and before leaving they wished Mr. COVELY many more birthdays. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Harry GROMAN, Mr. and Mrs. Howard MILLER, Mr. and Mrs. Willis HARTMAN, Mr. and Mrs. Charles SMITH, Mr. and Mrs. Henry BOYER, Mrs. John MILL and children Erma and Clarence, Messrs, Norman STOUT, Clarence STOUT, Robert MILLER, David KIESS, Wesley MUTH, Calvin GANGEWERE, Edwin KLEIN, Edgar GROMAN, Willie GROMAN, Jacob NUSS, Allen KRASELY, Frank KLEIN, Charles COVELY, Titus COVELY and Melvin COVELY, Misses Stella STAHLER, Alice HARTMAN, Jennie HARTMAN, Cora STOUT, Stella BOYER, Mabel DIEHL, Ella DIEHL, Mabel DELONG, Amanda DELONG, Minnie NEWHART, Annie REESE and Vida BOYER.
Rev. W.U. KISTLER, pastor of the St. Mark's Lutheran congregation of Pennsburg, on Thursday purchased the brick dwelling house on Main street, in which he resides, of Granville W. GERHART, of Finland. The price paid was $3100. The house is located nearly opposite from the church.
The shooting of a copperhead snake 3 1/2 feet long, shot on the bank of the Wyomissing, by Clifford ADAMS and Harry CONRAD, and the finding of a brown caterpillar, by Bernville COLLER, were unique New Year events at Shillington, Berks county.
Joseph MURPHY, 35 years old, of Philadelphia, choked to death on Tuesday night while eating supper at the home of his cousin Thomas McNULTY, of No. 1942 South Camac street. The family were all seated at the table laughing and joking, when MURPHY placed a piece of meat in his mouth, and, after swallowing it, began to strangle. A glass of water was handed him, and he was slapped on the back in order to relieve him. Finally a physician was sent for, but when he arrived MURPHY was dead.
The following officers were elected at the Trinity Reformed Church, near Spinnerstown: Elders, Tobias S. SHELLY and Erwin M. WIEAND; deacons, David KEMMERER and Frank S. MUMBAUER; trustees, Oswin H. ERDMAN and Henry W. MILLER. Those at Chestnut Hill Union Church are as follows: Elder, Osville HAAS; deacons, William DIETZ and Austin URFFER; trustee, A.B. JONES; treasurer, Thomas H. OTT.
The Blade of Pottstown celebrated its fourteenth birthday anniversary last week and Editor SAYLOR is to be congratulated upon the bold and fearless manner in which he conducts the paper.
Dr. H.O. ROHRBACH, of Limeport, who about a year ago bought the property of Dr. R.C. KING and took up his practice, has sold the same to Dr. WEAVER, of Allentown. Dr. ROHRBACH will move to Freemansburg.
A family reunion was held on Sunday at the home of butcher Samuel H. GROFF, of Red Hill. A large number of relatives and friends were present as well as Rev. and Mrs. W.U. KISTLER and Rev. and Mrs. Geo. W. LUTZ, of Pennsburg.
Contractor and Builder Charles B. BREY, of Red Hill, started to erect a row of ten sheds at the St. Paul's Lutheran church near that borough.
Dr. WENNER, a dentist of Tower City, Pa., made a trip to Pennsburg on Thursday. He expects to locate permanently in this borough.
A horrible accident occurred at Dillinger Station on the Perkiomen Railroad on Monday evening in which Charles SCHAFFER, a brakeman from Allentown was so badly injured that he died soon after. SCHAFFER left Allentown with his freight train consisting of twelve cars, and the fifth was to be placed in the Dillinger siding. The conductor signalled the engineer to stop, but Mr. SCHAFFER did not wait for this and cut off the air on one side and while trying to close the other air valve he was caught between the bumpers and had his back badly crushed. The train crew exerted every effort to do, for the injured man what they could and get him to the Allentown Hospital, but without avail for he died on his own train before reaching Allentown. The time consumed in taking him to Allentown was but nineteen minutes. SHAFFER was always considered a careful man. He is survived by his wife and two children. Freight trains as a rule have a great deal of shifting to do at Dillinger but this train had but one car to set out which makes the accident more deplorable. It happened nearly in front of the station which caused quite an excitement. The train was under the care of engineer Frank LANDIS and conductor William DOEBELE.
Dec. 26 - To Mr. and Mrs. N.A. YERGER, of Skippack, a daughter.
Dec. 28 - To Mr. and Mrs. Frank UNDERCOFFLER, of Argus, a son.
Jan. 1 - To Mr. and Mrs. HUNTER, of Zionsville, a daughter.
Jan. 4 - To Mr. and Mrs. Eugene STYER, of Red Hill, a daughter.
The Harleysville News on New Year celebrated its twenty-second birthday anniversary. The News under its present management G. Henry D. HILDEBRAND has shown remarkable progress and the citizens of the village are to be congratulated upon having such an up-to-date newspaper.
First stopping at the village post office before riding to school, Daniel R. HOFFNER, of Dryville, Berks county, ties the daily mail to the bridle of his faithful horse and sends him home with it, while he attends school.
The fierce wind on Wednesday morning removed the top from the delivery sleigh of baker A.J. SHANKEL, of East Greenville, as he was on his route serviing customers in that borough.
His team going over an embankment near Pottstown, Dr. William KNIPE, of Limerick, was thrown out, but escaped serious injury.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. HUBER, of Dale, Berks county, have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with about 100 relatives and friends.
Veteran Pottstown Democrats have organized themselves into the "Old Men's Club," with Councilman Sol. WEITZENKORN as president.
Because Frank DONEGAN had a sick mother, William TURNER refused to prosecute him for assault and battery in Norristown.
Sick of going to school Vernon ALTHOUSE, of Blooming Glen, has been missing since December 15.
Allen S. CHRISTMAN has been appointed postmaster at Trumbauersville, Bucks County.
The little $1730 stone bridge over the Pennypack Creek, recently erected in Moreland township, near Hatboro, has been the source of all kinds of strained relation, involving county officials, township officials, the builder and abutting lands and owners, and as a result a suit at law was brought by the builder, James SMITH, of Perkiomenville, against the county commissioners. The suit will be an effort to compel payment for the erection of the bridge. In support of his claim, Mr. SMITH will have the report of a jury of experts of the county commissioners' own choosing who say that the bridge is a good piece of "third class masonry." This jury was appointed after a jury appointed by court found fault with the structure recommending, in view of the defects of workmanship, that ten per cent be deducted from Contractor SMITH's bill, and that the county commissioners be surcharged ten per cent, for not having a better structure erected. The jury of experts appointed by the county commissioners consists of John T. DYER, of Norristown, expert quarryman; Oscar E. THOMPSON, of Phoenixville, a disinterested civil engineer, and Ephraim SLUGG, of Bethayres, a practical stonemason of fifty years experience. The appointment of a jury by the commissioners to controvert the findings of a jury of inspectors appointed by the court is somewhat of an innovation and the outcome is looked upon as likely to further involve the proceedings. After hearing the contentions of representatives of Moreland township, the borough of Hatboro, close to which the bridge is situated and Mrs. Frank COTTMON, whose abutting land is to be encroached upon in order to shape the Pennypack Creek to suit the bridge the first jury made a critical examination of the structure with the result that it filed in court the report recommending the deductions from the contractor and the surcharging of the county commissioners. Matter taken to court. County Solicitor J.P. Hale JENKINS then obtained a rule in court citing the contractor under the law of 1836, to "show cause against the report" on this rule two courses were open to the contractor to answer the rule and be heard before the Judges on the bench or to elect to bring suit against the commissioners on the contract. He has decided to bring suit. The jury of the commissioners' selection make seven answers to the report of the jury appointed by the court. These seven findings are: First, inability to find any defects in the foundations or want of proven depth to them; second quality of stone excellent; third, plenty of cement mortar used, making strong even joints; fourth, fifth and sixth, denials of cracks of any moment in the masonry; seventh, that stones of proper size were used.
Mike LEUCKI, a Polander, aged 20 years, died in the ambulance while on the way to the Allentown Hospital on Monday morning, suffering from mortal injuries received in the Bonneville Cement Company's mills. LEUCKS was a repairman and while making his rounds of inspection at 4 o'clock that morning reached with his arm to oil the bearings of a large piece of gearing. Struck by a passing belt his arm was drawn into the gearing and the left hand literally torn from the arm. The bones of his arm were fractured and he was hurled to the floor upon his head. He was hurried to the hospital and before he reached it he had expired dying on the stretcher in the ambulance.
O.J. ENGELMAN and Elmer KRAMMES, of Steinsburg, attended a target shoot at Spinnerstown, at, which Mr. ENGELMAN had bad luck with his new gun. On the 16th shot his gun burst just where he had his hand. Fortunately he had a hand protector on his gun, and this saved his hand. The force of the explosion threw his hand back, but no injury was inflicted. A small piece flew into his face.
Uriah SHULER, a clerk in a store at Walnutport, exhibited a prize rooster at the Anchor Hotel at that place. A.G. LONG, in a spirit of fun, poured considerable beer into the bird, which soon became intoxicated and amused the onlookers. In its meanderings the rooster fell from the bar and fractured a wing. Dr. S.E. KERN, the proprietor, fixed it up as well as best he could.
Henry WOLF, of New York, while attempting to board a Philadelphia and Reading Railway train near Mill street, Norristown, Monday evening, fell under the moving cars and a leg was so badly crushed as to necessitate its amputation at the hip at Charity Hospital.
Monday was reorganization day in the county offices. Edgar MATTHEWS succeeded John LARZELERE as Sheriff, Henry B. FREED, George N. MALSBERGER as Treasurer; Conrad S. SHEIVE, Abraham H. HENDRICKS as District Attorney, and Joseph N. KING, Dr. J.J. KANE as Coroner. The deputies appointed in the offices included: Sheriff, W.W. OWEN, Grant KOONS, Treasurer, George ANDERS, John CALDWELL; District Attorney, Theo. Lane BEAN; Coroner's physician, Dr. A.H. READ. Mr. BEAN's acceptance of the Assistant District Attorneyship carries with it his resignation as Burgess of Norristown, which event will occur before the next term of the Criminal Court, in March, and there will be a big scramble for the office, which is worth $700 a year. The Court will appoint for the unexpired term of one year, and it is expected that the lucky one will also receive the Republican nomination for the full term. Two other Burgess resignations took place in this day's induction into office - namely those formerly held by Sheriff MATTHEWS, who was chief magistrate of Rogersford, and Treasurer FREED, Souderton.
Mrs. Jacob GEEHRS, an aged woman of Kutztown, fell down the cellar steps at her home, during the absence of her daughter, who lives in the same house with her, and broke her right arm and hip. She lay four hours at the bottom of the cellar steps before she was discovered by her daughter. The aged woman was carried up stairs and a physician summoned. When he tried to examine the injury the woman fainted and not until the following day had she gained enough strength so that she could be put under the influence of ether and the factures set. The unfortunate woman is seventy-two years old and her chances for recovery are slim.
Jacob SASSAMAN, of Boyertown, the new Sheriff of Berks county, will have the distinction of being executioner of Mrs. Katie EDWARDS and Samuel GREASON, the Stouchsburg murderers. The hanging will take place on Thursday, February 16.
Rev. F.K. HUNTZINGER, a Reading clergyman, married 139 couples last year and said that while there was a decrease in licenses in Berks County, he did not mind it, as he beat his previous year's record by 12.
For eighteen years J.H. VAN REED has not missed a session as superintendent of the Amityville, Berks County, Union Sunday School.
James N. SCHAEFFER, a farmer of near Kutztown, Berks county, was taken into custody on Friday by Sheriff MOGEL, of that county accused of having again shamefully abused his son and two other children belonging to his wife. Information was brought to Justice of the Peace, C.J. RHODE, of Kutztown, by Solomon LAUDENSLAGER, Dr. N.Z. DUNKELBERGER and John W. RHODE, all citizens of Kutztown. They examined the children and are willing to swear that the punishment they received was too severe for a beast. The children are Howard SCHAEFFER, Henry CHRISTMAN and Sallie BOSSLER. When they were examined it was found that young SCHAEFFER's shoulder was black and blue with clogged blood under the skin. The forehead is bruised and cut skin deep. Under the left eye is a cut fully 1 1/2 inches long and the entire face swollen so that there is difficulty for the child to see out of the eyes. The other two children are not so badly hurt but their faces give signs of being hard belabored. Out of humanity's sake Justice of the Peace RHODE made a trip to Reading and reported the severe conditions to Judge ENDLICH. The Judge directed him to the District Attorney to ascertain under what conditions SCHAEFFER had his freedom granted at former offenses. Mr. RHODE was informed that SCHAEFFER was under bail for good behavior. This is not the first time the defendant was in trouble with similar charges. Sentence was pronounced over him in the court on Tuesday.
The Hosensack Literary Society held its regular meeting on Friday evening December 30 1904. The society was called to order by the President after the singing off a hymn and the reading of the minutes the following program was rendered: Declamation Marvin SCHULTZ and Nannie HANGEN; select reading Annie BERKY and Lillian BREY; essay by Agnes ROEDER. The following gave sentiments: Ida WEISS, Nannie HANGEN and Harvey STAUFFER. A debate followed on the question, Resolved that the Devotion to fashion is a greater evil then the tobacco habit. The Affirmative speakers were James WEISS and Anna V. HANGEN. The Negative speakers were Robert KRAUSS and Warren OBERHOLTZER. The judges who were George BITTING, Levi HOFFMAN and Howard FEATHERMAN decided two to one in favor of the negative side. General debate ensued after which the house decided in favor of the affirmative side. After the reading off the Budget and the Critics report the society adjourned.
Harry DAVIS, 35 years old, of Philadelphia, was killed, at Norristown on Friday afternoon while assisting to move a large steam radiator at the Taylor Hotel in that town. Repairs are being made to the building, and it was found necessary to move the radiator from one room to another. A joint gave way and DAVIS and the heavy mass of iron fell to the floor below. The radiator struck DAVIS on the head, fracturing his skull. He died on the way to the hospital.
Scaffold on which three boilermakers were working at the Atlas cement mill, at Northampton, fell on Friday, percipitating all to the ground, a distance of twenty-five feet. Joseph BOYLE was instantly killed. Dennis FERRY was injured internally and had both arms fractured. He may die. Michael BOYLE had his left ankle and wrist fractured. All are single young men and boarded in Allentown.
Mrs. Israel REINBOLD, of Mountainville Lehigh County, Friday swallowed a large quantity of iodine in mistake for a stomach medicine. She discovered her error at once and dispatched one of the neighbors for the family physician. The latter administered emetics and after several hours' work succeeded in getting the woman out of danger.
After an illness of apparently only a few days, Fred ECKERT, a Schissler College student, of Norristown, died at his home at North Wales, following an operation for appendicitis. ECKERT was 16 years old, and was very popular with a large circle of schoolmates and friends, both at school and in his home town.
A stove in which a fire had been slowly burning when he closed up for the night was among the articles stolen from D.M. KLINE's office in Reading.
Frank CRESSMAN, of Delphi, on Monday, won a Parker gun at the shooting match held at Wood's hotel, Green Lane. Keyser BROTHERS, of Rudy, won a gold watch as a prize at the same shoot.
The establishment of the whipping post for wife beaters and the physical examination of persons about to be married were strongly urged by the Grand Jury, of Washington, which made its return last week.
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