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Blair County Newspaper Articles

News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.

Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Thursday, March 31, 1859

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES of the Borough of Altoona, for the year ending March 1st, 1859:

JAMES LOWTHER, Treasurer, in account with said Borough. DR.

To am't received of John McClelland, collector, balance on Duplicate for 1857, $696.90
To am't received of John McClelland, collector, on acc't of Fox, for 1858, $1287.83
To am't received of E. M. Jones, Chief Burgess, Fines, Liens, &c., $55.05

Total, $2040.68

1858. DR.

Mar. 31. J. F. Reifsnyder, Borough Constable, $20.00
" " H. A. Sellers, for rent of room, $1.00
" " J. Good, Esq., $1.00
April 21. William Robeson, work, $10.63
" " Alex Mock, plastering "Lock Up," 66.39
" " Lowther & McDowell, merchandize, $8.10
May 4. C. Glass, for labor, $5.00
" " Henry Foust, for labor, $6.00
" " John Hamlin, for labor, $4.50
" " H. Burkholder, for labor, $5.50
" " Geo. Metzgar, for labor, $4.00
" " F. Hafley, for labor, $5.50
" " E. M. Jones, supervisor, $7.56
" " Allen McPherson, labor, $3.00
" " David Louden, for labor, $5.50
" 6 Jacob Hesser, lumber, $11.50
" " James Coyle, labor, $2.50
June 8. E. M. Jones, supervisor, $20.97
" " John Hamlin, labor, $11.75
" " Thomas McMinn, carpenter work, $6.00
" " Allen McPherson, labor, $14.75
" " James Coyle, labor, $1.00
" " Henry Foust, labor, $15.25
" " D. Louden, labor, $7.25
" " H. Burkholder, labor, $13.00
" " George Metzgar, labor, $12.75
" " F. Hafley, labor, $17.75
" " C. Capstick, cleaning "Lock Up," $2.00
" 10 McCrum & Allison, printing, $10.00
" " McCrum & Allison, printing, $11.00
" 12 John Griffin, labor, $1.12
" " Jacob Miller, blacksmithing, $ .68
" " Jacob Miller, blacksmithing, $8.39
" " Joseph Caughling, labor, $7.25
" " Assessors, taking census $25.00
" " C. Glass, labor, $6.75
" 30 R. H. McCormick, merchandize, $16.89
July 7. John Griffin, labor, $6.37
" " Henry Foust, labor, $4.00
" " E. M. Jones, supervisor, $31.63
" " John Allison, horse labor, $3.00
" " _____Rodkey, $1.88
" " Penn'a Rail Road Co, $ .50
" " J. W. Rigg, spouting, $20.08
" " Henry Burkholder, labor, $20.00
" " John Cunningham, labor, $3.00
" " John Cunningham, labor, $7.50
" " William Walton, horse labor, $1.88
Aug. 2. Henry Burkholder, horse labor, $7.50
" " John Allison, horse labor, $6.00
" " William Walton, horse labor, $1.50
" " J. L. Ickes, merchandize, $1.80
" " Geo. Metzgar, labor, $5.50
" " E. M. Jones, supervisor, $28.88
" " John Cunningham, horse labor, $26.63
" " J. Runyen, labor, $2.00
" " G. Metzgar, labor $22.00
" " A. McPherson, horse labor, $4.00
" " John Griffin, horse labor, $18.00
" " John Griffin, horse labor, $3.00
Sept. 6. Mrs. Houck, cleaning Lock Up, $1.00
" " Lowther & McDowell, merchandize, $3.93
" " E. M. Jones, supervisor, $35.75
" " W. Armstrong, labor, $ .50
" " W. Brown, labor, $5.00
" " Jacob Hesser, lumber, $2.11
Oct. 11. John Allison, $1.50
" " J. Jackson, labor, $8.00
" " J. Thornberg, labor, $3.25
" " H. Burkholder, labor, $13.50
" " J. E. Houston, lumber, $68.04
" " H. Devine, labor, $12.75
" " E. M. Jones, supervisor, $34.94
" " ____ Wilson, labor, $10.75
" " John Shoemaker, lumber, $77.05
" " H. Devine, labor, $6.00
" " Louis Plack, stonework, $367.50
" " J. Cunningham, horse labor, $18.37
" " Geo. Metzgar, labor, $22.75
" " J. Hafley, labor, $23.50
" " J. Karns, horse labor, $18.75
" " D. Irons, labor, $12.75
" " H. Burkholder, labor, $13.25
" " J. Moist, horse labor, $20.62
Nov. 2. J. Kenney, labor, $1.75
" " E. M. Jones, supervisor, $28.88
" " F. Hafley, labor, $23.25
" " W. Awalt, labor, $1.50
" " J. McKearnen, labor, $15.37
" " Jacob Hesser, late Treasurer, $52.49
" " D. Widle, labor, $3.00
1859. F. Hafley, labor, $18.75
January H. Burkholder, labor, $10.50
" E. M. Jones, supervisor, $23.87
" G. Metzgar, labor, $14.75
" E. M. Jones, supervisor, $15.82
" J. Good, preparing liens, $8.75
" J. L. Reifsnyder, carpenter work, $6.00
" C. B. Sink, lumber, $29.24
" E. M. Jones, supervisor, $11.00
" John Louden, merchandize, $13.00
" F. Hafley, labor, $12.00
" J. Cunningham, labor, $6.75
" Jas. Rigg, stove, $12.31
" Miller Knott, lumber, $17.05
" T. Garrahen, labor, $2.75
" J. Cunningham, labor, $1.50
" J & J Lowther, merchandize, $4.79
" Michael Kearney, $1.00
" McCrum & Dern, printing, $16.00
" James & Hooper, blacksmithing, $7.70
" Peter Reed, furniture, $3.62
" M. McCormick, $9.52
" R. Green, stone, $30.00
" J. K. Ely, borough constable, $25.00
" J. McClelland, clerk to council, $25.00
Treasurer's per centage, $40.67
Balance in hands of Treasurer, $3.60

$2040.68

I certify that I have examined the above account and find it correct.
- THOMAS McMINN, Auditor. March 17, 1859.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, March 31, 1859, page 1

For the Altoona Tribune.
Honor to the Brave.
MESSRS. EDITORS: - It has been suggested to give a new name* to the "Cove," now sometimes called the "Kettle." To this the "oldest inhabitant" makes a serious objection, and thinks it only necessary to inform the present generation and the "rest of mankind" what the original name of that beautiful, romantic and picturesque valley really is, to secure the unanimous consent of even the present fast generation in its behalf. The memory of that old veteran Indian fighter, so well known to the early settlers of Franktown and Canoe Creek, Capt. EDWARD MILLIGAN, Sr., who so nobly defended himself and slew the enemy on the spot, deserves a continuation of the name given to it by common consent at that time. He rendered his name, by his valor, dear to all the inhabitants around about the spot, and the name immediately became the same.

On the map of Huntingdon County, constructed by John Morrison, by virtue of an Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, passed 19th March 1816, the romantic Gap in the Bush [sic] Mountain, through which we pass into the "Cove," is called "Milligan's Gap." The new house just erected by Mr. Samuel White, is on the ridge from which the waters run opposite directions, dividing about five yards from each other. The run flowing east, passing Brotherline's, Ream's, Lewis' Curry's and Herrick's land, and the residence of Paul Hurm, the celebrated boot- maker, and the new house just erected by Mr. Thos. Dobbs, is called on the said map "Sinking Run."

The run flowing west and around north to Pottsgrove's Mills, out of which the Altoona people are continually using the water, is named on the said map "Milligan's Run."

Surely no name is more appropriate and beautiful than "Cove," and none more deserving of honor than he who so nobly fought the battle which secured the soil. Let it then, hereafter, be known only as "Milligan's Gap," "Milligan's Cove," &c. Of course the Post Office, the School District and the new township will each be named "Brotherline," in honor of the liberal pioneer of the settlers. So says the
  - OLDEST INHABITANT.

* In our last issue we give the title of "Kemp's Mills" to the new settlement, by mistake, in not understanding the name. It should have been "Hurmville," in honor of the oldest settler, Paul Hurm, the celebrated Boot-maker referred in the above communication. It was not proposed to change the name of the Gap or the Cove, but merely to give a name to the new town which will likely spring up in that "neck o' timber." As there are now two names proposed, viz:-"Hurmville" and "Brotherline," it remains for the settlers to decide for themselves which they will adopt.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, March 31, 1859, page 2

LOCAL ITEMS.

LIST OF JURORS. - The following is a list of the Grand and Traverse Jurors drawn for the approaching term of the April Court, commencing on the fourth Monday and 25th day of the month: -

Ake Henry L, merchant, Woodberry.
Albright Samuel, laborer, Taylor.
Burbank George, farmer, Allegheny.
Burger David, do Juniata.
Bridenbaugh Philip do Tyrone tp.
Cannan Alfred, boat-builder, Hollidaysburg.
Crowther James, livery keeper, Tyrone bor.
Eckhart George, farmer, Freedom.
Hann? Jacob, do Allegheny
Hite Josiah M., cabinet maker, Greenfield.
Henry Franklin, clerk, Gaysport.
Harpster John, farmer, Frankstown.
Morrow Robert do Tyrone tp.
McIntyre Jacob, saddler, N. Woodberry.
McMullin Henry, farmer, Tyrone tp.
McGarney Wm. do Logan.
Nicodemus J. S. do N. Woodberry.
Powell Daniel do Huston.
Robison David do Allegheny.
Stoner Daniel do N. Woodberry
Stones John, laborer, Greenfield.
Weaver Philip, carpenter, Blair.
Yingling, Lazarus, blacksmith, Logan.
Young Curtis, farmer, Frankstown.

TRAVERSE JURORS - FIRST WEEK.

Ake Wm. H., farmer, Catharine.
Ake William do Logan.
Ake W. H. do Woodberry.
Allison John, coal merchant, Altoona.
Brooks John S., farmer, Freedom.
Bare John, butcher, Logan.
Burley B. F., blacksmith, Altoona.
Brua Jacob, Farmer, Frankstown.
Colclessor Daniel, manufacturer, Logan.
Cyphers G. T., grocer, Hollidaysburg.
Crawford H. S. iron founder, N. Woodberry.
Diehl Aaron, laborer, Greenfield.
Forbes William, clerk, Taylor
Garland Henry Jr., farmer, Snyder.
Hurd Thomas W., shoemaker, Gaysport.
Hoover John P., farmer, N. Woodberry.
Hoover Samuel, treasurer, Hollidaysburg.
Jones Benjamin, justice, Tyrone borough.
Kean Chas, cabinet-maker, Hollidaysburg.
Kough John, carpenter, Blair.
Koon George, tailor, Blair.
Keyes Patrick, painter, Hollidaysburg.
McKim James, merchant, Allegheny.
Mason Chas C., turner, Altoona.
Robison William, farmer, Snyder.
Riddle David do Blair.
Reeves Landon, hotel keeper, Blair.
Smith John R., farmer, Huston.
Snyder Franklin, saddler, N. Woodberry.
Snively G. R., miller, Woodberry.
Shriver Levi, farmer, N. Woodberry.
Stone Wm., Moulder, Hollidaysburg.
Smith Samuel, justice, Gaysport.
Snyder Christian, laborer, Hollidaysburg.
Williams M. K., teacher, Altoona.
Wilt P. H., farmer, Allegheny.
Wagoner Jacob, carpenter, Altoona.
Wertz John, farmer, Blair.

TRAVERSE JURORS - SECOND WEEK.

Alexander R., merchant, Woodberry.
Andrews Augustin, laborer, Allegheny.
Ake Munroe, farmer, Logan.
Bollinger Jacob, chair-marker, Hollidaysburg.
Beegle Daniel, farmer, Juniata.
Battenburg Jacob, laborer, Altoona.
Beamer Philip, farmer, Allegheny.
Crawford Jesse R., gentleman, Gaysport.
Cherry Andrew, (of Jacob,) farmer, Antis.
Crawford Armstrong, farmer, Tyrone tp.
Cunningham G. M., mason, Frankstown.
Diehl Jonas, merchant, Freedom.
Dunn Hugh, farmer, Catharine.
Earlengaugh [Earlenbaugh] John, farmer, Taylor.
Ellsworth Josiah F., mill-wright, Woodberry.
Graham Walter, gentleman, Catharine.
Guyer Caleb, clerk, Tyrone borough.
Goodfellow Thos., merchant, Hollidaysburg.
Houston George, founder, Antis.
Hooper J. M., blacksmith, Altoona.
Hopkins T. B., saddler, Hollidaysburg.
Koon David, farmer, Allegheny.
Lamison B. P., carpenter, Altoona.
Lower Christian, farmer, Taylor.
McAllister B., manager, Woodberry.
McCormick Alex., merchant, Altoona.
McCaulley Wm., farmer, Logan.
McClelland John, carpenter, Altoona.
McIntosh, Franklin, clerk, Blair.
Pope David, boatman, Hollidaysburg.
Roller Joshua, farmer, Woodberry.
Speering H. S., blacksmith, Altoona.
Smith Daniel, farmer, Logan.
Sickles Theodore, butcher, Gaysport.
Thomas William, carpenter, Hollidaysburg.
Vaugh [Vaughn?] Jon B., landlord, Allegheny.
Wilt Alexander, farmer, Allegheny.
Williamson J., carpenter, Allegheny.

Concert. - On Monday evening last, the Altoona Brass Band, assisted by the Altoona String Band, and a number of amateur vocalists, gave a concert in Keystone Hall. The members of the Brass Band executed the pieces selected in their usual good style. The violinists, Messrs. Delo and Wier, performed their parts admirably, giving evidence of superior skill in handling the "bow," and a perfection in music seldom attained by amateurs in the country. - Dougherty "touched his guitar" with skillful fingers, fully sustaining the reputation he acquired by his performances at the concert for the benefit of the poor. To Kerry was assigned the part of amusing the audience by singing comic songs, and right well did he fill it up. - His first song, entitled "The P. R. R.," composed by one of the members of the Brass Band, and given to him to commit at noon of Monday, was received with shouts of applause, and was encored so loudly that he again appeared and treated the audience to a song on the "Deceitfulness of Appearances," which was well received.

HIGHLY COMPLIMENTARY. - We copy the following complimentary notice of our Mountain city, and a few of its prominent men and institution, from the Pittsburgh Press, of Monday last: -

THE CITY OF ALTOONA. - During a recent visit to this flourishing city, we were much surprised at its present advanced position, as well in regard to population as to its increasing business and general appearance of prosperity. Here - where ten or twelve years ago there was but one or two log cabins - a thriving, busy city, containing immense manufacturing establishments, churches, hotels, stores, and magnificent private dwellings, has been established, while the population, numbering nearly eight thousand souls, are as intelligent, industrious and honest as can be found anywhere.

While there, we were very politely shown through the city and its principal business places, by Col. John Woods, formerly of Indiana county, now the proprietor of the Altoona Hotel, and Mr. B. F. Rose, the gentlemanly Chief Clerk of the Transportation department.

The great features of the business portion of the place, are the extensive machine shops of the Pennsylvania railroad. Here, the cars, bridges, boilers, castings, in fact, all the vast machinery and innumerable articles used on the whole road, are gotten up with despatch, and in the best possible manner.

The car building establishment, which is carried on in the most extensive manner, is under the control of Mr. C. R. Hostetter, a gentleman of integrity and experience, who turns out nothing in his line but the neatest and best.

Mr. Alex. A. Smith is the foreman of the bridge and boiler shop, where bridges and boilers of the very best kind are constantly ready for use, and in process of construction.

The sheet iron, copper and tin shop, under the superintendence of Geo. W. Sparks; the brass foundry, A. H. Maxwell, foreman; the iron foundry, C. R. M'Crea, foreman; the pattern shop, Wm. Boyden, foreman; the round house, A. C. Vauclain, foreman, and the machine shop, John A. Nichols, foreman, are all model institutions, and reflect great credit, both on their projectors and those having them in charge.

Mr. George W. Grier, a gentleman of great experience, sound judgment and correct habits, is also located here, as master of machinery for the whole road.

Some six hundred persons derive their support directly from these works, while the whole business and living of the city is indirectly dependent upon them.

We night extend this article to almost any length, in praise of the many enterprising and interesting matters to be seen at Altoona, but our time and space at present preclude it. We may refer to the subject again. We can not close, however, without reminding our friends that Col. John Woods, of the Altoona Hotel, is the prince of clever gentlemen, and keeps an excellent house, his table being always supplied with good, well-cooked and substantial fare. As good a meal as any man would desire, can always be had at his house for twenty- five cents.

DISTRESSING ACCIDENT. - It is with pain we record the sudden and violent death of an estimable young citizen of our town - Mr. James McCormick. Mr. McC., at the time of his death was a fireman on the No. 107 passenger engine; and on Monday, while bringing the Mail train up, and when about a mile west of Harrisburg, his attention, it is supposed, was attracted to something in the rear of the train, and he stopped between the tank and engine, (on the engineer's side), to look out - when a plug at a water station struck him and knocked him off the engine. The train was immediately stopped, and backed to the place where he fell. He was found a corpse, his skull completely crushed. He was taken back to Harrisburg, and brought to his sorrowing friends by the Express train next morning. His remains were escorted from the cars to his residence in East Altoona, by a large and solemn concourse - evincing the fact that his circle of friends was a large one, and that his death was greatly lamented. He was buried at Newton Hamilton on Tuesday.

Mr. McCormick, about five years ago, was placed in the employ of the Company by one of the Companies officers who was favorably impressed with his merits, while attending the funeral of a brother, (a conductor on the road), at Newton Hamilton. At that time he and a surviving brother, (now an engineer), were the sole support of an aged mother and two sisters - and although young and in an humble position; (he was employed as "Cleaner" in the round House), he devoted his entire means to the support of his family. This exemplary conduct, and his marked industry and faithfulness, induced the Company to promote him to the position he occupied at the time of his death - and, we are informed, in a short time he would have been raised to the responsible position of engineer. - He was strictly moral in character, enjoyed the good will of all who knew him, and, all in all, was a man. What more, which is good, can be said of him?

LOCAL CORRESPONDENCE.

HOLLIDAYSBURG, March 29th, 1859.
MESSRS. EDITORS: - A number of young men of this place are now making an effort to establish a Gymnasium. They have thus far met with great success, a liberal amount having been subscribed by our citizens. An institution of this kind has long been needed in this town - in fact, our whole country blessed as it is with ample means for the mental education of the youth of the land, is sadly deficient in supplying them with opportunities for physical improvement. We trust that the effort may be successful, and that it may become a permanent organization.

On Saturday last the "Juniata Rifles," of this place, paraded through portions of our town. - This company has been but recently organized, and numbers between 60 and 70 members, all fine looking men. It was under the command of Capt. Lloyd, to whose energy and spirit, the company greatly owes its formation. It presented a very handsome appearance and the members acquitted themselves very creditably.

The young man, Harlin, who had been lodged in jail on suspicion of poisoning the horses of Mr. Stewart, was on Tuesday last, brought before Justice Cox, and gave bail to the amount of $500, for his appearance at Court.

The accident at Chimney Rock Furnace, causing its stoppage has been repaired, and it was put in blast again on Thursday evening last. The energetic proprietors of the Furnace deserve great credit for the speedy manner in which they have surmounted the many obstacles they have met since they started the Furnace.

The water was let into the Canal last week, and the usual business has commenced. Our ears, however, which formerly were almost deafened by the tooting of horns, now seldom hear their enlivening sounds. The business which in former years was extensive has now become very small, consisting principally in iron and coal. We trust that our town may again enjoy the amount of business which attended it in earlier years of canal navigation. - W.

C. Jaggard has removed his goods for the present to Ferree & Morrow's corner, where in a few days he will be happy to see his friends and the public generally. Altoona, March 3d, 1859.

DIED.

In this borough, on Thursday last, JACOB RUSSELL, only son of Randolph and Margaret Sies [or Sieg], aged 1 year and 22 days.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, March 31, 1859, page 3