Blair County Newspaper Articles
News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.
Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,
Thursday, August 23, 1860
Democratic County Convention.
Agreeable to call by the County Committee, the Delegates from the several Wards, Boroughs and Townships of Blair County, convened in County Convention, in the Court House, in Hollidaysburg, on Wednesday, August 15, 1860.
The Convention was permanently organized at 11 o'clock A. M., by electing the following officers: -
President - R. W. CHRISTY.
Secretaries - WM. FORBES, H. MCINTOSH, and J. P. THOMPSON.
The following named delegates presented credentials and were admitted to seats in the Convention:
Antes - Turner Glasgow, Wm. A. Reily.
Allegheny - George W. Knee, R. W. Christy.
Blair - Henry McIntosh, Wm, Conrad.
Freedom - Wm. McGraw, C. B. Malone.
Frankstown - Geo. L. Koon, Chas. Curry.
Greenfield - Jos. Walters, Elias Dell.
Houston - George Smith, D. L. Martin.
Juniata - Henry Shaw, Jas. Dearmond.
Logan - John Mills, Samuel Gaily.
Snyder - Wm. Donnelly, E. B. Isett.
Tyrone - R. C. Galbraith, Wm. Wilson.
Taylor - Wm. Forbes, J. Faulkner.
Woodberry - Wm. A. Fluke, J. P. Thompson.
North Woodberry - A. J. Crissman, F. Nicodemus.
Martinsburg Borough - J. C. Everhart, John Shoemaker.
Altoona, E. W. - Jas, Kearney, D. McCarne.
" W. W. - Ralph Greenwood, E. P. Epler.
" N. W. - Daniel Laughman, P. Morris.
Hollidaysburg, E. W. - Jas. M. Kinports, T. Hartsock.
" W. W. - Jos. Gibson, Capt. F. P. Minier.
Gaysport - Wm. Douglas, Thos. Herd.
Tyrone Bor. - Wm. Brown, Jos. Hagerty.
On motion, Maj. A. J. Crissman, E. B. Isett, Jos. Gibson, C. B. Malone and R. Greenwood, were appointed a Committee to report resolutions expressive of the sense of the Convention.
On motion, the Convention adjourned till 1 1/2 o'clock P. M.
The Convention met at 1 1/2 o'clock, and on motion proceeded to nominate a ticket for County Offices.
The following named gentlemen were nominated:
Assembly - Col. Wm. JACK, of Hollidaysburg.
Associate Judges - SAMUEL ISETT, of Catharine, and Col. JOHN WOODS, of
Altoona.
District Attorney - SAMUEL T. MURRAY, of Hollidaysburg.
County Commissioner - GEO. B. CRAMER, of Altoona.
Treasurer - THOS. MCFARLANE, of Hollidaysburg.
Director of the Poor - WM. WILSON, of Tyrone.
County Auditor - ROBERT TODD, of Taylor.
The nominations, were, on motion, unanimously confirmed.
The Convention proceeded to make choice of a candidate for Congress, for this Congressional District, and Archibald McAlister was declared to be the choice of the county. On motion, Maj. Theo. Snyder, O. A. Traugh and Samuel H. Bell, were appointed Conferees, with instructions to use all fair and honorable means to secure the nomination of Archibald McAllister.
Maj. A. J. Crissman, on behalf of the Committee on resolutions, reported the following:
Whereas, It is vitally important to prevent the Old Keystone State from falling into the hands of a sectional party, whose only aim seems to be aggressive warfare upon particular states of the Confederacy and their domestic institutions, therefore.
Resolved, By the Democracy of Blair County, in County Convention assembled, that we cordially approve of and affirm the platform of principles agreed upon by the Democratic State Convention which assembled at Reading in February last.
Resolved, That in our candidate for Governor, Henry D. Foster, we have a gentleman of untarnished reputation, enlarged experience and eminent ability - a nominee of whom the party may in every sense feel proud. We, therefore, invite to his support, not only the Democracy, but the conservative men of all parties, believing that his election would be a death blow to sectionalism, and go far towards restoring peace and good will to our country.
Resolved, That the County ticket nominated this day is worthy of the confidence and support of the people, and we pledge our individual exertions in its behalf.
On motion, the resolutions were unanimously adopted.
On motion, the President of the Convention was authorized to appoint a County Committee for the ensuing year.
On motion the Convention adjourned sine die.
R. W. CHRISTY, Pres't.
WM. FORBES, H. MCINTOSH, JAS. P. THOMPSON, Secretaries.
Constitutional Union Association.
The Constitutional Union Association of Altoona met pursuant to adjournment in the room adjoining the "Tribune" office on Saturday last, Aug. 11, - Dr. W. R. Finley, in the chair. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and adopted. The Secretary announced the number of Signers to the Constitution of this Association to be almost 200, whereupon the President entertained the Association with some felicitous and encouraging remarks.
Appropriate and well-received addresses were delivered by Messrs. Stansbury Hooper, David T. Caldwell, Wm. Fox and others, members of the Association. On motion a committee was appointed to draft resolutions expressing the status which this Association maintains respecting "fusion" with other parties.
The proceedings throughout were characterized by excellent feeling, and the prospects of success which everywhere are steadily increasing, seemed to animate with new zeal every member present.
On motion the Association adjourned to meet in the same place next Saturday evening at 7 o'clock.
W. R. FINLEY, Pres't.
S. A. ALEXANDER, D. T. CALDWELL, Secretaries.
[The following proceedings were handed in in time, and should have appeared in last week's paper, but were mislaid. - Eds.]
A Pennsylvanian Killed by a Grizzly Bear in California.
On the 25th of June last, a young man named Barkeley * Woodward, a native of Pennsylvania, was killed in an encounter with a grizzly bear, near San Antonia, Monterey county, California. A companion narrates the particulars of the affair as follows:
"It was on Monday, the 25th of June, that this man left the place where he was encamped to go in search of some cattle, which appeared to be missing. While on his rambles, he came upon the tracks of a grizzly bear, and followed them into the mountains as far as he could ride. Then he dismounts, ties his horse to a tree, takes his rifle and follows in the tracks of the dangerous animal until he overtakes it; then he goes to within twenty feet of it and fires from behind a rock. He leaves his rifle leaning against the rock and makes for some trees, but the bear is too fast for him; he has not even the time to use his revolver. The bear throws him to the ground and chews his head and face nearly to pieces, he being left entirely blind. In that most horrible condition he wandered for about three quarters of a mile down the creek, towards where his horse was tied, at times walking, at times tumbling and rolling down the rough rocks, until through exhaustion he lay down and died. In that state he was found four days after being missed.
"I have taken the pains to send you this communication, hoping that you will insert it or part of it in your paper, with the request that all Pennsylvania papers will copy, so that Mr. Woodward's widowed mother may learn of her son's untimely end. I was one of the persons who went in search of him, and I can vouch for the truth of what is written. He had but lately come to this vicinity to live, and none of his best friends know that he has any relatives in this State. He mentioned that he had a mother living in Pennsylvania, but we cannot recollect in what part." - FRANCIS SYLVESTER.
LOCAL ITEMS.
PRESENTATION TO COL. THOS. A. SCOTT. - The following correspondence explains itself:
To Thomas A. Scott, Esq. - Dear Sir: - On behalf of the employees in the department over which you have presided so successfully, we present you the accompanying testimonial, and whilst we are gratified at your promotion, we regret that it severs the close connection that has heretofore existed between us. Very respectfully yours,
G. C. FRANCISCUS, S. D. YOUNG, CHAS. B. SEELY, BENJ. F. ROSE. CHAS. A. NAUMAN, ANDREW CARNEGIE, Committee,
1728 SPRUCE STREET, Philadelphia, August 6th, 1860.
To Geo. C, Franciscus, Samuel D. Young, Chas.
B. Seely, Benj. F. Rose, Chas. A. Nauman, Andrew Carnegie, Committee
GENTLEMEN: I have this day received the magnificent service of plate that was placed in your charge for presentation to me by my late co-workers in the operating department of the Pennsylvania Railroad, as a testimonial of their regard and esteem. Please convey to the parties you represent, my sincere acknowledgement for the manifestation of their regard, and for the generous spirit with which it is proffered. To the consciousness of having labored faithfully for years past in the service of the Company is now added the gratifying evidence that I have also secured the approbation of those with whom I have been associated. I shall value the beautiful gift chiefly as an evidence of the appreciation and approval of my follow laborers. Its use upon the family board must always recall many pleasant associations that I trust will ever cluster around it. The signal success which has attended the operating department of the great work that we have been, and are still connected with, allow me to say, is justly due to the combined efforts of its faithful and well tried body of energetic men in the various departments. To them the Company, the great business public, and your humble servant are much indebted. Wishing each of you, and those you represent, as much of happiness as you have this day conferred upon me, I remain, as ever,
Very truly, your friend,
[Signed.] THOS. A. SCOTT
BELL'S MILLS CAMP MEETING. - The arrangements for the camp meeting at Bell's Mills are now completed. Excursion tickets, good on all trains which stop at that station, will be issued from all stations on the Penn'a R. R. between Hollidaysburg and Spruce Creek. Two excursion trains will run from this place to the camp ground on Sunday, one in the morning and the other in the evening. The first train will leave Hollidaysburg at half-past eight o'clock in the morning, pass this place at 9.15, and arrive at Bell's Mills at 9.45. This train will also run to Spruce Creek and return. The evening train will leave this place in time for evening service at the camp, remain at the ground until 9.25, when it will leave for Spruce Creek. Returning, it will pass Bell's Mills at 11 o'clock, arrive at Altoona at 11.30, and at Hollidaysburg at 12.00 midnight.
I. O. of O. F. Pic Nic. - The Third Annual Pic Nic of Veranda Lodge, No.532, came off on Saturday last, in the grove near Miller's school house, west of town. The day was delightful, and the turn-out of members and ladies quite large. We arrived on the ground about noon and found the large platform filled with ladies and gents "tipping [sic] the light fantastic toe" to most excellent music discoursed by the Harrisburg String Band. In a short time dinner was announced, and with that hospitable liberality which characterizes our people, we were invited to a number of tables. Of course we could not respond to all the invitations, and to particularize would be invidious; therefore we will only add that we partook of as fine a repast as ever was ever served up in the woods. After dinner the bugle again called the dancers to places, and from half past one to six o'clock all "went merry as a marriage belle." The best feeling prevailed, and good order was maintained throughout.
S. of T. Pic Nic. - We visited Beale's Woods on Thursday afternoon last, to see how the "cold water party" were enjoying themselves and we were fully convinced that they did not need the aid of spirits to make everything pass off pleasantly. There was a large turn-out of ladies and gentlemen connected with the Division, and the good things provided for the occasion were amply sufficient, and in great variety. The affair was conducted in a creditable manner, nothing whatever occurring to mar the happiness of any of the participants.
ADDRESS. - We learn that our townsman, Col. L. W. Hall, will address the citizens of this place and vicinity, on the political questions which now agitate the country, on Friday evening next, in response to an invitation from the Peoples' Party Club. Let the members of all parties turn out and hear him, as we feel sure that his address will be of such a character that if it does not please it will not offend. The day for arguments instead of hard words has arrived, and Col. H's address will be of the former and not of the latter.
"WIDE AWAKES." - There will be a meeting of the members of the People's Party Club, in their Hall, on this (Thursday) evening, for the purpose of forming a "Wide Awake" Club. The lamps, &c., for such a club have been received.
ANOTHER FATAL STABBING AFFAIR. - A sad affair occurred at Fostoria, in this county, on Wednesday evening last, between two men named Osborne and Meadville, both residents of that vicinity. The circumstances of the affair are reported to be about as follows: They were sitting together in front of Esterline's store, arguing about some unimportant matter, when Osborne called Meadville a liar. Meadville replied that if he (Osborne) called him a liar again he would whip him. Osborne then jumped up and said, "you're a G-d d-d liar;" and Meadville at once rose and grabbed him by the throat - the bystanders at the same time catching him to pull him away - when he exclaimed, "I'm stuck." Upon examination it appeared that he had received a stab in the breast, which penetrated the left ventricle of the heart. It was given with a Barlow knife. The wound, it was soon discovered, was a serious one, and at about one o'clock on the same night he died. Osborne was arrested, and the next morning brought to jail, where he awaits trial. Both men are said to have been sober, and previously on good terms. Osborne has a wife and three children. Meadville was unmarried, but was the support of an aged and dependent mother. - Register.
MAN KILLED. - Yesterday afternoon, says the Harrisburg Patriot and Union, of the 21st inst., a man was killed on the railroad about a mile and a half this side of Lewistown, by being struck by the locomotive of the mail train coming east. It appears that the man was walking on the track, and got out of the way of a freight train going west, by standing upon a tie on the down track. The mail train rounded a curve and was almost up to the man before he was observed by the engineer. He sounded the whistle, and just as the man turned, the corner of the engine bumping-beam struck him in the breast, the force of which threw him against an embankment, from which he rolled down within a few inches of the track. The dead body of the man was taken to Mifflin by Conductor Barto. On the person of the deceased was a copybook, in which was written the name of A. Nebit [Nesbit?], beyond which there was nothing to identify the man. From his dress it was supposed that he was an itinerant mendicant, but he had no bundle with him, and nobody about Mifflin could recognize him.
AN ITEM FOR HOUSEKEEPERS. - The liquid glue made as a specialty, and extensively advertised as a secret preparation, is very simply made, and costs very little. Eight ounces of glue, dissolved in a half pint of water, in a wide-mouthed bottle, costs but a few cents. Having dissolved it by immersing the bottle in a vessel of water until the desired result takes place, pour into the mixture two-and-a-half ounces of nitric acid, stirring until all is incorporated. - Glue should be used that costs forty cents a pound. The cost of the acid is merely nominal. For a few cents, therefore, any housekeeper may prepare as much of the article as would cost a dollar and a half, or two dollars when purchased in little bottles. The Celebrated Prepared Glue, advertized in the papers, is nothing more than this. It is however, a valuable composition, as it never ferments, and will even mend porcelain permanently, provided it does not come in contact with water.
VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT. - Prof. Francis Henry will give a vocal and instrumental concert in the Altoona Academy school-room this (Thursday) evening, at 8 o'clock, at which he will be assisted by Prof. A. F. Lejal, a celebrated pianist, and two ladies of Pittsburgh, who are talented vocalists. Prof. Henry says the concert is to be no humbug, and with the array of musical talent engaged we don't see how it could be other than successful.
Prof. Henry would respectfully inform his friends and pupils that he is now ready to resume his instructions on the violin, piano, melodeon, guitar, or any musical instrument. His terms are $12 for 24 lessons, one half the tuition in advance.
FINE PLUMS. - Yesterday morning we found a little package attached to the knob of our office door, directed to the firm. On opening it we found it to contain eight large blue plums attached to one stem. A note accompanying stated that there had been six more plums on the same stem, but they had dropped off. The stem which held them was not over two inches long. It must have been worth looking at, ere it was broken off. As we are pretty good at solving conundrums, problems, &c., it did not take us long to discover whence the fruit came. Reading backwards and upside-down is part of a printer's trade.
TEACHER'S ASSOCIATION. - The Teacher's Association of this county met in this place last week, but as we had not time to attend it and have not been furnished with a copy of its proceedings we can not say how it passed off. A meeting was held in the Baptist Church on Friday evening, at which Prof. Miller read an essay, which is highly spoken of, and Mr. Alex Clark, editor of the School Visitor, delivered an address which abounded in literature, poetry, teaching passages and mirth provoking anecdotes and personations.
Constable Ely has received an appointment from the Penn'a R. R. Co., to attend at the depot in this place, on the arrival of passenger trains, and keep back the boys who crowd around the cars to such an extent that it is almost impossible for passengers to get out of or into the cars. The services of such an officer have long been needed at that point, and Joe will put the boys "through a course of sprouts" if they don't keep their distance.
REMOVAL. - G. W. Kessler, has removed into his new building immediately across the street from his old one. His new store room is considerably larger than the old one, and he has it fitted up quite tastily, both outside and in, and will wait upon his customers as cheerfully as usual.
DIRECTOR OF THE POOR, &c. - The County Committee of the People's Party met at Hollidaysburg on the 14ih inst., to nominate a candidate for the above office, in the place of Wm. Caldwell, Esq., declined, when W. Burley, Esq., of Tyrone City was unanimously nominated.
SHADED SIDEWALKS. - The pleasure of walking upon well shaded sidewalks is thoroughly appreciated at this season of the year, when the sun is unmercifully hot, and the air rarely disturbed with cooling winds. Their necessity is felt, and not until the heat of Summer is over do their excellence cease to elicit satisfaction and gratitude. Shade trees beautify and adorn a town, besides rendering town life supportable during Summer, and many would be glad to see them upon every street, lining the sidewalks from one end of the street to the other. The coming Fall should be improved by those of our citizens who have not yet done so in enriching the town with these admirable assistants to our Summer luxuries.
ACCIDENTS. - Philip Farbauch, an employee at McNamara's rolling mill, was severely injured about the back and shoulders, on Thursday last, by the falling upon him of a derrick.
Wm. Stone, of the Gaysport Foundry, sustained a severe injury to one of his legs on the same day. He was assisting to remove a heavy casting which accidentally slipped off the rollers and rolled over his leg. The limb was painfully bruised but fortunately no bones were broken. -- Standard.
THE PEACH BORER. - Mr. John Hays, of Hollidaysburg, informs the Register that he has tried coal tar (obtained at the gas works) for two years past, as a remedy for the Peach Borer, with entire success. He dug a little basin about the root of the tree, raising the rim a couple of inches, and poured into it say a pint of the tar - renewing the application early in the spring. He is quite sanguine it will save the trees. Try it.
HON. S. S. BLAIR. - Three counties in this district viz. Cambria, Blair and Huntingdon, have declared in favor of Hon. S. S. Blair for Congress, therefore his nomination is certain.
MARRIED.
On the 18tn inst., by the Rev. S. Creighton, Mr. Azur Dravensted to Miss Hellen Keesberry, both of this place.
(Mifflin papers please copy.)
Where mirth and happiness reigns supreme the printer is never forgotten, consequently, our thanks are due the above couple for the handsome manner in which they remembered us, while launching their bark upon the sea of matrimony. Our humble wish is that they may never encounter those winds which blow toward the shore of adversity, but that they may be taken up by a gale of prosperity and wafted smoothly over the sea, and finally, at a green old age, anchor safely in the haven of eternal rest.
On Thursday, Aug. 16th, at the Lutheran parsonage, in Altoona, Pa.. by Rey, Chas. L. Ehrenfeld, Mr. James Meloy to Miss Margaret Ann Kopp, both of Cambria Co.
Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, August 23, 1860, page 3
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* KILLED BY A BEAR. - Bradley Woodward, aged 26, a native of Pennsylvania, was killed in the mountains of Monterey by a grizzly, on June 25th.
The Sonoma County Journal, Petaluma, Ca., Friday, July 27, 1860, page 2