Blair County Newspaper Articles
News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.
Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,
Thursday, May 7, 1874
LOCAL NEWS.
The Court.
MONDAY EVENING'S SESSION.
Court convened at 7:15 o'clock, and the case of the Commonwealth vs. McCartney and Lingafelter was resumed. Catharine Duncan, the woman who keeps house for the Musselman "boys'' as she called them, corroborated the preceding witness and positively identified the prisoners as the men who attempted the robbery. The witness is an elderly single woman, speaks Pennsylvania German, and while on the stand, was as lively as a kitten. Mr. Blair's cross examination conducted in English and answered in "low Dutch" furnished much amusement. John Musselman, aged 66, and generally dilapidated was the next witness, but he didn't know much of importance. Without taking up any more space with this case, it may be said that the Commonwealth, by various witnesses conclusively proved the guilt of the prisoners, and the verdict of the jury, after a half hour's deliberation was "Guilty in manner and form as they stand indicted, and recommending Lingafelter to the mercy of the Court." Baldrige and Woodcock & Dively for Commonwealth. Blair & Bell for defendants.
TUESDAY'S SESSION.
Court convened at 9 o'clock A. M. The first case called was Commonwealth vs. Jacob Lantz and Margaret Lantz, against whom there were three indictments, viz: Selling liquor without license, selling liquor to minors, and selling liquor on Sunday.
Harry Patton was the first witness called. Knows defendants and got something to drink there in this year. Got beer and whisky from both Mrs. and Mr. Lantz. Got liquor there on Sunday. Was eighteen in March.
Blair Williams, aged nineteen, told a story agreeing in all particulars with that of the preceding witness.
David Burley got ale, whisky and beer from Mrs. Lantz, Mr. Lantz and the bar tender since Local Option went into effect. Was twenty- one in February, 1874. Got some of the ardent there in the latter part of 1873. Never got any on Sunday.
Harry Woods, aged eighteen, was the next witness. Was at the house kept by defendants once and at that time had a glass of ale.
George Ely, aged twenty, got whisky and ale from defendants. The place was generally called Mrs. Lantz's.
Andrew Cherry, a drayman, hauled two kegs of ale directed to some unknown person, to the house of defendants, and while in the house waiting for the money for his freight bill, a young woman came out and handed Mrs. Lantz a two-dollar bill and told her to take the price of three glasses of ale out of it.
At this point the Commonwealth rested, and Mrs. M. B. Lantz was called to the stand. She didn't sell any liquor to anybody on the 4th day of January, because she was sick in bed on that day, and had given orders to close the house. Never sold any liquor on Sunday, or to minors. Has been married to Jacob Lantz for twenty seven years. Upon cross-examination she remembered that her husband's name was on two signs, a small one over the door, and a canvas one, but the large one she didn't think worth anything because it was spoiled in the painting. She acknowledged that she sold liquor in 1874. No other witness was called for the defense, and Mr. Woodcock, on their behalf, delivered an eloquent address.
Mr. Stevens followed for the Commonwealth. An effort having been made to screen Mrs. Lantz because she is a married woman, the Court stated that in a misdemeanor all are principals. All who sell liquor are equally guilty, although the presumption is, when a married woman sells liquor in the presence of her husband, that she is coerced by him to do so. This is only presumption, however, and there seems to be little evidence in this case to show that Mrs. Lantz was coerced. After a half hour's deliberation the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all three indictments. Stevens for Commonwealth, Woodcock & Dively for defendant.
Com. vs. F. O. Alleman. Indictment - attempting to produce an abortion. Defendant didn't appear, and recognizance of himself and H. C. Alleman forfeited.
Same vs. Same. Indictment - adultery. Defendant non est and recognizance forfeited.
Com. vs. William Dougherty. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Continued.
Com. vs. Isaac Cromer, another Altoona liquor case, was next called. Against defendant there were two indictments, each charging him with selling liquor without license. At a saloon under the Opera House the witnesses in this case received the beer and whisky which led them to visit the county capital. It appears that Mr. Cromer was in this saloon as was also a man named Frank Houser to whom, it was alleged, the saloon, or at least its contents belonged. Several parties testified that they got ale and whisky in the saloon - some from Houser and some from Cromer. The jury, after a session of about two hours, returned a verdict of guilty on both bills. Tierny and Neff for defendants. Stevens for Commonwealth.
Com. vs. Thos. G. Lightner. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Continued, and defendant ordered to enter into recognizance in the sum of $500.
Com. vs. Rollin Templeton alias Richard Johnson. Indictment - larceny. Defendant was charged with the unlawful appropriation of twenty-nine head of cattle, the property of the Bell Brothers, Jonathan Slippy, A. B. Stewart and ____ Crawford. These it is alleged he sold to Theodore McCahan, who resides between Hollidaysburg and Duncansville, for $390. Mr. McCahan sold sixteen head of the cattle to John Musselman, who were afterwards compelled to pay the owners $300. The other thirteen were given up to the owners. Several witnesses were called to prove that the defendant was Rollin Templeton, while Judge Irwin, Theo. McCahan and James McCahan testified that he was the man who called himself Richard Johnson and sold Theodore the cattle.
Defendant admitted that he had sold the cattle, but called Henry Cherry to prove that thirteen head of them were bought by defendant from a drover who alleged that he had purchased them in the neighborhood of Cherry Tree. Witness saw Templeton pay money to drover. He was evidently not accustomed to appearing before Courts, for at the close of the vigorous cross examination to which be was subjected by Mr. Landis, his bandanna was rather damp. At the close of the evidence for the defendant, another witness for the prosecution was called for the Commonwealth, who said that Templeton had spoken to him in the early summer of 1873 of the ease with which cattle grazing on the mountains could be taken off and sold. Mr. Banks is addressing the jury on behalf of the defendant, as our report closes.
TUESDAY EVENING.
The case of the Com. vs. Rollin Templeton, alias Richard Johnson, was concluded. At the conclusion of Mr. Banks' argument for the defense, Mr. Landis closed on behalf of the Commonwealth, and after an impartial charge by the Court the jury retired to make up their verdict. In a few minutes they returned with a verdict of guilty in manner and form as he stands indicted. Landis and Milliken for Commonwealth; Banks and Hewit for defense.
The next case called was Com. vs. Samuel C. Bowser and J. S. Bowser. Indictment- false pretense. This case occupied the entire evening session.
WEDNESDAY'S SESSION.
The entire morning was occupied in the trial of the case above mentioned, and the charge of the Court was not delivered until the opening of the afternoon session. The parties to this suit resided in this city. It was alleged that defendants had persuaded D. R. Christian to become surety on a bond to the Home Building and Loan Association for the sum of $2,000, conditioned for the payment of $1,000, by representing that he owned property worth about $2,000 on which the judgments only amounted to about $200; it was afterwards discovered that there were liens against the property to the amount of between $1,500 to $2,000. Defendant alleged that he had never willfully made any false representations to Mr. Christian. After about ten minutes consultation the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and that the prosecutor, D. R. Christian, pay the costs.
Com vs. Mrs. Ann Leasher. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Defendant not appearing, recognizance of herself and Adam Odenwalder forfeited.
Com. vs. John Ehringer. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Defendant not appearing, recognizance forfeited.
Com. vs. W. J. Allen et al. ignoramus, and W. H. Mentzer and W. C. Cerlin, prosecutors, to pay costs.
Com. vs. D. C. Miller. Indictment - larceny.
Jesse Smith sworn. Resides in Altoona. On the seventeenth of February went to Christ Houser's warehouse and paid a bill. On his return, met Miller, who said to witness, "I am ashamed to meet you; I owe you that bill for so long a time, but I haven't five dollars to my name." On his way home, he discovered that he had lost his pocket- book. Met Miller about fifty feet from Alderman Griffin's office, Eleventh avenue. Pocket-book contained from $90 to $100 in money and between $1,600 and $1,700 in notes.
E. F. Lytle, civil engineer, was called to show that he made a draft of a section of the Fifth ward of Altoona, showing the location of Alderman Griffin's office and the point at which defendant met Mr. Smith.
Alderman Griffin saw defendant at the junction of Eleventh avenue and plank road, about nine o'clock on the morning of the 17th of February. He was first standing still, looking back in the direction from which he came - rather toward the White Hall. Saw him pick up some papers. Saw him have a pocket book in his hand. He picked up the papers and put them in the pocket book. Witness saw what he supposed to be the ends of bank bills in the pocket book. Didn't see defendant again until he met him in the Alderman's office next morning. Jonathan Glunt, one of the jurors, testified that defendant said he had slipped a pocket book to another man; did so because he didn't think it was any of their business; that defendant denied that he had found Mr. Smith's pocket-book, and said that the book above mentioned contained some letters and papers.
James Louden testified that defendant told him that he had a pocket-book containing some papers, &c., and while he was walking up street thought of a business letter which he wished to examine. When he pulled out the book several papers fell out and he picked them up. When arrested, he slipped the book to John Grove. Afterwards defendant told witness that he was mistaken about the pocketbook - it was a small pass book.
C. Houser had endorsed a note for defendant which became due on the 17th of March. He endorsed a new note for defendant.
D. Couch corroborated the previous witness, and said that some time during the day defendant had two five-dollar bills changed to twos and ones.
Constable Hipsley made the arrest. Defendant told him that he had picked up no papers at all, but afterward told the Alderman that he picked up his own papers.
A. B. Condron saw Smith pay his bill at Houser's warehouse, and saw him put the book in his vest pocket - or what was thought to be his vest pocket.
For the defense, John Groves was called. He said that on the 27th of March 1874, defendant, who is his brother-in-law, was at his house; that on the following morning defendant and witness started to go to Martinsburg on some business connected with the famous "Grove estate." Miller had a pass-book with him, and gave him two letters, but never gave him the book.
Isaac Peck testified that Miller was the reputed owner of two houses in Altoona, and that he saw him doing some carpenter work one day recently.
Mateer had defendant engaged to do some carpenter work for him in March, paid him two dollars on the 10th or 11th of March and four dollars on the 15th.
At this point Court adjourned until 7 o'clock P. M.
THURSDAY'S SESSION.
Court convened at 9 o'clock A. M., after the transaction, the jury in the case of the Commonwealth vs. D. C. Miller returned a verdict of not guilty.
Com. vs. Charles Haid. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Recognizance of defendant and Joseph Stehle forfeited. Defendant afterward came into Court and submits.
Com. vs. Patrick Dunn. Indictment - fornication and bastardy. Nolle pros. Defendant in this action thought he would make the best of a bad bargain and there was in consequence a wedding in Castle Baird.
Com. vs. Simon Replogle, Indictment - selling liquor without license. Defendant submits.
Same vs. Same. Indictment - Selling liquor without license. Defendant submits.
Com. vs. Barbara Witmer. Mrs. Witmer is a Hollidaysburg lady who keeps a house the reputation of which is not above par. Against the defendant there were three indictments, each charging her with selling liquor without license. On two of the counts she submitted, and on the other a nolle pros. was entered.
Com. vs. Thomas Gartland. Indictment - Selling liquor without license. Defendant submits.
Com. vs. Wm. Whren. Indictment - Selling liquor without license. Defendant submits.
Com. vs. Joseph Fry. Indictment - assault and battery. Defendant submits.
Com. vs. W. J. Owens and Melinda Owens. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Defendants submits.
Same vs. Same. Indictment - selling liquor to persons of intemperate habits. Defendants submits.
Same vs. Same. Indictment - selling liquor on Sunday. District Attorney enters a nolle pros.
Com. vs. Hamilton Ketner and William Driver. Indictment - larceny. Defendants are small boys, and were charged with stealing sixty nine cents from a baker named Frank Gintling, who resides in this city. Mr. G. swore that the boys came to his place of business and got a loaf of bread on a ticket furnished them by the relief committee; that he went to the bake-room, and some fifteen minutes thereafter he heard the bell on his door ring; that his daughter called him and said two boys were in the store room; that when he went up he saw Ketner and Driver coming out of the same; that the drawer was open and the money gone, and that defendants - or at least one of them - confessed that they had taken the money. No defense was made and the verdict of the jury was guilty in manner and form as they stand indicted.
Com. vs. Samuel Whrew. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Continued and defendant ordered to enter into recognizance in the sum of $500 for his appearance at next term.
Com. vs. Mrs. Higgins, and Com. vs. Mrs. Hannegan. Same indictment and same disposition of the case as above.
This concluded the Commonwealth cases. As will be gleaned from the reports already given, a large number of cases were disposed of. There were also several cases, not heretofore mentioned, settled by agreement of the parties. Deputy District Attorney Herr deserves much credit for the promptness and energy which he has manifested.
Nathan & Brother vs. Daniel K. Ramey. This was an action of assumpsit. It was alleged that plaintiffs, some time in 1871 sold to defendant a keg of Jamaica rum; that it was sent him via Pennsylvania railroad; that it was delivered to him by Jacob Snyder, a drayman, and that they have not since heard of their property, nor have they ever received the price thereof, amounting to about $47.00. On the part of the defense it was alleged that one of the Nathans, while visiting Hollidaysburg on business had interviewed Mr. Ramey's cellar, and upon discovering that he had no rum proposed to send him a keg. Defendant said he didn't want any rum, that he never kept it in the house. Nathan insisted upon sending the rum, while defendant and his bar- tender, Jack Swisher, told him not to send it. Mr. Ramey testified that he sent the rum back immediately, never taking it off the cart. Verdict of the jury for defendant.
Beyer, Guyer & Co., vs. John A. Dixon, John Gheer and Wm. Decker, Building Committee of the Logan Valley M. E. Church. This was an action on a mechanics lien to recover the value of material furnished and labor done by plaintiff, on and about the construction of a dwelling house at Bell's Mills, for the use of the pastor in charge of the Methodist congregation of Logan's Valley Charge. The case is in progress when Court adjourned until 9 o'clock this evening.
FRIDAY'S SESSION.
The case of Beyer, Guyer & Co. vs. The Building Committee of the Logan Valley M. E. Church was concluded to-day. Verdict in favor of plaintiff for $625.
After the above case had been disposed of Court adjourned until 9 o'clock this morning for the purpose of sentencing those convicted.
We herewith give those cases which were disposed of during the week and which have not yet been reported:
Com. vs. John Powers. Assault and battery. Settled on payment of costs by defendant, and agreement filed setting forth that defendant agrees to pay the amount charged by the private attorney for the Commonwealth, and also pay the prosecutor the sum of one hundred dollars.
Com. vs. Andrew Pote. B. J. Daniels and John H. Weber jointly held in the sum of $500 conditioned for the appearance of defendant at July sessions.
Com. vs. John Daughenbaugh. On motion of District Attorney Herr, leave given to enter nolle pros. on payment of costs by defendant and defendant ordered to be discharged from jail.
Com. vs. Henry Pennington, continued, and defendant ordered to enter into recognizance for his appearance at July sessions.
Com. vs. Philip Faddle. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Defendant pleads guilty and submits.
Com. vs. William Daugherty. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Defendant pleads guilty and submits.
Com. vs. Hamilton Cunningham. Indictment - selling liquor without license. On motion of District Attorney, case continued, and defendant to enter into recognizance in the sum of $500.
Com. vs. Levi Knott. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Continued to July sessions.
Com. vs. Rollin Templeton, alias R. C. Johnston, alias T. Templeton. Indictment - larceny. Nolle pros. Entered by District Attorney.
Same vs. Same. Indictment - larceny. Nolle pros. Entered by District Attorney.
Com. vs. Patrick Mansfield. Indictment - subornation of perjury. Continued until July session on application of defendant.
Com. vs. Thos. G. Lightner. Indictment- selling liquor without license. Continued until July session on application of District Attorney.
Com. vs. McClellan Barnacle, Norris Conroy, Wm. Keegan and Elner [sic] Keegan. Indictment - larceny. Nolle pros entered by District Attorney.
Com. vs. Hugh Riley. Nolle pros entered and bond of defendant, with B. J. Daniels as surety in the sum of $400, to indemnify the Poor Directors of Blair county, approved by the District Attorney and filed.
Com. vs. G. C. Smith. Indictment - forgery. Recognizance of defendant and Jacob F. Smith forfeited.
Same vs. Same. Indictment - larceny. Defendant's and J. F. Smith's recognizance forfeited.
Com. vs. Eli Green and George Geesey. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Continued until July sessions.
Com. vs. Mrs. E. Young. Continued until July sessions.
Com. vs. B. F. Crissman. Continued until July sessions.
Com. vs. Alex Reighord. Nolle pros.
Com. vs. S. Raupp. Nolle pros.
Com. vs. Lawrence Dumpfert. Indictment - selling liquor without license. Not a true bill, and county to pay the costs.
Com. vs. Scott Gardner. Nolle pros.
Com. vs. Jno Evans. Continued until July sessions, and defendant and Hugh Evans held in the sum of $500 for defendants appearance.
Com. vs. John Groom. Nolle pros. Each party to pay one half the costs.
Com. vs. James Brannan, Bridget Brannan and Philip Smith. Nolle pros. And defendants to pay costs.
Com. vs. David Benson. Nolle pros. Defendant to pay the costs.
Com. vs. Samuel Freer, George Ounkst, Jackson Eddleman, Dorsey Salyards, James Wilson, A. Kegle, Jackson, Miller and others. Continued until July sessions and defendants ordered to enter into recognizance in the sum of $300 for their appearance.
Com. vs. Isaac Lykens. Continued unto July session. Defendant and John Lykens enter into recognizance in the sum of $500 conditioned for defendant's appearance.
Com. vs. John Valentine. Continued.
Com. vs. Isaac Brimmer. Surety of the peace. Continued to Argument Court.
Com. vs. Sarah A. Thompson. Surety of the peace. Continued to Argument Court.
Com. vs. W. H. Heth. Nolle pros. Defendant to pay the cost.
Com. vs. W. A. Cochran. Nolle pros. Defendant to pay costs.
Com. vs. Mrs. Nagle. Bench warrant ordered, and defendant to enter into recognizance for her appearance at next term in the sum of $500.
Com. vs. Wm. Bumgardner. Nolle pros entered, and defendant to pay the cost.
Com. vs. Casper Reecy. Continued to July session, and defendant give bail in the sum of $500 for his appearance.
SATURDAY'S SESSION - SENTENCE DAY.
Court convened at 9 o'clock, A. M., shortly after which the following sentences were imposed:
Simon Replogle, convicted of selling liquor without license, on three indictments, was sentenced to pay a fine of two hundred dollars and costs, and undergo an imprisonment in the county jail for the term of ninety days.
John Woods, convicted of selling liquor without license, was sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred dollars and costs.
Philip Faddle, convicted of the same offense, was sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred dollars and costs.
James M'Cartney, convicted of robbery, was sentenced to pay a fine of ten dollars and one-half the costs, and to undergo an imprisonment at separate and solitary confinement at labor in the Western Penitentiary for the term of four years. John Lingafelter, who was convicted with M'Cartney, was sentenced to pay a fine of ten dollars and one half of the costs of prosecution, and to undergo an imprisonment at separate and solitary confinement at labor in the Western Penitentiary for the term of one year.
William Dougherty, convicted of selling liquor without license, was sentenced to pay a fine of sixty dollars and costs of prosecution.
Isaac Cromer, convicted on two indictments of selling liquor without license, was sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred and fifty dollars and costs of prosecution, and to undergo an imprisonment in the county jail for the term of ninety days.
Rollin Templeton convicted of larceny, on two indictments, was sentenced to pay a fine of twenty dollars, and costs of prosecution and to undergo an imprisonment at labor in the Western penitentiary, for the term of four years.
Jacob Lantz and Margaret B. Lantz, convicted of selling liquor without license, selling to minors and on Sunday, were sentenced to pay a fine of two hundred dollars and costs of prosecution, and to undergo an imprisonment in the county jail for the term of eighty days.
Charles Haid, convicted of selling liquor without license and to minors, was sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred and fifty dollars and costs, and undergo an imprisonment for the term of thirty days.
Hamilton Ketner and William Driver, the two boys convicted of larceny, were sentenced to the House of Refuge at Philadelphia, until they reach the age of twenty-one years.
Barbara Whitmer, convicted of selling liquor without license and to minors, was sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred and fifty dollars and costs of prosecution, and to undergo an imprisonment of sixty days in the county jail.
Thomas Gartland, who submitted on the charge of selling liquor without license, was sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred dollars and costs.
Wm. J. Owens and Malinda Owens, who submitted on the charge of selling liquor without license, were sentenced to pay a fine of one hundred dollars and costs of prosecution.
VOCAL MUSIC IN COMMON SCHOOLS.
The following bill has passed first reading in the Senate:
Vocal music shall be taught in the several common schools of this Commonwealth on and after October 1, 1875, according to the directions of the Superintendent of common schools.
The Superintendent of common schools shall appoint a deputy superintendent of music who shall instruct the teachers' institutes and the Normal Schools in the study of vocal music.
The said deputy superintendent shall receive a salary of ____ per annum, to commence at and be computed from the date of his appointment as aforesaid.
- A flagman named James McCurdy, residing in this city, was severely injured at Bell's Mills, a day or two since. At the time of the accident he was seated in his caboose, the top of which was torn off by coming in contact with a coal chute constructed at the station named. Mr. McCurdy had his jaw broken.
(From Thursday's Tribune.)
FRIGHTFUL RAILROAD ACCIDENT.
Wholesale Slaughter - Four Men Hurled Into Eternity at the Same Time - Another Seriously Injured - A Horrible Sight.
One of the most distressing railroad accidents it has ever been our duty to record, occurred midway between Gallitzin and Cresson, on the Pittsburgh Division, yesterday morning, resulting in the instantaneous death of four men and the serious injury of another.
On the nineteenth of March last five men named Amos and Jacob Pardee, (brothers), Persifer Smith Irwin and William W. Irwin, (brothers), and Jacob Bowden, along with several other acquaintances, left Cherry Tree, Indiana county, on a raft bound for Marietta. They continued on their journey without interruption until a distance of about eighteen miles below Clearfield where the raft was stranded, at which place they were compelled to remain four weeks, during which time all on board the raft deserted it and returned to their homes, save the five men aforementioned.
On the occasion of the recent flood, the raft continued on its journey and safely arrived at Marietta, Pa., its destination. The raftsmen then took passage by rail on their return home, arriving in this city yesterday morning. At this point they boarded the Johnstown Accommodation train and upon their arrival at Gallitzin alighted therefrom for the purpose of pursuing their journey afoot across the mountain to their home, in the vicinity of Cherry Tree. Finding the snow entirely too deep to make any progress they returned to Gallitzin and started to walk down the railroad to Cresson, where they intended to take the Branch train for Ebensburg.
Midway between Gallitzin and Cresson, in a comparatively deep cut, there is a short curve and while the five men named were passing through it they observed the second through coal train approaching them on the south track, eastward bound, and immediately stepped over to the north track to let it pass. As they did so the Pacific express train westward bound rounded the curve like a streak of lightning, and before an opportunity was afforded the engineer to sound the danger signal the pilot of the locomotive struck the five men at the same time, instantly killing four of them and breaking the leg of the fifth. As previously stated, the curve is very short, so much so, in fact, that it is impossible to see but a short distance when the coast is clear, while on this occasion the view of the engineer was obstructed by the eastward bound coal train. The five men were all knocked off the track, three of them being thrown to the right of the track and two to the left. But one of the party - Jacob Bowden - was run over and had his left arm almost torn from the socket, while another was thrown under a truck standing on a siding.
Wm. W. Irwin, the man who had his right leg broken and also sustained a slight injury of both hands, was conveyed to the residence of Peter Helman, where his injuries were properly attended to by Dr. Fay, of this city. The four men who were killed were conveyed to the Cresson station house on a "pusher" and carried into one of the rooms of that building.
Our reporter visited Cresson yesterday afternoon and was permitted to view the bodies of the four dead men as they lay in the station house. It was a ghastly sight. The room was scarcely wide enough to allow the four corpses to be laid in a row, consequently the body of one of the unfortunate men was placed along the feet of the other three. Between the Pardee brothers lay the younger Irwin, scarcely seventeen years of age, while the body of Bowden, the only one of the four who left a wife and children to mourn his terrible fate, lay in a position antagonistic to the others. The latter had his left arm almost severed from his body, while an ugly gash over his right eye was plainly visible. The other three were all more or less cut and bruised about the head and body, while the blood was oozing from the ears, nose, eyes and mouth; in fact, pools of blood dotted the floor of the room, whilst the clothing of the unfortunate men was torn into shreds, the soles torn from their boots, and in the case of two of them the boots wrenched from their feet.
The officers of the railway company turned the bodies of the four dead men over to the county authorities. On the Cincinnati express train eastward bound, Cambria county's coroner, Jacob Harrold, arrived at Cresson and summoning a jury, proceeded to hold an inquest. A verdict of accidental death in accordance with the facts as above stated was rendered.
The Pardee brothers resided some ten miles distant from Cherry Tree, and the Irwin brothers only four miles distant, Bowden resided in the town. The Irwin brothers were first cousins of Mr. John Smith, of this city, a freight engineer running on the Pittsburgh Division.
BARRED THE WINDOWS AND DOORS.
In the report of the proceedings of the present term of the Blair county Court as published in the MORNING TRIBUNE, it will be remembered that in the case of the Commonwealth versus James McCartney and John Lingenfelter, charged with assault and battery with intent to commit robbery, the defendants were found guilty in the manner and form as they stood indicted. The prosecutors in this case were the Musselman Brothers - John and David - whose love for each other was only surpassed by that of Jonathan and David of biblical history. They are of German extraction and claim Greenfield township as their place of abode. It is said that these brothers are in possession of the sum of twelve hundred dollars in gold and silver, and that after the attempt at robbery had been made they became greatly exercised for the safety of the lucre in their possession, and at once resolved to bar the doors and windows against all intruders. Iron bars were brought into requisition, and the domicile placed in a state of security which, to the apprehensive Germans, seemed impregnable to assault long continued. After examining their work and seemed satisfied therewith, the two Germans gathered up their gold and silver and deposited it in a Hollidaysburg Bank.
KILLED ON THE RAILROAD.
An unknown tramp was killed on the railroad, near Huntingdon, yesterday. He was pursuing his journey westward bound and had stepped from the North track to the South track while crossing the bridge which spans the mill-race just east of the Huntingdon Coal Wharf, when he was struck by the Pacific express train eastward bound and instantly killed. Both his legs were cut off, and his head crushed to a jelly. The body of the unfortunate man was taken in charge by the railway authorities.
HIS NAME.
Hammond Hovey was the name of the unfortunate tramp who was struck by the engine of the Pacific express train, near Huntingdon, on Wednesday morning, and killed. Deceased was not killed instantly as was previously reported, but lingered in great agony until six o'clock the same evening, when death put an end to his sufferings. He was a jeweler by trade, a native of Freeburg, Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, but late of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was on a tramp en route to New York when he met his terrible fate.
DROPPED DEAD IN A BLACKSMITH SHOP.
The people of the city will be pained to learn this morning of the sudden death of Mr. Adolphus Hileman, a well-known resident, which sad event occurred last evening. Mr. Hileman was employed at the works of the Altoona Manufacturing company in the capacity of a blacksmith, and while on his return home from his daily toil last evening stepped in the blacksmith shop of Mr. Myers, on Sixteenth street, and seated himself on a trestle for the purpose of engaging in a brief conversation. A short time afterward he got up and walked to the door-step on which he again sat down for probably a minute, then fell over and immediately expired without a struggle and without uttering either a word or groan. Assistance was promptly rendered and the body of the dead man removed to his residence on Sixteenth street. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his sudden and untimely death. He had been in his usual good health up to yesterday morning, at which time he complained to his wife of feeling somewhat unwell, yet his illness was not of a type sufficiently severe to prevent him from pursuing his accustomed daily occupation. Deceased was a brother of Samuel Hileman, Esq.
A FAMILY JAR.
On Wednesday evening Mrs. Susan Moore appeared before Mayor Gilland and lodged information against her husband, Charley Moore, charging him with continued ill-treatment. A warrant was issued and the alleged abusive husband afterward arrested by policemen Burley and Howard. A hearing in the case was accorded both parties yesterday morning at which the circumstances that led to the preferring of the charge, were brought to light. Mayor Gilland then delivered an impressive sermon for the benefit of both husband and wife, basing his remarks upon the passage of scripture found in the fourteenth verse of the second chapter of the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Philippians, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings!" after which a collection was taken up to defray the expenses of the municipality, furnish light, fuel, etc., and the congregation dismissed.
$5,000 REWARD: Boy Lost.
Missed from Tyrone, about the 5th of next month, 1790, a tall complexioned young man, about five feet six inches of age, height 34 years; had on, when last seen, a pair of swallow tailed seal skin trousers, with sausage stripes; fashionable mutton chop waist-coat, with cast-iron trimmings; double-barreled frock coat with tripe collar and tobacco lining; water-tight canvass boots with patent-leather tops lased up at the sole; is deaf and dumb of one eye, and hard of hearing with the other; is slightly pock marked at the back of his head; stoops upright when he walks crooked; a slight impediment in his looks, and wears a Grecian bend on his upper lip; whiskers cut off short inside; was carrying an empty carpet box in each hand, and a wooden bag in the other, containing screw steamers, railway tunnels and blacking; was born before his younger brother, his mother being present on the occasion.
Any one giving such information as will leave him where he is, will be prosecuted as the law directs. SHERMONZES BER. YONZES. - Sup't of Police.
ON THE WING.
Springfield Furnace - the Ore Mines - Personals, etc.
Special Correspondence of the Tribune.
SPRINGFIELD FURNACE, May 4, 1874.
Among the many thriving, pushing business localities I have visited, none seem to me more worthy of extended and particular mention than the one from which I now write. I do not for one moment suppose that I can tell the people of this locality anything new or startling. This has been the home of the majority of them for a long time, and they know more about it than any stranger can learn in a couple of days. My object will be to so describe the place and people that readers of the TRIBUNE in other localities may have an idea of the importance of the works and the kind of men who manage them.
Springfield Furnace is the name of the village, but the name of the Postoffice has recently been changed to "Royer." The furnace at this point and the extensive mines surrounding it, are worked by the Cambria Iron Company. The population of the place is made up, mainly of those employed in and about the furnace. The buildings with, one or two exceptions, are of primitive architecture, nevertheless comfortable, and well adapted for the accommodation of the furnace employes, who live in them rent free.
The residence of Hon. A. McAllister, familiarly known as "Colonel," general manager of the furnace and mines in this section, has been remodeled to some extent, although the inside appearance is not unlike the houses erected in the days of Washington. The wide halls, high ceilings, large rooms and plenty of them, indicate that in days "lang syne," people had ideas of comfort and convenience. And there is another old fashioned idea connected with this mansion - one that is, unfortunately dying out, or becoming obsolete in too many mansions - that of genuine hospitality; no sham fuss and feather stuff, but that perfectly welcome, homelike hospitality, which cannot be put on, and when enjoyed by a stranger is never forgotten. Mrs. McAlister, wife of the "Col.," was born in this mansion, and as she sits by the window and looks out upon the old "play ground" of fifty years ago, and hears the chiming of the same old cast bell that in her girlhood days denoted the casting hour, and work and meal time, the memories they bring must afford pleasures difficult to describe. I am not unfolding a secret when I say that Mrs. McAlister, is not unknown as a literary writer. She has a poetical composition on the old bell referred to, but her modest opinion of its merits kept it from my sight. I think I am safe in promising that the readers of the TRIBUNE will shortly be treated to a communication from her pen.
Of the Colonel himself, the autobiographer might commence and end by saying that he is the best-looking, kindest hearted, jolliest representative of the old time gentlemen to be found here or elsewhere. By a little cross-questioning, I ascertained that he has been manager of the furnace and ore mines in this locality for thirty- two years. He was born at Fort Hunter, six miles west of Harrisburg, near the long bridge crossing the Susquehanna. His grandfather, who was wounded at the battle of the Brandywine, settled at this fort in 1782, where he died. The Col's father was born and died at this fort.
Here I found a very neat M. E. Church, which was erected mainly through the instrumentality of Mrs. McAlister. It is well finished and complete in all its appointments, and very well attended.
Springfield Furnace was erected in 1814, by Daniel Royer, and "blowed in" in 1815, since which time it has been in constant and successful operation, except when stopped for repairs. In 1820 Mr. Royer took in his two sons, Samuel and John, as partners. The partnership continued until 1836, when the father died. From that time until 1856, when Samuel died, the business was carried on by Samuel and John Royer. After the death of Samuel the business passed into the hands of John Royer, by whom it is still conducted.
For many years past the metal manufactured at this furnace has been used in the manufacture of cannon, at Fort Pitt works, near Pittsburgh. During the late civil war, quite a number of the monster guns cast at the works named were made from this metal. Two large cannon were cast at the furnace. The metal now turned out is of a superior quality, and is shipped to the Cambria Iron Co., at Johnstown, to be used in the Bessemer steel works. The ore from which the metal is made is known as the brown hematite. The production of the furnace is about seven tons per day.
In connection with the furnace is a large and well stocked store, under the management of Mr. James Gibbony, a gentleman who understands his business - courteous and accommodating to all - popular with customers, and indispensable to his employers.
A son of Col. McAlister acts as general accountant at the furnace, and railroad ticket-agent and express agent. He fills the bill without discount.
The assistant manager at the furnace, is D. H. Campbell. He is the right man in the right place.
One thousand acres of the best farm land in this country are connected with the furnace property, on which are many fine buildings, and some of the finest stock, in cattle and horses. that can be found anywhere. Col. McA. prides himself in rearing No. 1 stock. On this property is a large steam flouring mill, superintended by David Raugh, a miller who graduated in the days when good flour was made, hence the constant demand for all the mill can turn out.
The ore mines are about four miles distant from the furnace. Here a grand and impressive sight presents itself to the eye of the visitor, in the way of surface openings, shafts, ore washes, etc., all indicating business. After partaking of a "square meal" at the Isenberg House, I proceeded to an eminence high enough to enable me to view the whole landscape, and there, spread out before me, lay seven miles of the finest ore lands in the state, all dotted over with openings, and buildings. This tract of land, consisting of two thousand seven hundred acres, was purchased from John Royer, by the Cambria Iron Company, in 1872. The ore is brown hematite, and is now used in the manufacture of Bessemer steel at the Johnstown works.
No 1 opening is 7 x 15 feet in width, and the shaft 217 feet in depth, and is worked by two steam engines, the combined power of which will exceed 150 horse power. Elijah Gorsuch, the engineer, will vouch for this assertion. Two large Thomas washers are now being put in position. When completed, and all other necessaries arranged, they will be capable of washing 150 tons of ore per day. One Carter washer is now in use. There are a number of smaller shafts in this vicinity, the engine for which is under the charge of Ed. Trimbath. The work at this opening proceeds uninterruptedly, being under good managers and careful miners. Thomas Bookhammer is underground foreman.
No. 2 opening is reached by a shaft 200 feet deep, and also by a "man hole." Through the latter, in company with the underground foreman, Henry Etter, and general outside foreman, John S. Blight, I descended to the workings below. Our trip was pleasant - that is, if an outsider can feel pleasant when two hundred feet underground. In order to feel pleasant under such circumstances, or so much ground, I find it necessary to try and forget where I am, and what might be the consequences, should the props give away. My nerves are not quieted by the reflection that should the roof fall in my friends would be saved the expense of a funeral. But I felt safe in following wherever my friends led the way. In these mines the coal [sic] is worked out similar to coal mines. William Caswell is outside foreman at this opening. A Thomas washer is in use here. The machinery at this opening is capable of raising and preparing fifty tons of ore for shipment daily.
The average thickness of the ore all around here is about twenty feet. It is mined by running rooms over each other and propping up with heavy timber.
No 3 is a surface opening, with an incline plane to haul the ore to the top of the trestle where it is emptied into the washer. Mr. John Maloy has the contract for mining the ore and delivering it to the washer. Mason Howard acts as his foreman. A sixty-horse power engine is used at this point, with John Bookhammer as engineer.
The water works which supply the washers, are on a branch of Piney creek. The water is forced 5,462 feet, a height of 346 feet, at the rate of 2,000 gallons per minute, into a tank holding 88,000 gallons. From this tank it is distributed to the various washers. Morris Keller mans the engine that does this work.
All the interests of the Cambria Iron Company in this section are under the general supervision of Col. M'Allister.
To him is due the credit of starting the works at Henrietta. He is honored and esteemed by every employe, and the children love to see him coming to the mines.
Mr. Samuel B. Isenburg is assistant superintendent. He fills the position of general accountant, agent for the Railroad company, and acts as Post-master. While he is faithful to his employers, giving careful attention to every thing entrusted to him, he finds time to take an active part in church and charity affairs, thus securing the good will of all.
John Blight, as master-miner, has charge of all the mining operations in this locality. His entire knowledge of the business enables him to render perfect satisfaction to the company.
George Gorsuch superintends the large blacksmith shop connected with the mines, and James Sholler is master-carpenter. The latter superintended and assisted in the erection of all the buildings belonging to the mines. His work recommends itself.
The company store at this place is under the charge of J. E. Hagy, assisted by D. R. Stewart and A. J. Snively. The latter are young men. I will say nothing about their general appearance, but, it is a fact patent in all this region that the "fair ones" hereabouts are ever ready to run errands to the store, but their mothers think the clerks must be very busy, as it takes so long to do the errands.
Mr. Ed. Hughes perform the duties of civil engineer among the mines of the company.
Three large boarding houses, under the care, respectively, of John Magehan, Robert Davis and Joseph Wagner, furnish excellent accommodations, their tables being spread with every substantial.
Not far from Mine No. 3. is McAlister's town which is known by the name of Morrell. The length of the main street is about thirteen miles, more or less. It is the connecting link between Williamsburg and Martinsburg. See map of Blair county for particulars.
I cannot close up this letter without a reference to Hon. D. J. Morrell, the General Manager of the Cambria Iron Company, under whose superior management this company has assumed its mammoth proportions. In every position he has been called to fill, whether in the halls of legislation, the public business, or private walks of life, he has exhibited a master mind, secured special honors, and maintained a spotless reputation. He has few equals and no superiors. - J. S. S.
Lost His LEG.
The foolhardy and dangerous practice of jumping on and off trains of cars whilst in motion, was again exemplified on Saturday afternoon last, on which occasion a lad named John McMullen, aged about thirteen years, and whose parents reside at Blair Furnace, in attempting to board a passing freight train, unfortunately missed his footing and was thrown on the track, several of the cars passing over one of his legs and injuring it so badly that amputation above the ankle had to be resorted to in order to save life.
STILL ANOTHER WARNING.
About half-past one o'clock on Saturday afternoon, as the first through coal train east was passing Tyrone, a boy about sixteen years of age attempted to jump on and was thrown under the cars, and both legs were cut off and he was otherwise so severely injured that he cannot possibly recover. No one at that point knew him on where he resided.
- The unknown boy who was injured on the railroad, at Tyrone, on Saturday, died a short time after the accident occurred.
DEATH OF HENRY REIGART, Esq.
The numerous friends and acquaintances of Henry Reigart, Esq., formerly of Williamsburg, this county, but for a number of years a resident of Tipton, Iowa, and an old patron of the TRIBUNE, will learn of the sudden death of that gentleman with feelings of profound regret. He had been in poor health during the winter but seemed rather better on the morning of his death. He ate a hearty breakfast and shortly afterwards was taken with a violent fit of coughing in which he passed away almost before his friends knew he was in danger. Mr. R. was a consistent and useful member of the M. E. church for many years.
RAFTSMAN INJURED.
Mr. Jackson Duck, a raftsman residing in Blair county, near the Cambria county line, had his leg broken in several places, in the vicinity of Jersey Shore, a week or ten days ago. He was engaged in the performance of his duties on a raft at the time the accident occurred. The injured man was brought to this city in charge of his brother, on the Way Passenger train yesterday afternoon, and afterward conveyed to the residence of his sister-in-law, named Noel, on Seventh avenue.
Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, May 7, 1874, page 3