Blair County PAGenWeb

Blair County Newspaper Articles

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

Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Thursday, August 15, 1878

Fight Between a Dog and Monkeys.

A scene which occasioned some amusement to the lookers-on was enacted at the hotel of James Dunn, on Union avenue, between Eighth and Ninth avenues, yesterday. A couple of Italians stopped at the tavern for some refreshment, having with them two monkeys. One of the monkeys was chained under a porch, while the other was fastened to one of the Italians. They were occasionally loosened and allowed to roam the yard. Some boys of the neighborhood presently discovered the presence of the monkeys, and they determined to have some fun. Dunn, the proprietor, owns a large bull-dog, and the boys thought the dog was a match for the monkeys, so they got up a fight between them. The dog made a hard fight, but could gain no glory, as the "monks" were able to keep both dogs and boys at bay. The snorting, scratching and chattering were almost distracting.

Burglars' Tools Found.

On Sunday Mr. John Myers, a car inspector in the Pennsylvania railroad yard in this city, near Hagerty's wood, on the line of the railroad, found a skeleton key and a "lock-picker." He gave them to Police Officer Isett, who in turn handed them to Mr. J. H. Sands, yard despatcher. The key was tried and was found to unlock almost any door. Most likely some of the tramps in the wood lost the articles.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, August 15, 1878, page 2

CITY AND COUNTRY

The days grow shorter at both ends.

All the stylish dresses for fall are to be cut short.

The cricket's evening song begins to sound fall like.

Garnets, so long tabooed, are again edging into fashion.

There's a trimming consisting of a lace of gold filigree work.

The schoolboy's heart grows heavy as the vacation days roll by.

Jennie June thinks the round waist will revive the pretty apron of yore.

Recent importations of fancy woolen goods, gauzes and silks are in stripes.

Sin never strikes for higher wages. It is satisfied with death for its recompense.

The man who scribbles over show windows with a piece of soap has reached Westchester.

The Christ Reformed Church Sunday school will picnic at Roaring Springs on the 22d inst.

The Camp Daily will be issued from the office of the Lewistown Gazette during the Juniata valley camp meeting.

The MORNING TRIBUNE keeps growing in public favor, and daily accessions are made to its already large circulation.

An exchange calls the watermelon "that luscious capsule of pink moisture," and another "our favorite national pod."

A carrier pigeon was picked up during a storm in Johnstown on Tuesday evening. Its feathers were nearly all beaten off by hail.

"If names are necessary they can be given. We don't think it necessary," writes an anonymous correspondent. We do, however, and the paper goes the way of all unendorsed communications - to the waste basket.

Several cases of sickness are reported in Williamsburg, among them James Roller, Esq., who has been dangerously ill but is now somewhat better.

The Williamsburg farmers are complaining that the corn and potato crops will be a complete failure owing to the lack of rain, and the indications are that their complaints have considerable foundation in fact.

The martins are exercising their young for their southern flight. Last year they were unusually late in taking their flight, which weather wiseacres said was a sign of an open winter. How near they hit the mark all know.

A valuable horse belonging to Mr. William Stokes, proprietor of the planing mill on Green avenue below Ninth street, was kicked on the leg on Sunday night last by another horse. The leg was broken. The animal was shot yesterday.

Dr. W. C. Roller, of Hollidaysburg, has appointed Jacob Burley, of Tyrone; W. D. Couch, of Altoona, and S. B. Isenburg, of Mines, to represent him at the Senatorial conference.

The barn of David Yoder, in Richland township, Cambria county, was struck by lightning on Tuesday evening and totally destroyed, with its contents. Fifteen days ago Mr. Yoder's insurance policy ran out.

"Ticks filled with alacrity" reads the sign of an enterprising individual on Eleventh street, on the East Side. Straw, feathers - alacrity! As we never slept on a tick filled with alacrity we haven't the slightest idea what kind of a bed it would make.

It will delight the heart of the Small Boy to learn that his hours spent in ardent admiration of Barnum's preliminary posters have probably not been in vain. Barnum will be in Pittsburgh on the 10th and 11th of September, which indicates his advance in this direction.

John Hawn, one of the brothers of that name who were so brutally beaten and then robbed by tramps in June last, died at his home in Juniata township, Huntingdon county, on the 4th inst. His death is believed to have been hastened by the ill-treatment he received at the hands of the robbers.

There's nothing like cold water
As it bubbies from the spring;
It beats the coolest lager,
Port wine or whisky sling.

Gone aloft is little Jimmy;
In the pantry ne'er again
Will he gather mother's pickles
To his little stomach's pain.

From the topmost shelf he tumbled.
Crashing down he fell ker slam,
And a piercing cucumber
Pierced him through the diaphragm.

Notes from Hollidaysburg.

Ten stonemasons, with their helpers, are pushing up the heavy stone foundation for the new engine house at furnace No. 1.

The wife of Thomas Hussey died on Monday at the residence of Pat Halpin, in Shantytown. Mrs. Hussey's mind has been impaired for the last two years.

Scott Confer mourns the loss of a pair of boots and some other small articles that left his dwelling on Sunday last. About the same time a man who had worked with him stepped down and out.

Hutchison Ayers, of Blair street, is the latest happy man. Yesterday his family was increased by two, a boy and a girl. This thing seems to be getting contagious.

Two young men, Baird and Sweeny, who had just served out a term in jail for drunkenness and disorderly conduct have been on the rampage again, and it is said warrants have been issued for their arrest.

A little son of H. Clapper, residing at Frankstown, had his left arm broken a few days ago by a rail which fell upon it as he was in the act of opening the bars of a field adjoining the parental residence. Dr. D. S. Hays set the fractured member.

Mrs. Catharine Bender, the old lady who was so badly injured by an explosion of coal oil some weeks ago, is now pronounced out of danger and her wounds are rapidly healing. The old lady was in a critical condition for a time and she is largely indebted, under Providence, to the skill and attention of her physician, Dr. D. S. Hays.

Another attempt was made to rob the residence of Father Walsh, of St. Mary's Catholic Church, a few evenings ago. Three burglars obtained entrance to the house, but were frightened away by shots fired by Mr. Walsh. They will sooner or later be caught up if they continue this sort of conduct. Perhaps we ought to apologize to the burglars for mentioning the occurrence, but then it is generally known in the community, and publication can do no harm.

A visit in the early morning to the coke ovens in Gaysport will well repay persons who desire to secure specimens of butterflies, bugs and all other kinds of winged insects. They are attracted by the light from the ovens and soon fall victims to the sulphurous gas. Millions of the most beautiful as well as the most hideous can be gathered up after a dark night.

James Kelley, positively the last of the hundred thousand servants that belonged to the immortal G. W., together with his aged wife, are inmates of the Blair county almshouse. Those who look upon the white hair, the bent and decrepit body and the wrinkled face of old James will not doubt his being a genuine centenarian. He attended camp meeting, and frequently walks to town to see his old friends.

A COW STORY.

Gaysport is noted for its little excitements which generally originate near the plank road, and like the waves on the mighty ocean never cease until reaching Lowe's island at the further extremity of town. The latest was caused by the Hollidaysburg Gas Company. In excavating for a foundation at furnace No. 1 a public sewer was opened and found to be filled with coal tar. Hot steam and water was let in, which caused the tar to discharge into the channel of the river, the water in which is so low that it will not carry the tar away. The town cows made the discovery that coal tar was death to the flies and waded into the black, sticky mass, and by a vigorous use of both legs and tails soon left no place uncovered for an attack from their little tormentors. The tar had the same effect that the rods had that were laid in the watering trough, with the only difference that the tar made them all black, instead of ringed, streaked and striped. So the owners, not knowing their cows, had, like little Bo-Peep, let them alone until they came home, etc. What troubled Bridget and Catharine most was that the lacteal fluid was effectually sealed up, but pretty soon some inventive genius made the discovery that a plentiful supply of fine dust applied to the udder formed a crust similar to the shell of an egg and as easily removed. So things are quieting down, but the citizens have petitioned the borough fathers to abate the nuisance.

For the last two weeks a small band of gypsies, whose tawny skin and coal-black eyes and hair denote them to be of the genuine vagabond, fortune-telling tribe, have been camping in the ore bank woods. In their daily visits to town they soon found out the residences of the superstitious and ignorant and have been appropriating any and every thing they chance to see about the dwellings. A widow lady, who supported an aged and infirm aunt by washing, on several evenings last week when she returned to her humble dwelling, after a hard day's washing, found chairs, bedclothes and even the small amount of provision carried away by one of the party who had so worked on the brain and superstitions of the old lady that she permitted them to take what they wanted. A constable was notified, who soon caused them to cease their visits to that house.

FROM ORE HILL.

An Ore Hill correspondent, under date of August 6, writes as follows:

The item in yesterday's TRIBUNE concerning Theodore Dichy is incorrect. Dichy is engaged in digging ore and had his hand hurt while thus engaged. Jones Gifford is the engineer in charge of the little locomotive engine at the mines.

The water is about played out. A day or two more and the washer will be idle. During the period of enforced idleness the pump will be repaired by James Craig, of Hollidaysburg, who is now here for that purpose.

Mr. Frank. Glessner, of Hollidaysburg, paid us a flying visit to- day. Familiar faces are always a welcome sight in this rather lively region.

Ore Hill clerks do not believe it the pleasantest thing in life, this thing of getting up at midnight to get a bottle of laudanum, paregoric or soothing syrup for some unhappy father who is prancing around under your window, all because there's trouble with the baby's "innards."

The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition. The sum of $15.50 was recently subscribed by the miners for the purchase of singing books.

The MORNING TRIBUNE is a welcome visitor at this place, and is the only paper that gives us all the news. Mr. Dobbins is a faithful agent, never having failed to send our papers up. We are thankful that this is so, for its failure to arrive would knock things all wrong.

Another Dastardly Outrage by the Haggerty's Wood Tramps.

E. F. Swoope, a resident of Three Springs, Huntingdon county, who, as many have done before him, teaches school during the winter months and turns his hand to anything that will enable him to earn a livelihood in the summer, arrived in the city on Sunday night from Westmoreland county, where he had been working in the harvest field. He stayed all night at a hotel, and in the morning walked to the lower shops to inquire for work. While in that vicinity he was hailed by three of the tramps who infest Haggerty's wood, who wanted to know where he was going. He told them he was going to Huntingdon. They then asked him if he couldn't give them some whisky, and Swoope said he could not and would not. Without more ado the villains attacked Swoope, knocking him down and robbing him of $2. One of the scoundrels struck at him with a knife, and his upper lip was cut clean through. Swoope, after being beaten and robbed, contrived to get away with the additional loss of his hat. On his way to the Mayor's office be met Chief McDonald, and, stating what had occurred, returned with the chief for the purpose of identifying his assailants. Swoope recognized one of the men and the chief succeeded in capturing him. The two others escaped. At the Mayor's office the prisoner, a villainous-looking tramp, gave his names as Thomas Green, and said he was from Denver, Colorado. He was committed to the lock-up to await the first train to Hollidaysburg, where he was taken last evening by Sheriff Stiffler. Swoope, who has a brother in this city, went to see him in order to arrange for the continuance of his journey home. He had some money left, even after the tramps got through with him.

The Eclipse Monday Evening - Other Astronomical Phenomena.

The eclipse of the moon was a success in this latitude. It arose gracefully over Brush mountain about 7:40 o'clock, its surface being about one third eclipsed. That part of the pale luminary of night not covered by the shadow had a murky red appearance. On the 15th of this month, at 11:23 P. M., Jupiter's fourth satellite will emerge from its occultation and be visible twenty-seven minutes and then disappear in Jupiter's shadow. The other three satellites of Jupiter revolve around in planes but little inclined to the planet's orbit, so that each revolution they pass through the cone of shade, thereby causing to themselves an eclipse of the sun. The fourth satellite, on account of its greater inclination, is eclipsed less frequently. There are other phenomena of great interest to the scientific world that will manifest themselves during the latter part of the month. Although of much benefit to astronomers the coming events will not awaken very much interest in the smoked glass merchants.

Greenbackers Willing to take Gold.

In giving out the money with which to pay the employes of the machine shops on Saturday the banks issued a large number of bright new pennies. In a little while many of the recipients began chaffing the workmen who belong to the National Greenback Labor party, telling them that their organization came to the front too late - that resumption had already begun. "If you don't believe it, look at these two-dollar and-a-half gold pieces!" they said. One of the Greenbackers, taken with the bright appearance of the coin, walked up to the counter and requested of the cashier "two of those two-dollar- and-a-half gold pieces." The cashier then handed him out two new pennies, much to the man's astonishment.

A Melancholy Relic.

One day last week George Miller and two of Doug. McCartney's boys were over the mountain at Lowther's old saw mill, in Cambria county. While stooping down to take a drink out of the run one of the party discovered something bright under a stone, which proved to be a silver watch and steel chain, supposed to belong to one of three men who were blown up with the mill in 1865. The works were somewhat rusty, but the case was still bright. The hands indicated 2 o'clock, at about which time the mill blew up.

AN UGLY ROW.
Two Young Men, Attempting to Separate Combatants, Are Drawn Into the Fight - One of Them Severely Gashed.

On Saturday night, in the neighborhood of Ninth street and Eleventh avenue, a row occurred, during which a young man who was not originally a participant got pretty badly cut about the head. The facts, as near as they have so far been ascertained, are about as follows: A man named Rhodes was pummeling another party, whose name no one seems to know, pretty severely. Rhodes is a large man, and, as the story runs, had taken some advantage by which his opponent became the "under dog." Scott and Wesley Eckelberger, young men who reside in the vicinity, passed at the time, and the man who was getting the worst of the fight called out and asked them if they thought he had a fair show, or if it was a fair fight, or something of the sort. The reply was "No," and Scott Eckelberger, who is a stout young man, went to the assistance of the man who was being beaten and endeavored to separate the combatants. Of course this drew the attention of Rhodes or some of his friends to Eckelberger, and he was attacked. He knocked his first assailant down and was compelled to repeat it. Then another party unknown came up, and Scott knocked him down also. By this time Rhodes, it is said, got near enough to Eckelberger for the purpose and stabbed him with a knife in the right side, near the lower edge of the shoulder blade. Wesley Eckelberger, in assisting his brother, was struck with a beer glass thrown by another individual, who was not recognized. (Some say this fellow took the glass out of his pocket, and used it by striking with it.) Wesley received some ugly cuts, and the glass was broken into fragments. It was reported that he had an eye knocked out, but this rumor was caused by a cut over the eye which allowed the lid to drop. His cheek was badly gashed and he received other wounds, none of which, fortunately, are dangerous. Scott Eckelberger, when he went with his brother to Dr. Ross to have the latter's hurts attended to, did not know that he was cut until some one noticed blood on his clothes. His wound is trifling, however.

CLOSED GATES.
The "Tribune" Misinformed About Presiding Elder Mitchell.

The following statement of Presiding Elder Swallow speaks for itself. We are glad that the reports concerning Presiding Elder Mitchell's position in regard to the observance of the Sabbath at the Juniata valley camp meeting are unfounded. Our information was not original with us, but came to us in such a shape as to demand publicity in that it might be denied or affirmed. If true it would be injurious to the coming meeting; if false it was nothing more than right it should be so branded. This official utterance of Rev. Swallow sets Mr. Mitchell and the management right before the public and removes the main objections that have been urged against the latter. A protest against special Sunday trains and closed gates is about the limit reasonable persons could demand of the directory. The protest has been made and the closed gates are promised. All that the TRIBUNE has said on the subject has been from the best of motives, with not the least particle of hostility to the association, for the very good reason that one of the family of the writer is a stockholder:

TYRONE, August 6, 1878.
Eds. TRIBUNE: There certainly is a mistake in the statement published in the TRIBUNE yesterday to the effect that Presiding Elder Mitchell is determined to let his recalcitrant brethren know that Sunday at camp shall be observed as heretofore. First, it is entirely unlike the man to make such threats or boast, and second, at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Juniata Valley Camp Meeting Association, held at Newton Hamilton in April (I think), 1877, he sustained the position - taken by some of us in favor of closing the gates on the Sabbath - in a speech of ten or fifteen minutes, giving his reasons why the gates should be closed; hence I think that the TRIBUNE has been misinformed.

By the way, the camp meeting directors sent a committee to the railroad company since the camp meeting last year with instructions to say that we want no special trains to the camp meeting on Sabbath, and if they are run we will close the gates to all passengers arriving on such trains. Now the railroad company has announced by large and attractive posters the schedule for special Sunday trains. Of course the gates will be closed, and, of course, no man or woman of respectability, to say nothing of religious culture, will go on these trains to spend the day outside the gates. Yours fraternally, S. C. SWALLOW.

The Habeas Corpus Case of Ex-Councilman Detwiler.

Ex-Councilman George Detwiler, who was arrested some days ago charged on the information of Patrick H. McDermott with attempting to set fire to an unoccupied house on the East Side, and who was placed under $1,000 bail for his appearance at court, was before Judge Mann at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon on a writ of habeas corpus. McDermott was the first witness sworn, and his testimony was substantially the same as that contained in the information, the language of which has already been published. The evidence of two other witnesses tended to corroborate the charge of McDermott. Judge Mann ruled that no witnesses for the defense could be heard, and after the case had been argued by John A. Doyle (as private counsel) and District Attorney Jackson for the prosecution, and Messrs. Flanigan, Brophy, Mervine and Alexander for the defense, the judge said that in his opinion sufficient evidence bad been adduced to justify him in binding the defendant over for his appearance, but, in compliance with the application of counsel, he would reduce Detwiler's bail from $1,000 to $500. Mr. Detwiler's former security, Benjamin Burley, then went upon his bond.

A Pleasant Surprise.

Patrick Sullivan, laborer in the foundry, was agreeably surprised on Saturday evening. Ever since Patrick's return from the army his eyesight has been impaired, and a few weeks ago he found it necessary to place himself under the treatment of a Philadelphia oculist. Mr. Sullivan being poor he could ill afford to lose the time consumed by his stay in Philadelphia, so his fellow shopmates subscribed sums aggregating about twenty-seven dollars and presented the amount to him at the co-operative store on Saturday evening. The recipient was so grateful that words failed him in his efforts to express his thanks. The foundrymen evidently have in them a good deal of the milk of human kindness.

The "Blind Musician" in Huntingdon.

A blind musician, who plays a harmonica and an accompaniment on the guitar, gave some very excellent curb-stone entertainments here on Saturday last to the delight of lovers of good music. His little daughter Emma, who led him around, also danced and gathered in the pennies contributed by a not over-charitable public. His name is Bellos, of New Castle, Pa., and he has been blind for twenty-eight years. - Huntingdon Monitor.

This is the individual with whom the management of the Connolly House, on Tenth avenue, about a week ago had so much trouble about the payment of his board bill. The little girl is not his daughter, it is said, and if all reports are correct she should be taken away from those who have her in charge at present.

Death of Leroy Phelsh.

Leroy Phelsh, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, of whose bad luck in having his leg crushed between cars near Huntingdon mention was made last Monday week has since died. He was reputed to be a tramp. He was taken to the Huntingdon county almshouse, and word was sent to his father of his condition. The father came on and on Saturday last, accompanied by a physician, went to see his unfortunate son. It was found necessary to amputate the limb, and in an hour and a half after the performance of the operation poor Phelsh was dead.

HORRIBLE ACCIDENT.
A Young Man Torn to Pieces in the Rolling Mill at Johnstown.

A most terrible and shocking accident happened at the rolling mill of the Cambria iron works at Johnstown yesterday morning, and the details are of the most awful description. The Tribune says that Cloyd L. Delany, who was in his 17th year, was employed at the "run- out hook," on the finishing side of the rolls, in the old mill. Shortly before 3 o'clock he lay down on a bench which is close to the engine, while the engineer worked part of the turn for him. After the usual spell, which lasts about twenty minutes, the sleeping man was called up; and instead of making his way around the ponderous wheel be deliberately walked toward it, and fell between two of the arms, or spokes. It was revolving very rapidly, and in the twinkling of an eye his horrified fellow workmen saw the mutilated and dismembered body shooting upward from the opposite side.

They noticed one of his legs flying at an angle in the direction of the place where he fell against the wheel, and the other striking a steam pipe some fifteen feet overhead. They also saw the body shoot almost perpendicularly upwards and the intestines stringing out from the bowels and lapping around the iron braces of the roof. Then they heard a dull thud on the iron floor as the mangled, bleeding form came down, and they saw the brains of the poor fellow scattered around. With the exception of his face, which escaped with two very slight bruises, there was scarcely a semblance of anything human about the corpse. His fellow employes gathered up the scattered limbs and entrails as best they could, and placing the dismembered parts on a stretcher the remains were conveyed to the undertaking establishment of Mr. James, on Clinton street, where they were placed in a coffin.

This was about 3 o'clock in the morning, and three hours later the corpse was removed to the late home of the deceased, on Walnut street, near the Stonycreek.

Cloyd Delany, the young man who was killed, came to Johnstown last spring from Wayne township, in Mifflin county, and commenced working in the rolling mill only three weeks ago. His disposition was so gentle and good that all his fellow employes "took to him" at once, and they would do anything for him. In fact he was frequently relieved of his employment for a short time by fellow workmen who did not happen to be engaged at the particular time. After midnight on Tuesday he got thus a resting spell, and it is likely he was not fully awake when, hurriedly jumping up in answer to a call, he made his way against the wheel. The fence which surrounds the large fly wheel had been taken down several days ago for the purpose of making repairs to it, and no temporary barrier was put up in its place. This was an oversight which may be classed as almost criminal carelessness.

Brazil Not a Paradise.

Colonel John A. Lemon, of Hollidaysburg, received a letter from his brother Samuel a few days ago, the facts of which, in view of certain statements recently made, are important. Mr. Lemon says that everybody connected with the Collins expedition is in good health, that the company is thoroughly organized, and that the work of building the railroad is being pushed rapidly. He also states that they have plenty of good, substantial provisions. This would seem to indicate that a writer in one of the eastern papers has been drawing on his imagination for his facts when he complains of starvation staring the members of the expedition in the face. There is no doubt but that the employes who went to Brazil found things entirely different from what they were used to, and the grumblers who expected a sort of paradise in that far-off country were surprised at the prevalence of heat, the absence of luxuries, and the close attention paid to them by mosquitoes and different varieties of insects peculiar to a torrid climate. Then they discovered lots of venomous reptiles, huge anacondas and such, which induced them to find fault with everything. Many comforts of civilization are doubtless denied them, but they will get used to the situation.

The Night-blooming Cereus.

For four years past Dr. Ross has had in his possession a plant which puts forth the flower known as "night-blooming cereus." He obtained the specimen from a man in Greenville, Mercer county, who had neglected it in his hothouse, and the plant had been frozen to the ground. In the four years Dr. Ross has possessed it, it has recovered its vitality, and to the interested family it gave signs Sunday of the rapid development of its flower. Early in the evening the petals began to open, and about 10 o'clock the beautiful flower was in full bloom. The petals begin to close as the morning approaches, and by this time, most probably, the green and not handsome stems bear no evidence of having given birth to such glorious beauty as they did Sunday evening. Quite a number of persons enjoyed the spectacle during the night.

The Proposed Printers Picnic.

The printers of the Juniata valley take kindly to the proposed picnic. Why shouldn't they, when, as a rule, they are good cases? - Huntingdon Local News.

No reason in the world. It is well known that the printers will "stick" to anything they "set up." They would, no doubt, make a good "display," as their "make-up" is generally "correct," and when they "distribute" their glances among the fair sex, or "press" their lovely "forms," all will feel like "rolling" in and having a gala ("galley") day. No "stone," however "imposing," would be left unturned to make a fair and lasting "impression."

Knocked Down and Almost Run Over.

Mrs. Lena Roger, wife of Simon Roger, butcher, residing at the corner of Chestnut avenue and Tenth street, was in a dangerous predicament on Saturday morning. The horse, attached to a wagon, belonging to her husband became unmanageable in the yard of their residence and started to run away. Mrs. Roger, who was standing by, was struck in the side, knocked down and her clothing torn, while the animal nearly ran over her. The shafts were broken and the wagon injured.

Hollidaysburg Seminary.

This institution, under the management of Professor Hussey, will commence the fall term September 11. It is among the best educational establishments in the State, well conducted in all its departments, as witnessed by the annual large and increasing list of students. Professor Hussey is a gentleman of the highest character and eminent as an educator. He is assisted by an able corps of instructors. Altogether we can most cordially commend the Hollidaysburg seminary to the patronage of our friends everywhere.

Two More Youthful Trespassers Jailed.

When an eastern-bound freight train arrived in this city Thursday morning two boys - James Hickey, whose parents reside on the East Side and who has been away on a "jaunt" for two months or more, and a Harrisburg boy named Henry Engle - were taken out of a box car. In the afternoon they had a hearing before Alderman O'Toole, and under the act which forbids trespassing were committed to the county jail. Railroad Policeman Mock took them to Hollidaysburg.

A Severe Spraining Accident.

On Saturday morning, while Mr. J. T. Warfel was engaged in hauling some vegetables from the Pennsylvania railroad warehouse the horse he was driving made a sudden turn around the corner of Eleventh street and the gentleman was thrown out. In the endeavor to save himself from striking the ground on his head Mr. Warfel threw out his right arm, the wrist of which was severely sprained by the collision with the earth.

REV. BAKER'S RECEPTION.
He is Greeted by a Church Full of Friends and a Happy Time Spent.

The feelings of Rev. Mr. Baker, pastor of the First Lutheran Church, of this city, can be better imagined than described at the spontaneous outburst of affection exhibited to him at the reception in the church Tuesday evening. The reverend gentleman arrived in New York a couple of days ago from a trip to Europe, which was entered upon on the 23d of last May. He was accompanied on his continental tour by S. S. Mason, Esq., a member of his church. Mr. Mason arrived in New York with Mr. Baker, but did not accompany him to Altoona.

The despatch to friends in this city announcing Mr. Baker's arrival in New York also stated that he would reach home last evening. When the fast line, which was twenty minutes late, came in there was quite a gathering of his friends to greet him at the depot. The reverend gentleman was met when he alighted by the Church Council, consisting of four deacons and four elders, and then George F. Jones and Rev. William B. Glanding - the latter having frequently filled the pulpit during Rev. Baker's absence - escorted him to the bosom of his family, where he was joyfully welcomed.

In the meantime the church had been lighted up and the pulpit was decorated with vases of beautiful flowers, a handsome cross depending from the front of the stand. A frame having a large arch in the centre and on either side smaller ones bad been erected and tastefully ornamented. The centre piece bore the words "Welcome Home;" the right arch was inscribed "Our Pastor," and the left one "And Brother." This last had reference to Mr. Mason.

Front seats had been reserved for the family and their intimate friends. Mr. Baker entered the church about 8:30 and was escorted to the platform in front of the pulpit by George F. Jones, followed by Mayor Hurd and Revs. Hunter, of the Church of God; Sherlock, of the Third Methodist Church; Spangler, of the United Brethren Church; Shearer, of the Second Lutheran Church; Jaekel, of the German Lutheran Church; Mose, of the Lutheran Church, of Lockport, N. Y.; Glanding, of the First Lutheran Church, and Keedy, president of the female seminary at Hagerstown, Md., who ranged themselves in chairs in the extreme front of the auditorium.

Mr. Jones announced Mr. Baker's arrival, and the choir rendered a voluntary, after which Rev. Hunter delivered a prayer. Then Mayor Hurd made a short address of welcome in behalf of the people of Altoona. Addresses of welcome were then delivered by Rev. Sherlock on behalf of the ministerial body; on behalf of the congregation by J. S. Herbst; on behalf of the Sunday school by Mr. Bushnell; on behalf of the Church Council by T. Blair Patton, and an address welcoming Mr. Baker back to his pulpit by Rev. William B. Glanding. These exercises were interspersed with beautiful and appropriate music by the excellent choir.

Mr. Baker replied to all these evidences of affectionate regard in a neat little address in which he expressed his thankfulness for the tribute of love that had been paid him. He said he was not prepared to recount the scenes he had passed through and the many impressive, remarkable and beautiful things he had observed. His visit had not lessened his love for the old world and its wonders, but had increased his love for his own free country. It was not that he loved foreign lands less, but America more. He thanked God for the mercies that had been shown him in his travels. Not a single accident or an hour's detention, to his knowledge, had occurred to mar the pleasure of his visit, during which 10,000 miles had been traversed. When he got to New York, however, he never before felt half so much like making a speech - he was so happy to stand once more upon the shores of his dear native land - and he felt like singing that grand old song of freedom, "My country, 'tis of thee." He had seen many magnificent churches and places of worship, and heard music the grandeur of which had deeply impressed him; but there was nothing which could displace the love he bore for his own old church and congregation and the music of the choir at home. He again thanked the large audience for this token of their appreciation, friendship and affection.

Almost the entire assemblage then passed in front of the pulpit and personally greeted their returned pastor and friend.

Mr. Baker looks exceedingly well, and his trip has evidently agreed with him. Mr. Mason stopped off at Philadelphia to visit some friends.

A Trip to Baker's Peach Farm.

The senior of the Tribune knows just where there are good victuals, good fruits, pretty women, nice trout and big bass, and we always like to travel with him when he goes forth on a mission of spoliation. So Tuesday he vaguely hinted that if we wished to mount shank's mare we might go with him to the peach orchard of Mr. George W. Baker, two miles or more north of the city. The invitation was accepted and a pleasant walk found us in the orchard, where Mr. Baker was at work looking after his fruit, and who gave us a cordial welcome, after which he escorted us through the grounds, pointing out the choicest fruit and ever and anon stopping to test the quality of that which is rapidly ripening. Mr. Baker will have about one thousand bushels for sale this season, which he purposes putting in the hands of several of our city dealers for disposal as the fruit ripens. He is making many improvements about his farm, and will plant one thousand trees of different varieties next season to take the place of worn-out trees and to enlarge his orchard. The trees in the new orchard are thrifty and have each about a peck of fruit on them. Mr. Baker is a clever, whole-souled gentleman, and we wish him good luck in his pomological enterprise.

An Immense Structure.

Persons who have not visited Johnstown since the Gautier Steel Company's building was commenced can form some idea of the magnitude of the structure when we state that it covers an area of 86,080 square feet. The trusses are of iron, and it has been the aim to construct it entirely fireproof. The roof consists of ploughed and grooved sheathing, upon which is placed prepared paper, gravel and tar. It is scarcely possible that a fire could attain much headway, as there is nothing inflammable about the entire building, except the wood of the roof and part of the preparation which covers it. Some of our expert school boys can apply themselves to finding out how many acres are contained within the above figures. - Johnstown Tribune.

Attempt at Suicide by a Drunken Man.

About 1 o'clock Saturday morning a sensation was created at the upper roundhouse by a man who seemed determined to commit suicide. A number of the trainmen were at the place at the time, and it required all their exertions to keep the man from throwing himself on the track, down which cars were being dropped. The man was under the influence of liquor. The trainmen, finally becoming wearied with the drunken man's actions, sent one of their number after the police, who proceeded to the roundhouse and arrested the would-be suicide. He was given time to reflect in the lock-up.

A Providential Escape.

A young man named Mock, a resident of this city, is employed as freight brakeman on the Pan Handle road, and it was his train that ran into the passenger train on that road on the fatal Wednesday morning of last week. The "run" that morning was also his, and the brakeman who was occupying his position for the time was killed. Mock was at his home in this city on a vacation.

SLIGHT FIRE.
A Few Insignificant Articles Destroyed in Westley's Grocery.

As Policemen Randolph and Coho were passing down the west side of Eleventh avenue, opposite the "Star Grocery" of Westley & Bro., just below Twelfth street, about 1:30 o'clock Friday morning, they heard a noise as though made by a falling storebox. Thinking thieves were at work the officers crossed the street, and laying their hands upon the window glass found it to be exceedingly hot, with a strong smell as of something burning emanating from the inside. Light puffs of smoke were also observed stealing out through the crevices in the door.

The alarm was sounded, the TRIBUNE compositors took up the yell and a crowd soon collected in the street, but nothing was done until the fire department arrived. The Vigilant hose carriage and steamer soon appeared, the door of the store was bursted open, and a right lively blaze was discovered in the rear end of the store behind a partition. The interior of the building was very hot.

The stream that was turned on soon subdued the flames with but little or no damage to stock. The fire originated in a barrel standing against the inside of the back partition. The manner in which the barrel was burned would indicate that the fire had commenced in the top of the barrel, for it was piled in a heap as though the burning embers sunk in a mass. A hole 1 3/4 feet in width and about 3 feet long was burned in the floor beneath the barrel, and the partition was badly scorched. Flour and broken cigar boxes were scattered over the floor.

The August Moon.

The moon plays a prominent part on the August records. Crowned at the commencement of her course with the honor of giving a portion of the world a sight of that grand phenomenon, a total eclipse, she modestly goes on her way, waxing from the tiny silver crescent gracing the first evenings of the month to her conjunction with Jupiter on the 11th. On the next evening, at her full, she treats the world to another scene, for she rises partially eclipsed and remains shorn of a portion of her full-orbed beauty till nearly 9 o'clock. Thus we have a solar and lunar eclipse within a fortnight of each other. The waning moon is also in conjunction with the three planets, Mars, Uranus and Mercury, a day or two before her course is ended.

Crystal Wedding Celebration.

About 8 o'clock Tuesday evening a number of members and friends of the Reformed Church met in the lecture room of the church to celebrate the crystal wedding of the pastor, Rev. A. C. Whitmer, and his wife. Quite a number of presents were made, among them being a copy of "Fleetwood's Life of Christ," an elegant silver castor, cake stands, fruit dishes, pickle dishes, etc. The presentation speech was made by A. V. Dively in a few appropriate words and was responded to by Rev. Whitmer.

Safe at Home.

Rev. James Curns and Hugh Pitcairn, Esq., reached home Sunday morning, after a two months' European tour. Both gentlemen are looking remarkably well, bearing every index that a voyage over the ocean has been beneficial to them. They were most cordially welcomed by hosts of warm hearted friends.

Accident to a Horseman.

Mr. John Isett, a farmer residing in Sinking valley, by his horse stumbling as he was going through Blair Furnace, near this city, yesterday afternoon, was thrown off and badly cut on the forehead. His injuries were dressed at the residence of Mr. David Fleck, near the scene of the accident, after which he resumed his journey homeward.

The Place to Stop.

Parties visiting Martinsburg to attend the picnic of the Altoona (Pennsylvania railroad) lower shop employes and Pennsylvania Railroad Steam Fire Engine Company, Saturday, will find it to their advantage to take their dinner at the Globe Hotel. Mr. William Stiffler, the landlord, is prepared to accommodate any number who may favor him with their patronage, and will give them the full value of their money in a sumptuous dinner. Remember the place. The Globe Hotel, Martinsburg.

DIED.

TOELKE - In this city, August 12, Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Gertrude Toelke, aged 3 years, 8 months and 10 days.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, August 15, 1878, page 3