Blair County Newspaper Articles
News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.
Items from The Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,
Thursday, July 29, 1880
ADDITIONAL LOCAL NEWS.
Death of a Venerable Lady.
Mrs. Eliza J. Hoff, residing on the Dry Gap road, in Logan township, died yesterday morning, lacking but a few days of being 78 years old. Mrs. Hoff was born August 14, 1802, within the present limits of the city of Altoona, on the east side of the railroad, and nearly opposite where the gas works now stand. Then this valley was a perfect howling wilderness, roamed over by the Indians, and more than once had the settlers to flee to places of safety, taking with them their children and stock. Mrs. Hoff had resided in this neighborhood nearly all her life, and was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than half a century. She has been a widow for thirty-seven years; has three sisters all living, all older than the deceased, one of whom is nearly 90 years old. Six children survive her. She has been gradually passing away for the past six months, her illness being occasioned partly by dropsy. Like the good woman that she was, she approached her end with no misgivings as to the future. Full of hope and triumphant joy, the grace which supported her in her long pilgrimage did not fail her in the hour of dissolution; she departed in peace. Her church relation was with the First M. E. church, and the funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Hamlin, at 3 o'clock to-morrow afternoon at her late residence.
Patriotic Order Sons of America.
Camp No. 45, of this order, was organized in Altoona last night. About forty-five persons met in the third story of the Altoona bank building and were duly initiated. The order is a beneficial one. It has not been long in existence but is growing with wonderful rapidity all over the union, and has enrolled under its banner many prominent citizens. At one time there were three camps in this city but they all died out. Now one has again sprung up, and starts out with fair prospects of a successful career. The camp was organized by J. Monroe Alter, of Lewistown, District President. There were also present, from Camp 457, of Milroy, fifteen members; Camp 247, of Lewistown, ten members; and Camp 232, of Yeagerstown, five members. The following members of the Altoona camp were elected and installed as officers: Past President, S. B. Trees; President, J. B. W. Ickes; Vice President, J. A. Weidensall; Master of Forms, John A. Hindman; Recording Secretary, John S. Alexander; Financial Secretary, John L. Kerr; Treasurer, E. M. Amies; Conductor, Charles Garden; Inner Guard, S. Hockenberry; Outer Guard, John Cherry; Representative to State Camp, George K. Helms. The camp starts out with bright promises for the future. The visiting members returned to their homes on fast line east this morning.
Put on Her War Paint.
Yesterday afternoon Chief of Police Powell, in the course of his official rounds, found it necessary to visit a woman in the Fifth ward who kept a vicious dog. With his politest bow he said:
"Madam, you will have to either chain up that dog or muzzle him."
"Muzzle him, did yez say; an' what wud yez do if I didn't be after muzzlin' the dear, gentle crayther?"
"In that case, madam," said the Chief, "It would become my duty to shoot him."
"Shoot me; shoot me, did ye say? I'll swear me life again ye," said the irate dame, making a threatening demonstration with the dish pan, swinging it around as if she was cutting grass.
"But, madam - " protested the chief.
"I'll swear me life agin ye; I'll have the law on ye," she yelled at the top of her voice, as bang went the door in his face.
The dog still lives.
A Grand Grangers' Picnic.
From a political movement the Granges have grown into a social institution. The Grange picnics are held every summer and are very enjoyable occasions. The lodges of Huntingdon and Centre counties will meet in the grove at Huntingdon Furnace, near Warriorsmark, on Saturday of this week. The affair promises to be very extensive. Music will be furnished by the Pine Grove Band.
A Lost Boy.
Quite a little excitement was created on fast line east this morning by a lost boy who was traveling from Indiana to Boston. He had last seen her at Pittsburgh, and did not know what to do. The conductor made an active search through the sleepers and at least found the woman in the second section.
The Logan House Concerts.
Below will be found the programme prepared by the Logan House quartette under the leadership of Mr. Praetorious. Exercises will begin at 11:30 A. M.:
1. Egyptian March, Strauss
2. Overture - "Masaniello," Auber
3. Cello Solo Serenade, Schubert
4. Selection - "Lohengrin," Wagner
5. Waltz - "Violettes," Waldteufel
6. Overture - "Tancredi," Rossini
7. Gavotte - "Louis XV," Lee
8. Selection, "Zampa," Herold
Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, July 29, 1880, page 1
JULY TERM OF COURT.
Motions and Petitions - Accounts Read and Confirmed - Not Guilty.
Court was called at 9 o'clock A. M. Mr. Baldrige asked for an auditor to distribute money in the hands of S. P. McFadden, assignee of E. M. Jones. The court appointed John Crisswell.
In Re. Partition and valuation of real estate of George Greaser, Jr. Filed July 28, 1880.
Rule granted the Sheriff to amend his return on the sale of the lands of John Troxell and D. B. Weaver, executors of Jackob Benker, with notice to A. B. Storm and Lavina Storm, his wife, and Maggie Raymond, A. McGraw terre tenants. The money net being paid the land is declared unsold.
Alias Rule on heirs of David Smith, deceased, to accept or refuse real estate at valuation. Sanford Stonebraker appointed trustee to see and give bond in the sum of $600. Terms of sale to be one-half in cash and the balance in six months, with security.
Jacob Law vs. George B. Smith. Rule to show cause why credit should not be entered.
A. J. Vogle vs. A. Buckberger and George Pressler. Rule to show cause. Returnable at Argument Court.
Petition of Robert Waring, Executor of William Baker, late of Snyder township, Blair county, deceased, for order to mortgage and sell real estate, and it is ordered that the prayer of the petitioner is granted to mortgage and sell real estate not exceeding 350 acres, and to give bond in the sum of $700,000 for the faithful performance of the contract.
Petition and citation on S. R. McCune, guardian of John S. Reem. Citation awarded.
J. L. Brotherlin, attorney in fact for widow and heirs of John Brotherlin vs. Henry Hempstead, Jr. Rule granted to show cause why execution creditor, should not appear and allow judgment issue to be awarded as per rules of Court.
Petition of William Fay and wife for the appointment of John Clark as assignee of William Fay in place of David Fay. Petition granted, when all the right, title and interest of David Fay be conveyed to Mr. Clark.
Exceptions to final account of Peter Clapper, administrator of Joseph Clapper deceased. Filed.
B. Green & Co. vs. Joseph O'Kain and Mary O'Kain. Interpleader. Rule granted on the claimant and execution creditor to appear to show cause why feigned issue should not be directed as provided by rules of court.
Petition for divorce from bonds of matrimony by Catharine Shelley from John Shelley. Read and subpoena awarded.
Remonstrance against division of Logan township into election districts. Filed.
Petition of children of Hannah Knee for appointment of a guardian. Read, and Jacob M. Dibert appointed to give bond in the sum of $400.
Account of William P. Patton, assignee of Robert Stewart, for benefit of creditors. Exceptions filed.
Isaac Crawford vs. William Slogenhop. Interpleader. Read and rule granted on the claimant, Mrs. Elizabeth, and the execution creditor, Isaac Crawford, to show cause why feigned issue should not be directed as provided by rules of court.
The following accounts of the Register were read and confirmed nisi:
The first and final account of Robert Waring, administrator of John A. Davison, late of Snyder township, deceased.
Final account of George W. Patton, guardian of Anna S. and Alvin G. Dougherty, late of Altoona, deceased.
The account of George H. Olewine, administrator of Asenith Olewine, late of Altoona, deceased.
Final account of Henry Maus, executor of Mary Charles, late of Hollidaysburg, deceased, as filed by Silas and William Maus, executors of Henry Maus, deceased.
The account of Peter Clapper, administrator of Joseph Clapper, late of North Woodberry township, deceased.
First and partial account of John P. McKnight and Sarah M. Scott, administrators of Joseph A. Hagerty, late of Logan township, deceased.
First and final account of John A. Zuck, one of the executors of Thomas Kurtz, late of North Woodberry township, deceased.
Second account of Mrs. Anna Keough, administratrix of Thomas Keough, late of Altoona, deceased.
The account of Allan Sheldon Woodle, administrator C. T. A. of Thomas Kearney, late of Altoona, deceased.
The final account of J. M. Donnelly, executor of Daniel Rickel, late of Altoona, deceased.
Final account of J. K. Russell, executor of Rebecca Scott, late of Tyrone, deceased.
First and final account of Samuel B. Templeton, administrator of James Cassidy, late of East Tyrone, deceased.
The final account of Emanuel Richey, administrator of John Hengst, late of Greenfield township, deceased.
The final account of Edward Gallagher, administrator of Cornelius Gallagher, late of Hollidaysburg, deceased.
The account of Leah Musselman, administratrix of Jacob Musselman, late of Greenfield township, deceased.
The first and final account of Ephraim B. Stonerook, administrator of John Stonerook, late of North Woodberry township, deceased.
The first and final account of S. B. Lysinger, administrator of Rebecca Giest [Geist], late of North Woodberry township, deceased.
The final account of S. B. Lysinger, administrator of William C. Giest, late of North Woodberry township, deceased.
The first and final account of Frank P. and Mary L. Smith, administrators of Jesse Smith, late of Altoona, deceased.
The final account of Elizabeth Simons, administratrix of Susan McMullen, late of Altoona, deceased.
The third partial account of J. M. Calderwood and Samuel Nowlin, executors of Weston Nowlin, late of Tyrone, deceased.
First and final account of J. M. Calderwood, executor of Andrew Stine, late of Tyrone, deceased.
The first and final account of C. Guyer, guardian for Hannah H., Rebecca J., Julia M., minor children of John Shaum, late of East Tyrone, deceased.
The following accounts have been filed in the office of the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for Blair county, State of Pennsylvania, and were confirmed by the court, when no exceptions were filed.
Account of William P. Patton, assignee of Robert Stewart, of Catharine township.
Account of Samuel P. McFadden, assignee of John R. McFarlane and Thomas McFarlane, of Hollidaysburg.
First and final account of Samuel P. McFadden, assignee of E. M. Jones, of Altoona.
Account of Alex. Bobb, assignee of David Dick, of Taylor township.
Second and final account of Rev. Dr. A. K. Bell, assignee of B. F. Bell, of Antis township.
First and final account of T. Brophy, committee of Patrick Kelly.
Account of Edward Rhodes, trustee to sell the real estate of Samuel Kemberling, deceased.
Final account of Andrew B. Burket, trustee to sell the real estate of Jacob P. Hoover, late of North Woodberry township, deceased.
The following inventories of goods and chattels selected and appraised agreeably to fifth section of the act of the 14th of April, 1851, setting apart goods, &c., to the amount of $300 for the use of the widow and children of the decedents, were presented to the Court and confirmed.
Inventory and appraisement of the goods and chattels which were of Joseph Burket, late of Greenfield township, deceased, selected and appraised for the use of Lorina Burket, widow of said deceased.
Inventory and appraisement of the goods and chattels which were of John C. McCartney; late of Altoona, deceased, selected and appraised for the use of Anna M. McCartney, widow of deceased.
Inventory and appraisement of the goods and chattels which were of E. L. Study, late of Tyrone, deceased, selected and appraised for the use of Mrs. Caroline G. Study, widow of said deceased.
Inventory and appraisement of the goods and chattels which were of John McGuire, late of Altoona, deceased, selected and appraised for the use of Mary McGuire, widow of said deceased.
Inventory and appraisement of the goods and chattels which were of Godfrey Miller, late of Altoona, deceased, selected and appraised for the use of Susan Miller, widow of said deceased.
Inventory and appraisement of the goods and chattels which were of John P. Hoover, late of North Woodberry township, deceased, selected and appraised for the use of Mrs. Christina Hoover, widow of said deceased.
The following Sheriff deeds were acknowledged this morning.
Deed of G. T. Bell to T. J. Armstrong for all the right, title and interest of Alexander Irwin to lot in Altoona. Consideration $425.
Deed of same to James H. Dysart and Daniel Laughman for all the right, title and interest of Patrick Hickey to two lots in Altoona.
Deed of same to Adam Hoover for all the right, title and interest of Edmund Malone to 225 acres of land in Freedom and Blair townships. Consideration, $525.
Deed of same to Jacob Rink for all the right, title and interest of Jacob L. Mellor for a piece or parcel of ground containing 16 acres more or less. Consideration, $300.
Deed of same to John L. Fowler for all the right, title and interest of Joseph Weaver to a piece of land in Snyder township containing 25 acres. Consideration, $25.
Deed of same to Martin Runyan for all the right, title and interest of D. A. Burtnett for lot of ground in Altoona.
Deed of same to Adam Hoover for all the right, title and interest of Edmund Malone for a tract of land in Freedom township, containing 100 acres more or less. Consideration, $500.
Deed of same to Tyrone Building and Loan association, No. 2, for all the right, title and interest of Porter Borteman for lot of ground situate in Tyrone borough. Consideration, $200.
Deed of same to George W. Garritson for all the right, title and interest of James H. Patterson and Annie E. Patterson, his wife, to tract of land situate in Catharine township, containing 125 acres. Consideration, $500.
Twenty-three petitions were presented by Messrs. Alexander & Herr for the specific performance of the contract authorizing the administrator of the estate of J. C. McCartney to make titles for lots sold by agreement during the lifetime of the deceased.
The attorneys politically interested still present their friends of "rich Irish brogue" and "sweet German accent" for naturalization and citizenship. Six were sworn in to-day, making about fifty-four during the three days of the session.
The arguments made by the counsel in the arson case occupied many solid hours of well-digested matter and sharp repartee. The counsel for the Commonwealth were Messrs. Jackson and Tierney, and for the defense Messrs. Dively, Herr and Hewit. Mr. Hewit was much indisposed and could not speak.
UNSEATED LAND DEEDS.
The Treasurer of Blair county, Alexander Rutledge, Esq., presented
the court the following deeds for confirmation. Deep poll of A.
Rutledge to Samuel W. Wray, for coal bank in Antis township,, for
$39.19
Same to same 19 acres of land Antis tp 5.57
" " 443 " " " 35.00
" " 280 " " " 72.00
" " 362 " " " 16.82
" " 433 " " " 205.00
" " 433 " " " 40.00
" " 433 " " " 35.00
" " 433 " " " 35.00
" " 433 " " " 45.00
" " 217 " " " 105.00
" " 361 " " "29.36
" " 40 " " Logan 42.50
" " 433 " " " 85.00
" " 433 " " " 44.61
" " 433 " " Snyder 25.95
" " 294 " " " 19.06
" " 433 " " " 25.95
" " 433 " " " 25.95
" " 422 " " " 25.36
" " 433 " " " 25.95
" " 223 " " " 15.41
" " 73 " " " 7.58
" " 217 " " " 15.04
" " 361 " " " 22.36
" " 172 " " " 12.75
" " 81 " " " 8.01
" " 433 " " " 65.00
" " 433 " " " 40.00
" " 125 " " " 10.42
" " 433 " " " 25.95
" " 433 " " " 25.95
" " 390 " " " 23.76
" " 24 " " " 5.61
" " 433 " " 25.95
Same to W. H. Grove, for house and lot in Allegheny township,
7.77
Same to S. C. Baker, for 2 lots in Logan tp, 4.72
Same to same, 3 lots in Logan tp, 5.37
Same to same, house and lot in Logan tp, 5.57
Same to William McCahan, for 23 acres of land in Tyrone tp, 19.76
Same to William Green, 150 acres of land in Snyder tp, 17.30
Same to Henry Wallace, 400 acres of land in Catherine tp, 38.70
J. Horace Smith appointed auditor to distribute and to hear any exceptions that may be filed to the account of Emanuel Ritchey, administrator of John Hengst, late of Greenfield township.
H. H. Snyder appointed auditor to hear and decide any exceptions and to make distribution in the case of S. P. McFadden, assignee of J. R. and Thomas McFarland, of Hollidaysburg.
The Grand Jury having completed the business and visited the almshouse and jail make reports of the same. They find the almshouse in good condition, they inmates well cared for, plenty to eat, the house clean and tidy - all things presenting a cheerful and homelike appearance. The report from the jail was not so good and case some reflection on the county officials and warden for inattention to duty. The Court called prompt attention to the matter, which we have doubt will be speedily remedied by our efficient Commissioners.
Upon motion of B. L. Hewit, Esq., the argument list was continued until the fourth Monday of August (the 23d day), when all cases at issue for argument will be heard.
Commonwealth vs. Jas. Hollern. Indictment - assault and battery. The defense charges Peggy O'Neil with obstructing the passageway in the Opera House during the exercises of the graduating class, on the 9th of June last, and raising a disturbance when ordered to vacate, and using offensive and profane language. The Commonwealth alleges that the hall was crowded and that no room could be found to sit, and that no disturbance was intended.
The jury in the case of the Commonwealth vs. M. McCullough and Peter Dumm for arson rendered a verdict of not guilty.
Court then adjourned until 9 o'clock this morning.
HOLLIDAYSBURG HAPPENINGS.
Girls on Kissing - A Boy Jailed for Stealing Fruit - Personal.
A boy named Killinger was sent to jail on Wednesday for stealing pears out of a Gaysport garden.
S. T. Henderson, of Watkins' Glen, and agent of the Urbana Wine Company, was in attendance at Court yesterday.
Judge Barr cut the first and second fingers on his right hand yesterday while carving the turkey at the Kellerman House.
The venerable ex-Sheriff Shannon was in town Saturday; also Honorable Seth R. McCune. The latter gentleman made a very narrow escape from being killed but we could learn none of the particulars. The Judge refused to be interviewed on the subject.
Yesterday afternoon Mr. Robert Walls, of Canoe Creek, the Constable in charge of the jury on the arson suit, was taken sick in the Court House. He was taken into the Sheriff's office and Dr. Hays sent for who soon succeeded in relieving him of his severe suffering.
PERSONAL.
Mrs. D. L. Ryder has returned from Bedford Springs. To-day Honorable Judge Hart and wife, of Washington, Pa., and brother of Mrs. Ryder, who have also been spending the heated term at Bedford Springs, are expected to arrive in our town and will spend some days with Rev. D. L. Ryder. Judge Hart and wife visited Hollidaysburg last season and made many acquaintances who will be glad to welcome them again.
GIRLS ON KISSING.
We heard a bevy of young ladies conversing last evening on the interesting subject of courtship. One lady asserted that her beau had been paying her attention for three years without giving her a kiss. Another lady declared that no man would or should call on her longer than one month without giving or receiving a kiss. She very positively asserted that if her beau did not understand his business she would teach him the art of kissing, at least that was one part of the business that no pair of lovers should under any circumstances neglect. The balance of this interesting discussion we failed to hear.
OUR TOWN.
This is what the new "City Directory" has to say about the county capital: "This 'village' contains - according to the census of 1880 - 3,150 inhabitants. It is the county seat of Blair, situated on the Hollidaysburg branch of the Pennsylvania railroad, eight miles south of Altoona, on the headwaters of the Juniata river. It rejoices in a modern-built Court House and jail - the former one of the finest in the State - two well-known and long-established institutions of learning, two banks, two Opera Houses, two newspapers, elegant houses and magnificent scenery. It is a representative Northern village, where many of the people live on the interest of their money and enjoy life in their own independent way."
MARTINSBURG MATTERS.
Professor Osborne Has a Thumb Taken Off. Personal Mention.
Miss Nannie Stiffler, of Stiffler station, and Miss Lucretia Derno, of Ore Hill, spent Monday in our town as the guests of Rev. F. A. Rupley.
Mr. A. O. Deford, the enterprising proprietor of one of our meat markets, has provided himself with an elegant new platform spring wagon, and is now prepared to serve meals to country and well as town customers. Samuel Zimmerman built the wagon, and the manner in which the work is done reflects great credit upon him.
William Quigley, Esq., of the firm of Quigley Brothers, Akron, Ohio, well known throughout this State as manufacturers of first-class stoneware, is spending a few days in town on business. Mr. Quigley is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, and makes friends of all with whom he comes in contact.
Professor Osborne, of Altoona, had the misfortune to lose part of the thumb of his left hand on Tuesday evening last in a very singular manner. He was driving through our streets, and at the same time leading a colt by a rope attached to its halter. The rope was wound around the professor's thumb and then passed through his hand to enable him to hold the colt the more easily. Becoming frightened at something the colt suddenly jumped back, pulling quickly and with great strength on the rope, which cut the thumb off as clean as if a surgeon's knife had been employed to amputate it. Dr. H. C. Bloom was called, who skillfully dressed the wound. Professor Osborne returned to Altoona yesterday.
Married.
CORNELIUS - HUMMEL. - In Logantown, Tuesday evening, July 27, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. Thomas Sherlock, Thomas L. Cornelius and Miss Alice M. Hummel, all of Altoona, Pa.
Died.
ANDERSON - In this city, July 28, John Anderson, in the 60th year of his age.
The funeral will take place from his late residence on Fifth avenue, between Tenth and Eleventh sts., on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
HUFF - In Logan township, Dry Gap road, Eliza J. Huff, widow of Dr. Frederick C. Huff, aged about 78 years.
Interment from her late residence on Dry Gap road, Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The friends are respectfully invited without further notice.
Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, July 29, 1880, page 3
CITY AND COUNTRY.
Things Briefly Told.
Hon. John Cessna was in the city last evening.
There were but three car loads of immigrants yesterday.
Dr. E. S. Miller left this morning for Mauch Chunk to spend a few days.
A barber shop and bath room is being erected at the corner of Tenth avenue and Fifteenth street.
Peter Swoope, Esq., one of Huntingdon's old landmarks, died on Tuesday night, aged about 85 years.
Mrs. Betsey Greenland, wife of ex-Sheriff Greenland, of Huntingdon county, died on Friday night, aged about 69 years.
Major Bayley, of Hollidaysburg, was in the city last evening. The Major is a sturdy, thorough-going Democrat.
The boom at Williamsport has logs in it this season than it has contained at the same time for many years previous.
J. V. Isenberg killed fifty-nine vipers on Saturday last while plowing in a field in Porter township, Huntingdon county.
Mrs. Joshua Houpe, of Mount Union, was bitten on the ankle by a copperhead snake, recently, and is in a critical condition.
George N. Anderson, a yard dispatcher, who lived on Fifth avenue, near Sixth street, died at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
The workmen in the lower shops are all engaged on repairs, the cars having accumulated so fast that it was found impossible to keep up.
Mr. William G. Thompson, of Juniata county, and formerly proprietor of the old State Capital Hotel, Harrisburg, was at the Logan House yesterday.
Word was received in this city yesterday that one of the cottages at Cresson had been burglarized, but we were unable to learn further particulars.
The Tuckahoe Cornet Band will hold a festival at Bellwood, on Saturday evening, July 31. Proceeds for benefit of band. All are cordially invited to attend.
Johnny Doyle hasn't resigned his Chairmanship, and the "legal proceedings" have not been instituted. Two very sad misfortunes attending the Democrats.
Boyd Caldwell, of Williamsport, was in our city yesterday, homeward bound from Leadville. He carried all the gold mine he wanted to own in his satchel.
Preparations have been made to hold school in the Fourth ward during the coming winter in the two frame buildings adjoining the brick, which has been declared unsafe.
The Eighth Ward Republican Club will grows in size. A meeting will be called the latter part of this week. Any who wish to join can do so by calling at George Burket's store, Sixth avenue.
Mr. Dan Ahern, at one time in the service of the railroad company, in this city, is here on a short vacation. Dan is now receiver for the Vine Street Railroad Company, of Philadelphia, and is getting along prosperously.
We are notified by George William Ballon & Co., bankers, New York and Boston, that the price of the Toledo, Delphos and Burlington railroad first mortgage 6 per cent. bonds has been advance to 92 1/2 and accrued interest.
A party of young gentlemen last night had a pleasant dance in the hall on Tenth avenue, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets. About thirty couples were on the floor and passed an enjoyable evening whirling in the mazy.
The Sun contains a nice little item about engine No. 274, Sol. Hoffmaster, engineer, running two hundred and fifty thousand miles without repair. But it so happens that engine No. 274 is run by B. F. Free instead of Sol. Hoffmaster.
On Tuesday evening last, at the residence of Mr. Hammel, on Walnut avenue, below Third street, Thomas L. Cornelius and Miss Alice Hammond were united in marriage. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Sherlock. Our best wishes go with the happy couple.
The Republicans of Allegheny and Blair townships will hold a meeting in the large wareroom of the Portage iron works, in Duncansville, on Saturday evening, fo the purpose of forming a Garfield and Arthur club. Hon. B. L. Hewit, H. H. Snyder, Esq., and Dr. Roller will address the meeting.
Unpleasant Situation.
The Huntingdon Globe says that while several persons were out picking berries at the Bear Meadows on Monday of last week a young lady of McAlevy's Fort strayed off from the rest and wandered as far as Pine Grove, Centre county. Before she could return darkness overtook her and she was compelled to remain in the wilderness over night, much to the alarm of her friends. When daylight came she found her way home, none the worse for her unpleasant experience, just as search was about to be made for her.
The Picnic from Cresson.
Yesterday was a beautiful one for the picnic at Lloydsville, which was participated in by the guests of the Cresson and Logan Houses. There were about one hundred and fifty in the party, a large majority of them being from the former place. They report a most enjoyable time.
A STRANGE ACCIDENT.
A Bather Loses a Leg From an Alligator Bite.
A strange and serious accident happened to a farmer's boy named Pennel Sharp who lives in the country a short distance beyond Cresson, along the line of the railroad. It will be remembered that the railroad crosses a small stream here, a branch of the Conemaugh. In places it has deep holes which are very good bathing places. At the time of the accident young Sharp and several companions who had been out shooting woodcock had gone in to bathe. As Sharp was swimming by himself some distance from the bank his companions suddenly heard him give an agonizing scream and disappear in the water. They saw that he had been caught by some black animal which had one of his legs in its mouth where it was held firmly by a row of cruel white teeth. The animal carried the young man under the water, but reappeared in two or three minutes with Sharp in his jaws. He cried to his companions to shoot, but before a gun could be discharged he was pulled under the water again. About two minutes after he rose with the big black beast still clinging to his leg and struck out for the opposite shore. Again he called upon his companions to shoot, but being afraid of hitting Sharp no one discharged his gun. At least he reached the bank and began climbing up its slippery side, when guided by a sudden impulse the animal gave a jerk which tore a great piece from the calf of Sharp's leg and slid with its mouthful of human flesh into the deep water, to reappear no more. The wounded man was carried home by his companions more dead than alive. His leg was terribly lacerated, and the loss of blood was very severe. It was thought for a while that the limb could be saved, but mortification set in and it was found necessary to amputate it just below the knee. The young man is now getting along very well and will probably recover. The exciting question is, what was the strange animal and where did it come from. The young men only saw a part of its head, but from their description it is supposed to have been an alligator. How such an animal could have come so far north is a mystery, unless it is explained by an accident which took place in the early part of the summer. It will be remembered that sometime in May, as a train of freight cars were coming east a link broke and a slight collision occurred, throwing a car into the stream at this point. The car contained general freight and among other things a live alligator, about six feet long, which was on its way to the Philadelphia Zoological Garden. Nothing was ever afterward seen of the animal and it was supposed it was killed by the fall. But it must have escaped, and this was probably the animal which attacked young Sharp. People in the vicinity are in a great state of excitement and will not let the children go near the stream, as they are afraid they will be eaten. Almost a constant watch has since been kept on the place by men armed with shot guns who are determined to destroy the beast, but as yet it has failed to show itself.
Spooneying in the Twilight.
There was a social party on Fourteenth avenue Tuesday night. There was joy and gladness as is usual on such occasions, and why shouldn't there be when young people meet together? But there was a scene that was not on the bills, and could not well be carried to excess in the presence of company. There was romping up and down the avenue, and one couple became tired of that sort of sport and retired into the embrasure in the wall carrying the steps up to the cosy dwellings on the hillside. They spread their handkerchiefs on the steps and sat down. She leaned back in his arms and oh! such a surfeit of love's sweet nectar as they extracted from each other's lips would have made Cupid himself envious, if it did not the good and portly householder that stood above them enjoying the scene. He left them alone in their delicious glory and hied himself away, remember that he, too, was once a boy and liked that sort of stolen sweetness. We advise the young couple hereafter to look above when they play "spooney" in the twilight. It is only pigs that never look up when the acorns are being showered down.
A Republican Rally.
An extensive meeting of Republicans will be held in the Opera House this evening to listen to addresses by Hon. B. L. Hewit and J. D. Hicks, Esq. Every Thursday night the Central Garfield and Arthur Club meets, and it is the intention to have good speakers present each evening. The Sixth Ward Club, over one hundred strong, will be on hand as an organization, and it is expected some of the others will be present. Let all Republicans turn out and have a first-class meeting.
A NUISANCE.
Placing Garbage on the Public Highway to the Discomfort of Passers
By.
One of the stone haulers engaged in furnishing building stone to this city informs us that a most detestable and dangerous nuisance, in the shape of a hogshead of butcher's offal, in the worst state of putridity, was dumped on the township road leading to Frankstown, within the road limits and at a place where there is but a single wagon track and steep hill. The ascent over Brush mountain is well known to be with mostly a single wagon route, and therefore no place for handling runaway teams. The miscreant who placed this horse-scare where he did either intended mischief, or, in ignorance, should be set down as a simpleton. Our informant states that quite a number of teams have run off when driven past the nuisance. One of Mr. Kemp's teams ran off every time it was forced past there. Some teams had to be run into the woods; others turned around suddenly and whisked down the mountain, greatly to the injury of stock and wagon.
It is currently reported and believed that a farmer below Frankstown was the person who dumped the vile cargo there. It is not yet judicially ascertained that he is the man but will be, and he is, therefore, entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He has hitherto been regarded as a sane man, and as none but a knave or a fool would be engaged in such a deed, he is the more entitled to that merciful legal rule. He, and all others, should know that the public have a right on the highways more sacredly guarded by the watchful jealousy of the law than even private property, and the man who interferes with public rights is ten times more in jeopardy. Had he placed the nuisance on the Baker land away from the public road, being on private property, one fight of action only would occur. As it was on the public highway any passer by, who suffers discomfort or damage, has his right of action even if one hundred such suits were instituted. Hence the folly of the act. Since the foregoing was prepared we are informed that Mr. Kemp, in order to avoid possible destruction to property or life, employed men to build a fire over the vile garbage and had it all consumed.
A Small Boy Captured.
Yesterday afternoon a small boy from Gallitzin thought he would like to see the world, and to gratify his desires he stole a dollar from a poor woman and embarked for Altoona. On his way down the mountain he was captured by a Mr. Bonner, who knew of the proceedings. Mr. Bonner located him in the Altoona lock-up until his return home last evening, when he led the runaway back to the parental roof.
The Fourth Ward School House.
EDS. TRIBUNE: The Fourth ward school house, which was spoken of in yesterday's edition, is unsafe and has been so declared by the school directors. It has been the custom of the directors to visit and examine all the school houses every year, going in a body. In company with the others I visited the Fourth ward building three years ago and found it in very bad condition. At that time I protested against using it and would not agree to allow any children to go into the building until it was fixed. They then put a rod through the building endwise and screwing it up drew in the walls, which had bulged out. Afterward it bulged out at the sides and has since that time, growing gradually worse. Even the teacher has refused to hold school there and says that if a heavy storm arises he will dismiss the children, as he is afraid it will be blown down. The present year all the directors went again and examined it and found it worse than ever. At a late meeting of the school board I made a motion that five experts be appointed to examine the house under oath. They made a report as directed and said that it was unsafe. It is so insecure and unsteady that a man can by striking a wall with his hand rattle all the windows on that side of the building. The janitor says that he can, with a vigorous push, throw one of the walls down. A large new crack has appeared within a day or two, and it is only a question of time until the whole structure tumbles to the ground. If the gentlemen who examined the building will make oath that it is safe and the citizens of the Fourth ward are satisfied to send their children to school in it, then the school board will be perfectly willing to let it stand. - JOHN P. LEVAN, Member of the School Board.
Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, July 29, 1880, page 4