Blair County PAGenWeb

Blair County Newspaper Articles

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

Items from The Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Monday, January 3, 1881

NEW YEAR'S DAY. How the People of Altoona Observed the Same.

The first day of the new year was ushered into Altoona on Saturday morning and very many people waited up for its appearance. New Year's day has of old been one on which many people, especially young men, tried to see how much they could drink but happily this custom is passing away and during Saturday there were no more drunken men on the streets than are seen on any other day. The police succeeded in capturing but one drunken man. Everybody gave themselves up to the enjoyment of that great American institution, the turkey, and afterward to making New Year calls. During the evening a drunken man in a bar room pulled out a revolver and tried to raise a fight, but he was quickly squelched. The walking match, a most excellent one, attracted a great many people to the Opera House, who staid there until the close of the performance. Beside this the youth were out in strong force on all the neighboring hills and enjoyed themselves to their utmost at sledding. As a whole the holiday was a pleasant one.

Doctress Mary L. Hall, who has been absent from the city for some weeks on account of ill health, has again returned to her home and business very much improved. Her many friends will be glad to hear of her restoration to health again.

Two Serious Accidents.

On Saturday morning Jerry Fritz, who is said to have been brakeman on the Pittsburgh division, was struck by an empty engine near Latrobe and instantly killed. His body was horribly mangled. The same evening his nephew, S. W. Long, a brakeman, was squeezed between two cabooses and badly hurt internally.

Killed a Man in Self-defense.

POTTSVILLE, Pa., January 2. - Last night about half-past 5 o'clock Patrick O'Brien entered the depot at Excelsior, on the Mahanoy and Shamokin railroad. After using very abusive language to the agent, O. W. Eisenhart, O'Brien was ordered out, when he struck the agent. A tussle ensued during which Eisenhart drew his revolver and shot O'Brien in the side. The wounded man was assisted home and died during the night of hemorrhage. Eisenhart fled to Shamokin where he delivered himself to authorities. The Coroner's jury to-day returned a verdict in accordance with the above. Eisenhart's attorney will apply for a writ of habeas corpus to-morrow.

STATE NOTES.

Mrs. Mary S. Lamberton, mother of Hon. Robert A. Lamberton, President of the Lehigh University, died at her residence at Carlisle on Tuesday, in her 90th year.

While John Conrad, of Pottsville, was engaged in pruning a Christmas tree the knife slipped on a knot, causing the blade to enter his right eye, destroying the sight.

Mr. David Shade, of Duncannon, had his hands seriously poisoned while cleaning a rabbit, which is supposed to have been poisoned while running through the underbrush.

Joseph Faust, alias Good, one of the three young men wanted for placing obstructions on the Reading railroad track near Neversink station November 4 has been arrested at Reading.

Nellie Higgins, a young girl living on Sport Hill, Scranton, hanged herself on Wednesday. Fear of punishment for having obtained some goods under false pretenses at a store was the cause.

Lewis J. Klinetob, of Nanticoke, is in the Luzerne county prison on the charge of Mrs. Hazlett, his daughter, that he has forced her to incestuous intercourse since she was 12 years old. She is now 25.

The head-light of an engine on a train on the Philadelphia and Reading railroad struck a horned owl a few nights ago with sufficient force to break the glass, put out the light and kill the bird. The owl has been stuffed and will be mounted on top of the cab of the engine that killed it.

SOLDIERS' ORPHANS. The Reception in Harrisburg by the Grand Army of the Republic.

The "Sixteener" graduates of the Soldiers' Orphans' schools of Pennsylvania were accorded a reception in the room of Post 58, G.A.R., last Thursday evening by the members of the Grand Army in Harrisburg. The large room was well filled by the graduates, citizens, and members of the G.A.R. The exercises were opened with music by the Post orchestra.

Post Commander Wilson C. Fox then called the assemblage to order, and stated the object of the meeting. Rev. Leroy F. Baker, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, delivered an impressive and eloquent prayer, and was followed in a short address of welcome on behalf of the State by Governor Hoyt.  The Governor spoke of the ___ of alma mater, and the grand work done by the schools which sprang from a small beginning.  He congratulated the graduates on the success they had met with in life, and said that the Commonwealth had but paid the debt of parentage in providing for the education of the soldiers' orphans.

John R. Rockwell, graduate and principal teacher of the Harford school, replied to the Governor in fitting terms, returning thanks for the kindness shown.

Superintendent Wickersham then welcomed the graduates on behalf of the Department of Soldiers' Orphans' Schools. Professor Wickersham's address was very interesting, covering, as it did, the statistics of the schools. He said that already -300 "sixteeners" have gone out and he was proud of the specimen bricks before him. Altogether there have been 11,600 scholars in attendance at the schools. At one time there were forty schools, but now there are but eighteen; of which twelve are devoted exclusively to soldiers' orphans and six are mixed. The history of the soldiers' orphan school system has not a parallel in the world. Ohio and Iowa have --e school, but these have afforded accommodations for but a meager percentage of the soldiers' orphans. Pennsylvania beats them all by ten to one.

An eloquent response was made by Al-- S. Grow, publisher of the Lock Haven Journal, a graduate of the M'Allisterville school.

Comrade Elias Hollinger, of Post 58, welcomed the graduates on behalf of the Grand Army of the Republic in a beautiful speech, in which he said:

"Your fathers were with us on the long march, bearing the burden of a soldier's ___, they were with us in bloody battle, when brave men fell and hearts ceased to beat, when souls went to meet their maker. Then was formed the mystic bond which binds together the Grand Army of the Republic and the soldiers' orphans."

Edward T. Taylor, a graduate of White Hall school, at present a teacher in the public schools of Gloucester county, N.J., replied in fitting terms.

Miss Hattie A. Memaney, a graduate of White Hall school, at present a teacher in this city, read an essay in which she referred to the great work the Grand Army of the Republic had done for the soldiers' orphans, characterizing the order as "the big brother" of all the scholars.

Miss Cora B. Steel, a graduate of White Hall soldiers' orphans' school and Lock Haven normal school, a teacher in our public schools, read, with fine effect, "The Maiden Martyr."

Remarks were also made by Charles T. Hall, of Mount Joy school; William H. Felton, of the soldiers' orphans' institute of Philadelphia; Mrs. E. E. Hutter, of Philadelphia, and F. R. Pinkerton, on behalf of the soldiers' orphans' schools of Western Pennsylvania. Comrade Frank Hoy recited some of his "army specialties" which set the audience in a roar.

A business meeting was held on Friday morning, at which eleven schools were represented by fifty graduates. The meeting was called to order by A. S. Grow, who was elected Chairman. The following additional officers were elected:

Vice-President - J. R. Rockwell, of Harford.

Recording Secretaries - Ed. T. Taylor, Evans Mills, N.J.; Miss Clara Steele, Harrisburg, Pa.

Corresponding Secretaries - D. A. Hull, Reading, Pa.; Frank Pinkerton, Pittsburgh, Pa.; David Cotterel, Harrisburg.

Assistant Corresponding Secretaries - W. -? Hunter, Philadelphia; -? S. Shepler, Harrisburg; J. R. Rockwell, Harford; Jennie Horton, Philadelphia; William D. Smiley, McAllisterville; E. J. Smith, Womelsdorf; Wymard Brown, Altoona; Joseph M. Davis, Altoona; George Van Ronk, Mauch Chunk; Daniel L. Wilcox, Mansfield.

Treasurer - Alice Beaverson, Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Financial Secretary - C. Day Rudy, Harrisburg.

Committee on Permanent Organization - Richard Hull, Mount Joy; E. B. Wilcox, ___; Frank Pinkerton, Pittsburgh; Geo. __ Ronk, Mauch Chunk; William Smith, __rsburg; Annie Wire, York; William __ton, Philadelphia.

Committee to confer with the Committee appointed by the G. A. R. - Dr. Geo. __mbs, C. D. Rudy, Charles Grief, Harrisburg.

Committee on Transportation - Major _eer, Philadelphia, assisted by the corresponding secretaries.

Harrisburg was selected as the place to hold the reunion, which will be held on the 24th, 25th an 26th of August, 1881.

A motion was adopted reciting that Governor Curtin being the founder of Soldiers' Orphan Schools and a true friend of the orphan, an invitation be extended to him.

A note of thanks was ordered Mrs. Hut__ for the interest which she has taken in this movement; also to Grand Army of the Republic Post No.58 for the kindness which it has shown the graduates and for its use of their splendid hall.

The graduates before adjourning signed the following preamble:

We, the undersigned, constitute the soldiers' orphans' school graduates who have this day (December 31, 1880), formed ourselves into the Junior Grand Army of the Republic Organization of Pennsylvania.

A Christmas Presentation.

On Christmas day Mr. James Cullen, the popular supervisor, was presented by the foremen on his division with a handsome reception chair and a meerschaum pipe, as an evidence of their appreciation and regard.  Some speech making was indulged in and a general good time was enjoyed at the residence of Mr. Cullen, at Spruce Creek.  On New Year's day Mr. Cullen celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of his appointment as Supervisor.  He is one of the oldest on the road as well as one of the best, and as he is still hale and hearty, we have reason to believe he will celebrate many more anniversaries, and long enjoy his chair and pipe.

Married.

McCURDY - HAMLIN. - On December 30, 1880, at the residence of the bride's parents, on Cumberland street, Harrisburg, by Rev. William A. West, Mr. J. S. McCurdy, of Altoona, Pa., and Miss Frank F. Hamlin, of Harrisburg.

Died.

WOMER - In this city at 1:30 A.M., Sunday, Eddie, son of James and Clara Womer.

The funeral will take place from the parents' residence, Fifth avenue between Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets, at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon.  The friends and relatives of the family are invited to attend the funeral without further notice.

Year after year we're called to part
With children that we love so dear;
Year after year, with sorrowing heart,
We weep around their bier.

The spirit of our child has fled
Into a fairer clime;
Poor Eddie's numbered with the dead,
And we are left to pine.

- M. R.

CITY AND COUNTRY.

Things Briefly Told.

William H. Eynon acted very acceptably as judge at Saturday's walking match.

Diphtheria has again made its appearance in Jackson and Taylor townships, Cambria county.

Mr. "Gus" Brophy yesterday left on Chicago express to accept a position in a railroad office at St. Paul.

The Keystone Minstrels gave a very satisfying entertainment in Hollidaysburg on Saturday night, although the audience was not large.

Miss Sadie Reagan desires us to state that owing to a death in the family of her brother the school taught by her will be suspended on Monday.

The organ at St. John's Catholic Church has been out of repair since Christmas day, and the choir now sing without that melodious accompaniment.

Potts Post, No. 62, Grand Army of the Republic, of this city, has mustered into its ranks during the year just ended one hundred and forty-two members.  Can any other post make a better showing than this?

Mr. J. C. Mann, son of Mr. James S. Mann, of this city, has been promoted to acting train dispatcher on the Sioux City and Pacific railroad at Missouri Valley, Iowa.

On New Year's day Mrs. M. Waltz, who resides on Twelfth street above Fifth avenue, was presented with a handsome cane-seated rocking chair by her friend, Mrs. John Hickey.

The Good Will boys are making extraordinary arrangements for the grand calico ball to be given at the Altoona Opera House on the eve of Washington's birthday.  It is expected to be a most enjoyable event.

The mother of John R. Fraser, who suffered a severe operation a few weeks since, is rapidly improving.  The family wish to return thanks to the many friends, who have been kind to them in their affliction.

Those who have water barrels or other vessels liable to freeze can prevent them from bursting by placing a stone as large as a half-peck measure in the centre of the bottom, inside.  This is an infallible remedy.

In the United States District Court at Pittsburgh on Friday, in the matter of James Clabaugh, bankrupt, of Blair county, an attachment was ordered to issue against J. Irvin Brotherline, of Hollidaysburg, unless he pay over certain moneys in his hands as assignee within twenty days.

The late cold snap was fatal to the cattle in some localities.  We learn from a man named Metzger, residing in the neighborhood of Coalmont, Huntingdon county, that a number of cattle were frozen to death in that locality.  William Morgan, a farmer residing near Henrietta, this county, had two steers frozen to death last week.

One of the most attractive and neatly lettered business signs that has been swung in the city for many a day is to be seen in front of the jewelry store of S. Smith & Son, on Eleventh avenue.  It is a beauty and came from Ed. Mountney's establishment.  John L. Rickabaugh is the deft writer who gave shape and formation to the letters thereon.

Mr. Harry Nixdorf, the gentleman who keeps one of the best restaurants for the sale of oysters ever opened in this city, while going down the steps leading to his place of business yesterday morning accidentally slipped and was thrown to the landing with terrific force.  He sustained a painful gash above his right eye.

A Stag Party.

On Saturday a small party of married men entirely freed from home restraints assembled at the residence of Daniel Laughman, on Lexington avenue, between Tenth and Eleventh streets, for the purpose of having a good time while their better halves believed they were immersed in the toils of every-day business.  But in the Laughman mansion there was set forth a dinner of turkey, oysters, etc., such as would banish all mundane things from the eater's eye.  Around the board ready for battle with knife and fork were Judge Mann and his successor, Judge Gamble, Rev. M. N. Cornelius, H. C. Dern and Edmund Shaw.  After everything edible had been duly discussed Mr. Laughman made a neat little speech, wishing much happiness for his auditors during the new year.  One of the gentlemen present informed us that they ate so many oysters, etc., that an impromptu walking match had to be organized in the parlor before any comfort could be obtained.  Such was the effect of trying to eat all themselves instead of having their wives, as they would have done any day but this.

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY.

Rev. M. N. Cornelius' Five Years as Pastor in This City.

Sunday of this week was the fifth anniversary of the pastorate of Rev. M. N. Cornelius, of the First Presbyterian Church of the city. During this time he has labored hard and long for the salvation of his flock and has succeeded beyond all reasonable expectations. Under his care the church has grown largely in size, the old building in the centre of the city has been greatly improved, a new organ of the very finest make has been placed in the church, and peace and unity prevail in all the counsels. This is what has been accomplished in five years under the pastorate of a man beloved by his congregation and greatly respected by the entire community. At the close of his anniversary sermon Mr. Cornelius gave some statistics in regard to the church membership and their offerings in the cause of Christ. There have during the year been 48 additions to the membership and 4 deaths. During the five years there have been 235 additions, 145 by examination and 90 by letter. The total membership at this time is 400. Contributions to the various boards have been doubled, the amount given to them being $2,600. The amount of money expended for church purposes was $26,000. The church is now in a very prosperous condition and is doing a great good in the community by attracting so many young people within its doors. May the good pastor long be spared to his people and may his work bring forth abundant fruit.

THE SYMPOSIUM

The Lawyers' Annual Toast - Good Speeches. Enjoyable Recitations - Good Eatables and a Merry Time.

The lawyers' annual feast - or symposium as they are pleased to term it - was held at the office of the City Recorder on New Year's day, commencing at 2 P. M. and continuing until 8 o'clock. J. D. Hicks, Esq., our new District Attorney, was the conviviator of the occasion, and to him the TRIBUNE bows its acknowledgments for an invitation to be one of the guests, which we are glad to say we availed ourselves of and dropped in to see how they were getting along. The good things that had been provided for the feast were being enjoyed and rapidly disappearing from the effect of constant use, and the party assembled were as merry as merry could be, and were having just a good old-fashioned time.

S. M. Woodcock, Esq., was acting as "Grand Sympo" and had charge of the organized meeting, and at the time of the dropping in of the TRIBUNE man the Grand Sympo was engaged in determining a rule that had been granted on Counsellor Dively to show cause why he should not recite "The Maniac." J. S. Leisenring, Esq., was acting as counsel for the petitioners while H. H. Herr, Esq., represented the respondent. The acceptance of service by the solicitor for respondent having been duly proven and no answer having been filed, the rule was made absolute as follows.

ALTOONA, December 3, 1880.

A. V. DIVELY, Esq. - Dear Sir: We, the undersigned, having a lively recollection of the pleasure afforded us by your rendition of "The Maniac" at our last annual symposium, would respectfully but most earnestly request that you will again favor us with a recitation of that highly delectable piece of English composition, at our next annual feast of reason, etc., which occasion, it seems to us, from past observations, is peculiarly calculated to call into full play your unrivaled powers as a delineator of the aforesaid character.  Expressing, therefore, the hope that you will comply with our request and thus afford us real, where we now have anticipated pleasure.  We are yours with great regard.  Thomas W. Jackson, Alexander & Herr, Neff & Mervine, H. T. Heinsling, J. S. Leisenring, Thomas H. Greevy, S. M. Woodcock, E. Shaw, M. Edgar Kind.

Now, January 1st, I affirm an acceptance of within notice on behalf of respondent and waive service by Sheriff.

H. H. HERR, Solicitor.

Now, January 1, 1881, the within notice and matter contained therein having been brought before the symposium in extra session assembled it is ordered and decreed by the Grand Sympo pro tem. that the respondent, A. V. Dively, Esc., at once comply with the very reasonable request contained therein, under a penalty such as may be decided upon by a majority vote of the Symp is assembled, and it is further particularly decreed that any Sympo who shall during the rendition of "The Maniac," whatever the temptation may be, go to sleep or manifest any but the liveliest emotions, shall be read out of the order.

Mr. Dively recited this touching and exciting poem in a very fine and eloquent manner. In response to a toast proposed in honor of the conviviator by Mr. Herr, Mr. Hicks made a short speech apropos to the occasion, and wound up his remarks by introducing H. T. Heinsling, Esq., in the character of Cataline, Edmund Shaw, Esq., Hon. Robert Gamble and Mr. N. C. Barclay, of the Sun, having been selected as lictors. Mr. Heinsling recited Cataline's famous and historical address in his usual forcible and admirable manner, which was loudly applauded. An extract from Pinafore was then sung by the conviviator assisted by W. S. Hammond, Lewis T. Hamilton and W. Lee Woodcock, Esqrs. W. Irvin Woodcock, Esq., then replied to Mr. Heinsling as Cataline in a very forcible and entertaining manner. Mr. Alexander being called upon responded in a short, pithy address, in which he referred to the annual recurrence of our feast, and also spoke very kindly and appreciatively of our distinguished guests, representing as they did the two great levers of power in our State to wit: The press and the great Pennsylvania railroad, and concluded by introducing Mr. Thos. J. Maitland, who in a few well chosen remarks excused himself and introduced in his stead Mr. Joseph Askew. The remarks of Mr. Askew were exceedingly happy and were most thoroughly enjoyed. The entire speech was hit after hit, and the points were so well taken that they were greeted with constant applause and uproarious laughter. After Mr. Askew had taken his seat the party, not yet satisfied with the gentleman's efforts, insisted upon his resuming and giving an account of the famous chicken raid of 1863, which was given in full amid the greatest of merriment and prolonged applause. At the earnest request of W. S. Humes, Esq., Mr. Askew fully explained the disappearance as well as the use of a "wagon load of shovels" to the edification of all present. We are sorry we are unable to give Mr. Askew's remarks in full. They would be especially enjoyable to the residents of Altoona who participated in that famous raid. J. S. Leisenring, Esq., then read a very choice selection entitled “David Mourning for His Son Absolam," which was beautiful and well received. Mr. W. Irvin Woodcock was then introduced as a mighty nimrod, and related an adventure in the mountain recesses of the Alleghanies in a very laughable manner and wound up with his cat story, which brought down the whole house. The cat story was related with a German accent. The toast was then responded to by E. B. Haines, of the Call, who after a few remarks read a humorous account in poetry of a dog and cat fight, in which the cat came off first-best. The reading by Mr. Haines was excellent and the piece was enjoyable in the extreme. After this "Sherman's March to the Sea" was sung by Mr. Heinsling in a very grotesque manner, assisted by Mr. Jackson and a full chorus. Mr. Mervine being called upon made a short speech and introduced W. Irvin Woodcock, Esq., as Edgar Allan Poe, who then recited "Annabel Lee" in a very impressive manner, after which Mr. Heinsling recited from the same author "The Raven," which was also well received. Mr. Hicks then read an extract from Hood's interesting poem entitled "The Haunted House."

The hour for closing having arrived the announcement was made by the "grand Sympo" in a few proper remarks, whereupon on motion of Mr. Alexander the thanks of the assemblage were tendered to the conviviator for the generous hospitality displayed, and to Thomas H. Greevy, Esq., City Recorder, for his kindness in furnishing a room for the occasion and his entertainment.

Among the guests present we noted Hon. J. W. Curry, Mr. Ewing, of the Altoona Mechanic; Mr. Barclay, of the Sun; Hon. Robert L. Gamble, Associate Judge-elect; Mr. W. D. Couch, Mr. Fred. Olmes, Mr. Maitland, of the General Superintendent's office of the Pennsylvania railroad; Mr. Humes, Mr. Sayres and Mr. Askew, of the same office, and Hon, John Reilly, Superintendent of Transportation of the Pennsylvania Railroad; Mr. Dern, of the TRIBUNE; and Mr. Haines, of the Call. The meeting was voted a success by all the participants and passed off in a very pleasant and satisfactory manner. We cannot close this report without complimenting S. M. Woodcock, Esq., as the "grand sympo" of the occasion. He added greatly to the enjoyment of all present. So ended the Symposium of 1881.

Election of Officers.

On Saturday evening the following officers were elected at the regular meeting of the Ancient Order Knights of the Mystic Chair:  Chaplain, John Brady; S. K. C., J. Cloyd Kreider; S. K. V. C., C. S. Grimminger; S. K. F. L., George R. Major; R. S., C. S. Harkness; A. R. S., W. H. Runyeon; Treasurer, Ed. Murphy; C. of S., A. J. Perchy; A. C. of S., Jacob Burley; I. G., J. I. Mock; O. G., R. Wilson; Representative, Ed. Murphy; Alternate, W. H. Runyeon; Trustees, W. H. Runyeon and George B. Dutrow.

THE WALKING MATCH.

The Best Record Yet Made in Altoona City.

On Saturday at 10 o'clock in the morning the Eureka Walking Match was begun in the Opera House.  It was a most interesting contest throughout, as the best record in this city was made, that by Kephart, who scored 63 miles and 20 laps.  The audience throughout was large and the interest was kept up to the close.  There were ten entries, but six of these dropped off before the close.  Below will be found the scores, the figures representing the miles and laps, the course being thirty laps to the mile.  Each column represents the score at the end of the hour.

It will be seen by the score that Kephart made the remarkable score of nearly seven miles an hour for the first three hours, and that he won merely by his superior powers of endurance.  He is a tall, slim young man and bore the fatigue very well, coming out of the contest quite fresh; and his trainer says he was not off the course for three minutes during the entire day.  After the contest was decided in his favor Kephart was the happiest man in Altoona.  "Jersey Boy," whose right name was Greinader, was the first to leave the track.  He was taken off with a bad cold at shortly after 4 o'clock, then standing eighth in point of distance.  McDermott followed at about half-past 5 o'clock, being doubled up with cramps in the legs.  However, as he was next to last as the score then stood it made little difference.  Following him half an hour later was Murphy, who was likewise struck in the "bread basket" with the cramp fiend.  Like his predecessor he was next to last at the time and his absence did not make an aching void.  Then Shannon sought the seclusion of the retiring room just eighteen minutes later, to be seen no more.  "Stranger," whose right name is John Orendorff, was led off a few minutes before 8 o'clock, abandoning the fourth place.  B. Burkholder gave up the contest and concluded it was no go about ten minutes later, surrendering the four place, which had been given him by "Stranger."  This left but the four men on the track who stuck to it to the close, coming in the following order: Kephart, 63 miles and 20 laps, who won first prize of sixty dollars and the extra prize of ten dollars for beating sixty miles; Eardley, with a score of 59 miles and 4 laps, who took the second prize of twenty-five dollars, and Seagrist with a score of 57 miles and 26 laps, who took the third prize.  The match throughout was well conducted, the proceedings being enlivened with music by the Mountain City Band.

Humpty Dumpty Again.

The New York Humpty Dumpty specialty troupe will appear in Altoona during the week.  This is not the same organization, however, which appeared here a few weeks since.  Of this company the Reading Times says: The New York combination appeared at the Academy of Music on Christmas night to an audience that filled every seat in the building.  Judging form the merriment that prevailed from beginning to end, and from the frequent and hearty applause, the entertainment must certainly have given great satisfaction.  Pantomime troupes appear to be very popular in Reading, but a Christmas night pantomime is always sure of drawing a full house.  The gymnastic feats of the "Three Brothers" excited wonder and admiration, and the fine and comical horizontal bar act of Avery and the clown provoked alternate applause and laughter.  Professor Moore gave an interesting exhibition of his trained dogs, and the whole entertainment passed off in a sprightly manner to the evident satisfaction of everybody in attendance.