Blair County PAGenWeb

Blair County Newspaper Articles

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

Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Thursday, March 29, 1883

CITY AND COUNTRY.

Dr. Furry, of Woodberry, purposes taking a colony of Woodberry citizens to Nebraska.

A postoffice has been established at Eldorado, Blair county, with Jacob A. Boyce as postmaster.

It is said on the authority of the Coal Trade Journal, that anthracite coal will be from 20 to 30 cents a ton higher.

Bertha May, daughter of John F. and Josephine Singer died of measles at 7 o'clock Tuesday evening, aged 3 years.

Miss Annie Carney is lying in a dangerous condition at her home on Sixteenth street and Sixteenth avenue, suffering from bronchial pneumonia.

A. J. Anderson, esq., of this city, has been drawn as a grand juror for the United States district court, which meets at Pittsburgh on the 7th of May.

William B. Stone has been appointed passenger and first-class freight agent at Mapleton, vice W. W. Stewart, resigned. To date from March 22, 1883.

The passenger and second class freight agency at Rodman, on the Hollidaysburg and Morrison's Cove branch, has been abolished. To date from March 26, 1883.

A passenger agency has been established at Eldorado, on the Hollidaysburg branch, and J. W. Isenberg appointed agent thereat. To date from April 1, 1885.

Mary Viola McKinstry, daughter of James A. and Maggie C. McKinstry, died at 6.20 o'clock Saturday evening, from pneumonia of the lungs, aged 2 years, 3 months and 21 days.

A hardy bull dog attacked a Bedford county insurance agent a few days ago. The agent held his valise filled with insurance tracts in front of him, and the dog after getting his mouth full of them retired discomfited.

Roanoke, Virginia, has just started a building association of which S. M. Brophy is president and J. T. Prendergast, one of the directors. Both of these gentlemen have had building association experience in this city.

Messrs. Taylor & Wood, of Philipsburg, have been awarded the contract for building the new opera house in that place. It will be one of the largest in the interior of the state and will have a seating capacity for 1,800 people.

Ex-Prothonotary James P. Stewart and W. G. Waring left on Tuesday line last night for Rico, Colorado, where they go to superintend the Rico reduction works. They will be absent all summer, probably returning home in the fall.

William P. Dunn, an employe in the Freight department of the lower shops, cut of the end of the middle finger of his left hand with a hatchet while at work Wednesday afternoon. The company physician dressed the injured member.

Mr. A. P. Gest, supervisor of the division of the Pennsylvania railroad at Huntingdon, has accepted the position of assistant engineer of the Monongahela division of the Pennsylvania railroad and has taken up his residence in Pittsburgh.

George, eldest son of Prothonotary Williamson, of Huntingdon, has been appointed to the West Point cadetship from that congressional district. If he is able to pass the regulation examination of that institution he will enter as a student.

Miss Annie Anderson, daughter of Mr. G. W. Anderson and sister Mr. G. Graham Anderson, formerly managing editor of the Times, is lying dangerously ill at her home on Seventh avenue below Sixth street, afflicted with rheumatic neuralgia.

Mr. James E. Good, who for some time past has occupied a desk in Superintendent Reed's office, departed for Savannah, Georgia, last week to accept the position of stenographer to the superintendent of the Savannah, Florida and Western railroad.

On Monday the wife of Joseph Miller, esq., of Wilmore, died after a long illness. Mrs. Miller was well advanced in life, being about 60 years of age. She was the daughter of Mr. Spielman, of Summerhill, and was born and raised within a mile of Wilmore.

Owners of stock requiring the services of a veterinary surgeon will do well to call on Dr. W. B. Rowland, of this city. Dr. Rowland is a graduate of the American veterinary college, New York, and is meeting with great success in his profession. See card in another column.

Mr. Charley Griest and his family departed for Roanoke, Virginia, Tuesday. Charley was formerly an engineer on the mountain division, and afterward a successful restaurateur. He is a genial gentleman and immensely popular. We wish him continued prosperity in his new home.

Clara Alice, only daughter of Frederick and Margaret Steckman, died of inflammatory rheumatism at 10.20 Friday night at her parents residence, Chestnut avenue, between Second and Third streets. She was aged 11 years, 2 months and 23 days. Funeral announcement in the evening papers.

We were glad to meet our friend Mr. James H. McCullough, on the street yesterday. He has just recovered from an attack of typhoid fever which confined him to his residence for several weeks. He has a bleached appearance, but expects to recover rapidly since he is able to walk out again.

Miss Ella Mullen, recently engaged as leading soprano of St. Luke's Episcopal choir, returned to her home in Pittsburgh on Monday, having canceled her engagement with the choral society of the church. Her departure from the city is sincerely regretted by all who made her acquaintance.

A large snake, which escaped from some traveling menagerie, infests the sportive waters of a frog pond near Blair Furnace. Sunday it was out sunning itself on the ice. It is about twelve feet long and is spotted like the rattlesnake. It can sometimes be seen by train men as they pass that point.

Mrs. John McDermott, of Johnstown, became insane a couple of days ago and Tuesday she attempted suicide by throwing herself in front of a train. She was removed in time to save her life and taken to the lock-up, where she made another attempt to end her life, this time by hanging. She was again prevented by two officers. She will be sent to the insane asylum.

Saturday afternoon week a young man named Henry Hartman, employed at the Huntingdon car works, was run over by a freight car and seriously injured. He was under a car pushing it, when one of the wheels struck a truck, and he was knocked under the wheels of the car. His right leg was broken in two places near the ankle, and his right arm fractured above the elbow.

The following society note concerning our friend and former fellow citizen, Jas. Prendergast, which we obtain from the Roanoke Leader, will be read with interest by his many friends in these parts: "Mr. J. T. Prendergast leaves to-morrow for a brief trip to Martinsburg, West Va., at which place he will commit matrimony. Upon his return he will be accompanied by his bride. We wish them unalloyed happiness through life."

William Fye, of Adams township, Cambria county, on Thursday morning proceeded on horseback to a sugar camp some miles away. The same afternoon the horse returned home riderless. His brother-in-law, thinking he had been thrown and probably hurt, went to the sugar camp, where be found Mr. Fye sitting on a log, and dead. Having been a sufferer from heart disease that is supposed to have been the cause of his death. He leaves a wife and several children.

An immense giant passed through the city on fast line Thursday en route from Kansas to New York city where he will enter a museum. The giant owns a farm in Kansas and worked on it until induced by a showman to come east. He astonished the depot employes when he alighted from the car, being taller than the iron fence, and able to look in the car windows when standing against the car. He is eight feet high and weighs 667 pounds, though he is proportionately built and not portly.

Yesterday afternoon the scaffolding around the company's brick stack, near the machine shops, was completed and this morning the work of demolition will begin. From every part of the city the workmen on the top of the stack could be seen walking about and clinging to the frail looking boards which surround it. It is said that the iron cap, which will first be removed, weighs several tons, having been placed in position in sections. We trust the dangerous work will be finished without accident.

John Lynch, a man aged 40 years, and who had only been a resident of Lilly's for a few weeks, was killed near Smith's crossing, near that village, on Monday evening. He was walking on the north track watching a train going east, when a train going west struck him, crushing in his skull. He was taken to his boarding house but only lived a few hours. Mrs. Mencer and a girl were killed at the same place a couple of years ago. His remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at the Summit on Wednesday morning.

The applicants for license in Cambria county, who were refused by Judge Dean, have hit upon a scheme which they think will make it possible for them to receive license. At a meeting held by them last week it was decided that the judicial apportionment bill was the last chance, as the governor would appoint a new judge for Cambria county, if it got through. They have accordingly appointed a committee to urge its passage, and want a delegation of lawyers to go to Harrisburg to help the bill along.

We are glad to note the promotion of our young friend, Mr. D. H. Lovell, to the position of assistant engineer on the middle division of Philadelphia and Erie railroad, with headquarters at Renovo, the appointment to take effect on April 1. Mr. Lovell is now supervisor of the railroad at Middletown, below Harrisburg. He entered the service of the railroad company in this city when quite a lad, and has since advanced rapidly. Many of his relatives live in this county, and he has hosts of friends beside who will read this notice with pleasure.

An Interesting Event.

Thursday evening, at 6 o'clock, Mr. John B. Stahl and Miss Eva Keesberry were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, at the residence of Mr. Joseph F. Keesberry, the bride's father. The ceremony, which was performed by Rev. M. N. Cornelius, of the First Presbyterian church was strictly private, only the relatives and a few immediate friends witnessing it. Miss Gertrude Roush was the bridesmaid and Mr. J. S. Stier was groomsman. After the brief ceremony the young couple received the congratulations of their friends and then all the guests partook of a banquet. The presents displayed were numerous and elegant. Mr. Stahl has been connected with the TRIBUNE job office for a number of years, and is a gentleman of wide acquaintance and considerable popularity. At present he is one of the city auditors. In business and social circles he is justly esteemed. The bride has been until recently a teacher in the Altoona public schools, and is a highly accomplished young lady. All of their friends wish them God speed in their journey through life. On fast live same evening they departed for a two week's tour through the west.

A Yard Brakeman Injured.

About 10 o'clock Tuesday morning Ira Bowen, a brakeman in the Altoona yard, was very seriously injured. Bowen was in the act of coupling cars, one of which, a fat one, was loaded with wheels and axles, when a pair of wheels and an axle rolled off the car and caught the brakeman across the abdomen, holding him in that predicament until his follow brakemen came to his assistance. He was placed on a stretcher and taken to his home, Seventh avenue and Twenty-fourth street, where he was attended by the company physician, No bones are broken but it is presumed that he is injured internally, how seriously is not yet known. Mr. Bowen, who is a young unmarried man, has been employed as a brakeman for several years.

A Hebrew Laborer Killed at Johnstown.

Henry Milburg, a Hebrew, and probably the only one in the employ of the Cambria Iron company, was killed at a quarter-past 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, at the steel works in Johnstown. He was working near the pit, and a flash from the converter alarmed him. He rushed out of the door in the western end of the building, and stepped on the track of the little railway just in front of a moving engine. He was knocked down by the locomotive, partially disemboweled, his left leg broken in two places, and his body cut [and] bruised generally in a terrible manner. He died within an hour. He had no relatives in these parts, but was provided with a $1,000 accident insurance policy.

Death of Isaac W. Wood.

Mr. Isaac W. Wood, who was stricken with paralysis about two weeks since, died at the residence of his brother, Mr. S. S. Wood, on Eighth avenue, between Eighth and Ninth street, at 7 o'clock Tuesday morning. The deceased was a brakeman on the middle division and came to this city last September from Lewistown, where he formerly resided. He was afflicted with paralysis while on duty about two weeks ago, since which time there were no hopes for his recovery. His age was 39 years and 8 months. He leaves a wife, but no children, to mourn her loss. The remains were taken to Lewistown for interment.

Attempted Suicide.

We learn from the Bellefonte Watchman that Al. W. Ralston, a well known citizen of Pine Grove Mills, Centre county, attempted to commit suicide on Tuesday morning. He is a contractor by profession and a very skillful mechanic. Lately he has taken contracts at Philipsburg and other places which had proven financial losses to him. His home, lately was sold and a deep and profound melancholy controlled all his actions since. This despondency culminated in suicide by shooting, the ball penetrating just behind the left ear. He is still living, but it is thought can not survive. He has a wife, but not children. Since the act of self-destruction was committed he has expressed regret for it.

Election of Vestrymen.

At a congregational meeting of St. Luke's church, held Monday evening, the following named gentlemen were elected to serve as vestrymen during the ensuing year: Jacob Adams, T. N. Ely, A. F. Heess, Ben. Johnston, B. C. Knepper, A. H. Maxwell, James Mallett, L. H. Piper, J. J. Sansom.

APRIL JURORS.
The Men Who Have Been Selected to Try the April Issues.

Following is the list of grand and traverse jurors drawn for the April term of our county court, which will begin on the Fourth Monday, being the 23d day of April:

GRAND JURORS.

Altoona - G. W. Burket, C. D. Beegle, John Crown, Joseph Ferry, J. B. Cowen, John McElroy, James Parker, Peter B. Stern, J. B. Stouffer.
Antis - Henry Henshey.
Blair - George Buchanan.
Catharine - James H. Patterson, Blair Roller. Freedom - David Helsell.
Gaysport - Jesse R. Crawford.
Greenfield - David Musselman.
Hollidaysburg - H. C. Bayley, George Curry.
Juniata - Aaron Over.
Logan - Charlie Copeland, William Reed.
Martinsburg - William Snyder.
Newry - Joseph Hoffman.
Tyrone township - Frederick Sneider.

TRAVERSE JURORS, FIRST WEEK.

Altoona - O. P. Bush, James Brannan, Patrick Delaney, S. I. Fries, H. Geesey, Samuel Huston, William Humes, Martin W. Kelley, Frank E. McDermitt, Thomas Miller, A. F. Orr, Thomas Stephens, Dennis Sullivan, Mal. Valentine, Theodore Wigton.
Allegheny - Henry Elway.
Antis - Edward Bell, B. B. Halfpenny, C. R. Igou, F. A. Miller, F. W. Shaffer.
Frankstown - John Herron, John Miller.
Gaysport - Philip Walker.
Greenfield - William McGraw.
Hollidaysburg - John Fitzharris, S. W. Maus, C. H. Porter.
Huston - Isaac Lykens.
Juniata - Silas Wilt.
Logan - S. B. Burket, Jacob Warebaugh.
Martinsburg - J. C. Everhart.
North Woodberry - John H. Book, Christ Bowen, Frank Glass, J. B. Kensinger, John Mateer.
Snyder - David Beyer, John Vail.
Tyrone - William McCormick.
Tyrone Borough - M. G. Crawford, Hugh Copelin, S. O. Rhodes, John K. Ray, Wm. Swope.
Woodberry - Robert McFall, Andrew Riley.

TRAVERSE JURORS - SECOND WEEK.

Altoona - John Baker, George Buckius, John Coho, B. F. Custer, Lemuel Elway, George Feiler, J. B. Stahl.
Antis - Alex. Domer, Thomas Hunter, G. Meadville.
Allegheny - John W. Basel, Jacob Hoover Joseph R. Mitchell.
Blair - George W. Rhodes.
Frankstown - George Clapper.
Greenfield - George Dively, John E. McGraw, Daniel Wentz, David H. Yingling.
Hollidaysburg - Patrick Burke, David Lindsay, George C. McCahan, John G. Reed, Charles White.
Huston - Lemuel Hewitt.
Logan - Jacob Miller, W. W. Osborne, John Riling, jr., David Smith.
North Woodberry - Daniel Diehl.
Snyder - John Lewis.
Taylor - Emanuel Hair.
Tyrone - Aaron Fleck.
Tyrone borough - Daniel Harris, J. Mientel.
Woodberry - Albert Ake.

The work of Death.

Grace, a very bright and interesting little daughter of J. G., and Elenor Davis, aged 10 months, died Thursday at noon of inflammation of the lungs.

Charles Drass, son of Jacob and Alice Drass, died at 6 o'clock Thursday morning from inflammation of the bowels, being aged 9 years.

Jesse Adlum, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Vaughn, died Thursday afternoon at 1.30 o'clock. Her age was 2 years, 4 months and 6 days. She was attacked with bronchial pneumonia about three weeks ago, and was seriously ill until Tuesday, when she appeared to be so much better that her parents confidently expected a complete restoration to health. On Wednesday morning, however, she was seized with inward spasms in which she continued until death claimed her. Jesse was a sweet, beautiful child, bright and attractive and the idol of her now distracted parents.

On Wednesday Mr. W. A. Lander, the merchant, received a telegram conveying information of the dangerous illness of his sister, Mrs. E. L. McKean, a resident of Lock Haven. Mr. Lander's father and mother departed for that place on the evening train. Thursday morning another telegram was received in this city announcing the death of Mrs. McKean, which occurred early Thursday morning. The deceased, who was a widow for the past three years, was the oldest of her family, being 48 years of age. She leaves seven children, the eldest 21 years of age. Several months ago she contracted a severe cold, which settled on her lungs, and though she had been seriously ill for some time, her death was not expected by her relatives here. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church.

Arthur, the infant son of William and Agnes Taylor died Monday evening, aged 6 months. The child had been ill only a short time, and its death was a great shock to the parents. They have the sympathy of their many friends in their affliction.

Mary Viola McKinstry, daughter of James A., and Maggie C. McKinstry, died at 6.20 o'clock Saturday evening, from pneumonia of the lungs, aged 7 years, 3 months and 21 days.

The 2-month-old child of Mr. David Shultzabarger died at the residence of its parents on Seventh avenue, near Twenty-second street, on Sunday afternoon.

The wife of William McGinty, residing on the Wopsononock road, in Logan township, died on Saturday morning. The funeral left her late residence at 9.30 o'clock Monday morning and arrived at the First Methodist church at 10 o'clock, where an impressive funeral service was conducted by Rev. A. D. Yocum. At the conclusion of the services in the church the procession proceeded to Fairview cemetery, where the interment took place.

Death of Mrs. Hewitt.

Mrs. Isadore Hewitt, the estimable wife of Mr. Elmer Hewitt, of the firm of Hewitt & Beale, died Wednesday morning at 3.20 o'clock, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Emma Henry, No. 1119 Eleventh avenue. Mrs. Hewitt suffered with consumption, having been in delicate health ever since her removal here from Washington City over two years ago, and for the past two months she was confined to her room. She looked forward to the end confidently and with firm hope of the reward beyond the grave promised to the good. She was 48 years of age. Besides Mrs. Henry, the deceased has two sisters, one being in Philadelphia and the other in Baltimore. The deceased leaves no children.

Another Promotion for John W. Renner.

The Chicago, St. Louis and Pittsburgh railroad company having acquired title to the property formerly known as the Columbus, Chicago and Indiana Central railway, will assume possession and will operate the same on and after April 2. Mr. John W. Renner, formerly of this city, has been appointed assistant comptroller. The same power and responsibility will attach as heretofore to his office in connection with the Columbus, Chicago and Indiana Central railway. We are glad to note Mr. Renner's progress upward in railroad circles. His address will still be at Pittsburgh.

A Lady Breaks Her Wrist.

Last Saturday morning Mrs. Henry Snyder met with a painful accident. She was carrying a bucket of coal from an outbuilding into her residence, corner of Seventh avenue and Fourteenth street, when she slipped on the walk and fell down, breaking the wrist. The fracture was reduced and she is getting along comfortable at present.

A MILITARY ELECTION.
New Officers of the Fifth Regiment Elected Friday Last.

At 8 o'clock Friday evening the commissioned officers of the Fifth regiment met in the parlor of the Logan house, this city, for the purpose of electing a colonel and a lieutenant colonel of the regiment, the commissions of Colonel Burchfield and Lieutenant Colonel Hastings having expired. The following officers were present:

Captain - John S. Garrett, company G, Lewistown; Samuel F. Statler, company I, Bedford; Amos Mullen, company, Bellefonte; A. C. Braughler, company F, Indiana; E. T. Carswell, company H, Johnstown; Robert B. Guthrie, company D, Altoona; E. J. Humphreys, company A, Ebensburg.

First lieutenants - R. C. Elder, company G, of Lewistown; James F. Mickel, company I, Bedford; G. L. Packer, company B, Bellefonte; John W. Sutton, company F, Indiana; H. H. Weaver, company H, Johnstown; V. D. Hudson, company D, Altoona; J. M. Thompson, company A, Ebensburg; H. A. Miller, company C, Hollidaysburg.

Second Lieutenants - John L. Guberrator, company I, Bedford; C. T. Chester, company G, Lewistown; F. W. Coxe, company H, Johnstown; L. W. Nagele, company D, Altoona; W. A. Jones, company A, Ebensburg.

The election was conducted by Assistant Adjutant General Major D. S. Keller, of Bellefonte; Major George F. Harris, of Bellefonte, and Adjutant E. M. Amies, of this city, acted as clerks. Although Colonel Burchfield had declined to be a candidate for re-election his name was put forward again, the other candidate being Major Samuel W. Davis, of Ebensburg. The election resulted in the choice of Major Davis.

For lieutenant colonel, Captain J. S. Garrett, Captain S. F. Statler and Lieutenant Colonel Hastings were nominated. Captain Garrett was elected on the first ballot.

The candidates for major were Captains S. F. Statler and Amos Mullen, the former being elected.

After the elections were over the newly elected officers thanked their brother officers for the honor conferred on them, and promised to perform the duties pertaining to their respective offices with honor and fidelity, and do all in their power to keep the regiment up to the high standard of efficiency it reached under command of the retiring officers. Colonel Davis has not yet announced the appointment of his staff officers.

Five years ago when Colonel Burchfield took charge of the regiment the organization was imperfect and so lacking in discipline that it was scarcely worthy of being called a military organization. Under his command it has advanced steadily until now it stands first in the brigade and second in the division to which it belongs. Colonel Davis is an excellent officer and very popular, and with his experience and good judgement to guide it the regiment will still advance to the high place every officer would like to see it attain.

Marriage Bells.

We clip the following from the Whiting, Jackson county, Kansas, News: Two more persons were made happy on the 4th instant, at the residence of P. A. Ehrenfeld, by being united in wedlock by Rev. J. T. Mayor, of this city. The parties were Mr. John Burtnett and Miss Clara Wilt, both formerly of Pennsylvania. A number of intimate friends were present to witness the ceremony and wish them God speed in the life they were about to enter. Mr. and Mrs. Burtnett left on the noon train for their new home in Nebraska. The News joins in with their many friends in wishing them nothing but sunshine and joy throughout their entire life." Miss Wilt was formerly of this county, but has been living in Whiting, Kansas, for some time past.

An Aged Lady Burned to Death.

On Sunday evening week Mrs. McKeage, wife of Robert McKeage, of Cherrytree, Indiana county, was burned so severely as to cause her death on the following morning. During a temporary absence of the family Mrs. McKeage's clothing caught fire in some unknown manner, and she was literally roasted to death. A neighbor hearing her cries hastened to her assistance and tore the clothes off her, but it was too late to save her life. Mrs. McKeage was a highly-respected and intelligent lady, and her death is universally regretted. She was 55 years of age.

Church Officers.

The annual election for officers was held in Christ Reformed church Friday morning. The following persons were elected to serve during the ensuing three years: As elder, J. L. Reifsneider; as deacons, Edward Lingenfelter and Peter L. Bricker; as trustee, J. L. Reifsneider. The report made by the consistory to the congregation shows the church finances to be in good condition.

Married.

MULHOLLEM - HILDABRAND. - At Bellwood, Pa., March 22, 1883, by Rev. S. F. Forgeus, Mr. Mr. Taylor Mulhollem and Miss Rosie G. Hildabrand, both of Tipton, Blair county.

OTT - YINGLING. - March 22, by Rev. J. J. Kerr, Mr. E. F. Ott and Miss Maggie J. Yingling, all of Altoona.

CLUGH - SHELLY. - At the Lutheran personage, Newry, on March 22, by Rev J. W. Henderson, Mr. George Clugh and Mrs. Kate Shelly, both of East Freedom.

RIPPLE - WICKS. - March 22, at the United Brethren parsonage, by Rev. M. O. Land, Mr. John Ripple, of Mt. Union and Mrs. Lizzie Wicks, of McVeytown.

LONG - SMITH. - On the 22d. inst. by Rev. George Warren, Mr. William Long and Miss Sadie M. Smith, both of Mapleton, Pa.

LITTLE - AURANDT. - March 24, at the residence of John Horton, at Mines, by G. B. Greaser, J. P., Mr. Rolland W. Little, of Altoona, and Miss Mary C. Aurandt, of Canoe Valley.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, March 29, 1883, page 3