NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, September 25, 1899, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich 
& Alice James

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Items from the Altoona Mirror, Monday Evening, September 25, 1899

DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE.
Cases Brought Before the Mayor and the Aldermen of Altoona.

  Frank Black, arrested for riding a bicycle on the sidewalk was 
discharged with a reprimand.
  James Feeney will have a hearing before Alderman Raymond Tuesday on 
the charge of non-support of a child.
  John Bulger was arrested by Patrolman Kolley at Union avenue and 
Twenty-fifth street for drunkenness and disorder at 10:40 o'clock 
Saturday night.  He was given twenty-four hours yesterday.  
  Samuel Tipton this morning swore out an information before Alderman 
Raymond, charging Samuel Steele with disorderly conduct and threats.
  Longee Vanille, an Italian, charged another Italian, Nickolo 
Sentelle, with assault and battery and with threatening to do him 
serious bodily harm before Alderman Crampsey.
  Pasquala Capoto, an Italian, had Generoso Misdeo, a fellow 
countryman up before Alderman Crampsey on Saturday afternoon charged 
with assault and battery and threats.  The case was settled.
  Charles Taber, charged with making threats on the children of Mrs. 
Ruth Donnelly was discharged by Alderman DoByne at the hearing.  The 
Mirror was mistaken on Saturday in saying that Mrs. Connelly was the 
defendant in the case.
  Alderman Crampsey on Saturday issued a warrant for the arrest of 
Harry F. Hummel, formerly of this city but now of Williamsport.  The 
warrant was issued at the instigation of Mrs. Irene Flenner, who 
claims Hummel defrauded her out of a $10 board bill.
  Mrs. Agnes Houck, charged with keeping a bawdy house, was adjudged 
guilty at a hearing before Alderman DoByne Saturday afternoon and 
fined $30 and cost, amounting to about $40.  Tillie Snyder and Maggie 
Lear, inmates of the house, submitted, and were fined $5.80 each.
  At the police court hearings on Saturday, George Strayer, drunk, was 
discharged; Fred Statler, drunk, got twenty-four hours; a drunk was 
discharged, another drunk forfeited his security, a third drunk was 
sent up for four hours, and a drunk and disorderly forfeited his 
security.

BLAIR ARGUMENT COURT

  Court convened this morning in Hollidaysburg at 9 o'clock, Judge Bell 
presiding.
  The case of Mrs. Mary Ann Clapper vs. Frankstown township, motion for 
a new trial. Argued by A. V. Dively, esq. and W. I. Woodcock, esq.  
Decision deferred.

MOTIONS AND PETITIONS.

  In the estate of J. C. Yingling, deceased, it is ordered that M. M. 
Yingling, guardian, pay the sum of two dollars per week for the next 
twenty-five weeks to his ward, Lucretia Yingling for her support..
  Commonwealth vs. Ira Funk.  Rule awarded returnable at Argument court 
to show cause why defendant should not renew his bond to comply with 
the sentence of the court.
  A. L. Hare, sheriff, is directed to execute James A. Bowser, a 
duplicate deed for the property in Sharpsburg described in petition, 
in lieu of lost deed.
  The report of viewers of lands of J. K. Patterson, H. H. Parker and 
John G. Kline, adjoining Altoona city, recommending that said lands be 
annexed to the city, confirmed nisi.
  S. E. Morrow is appointed commissioner to inquire into the alleged 
lunacy of Peter Lee.
  In the estate of Charles Romig, the sale of real estate in Altoona 
to P. S. Hart is confirmed.  Bond of administrator in the sum of 
$3,600 approved.
  In the estate of Andrew Dillon, deceased.  Rule awarded returnable 
at argument court, to show cause why John O'Toole, esq., 
administrator, should not pay over the claim of David Masden.
  In the estate of Louisa M. Sauer, deceased, it is ordered the Rev. 
Charles L. Borecele, pay out the funds in his hands arising from the 
sale of the estate of the decedent, to heirs as agreed upon in 
petition.
  In the estate of James R. Patton, deceased, the sale of the mansion 
property on Allegheny street to John D. Blair, esq., for the sum of 
$1,300 confirmed nisi.
  Report of viewers for public road in Woodbury township, from point 
on road from Clover Creek to Williamsburg, to a point on a public road 
along Clover Creek, near its intersection with private road of S. S. 
Bottomfield.  Confirmed absolutely and road ordered opened twenty feet 
wide.
  In the ejectment suits of Samuel A. Green, et al. vs. David Koch, et 
al, Thos. H. Greevey, esq., and A. S. Fisher, esq., are directed to 
file their warrant of attorney in above cases within fourteen days 
from date of service.
  The refunding bonds in the estate of John J. Estep, deceased, were 
approved.
  E. E. Lewis, D. F. Sunderland and T. Miller, appointed viewers to 
ascertain cost of sewer in Third alley, between Fifteenth and 
Sixteenth streets, Altoona, and Oct. 21, at 2 o'clock fixed for first 
meeting of viewers on time of improvement.
  Report of R. W. Smith, auditor to distribute funds in hands of John 
Clark, assignee of H. A. S. Sisler, deceased, confirmed nisi.
  W. H. Markley, James Foust and H. A. McGraw, appointed viewers on 
sewer in Second alley, between Twentieth and Twenty-second streets, 
Altoona.
  Report of viewers on sewer in Third alley, between Lloyd and First 
streets, Altoona, confirmed nisi.
  A. M. C. Craine, H. R. Earlenbaugh and C. N. Swoyer appointed 
viewers on sewer in Third alley, between Eleventh and Twelfth streets, 
Altoona.
  The sheriff sale on the estate of Jas. R. Patton stayed.
  In the assigned estate of the Martinsburg deposit bank, the sale of 
house and lot on Penn street, Hollidaysburg to J. L. Hartman, for 
$1,800 confirmed.
  In the estate of John Calvert, deceased, the executors are directed 
to execute corrected conveyance of lot to Martha H. Ross.

PULPIT AND PEW LOCALS.
News Items of Special Interest in Religious Circles.

  Every evening this week, Rev. J. B. Ricketts, of Wilmerding, will 
preach in the United Brethren church.
  Rev. Williams preached his farewell sermon at the African Methodist 
church last evening to a good-sized audience.
  The men's Bible class will meet this evening at 8 o'clock in the 
rooms in charge of Mr. A. T. Findley.  All men are invited to attend.
  Rev. Samuel Blair preached his farewell sermon in the Epworth 
Methodist church last evening.  A large audience greeted him and at 
the close gave him an informal reception.  In the near future he will 
go to Shelton, Neb., to preach.

THE FAT TOOK FIRE.

  There came near being a conflagration at the Schneider residence at 
1121 Thirteenth avenue, about 9:30 o'clock this morning.  A large pan 
of fat that had been placed in the stove took fire and when the stove 
door was opened the flames shot up almost as high as the ceiling.  One 
of the women of the house ran to the major's office, nearby, and asked 
for assistance.  Patrol Driver Marquet and Water Clerk Charles Martin 
hurried to the house and after considerable trouble succeeded in 
removing the burning fat to the yard.

NEWS IN RAILROAD CIRCLES.
Items of Interest to Railroaders Along the Line.

  Charles J. Hepburn, at one time prominent in railroad circles, died 
at 11:20 o'clock Sunday night at 229 Pine street, Harrisburg, aged 52 
years.  He had been ill in bed for the past four weeks.  Interment 
will be made at Williamsport on Wednesday afternoon.
  William Pancake of Philadelphia, who was here attending his 
brother's funeral on Thursday last, visited the upper shops on Friday 
lat and found but five persons here who worked in the shops when he 
learned his trade.  He was the first apprentice to learn the machinist 
trade in the company's shop, in 1852.  The men he found were J. W. 
Frantz, J. H. Carr, W. W. Smith, Frank McNoldy and W. B. Ford.
  While it is reported that employes' exchange passes are to be 
entirely eliminated on all the railroads of the United States, yet the 
fact remains that most of the managers have for a long time realized 
that these little courtesies extended to the men have made them think 
more of the corporations and have a great respect for their positions, 
thereby stimulating them to do more work and do it better.  Every 
passenger train runs with empty seats most of the time and the few 
employes found on the cars do not weight the train down to any great 
extent.
  The old Baldwin passenger engine, No. 39, of the Allegheny Valley, 
which was built in 1871, is perhaps the oldest machine still in active 
use on any Pittsburg line.  In its day it was considered a fine 
engine, and although too light now for heavy trains, it is capable of 
doing good work.  After twenty-eight years of service the old 39 is 
entitled to some respect, but no doubt it will go to the scrap pile 
before long.
  Pittsburg passenger men will arrange to tender a reception to 
Traveling Passenger Agent Sidney VanDusen on his return from Denver.  
The election of Mr. VanDusen to the position of secretary and 
treasurer of the Traveling Passenger Agents' association was a 
compliment to Pittsburg and to the Frisco line.  He is a son of Chief 
Assistant General Passenger Agent Frank VanDusen, and it will be 
remembered that last year, before his wedding, he was tendered a grand 
banquet at the Monongahela House, Pittsburg.  Sidney is broad minded 
and broad hearted, and his good fellowship sheds an electric ray over 
all that it reaches.

ALTOONA GIRL HURT.

  Mary Shardon, an Altoona miss, had a narrow escape from serious 
injury on Washington street yesterday afternoon and she is now an 
inmate of the Memorial hospital, receiving treatment for her injuries. 
She made a mistake in selecting the car she wanted and boarded a 
Cambria car.  She explained her predicament to the motorman who 
advised her to remain on the car until it came around to the transfer 
station.  She evidently became excited, however, and when the car was 
passing the Penn Traffic store, she jumped and was thrown some 
distance.  She was picked up, badly stunned and carried into Conroy's 
restaurant, later being taken to the hospital. -Johnstown Tribune.

CORN STOLEN FROM A CAR.

  Eleven bags of corn belonging to H. H. Langdon, the feed dealer, 
were stolen from a car on the railroad siding at Fourth street 
Saturday night.  The theft was reported to the police this morning.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASE REPORT.

  It was reported to the board of health today that ex-County 
Treasurer W. W. Yon is suffering with typhoid fever.  Two cases of 
scarlet fever, one at the Chestnut avenue and the other at First 
avenue were also reported to the board.

LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED.

  'Squire Adelphus Ake has returned from a visit to Pittsburg.
  Alderman G. M. Metz is suffering with a severe attack of neuralgia.
  Mr. Michael Stoltz and wife of Ebensburg are guests at the residence 
of Mr. and Mrs. Isidore [unreadable surname] of this city.
  Constable Carroll arrested an Italian this morning who is charged 
with fighting.
  John P. Bracken, J. W. Lumper and George S. Avery of Gallitzin were 
Sunday visitors in Altoona.

PROMINENT IN PHILADELPHIA.
Blair County Men Who Now Reside in Quaker Town.

  About thirty years ago a very young man set sail from the port of 
Williamsburg on a canal boat, his destination being the city of 
Philadelphia.  His worldly possessions were of a very limited 
character, but he was full of pluck and natural Yankee shrewdness.  
His education was of the kind taught by that good scholarly old man, 
Prof. John Miller, remembered by the older citizens of Blair county, 
and who died several years ago in Altoona.
  When this young man arrived in Philadelphia the city was a 
revelation, and the more he saw of it, the more determined he was to 
become one of the busy throng.  But then, as now, there were other 
pebbles on the beach, and it was only by persistent daily application 
that he finally secured a position at a most meager salary in a small 
stationery store.  That was the business, however, that he decided to 
make his life's work, and how well he succeeded is known all over the 
country.
  His bright, quick, comprehensive knowledge of the business soon 
brought him to the notice of Cary Brothers & Grevenmyer, and he 
entered their employ.  After a few years as one of the army of 
mercantile travelers he became a member of the firm, and with the firm 
name changed to William H. Grevenmyer & Co, today A. Ross Metz is the 
second member of the firm, and theirs is the largest stationery and 
wall paper establishment in the United States.
  A year or two ago the firm moved from 817 Market street to 1027 
Market street, and their store is eight stories high and extends from 
Market clear back to Commerce.  Every floor is packed with goods, and 
just to give one an idea of their business, I can state that this past 
week they shipped to one point alone - California - two carloads of 
stationery.  It requires 125 persons to handle the business in the 
store, while a small army is employed at their factories and wall 
paper establishments.  Their sales in the course of a year foot up 
into the millions.  That is the career of one of Williamsburg's boys, 
and there are others.
[1900 Ward 24 Philadelphia, Philadelphia County census -
A. Ross Metz, 50  
Hannah B. Metz, 50  
E. Paul Metz, 22  
J. Clifford Metz, 17  
Thos E. Bennett, 76]

ALTOONA SOCIAL EVENTS.

  Bishop Kephart of the Allegheny conference of the United Brethren in 
Christ who was the guest of David Johnson, 1404 Eighth avenue on 
Saturday last was tendered a dinner by the clergymen who have served 
the First church of this city.  The bishop sat at the head of the 
table.  Rev. W. W. Williamson of the First church, was the his right 
and on his left was the presiding elder, Rev. G. W. Sherrick of this 
district.
  At a meeting of the Bevidere club on Saturday morning, these 
officers were elected to serve for the ensuing half year:  President, 
S. E. Bullock; vice president, Charles E. Ream; secretary, L. C. 
Burket; treasurer, R. A. Houck; master of ceremonies, Charles H. Yon; 
trustees, Charles H. Hoff, Ira S. Johnson,  S. E. Bullock. 

BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED.
  
  During the week ending Saturday, September 23, these building 
permits were issued from the mayor's office:
  To J. W. Plummer, 1919 Sixth avenue; to A. Bucher, Twenty-third 
street and Eighth avenue; To. W. R. Gamble, Thirteenth street between 
Sixth and Seventh avenues.

MORE RECRUITS LEAVE.

  John H. Weld, Edward A. Halt,  and Raymond Flynn, three more 
recruits for the Forty-third regiment left for Fort Ethan Allen on day 
express this morning.

TYRONE NEWS ITEMS.

  Thomas K. Morris of 1337 North Lincoln avenue left yesterday 
afternoon on a business trip to Pittsburg.
   Mrs. Anna M. Ray and Mrs. J. W. Howe left on Saturday for State 
College to visit the boys at school, Horatio Ray and Burket Howe.
  Mrs. J. A. Hoff, Columbia avenue and Twenty-third street and Samuel 
Haney of Nealmont are entertaining their aunt, Mrs. B. B. Kramer of 
Punxsutawney.
  Jonathan C. Haney of Champaign, Ill., is the guest of his brother, 
Samuel Haney and family of Nealmont.  Mr. Haney went to the west 
twenty-nine years ago.
  R. Newton Ellenberger and family, 235 East Tenth street, departed on 
Saturday for State College where they will make their future home.  
The removal of Mr. Ellenberger from the district creates two vacancies 
in the membership of the Tyrone school board.
  
CLOSING OF CONFERENCE.
THREE MINISTERS ORDAINED.
Appointments for the Ensuing Year Made by the Stationing Board.

  SUNDAY'S SESSION
  Sunday's session opened at 10:30 with a sermon by Bishop Kephart 
following which these ministers were ordained elders:  Revs. C. C. 
Bingham, W. V. Barnhart, and L. B. Fasick.
  After the ordination, the stationing committee announced these 
appointments for the ensuing year:
  East District - Rev. G. W. Sherrick, presiding elder.
  Altoona First Church: W. W. Williamson; Second church:  S. S. Hough.
  Bellefonte - Alexander Rhen.
  Bellwood - C. C. Miller
  Bigler - George Noden
  Birmingham - M. O. Lane
  Clarington - S. C. Robb
  Coalport - A. B. Wilson
  Conemaugh - J. M Lesher
  Dubois - W. H. Wilson
  East Salem - Wilson Crane
  East Freedom - O. T. Stewart
  Glasgow - W. F. Gilbert
  Huntingdon - B. C. Shaw
  Hustontown - H. P. Roberts
  Johnstown, First church - J. I. L. Resler
  Juniata - W. S. Tomilson
  Knoxdale - J.N. Hanes
  Lickingville - H. A. Beth
  Liverpool - C. C. Bingham
  La Jose - W. H. Mattern
  Mchaffey - C. Kahler
  Mahoning - A. M. Long
  New Paris - A. W. Maxwell
  Orbisonia - R. S. Woodward
  Patchenville - W. H. Artz
  Philipsburg - S. C. Smiley
  Port Matilda - N. H. Newell
  Punxsutawney - To be supplied
  Runville - B. J. Hummel
  Shade Gap - J. C. Erb
  Stormstown - E. B. Summers
  South Williamsport - W. D. Wertz
  Three Springs - W. R. Dulen
  Tyrone - W. W. Rymer
  West Decatur - G. A. Sparks
  Woodland - W. H. Mingle
  Union Circuit - to be supplied
  West District - Rev. L. W. Stahl, presiding elder
  Braddock, First church - I. P. Troxel
  Berlin - W. A. Jackson
  Cambria - P. L. Auker
  Claysville - R. L. Echard
  Connellsville - E. H. Barnhart
  DeHaven - E. E. DeHaven
  Dunley - J. R. Mower
  Dunlo - G. C. Cook
  East Pittsburg and Braddock Second church - A. L. Funk and M. G. 
Funk
  Fairmont - L. B. Fasick
  Greensburg - J. P. Cowling
  Hermine - J. W. Wilson
  Hooversville - E. Sharpe
  Indiana - R. M. Hamilton
  Industry - J. S. Funk
  Jenner's Cross Roads - E. James
  Johnstown, Second church - J. H. Pershing; Third church, W. H. 
Blackburn; Fourth church, T. W. Perks; Fifth church, to be supplied.
  Ligonier - A. E. Fulton
  McKeesport, First church - W. V. Barnhart; Second church, T. Sharp
  Mount Pleasant - S. W. Keister
  Middletown - J. F. Kelly
  New Florence - J. F. Hays
  Pitcairn - T. P. Orner
  Rockwood - D. R. Ellis
  Scottdale - L. Kelster
  Somerset - T. W. Burgess
  Springfield - G. W. Emenheiser
  Westmoreland - W. H. Spangler
  Wilkinsburg - J. L. Leitchliter
  Wilmerding - D. Speck
  Wilmore - A. Davidson
  Windber - E. F. Wriggle

STREET DEPARTMENT REPORT.
Statistics of the Department for the Month of August, 1899.

  The report of the Pennsylvania railroad voluntary relief department 
for the month of August shows these statistics for the Pennsylvania 
railroad division:

Total Death benefits paid:          $12,250.00
Total Accident benefits paid:        10,590.00
Total Sick benefits paid:            14,404.20

Making a grand total of:            $37,244.20

  Death benefits were paid to the beneficiaries of the persons named 
below:
GENERAL OFFICES.
  Joseph Wilde, clerk, $1,000
JUNIATA SHOPS.
  David Cassiday, Jr., machinist, 1,250
ALTOONA MACHINE SHOPS.
  F. X. Heargiest, Jr., machinist, 250
  Chas. F. Lafferty, helper, 250 
  A. Shultzabarger, watchman, 250
 Chas. E. Sharp, apprentice, 250
 A. Graupensperger, watchman, 250
GENERAL AGT., PHILADELPHIA.
  Robert Miller, cooper, 500
PHILADELPHIA DIVISION.
  Robert Miller, cooper, 500
  Anthony Daly, rubber, 250
  James L. Hoover, brakeman, 500
  James McNamara, laborer, 250
MIDDLE DIVISION.
  L. H. Nestlerode, brakeman, 1,000
  Wm. Pierce, oil house, att'd'nt, 500
  Henry C. Shreffler, laborer, 250
TYRONE DIVISION.
  Dannell E. McLucas, brakeman, 500
ALTOONA DIVISION.
  Irvin Atleman, fireman, 1,000
CAMBRIA AND CLEARFIELD DIV. 
  Wilfred P. Sanders, fireman,$500
PITTSBURG DIVISION.
  Edward J. Youler, brakeman, 500
  Jesse Beckner, brakeman, 500
  S. H. Mullin, asst. foreman, 500
  William C. Naser, shop hand, 500
  Frank Smith, laborer, 250
Total of death benefits paid, $12,250

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN.
Gathered by Mirror Scribes on Their Daily Visits.

  Mr. George Wichum is laying a new brick pavement around his 
residence, 501 Sixth avenue.
  H. H. Lampe & Co.'s store will be closed until Thursday morning, the 
28th, owning to the death of his daughter.

PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS/
Arrivals, Departures and Other Facts Concerning People Known Here.

  Miss Edith Casanave will shortly enter a young ladies' seminary in 
Washington, D. C. 
  Florist Whitbred is on the sick list, having been confined to the 
house for a week or more.
  Mr. John Nightwine, formerly of this city, but now of Newark, N. J., 
is visiting friends here.
  Mrs. Julius Wilt and daughter, Caroline, of 1205 Fourteenth avenue 
left yesterday for Philadelphia.
  Mrs. A. D. Heinz. the East Twelfth street jeweler, left Saturday for 
a visit to Pittsburg and other cities.
  Miss Jean Bluementhal, accompanied by Miss Jennie Marcus, returned 
home from Philadelphia last evening.
  Mr. Harper L. Reem, formerly of this city but now of Tyrone, spent 
Sunday with some of his Altoona friends.
  Miss Cora Leffler, of the Fourth ward, has gone to Altoona to spend a 
week with friends [Johnstown Tribune]
  Miss Mae Cowan and Mrs. Beam left last evening on a two weeks' visit 
to New York, Philadelphia and Atlantic City.
  Mrs. W. W. Weaver and sister, Miss B. Mae McGraw of Elmira N. Y. are 
visiting their parents at 508 Bell avenue.
  Mr. Harry Cox who was employed in the P. R. R. machine shop has 
accepted a position as fireman in the yard.
  Miss Mary Dunmire will leave the city this week for Philadelphia to 
take a course in dressmaking at the Drexel Institute.
  Miss Bella Keyes of the east side has returned home from Philadelphia 
where she placed her daughter, Minnie, in a hospital.
  Miss Minerva Dillon of Green avenue, left yesterday for Harrisburg to 
attend the funeral of her aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson.
  Miss Lizzie Tierney left Saturday afternoon for St. Augustine, Pa., 
to attend the wedding of her brother Jas. Tierney on Tuesday morning of 
next week.
  Schumel Eshoo, a young Persian, who is studying medicine at the 
University of Pennsylvania was the guest of Mr. Bob Arble of 1930 Union 
avenue over Sunday.
  Miss Emma Flaugh, bookkeeper for Thomas Wier, wholesale confectioner, 
left Saturday to visit friends in Pittsburg and Braddock.  She was 
accompanied by her sister.
  Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Aurandt of Beaver Dam who have been attending the 
United Brethren conference are the guests of Mrs. Samuel Kephart of 16 
Washington avenue.
  City Clerk Hamor with several of the special committee which attended 
the convention of the League of American Municipalities at Syracuse 
arrived home yesterday morning.
  Mr. Harvey Robinson and wife, of Point View, manger of F. H. Seely's 
interest at that point spent Saturday and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. F. 
E. Meloy of 1219 Eighteenth avenue.
  Youcom Kopp, the well known soda water clerk at Irwin's drug store 
who broke his collar bone some weeks ago by falling from his wheel, 
left for Philadelphia today for his vacation having fully recovered 
from his injuries.
  Mr. H. B. Reiley, manager and editor of the Carbondale News of 
Carbondale, Pa., was a pleasant caller in our sanctum this morning.  
The young gentleman is the son of Rev. W. Mac. Reiley of the First 
Avenue Methodist church, this city, and is succeeding quite well in 
newspaper life.