NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, October 3, 1899, Blair County, PA

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Patty Millich & Alice James

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Items from the Altoona Mirror, Tuesday Evening, October 3, 1899

DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE

  Patrolman Shaffer is enjoying his vacation.
  Sergeant Weiler visited Glen Richie, Clearfield county, yesterday.  
He returned home today.
  A. Hertzog was arrested by Patrolman Helpern last night for raising a 
disturbance at the Hebrew synagogue.
  Dan Carney was arrested for drunkenness at Eighth avenue and 
Seventeenth street last night by Patrolman Keith.  He was locked up 
without any trouble.
  Yesterday afternoon Patrolman Kolley arrested George Ebright for 
drunkenness and Patrolman Baird ran in Cooney Harold for drunkenness 
and disorder.
  Alderman Irvin last evening rendered his decision in the case of 
Humane Agent McGraw against H. R. Earlenbaugh for cruelty to animals.  
The defendant was fined $10 and costs.
  George K. Bunnell, of the Thirteenth regiment, National Guard of 
Pennsylvania of Scranton, was left in New York by his regiment by a 
change in the time of leaving and was picked up by the Fighting Tenth 
and brought to this city.  He was given supper and a bed by the police 
authorities and left for home today.

NEWS IN RAILROAD CIRCLES

  The Gallitzin wreck train, hauled by engine 554, Engineer Shafer in 
charge, ran into the rear end of a west bound freight train near 
Portage yesterday morning causing a smashup which delayed traffic for a 
short time.  No one was injured though Engineer Shafer made a narrow 
escape in jumping from his engine.  The caboose and several cars of the 
freight train were damaged and derailed.  The force of  the collision 
was so great as to cause engine 554 to go over the bank.
  A peculiar freight wreck occurred on Saturday in the Pennsy's yards 
at Steelton.  A shifting engine was throwing cars from one track to 
another, when in crossing a switch a box car jumped the rails and 
continued on its way with one set of wheels on one track and the 
remaining truck on the rails opposite.  As the tracks spread the car 
gradually turned until it was running broad side.  The cars in the rear 
followed it to the wrong track and when the leader turned sidewise 
jumped the rails and upset the box car.  The engineer started the train 
ahead and without trouble pulled all the cars except the first one back 
on the tracks without the aid of the wreckers.  A brakeman, who was on 
top of the box car when it went over, was not hurt with the exception 
of a few bruises to his hands.

ALTOONA SOCIAL EVENTS

  Misses Florence and Ruth Hamilton, of 1212 Fourteenth avenue, 
entertained a number of friends at their home last night.
  Mr. and Mrs. John H. McCullough of 2004 Union avenue, entertained a 
number of their friends last evening in honor of their guests, Mrs. 
Andrew Harwick and her daughter, Miss Mary of Clearfield.
  A very enjoyable surprise party was given at the residence of  Miss 
Daisy Carney in honor of her friend, Miss Elizabeth Kerst of 
Philadelphia.  The evening was pleasantly spent in dancing and card 
playing. One of the features of the evening was a very pretty solo 
rendered by Miss Marilla Rose.  About twelve couples were present.  A 
very dainty luncheon was served at 11:30 after which all departed for 
their homes, wishing Miss Kerst a very pleasant visit.

COURT OF QUARTER SESSIONS

  The first case called at the afternoon session was that of the 
Commonwealth vs. Edward Kauffman and James Young who were indicted for 
breaking into two stores in Altoona last spring. At the June sessions 
the defendants were tried on one charge and acquitted.  The other case 
was continued until the present session to afford the commonwealth an 
opportunity to produce additional testimony but it having failed, a 
verdict of not guilty was directed.
  Huey Lingafelter, a resident of Greenfield township, was the 
defendant in an indictment for cruelly and maliciously abusing cows.
  Mrs. Adlanda Huston said that on March 22 last she saw the defendant 
stoning her cows in a field and that she saw him throw three stones 
which hit the cows.
  Huey Lingafelter, the defendant, said:  "I was farming last March for 
Harvey Burket.  Those cattle had been in the field twice in the 
forenoon and I put them out.  In the afternoon they broke in again and 
I drove them out.  I threw stones but do not know if I hit them.  I 
only wanted to get them out of the field."
  The jury found defendant not guilty but that he pay one half the 
costs and prosecutor, Andrew Huston, pay the other half.  Sentenced 
accordingly.
  Jury sworn in case of Benjamin F. Lyon a resident of Roaring Spring 
charged with fornication, statutory rape and adultery.  Prosecutor, 
Chas. Fleming.
  Elsie Viola Fleming testified:  "I was 13 years old last April.  On 
the 5th of July, 1897 I was living with my brother, George Fleming on 
First avenue, Altoona; he and his wife were away; Lyon came to the 
house that day; he came up stairs in the afternoon, where I was and 
committed the deed."
  Case was on trial at adjournment.
 
THIS MORNING'S SESSION

  The trial of the case of Benjamin F. Lyon, charged with fornication, 
statutory rape and adultery was resumed.
  T. H. Greevy, esq., attorney for the defendant after the close of 
testimony of the commonwealth, took the grounds that inasmuch as the 
prosecutrix had concealed the occurrence for twenty-one months and that 
she was not corroborated as to the commission of the crime by a single 
witness there could be no conviction.  He contended that the charge of 
rape is easily made and very hard to disprove, even through the 
defendant be innocent.
  His honor declined to direct a verdict of not guilty without hearing 
witnesses for the defense.  A number of witnesses were called, who 
testified positively that George Fleming, his wife, and Elsie Viola 
Fleming were at Frankstown on July 5, 1897 and one witness, Mrs. George 
Geesey, established the date by the fact that her child died September 
5, 1897 and when she was at Frankstown on the Fourth of July which was 
on Sunday she had this child with her.  In this she was corroborated by 
her husband.  His honor at this stage of the case said that in view of 
the testimony of these reputable witnesses a doubt had been engendered 
in his mind and while he was not passing on the guilt or innocence of 
the defendant he did not think the case should be proceeded with any 
further and he directed a verdict of not guilty.
  Jury sworn in case of William Shope, charged with breaking and 
entering a freight car in the Altoona yard on March 23, 1898.
  Alexander Corbin, conductor in the Altoona yard, said between 12 noon 
and 1 p.m. on March 23, 1898 while he was making up a train, he saw a 
man emerge from a freight car upon which the seal had been broken and 
one or two boxes of merchandise in the car were broken open.
  John Harnden said that he saw Shope at the pile of ties in the yard.  
He was told that was the man who had been in the car, and that Officer 
Meyers attempted to arrest Shope but he resisted and ran away.  On 
trial.

OPENED AND CLOSED.

  Lieutenant Henry F. Egle, of the Forty-seventh United States 
volunteer infantry, opened a recruiting office in the Altamonte hotel 
this morning and closed it this afternoon.  He said that he had come to 
the conclusion that all the men in this vicinity who wanted to fight 
the Filipinos had been enlisted by Captain Fair, for the Forty-third 
regiment.  Lieutenant Egle left on the 2:05 train this afternoon for 
Tyrone, where he will open an office.  He enlisted Wm. H. Sager, of 
Irwin, Pa., this morning, who had followed him from Johnstown.

CAPTAIN TO JOIN HIS REGIMENT

  Captain John S. Fair left on day express to join his regiment at Fort 
Ethan Allen.  He took with him Sergeant Douglass, William F. Ritter and 
Mayberry Boyles, the latter two having enlisted yesterday.  Boyles is a 
soldier, having served thirteen years in Battery H, Fifth United States 
artillery.  He was honorably discharged from the service at the 
expiration of his enlistment September 7, 1899, with the rank of first 
sergeant.

FRANKSTOWN

  Mr. A. G. Wertz has gone to Altoona where he has secured a position 
with the P. R. R. company.
  Miss Katie Wertz gave a social to her Sunday school class at her home 
on Friday evening.  An enjoyable evening was spent.
  The Junior League of the M. E. Church, under special direction of 
Miss Elsie Gorsuch, assisted by Misses Rodkey and Ling gave an 
entertainment last Sunday evening to a large audience.  Each part was 
so well rendered that we have few comments.  Some special praise is due 
Miss Madalene Shimer, a wee miss and Master Leo Smith, for their grand 
work.
  Miss Maggie Wertz of Altoona spent Sunday with home friends.
  Mr. Howard Imler of Roaring Spring and Mrs. Conrad Ickes of 
Pleasantville, Bedford county were pleasant visitors in our town over 
last Sunday.
  Mr. Daniel Weight and wife and daughter have returned from a pleasant 
visit to Bedford friends.
  Rev. Fleck of Cumberland Valley; Mr. David Hileman, wife and daughter 
of Nebraska and David Crawford and wife of Sinking Valley are the 
guests of William Bouslough and daughters.
  Mrs. Kate Turner and daughter, Pearl, and Miss Ritz of Hollidaysburg 
spent Sunday in our town.
  G. M. Rodkey and Dorsa Ritz have returned to Johnstown to resume work 
for the Cambria company.
  Mr. William Caldwell has resigned his position as boss lime burner 
for J. K. McLanahan to accept a similar one for the purchasers of the 
Funk kilns at Bennington Bridge.
  Mr. E. M. Bice left on Saturday for Johnstown where he has accepted a 
position in the time office of the Cambria Iron Co.
  Mrs. William Bice and family, after a weeks' sojourn with A. H. Bice 
and family, returned to their home in Johnstown on Saturday.
  Mrs. Burkholder and daughter of Brisbin are the guests of Mrs. James 
Gould.
  Fred Hamsey received a letter from his son, George, who is doing 
service in the Fourteenth regiment at Manila, stating that he is 
enjoying good health and is seeing much fighting.
  We are informed that W. S. Reese, in the near future, will go on the 
road as a general agent for the Osborne Implement company.
  The condition of W. C. Beard at this writing remains the same.
  Messrs. W. S. Reese and Charles Miller and Misses Hattie Miller and 
S. Kate Eicholtz will represent the Lutheran Sunday school at Blair 
county Sunday school convention at Bellwood on Thursday.
  Ray Weight visited John Walker at Burket on Sunday.
  Mrs. William Beard, who was seriously ill last week, is convalescent 
at this writing.
  Mr. Ott and family of Freedom spent Sunday with Postmaster Evans.

TYRONE NEWS ITEMS
 
  Clarence B. Wingate, telegraph operator at this station with his 
little son, Richard, is visiting his sister, Mrs. Harry Howe at 
Hampton, Va.
  James C. Crawford, son of Dr. L. F. Crawford, 110 West Tenth street, 
departed yesterday morning on Atlantic express for Philadelphia where 
he will become a student at the Jefferson medical college.
  The fire alarm yesterday afternoon shortly after 1 p.m. was 
occasioned by a slight blaze on the roof of an unoccupied dwelling 
house situated on North Lincoln avenue in the Seventh ward, the 
property of Mrs. Alice Mehan.
  The following officers and board of directors of the Pennsylvania 
railroad Young Men's Christian association were elected Saturday 
evening to serve the ensuing year: President, W. T. Canan; vice 
president, Jas. A. O'Donnell; recording secretary, S. C. Cowen; 
treasurer, H. M. Sausser; directors, Samuel Bennett, John Sprankle, P. 
O. Ammerman, Claude Watson, David Schirm, C. L. Pownell, W. P. Whitney, 
Charles Fraley, J. A. Miller and A. W. Etter.
  The fall millinery opening of Miss Laura Westbrook of 1509 Eleventh 
avenue will take place tomorrow evening.
  R. B. O'Donnell, the genial bartender at the Altamonte hotel, left 
his morning on a business trip to Newcastle, his former home.  He will 
return on Thursday.
  Mr. Elmer Moore and wife of 912 Fourth avenue have returned home 
after a ten days visit to Harrisburg and Newton Hamilton. Mr. William 
Latherow and wife accompanied them home, as they are going to Chicago 
in a few weeks to visit friends and relatives in that place.

A GHOST STORY

  George Vance, the well known P. R. R. passenger conductor has had his 
slumbers disturbed of late by what is supposed to be a ghost that 
inhabits Thirteenth alley between Eleventh and Twelfth streets.  A loud 
rapping noise has been heard coming from the stable in the alley for 
several weeks past and the general impression of people living in that 
vicinity was that a ghost had made its appearance in their vicinity.
  Last night two men concluded to investigate the matter.  Neither of 
them believe in the existence of ghosts but when they approached the 
stable at 11 o'clock last night and heard the racket, they ran away and 
went to their homes as quickly as possible.
  When seen this morning, both gentlemen were very nervous and said 
they would never go on a ghost hunting expedition again.  Conductor 
Vance listened to their story and smiled.  He said the noise was made 
by men working at night in the Presbyterian church.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN

  Henry Schilling, 133 Seventh avenue, received a paralytic stroke on 
Sunday morning at the Frohsinn hall.
  Mr. J. Frank Flanigan, who has been with the Goodfellow-Melvin 
Hardware company for the past seven years has tendered his resignation 
to take effect shortly, his purpose being to take charge of the grocery 
store of J. C. Flanigan & Co., which he recently purchased.
  Thieves with no fear of the law before their eyes raided the coops of 
Alderman Ramey on Sunday night and purloined about a dozen of his 
finest chickens.  The thieves pulled out the tall feathers out of a 
rooster and the alderman says they should come back tonight and get the 
rest of the rooster.
  A report circulated around the town on Saturday to the effect that 
Carl Lamade of East Twelfth street had met with a serious accident in 
Pittsburg.  His father went over to Pittsburg on Monday and found that 
the report was untrue.  His son was not hurt but went to work with the 
Westinghouse Co. today.

PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS

  Charles Lasher is home from a trip to Porto Rico.
  School Director James Hughes returned last evening from New York.
  Mr. M. W. Christy has gone to Mineral Point to run a stationary 
engine.
  Clinton Shey and wife of Seventh avenue are visiting friends in the 
east.
  Mrs. Ellis Irwin, 433 Sixth avenue is the guest of friends in 
Petersburg, Huntingdon county.
  Gus Neuwahl of Lancaster is spending a week at the family home on 
Thirteenth avenue.
  Gus Simon who had been confined to his home by sickness for several 
weeks was out yesterday.
  Charles Fisher, who was a member of the Homestead foot ball team is 
home to spend the winter.
  Justice of Supreme Court, Judge Dean, accompanied by his wife, left 
his morning for New York.
  Miss Elizabeth Lloyd of Columbus is the guest of her aunts, the 
Misses Hutchinson of Union avenue.
  Sarah McFarland of Philadelphia is the guest of Miss Alma England on 
Sixth avenue near Fifteenth street.
  Mrs. Katharine Cox of Tyrone, accompanied by her daughter, Laura, is 
visiting Robert Cox of Willow avenue.
  Mr. Robert Long has returned to his home in Juniata after being a 
resident of Mansfield, O., for the past year and a half.
  Miss Carrie Lloyd and Mrs. Peter Duncap of Hollidaysburg left on day 
express today for Philadelphia and New York.
  Mrs. E. Benton of Renovo is visiting friends in Altoona after an 
absence of eight years.  She is on her way west.
  C. D. Beegle, proprietor of the Lafayette hotel, who has been 
seriously ill, was able to sit up for a short time yesterday.
  Rev. Dice, formerly pastor of the Juniata Lutheran church but now of 
Clearfield county is the guest of Altoona friends.
  Miss Ruth McNally, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. T. McNally of 2423 
Maple avenue, is sojourning with her grandparents at Portage.
  United States Commissioner A. P. MacLeod of this city has been 
engaged to stump the state on behalf of the Republican ticket this 
fall.
  Mr. Frank Haupt and wife left this morning for their home in 
Columbus, O., after spending ten days with their friend, Mrs. M. Naid 
of 974 Seventeenth street.
  State secretary, George McDonald, of the Christian Endeavor society, 
left yesterday for Washington, Pa., where the society meets this week.  
He was accompanied by his wife.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASE REPORT

  The following contagious diseases were reported to the board of 
health yesterday afternoon:
  Scarletina - Ralph Stiffler, 1098 Eleventh street
  Diphtheria - Minnie G. Short, 1520 Third street
  Typhoid fever - William Rolles, 1218 Thirteenth avenue
  Scarlet fever - James Stewart, 2019 Fourth avenue; Margaret Moore, 
1694 First avenue