NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, October 5, 1899, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ Altoona Mirror, Thursday Evening, October 5, 1899 QUARTER SESSION COURT The taking of evidence in the case of Charles Metz, charged with selling ambrosia, was resumed at yesterday afternoon's session of court. William Leisig, a witness for defense, said he had drank ambrosia and it had no effect on him. James Schell, Christ Snyder, Dr. Ernest and Mr. Gunnett all said they drank ambrosia and it had no effect on them. Charles Metz, defendant, said - I began to sell ambrosia in December, 1897; before I began to sell it, I experimented to see what effect it would have on myself; in two days I drank about sixty bottles and it had no intoxicating effect; from my experience, I do not think it is an intoxicant. It developed upon cross-examination that the defendant purchased ambrosia from the Globe Brewing Co., of Baltimore, and before he began to sell it he secured a United States revenue license, for which he paid $20 per year. The agent told the defendant that ambrosia did not contain over 2 per cent. of alcohol. Defendant said he purchased about ten barrels, of about 1,200 bottles per month. O. H. Hewit, esq. argued the case for the defendant; W. L. Pascoe for the commonwealth. The jury retired at 3:45 p.m. Harvey Henderson pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods. Sentence deferred. Mrs. Mamie Cassel was before the court, charged with adultery. She was sentenced to pay the costs. Further sentence was suspended. Jury sworn in the case of Harry and William Weest charged with assault and battery upon Martin Higgins. Martin Higgins testified - On the evening of September 6 I went into the Grand hotel, Altoona, where the two defendants are bartenders. While there I met Tom Mac, a friend; he called up the beer and Harry Weest asked if he had any money; Mac showed our or five dollars in silver and treated all in the house a couple of times; he finally became full and asked for another drink; Harry West then squirted water in his face; Mac attempted to go out, but Harry Weest stood in front and pushed him back; I remonstrated and Harry then struck me; my both eyes were blacked. On trial at adjournment. Albert Wertz, John Mountain and W. Scott Gwin were appointed viewers to view a new public road from a point near Reservoir station to the Rhodes school house, in Blair township, and make a proper return to the court. Court adjourned until the morning at 9 o'clock. In the case of George Tillery indicted for assault and battery upon M. Tillery, the jury found the defendant guilty. He was sentenced to pay $10 fine and costs of prosecution. Joseph Hileman pleaded guilty to pointing a pistol at Mr. Geesey. He was sentenced to pay $1 fine and costs of prosecution and enter bail to keep the peace. The court continued the Commonwealth cases against George W. Curtin; Thomas M. Boyer; Emory Smith; Boyd Jackson; Raney Dick; Archy Murray; Charles Bowman; Thomas Glunt; Wm. Love; W. H. McClellen; James Murphy; John Ingold; Edward Ryan; Michael Quinn; Hyman Craine; Robert Mosely; George Lower; Henry Gerzalman; A. A. Seibert; James Miller. The following Commonwealth cases were settled: - Isaac Singerman; Sarah Nesbit; John Weakland; Jesse Detterline; Harry Jenkins; George Funk; Howard price; Wood Boyles; J. I. Burket; Charles Smith; James Hetrick. GRAND JURY RETURNS. Commonwealth vs. William Jones, assault and batter with intent to commit rape; prosecutrix, Mamie Cassel. Not a true bill and the county pay the costs. Commonwealth vs. Maurice E. Weiss, fornication and bastardy; prosecutrix, Margaret Calvert. A true bill. Commonwealth vs. Harry and Wm. Weest, assault and battery; prosecutor, Martin Higgins. A true bill. Commonwealth vs. F. O. Bee, forgery; prosecutor, D. E. Sprankle. A true bill. Commonwealth vs. John Benson, assault and battery; prosecutor, John Nagle. Not a true bill. Commonwealth vs. Robert Jones, false pretense; prosecutor, W. P. Baird. A true bill. Commonwealth vs. Harry Henderson, burglary; prosecutor, C. S. Shaffer. A true bill. Commonwealth vs. Mrs. Mary Isett, fornication. Not a true bill and county pay the costs. Commonwealth vs. Harvey Craine, wantonly discharging a loaded pistol; prosecutor, A. J. Dunkle. A true bill. Commonwealth vs. Jacob D. Reed, adultery. Not a true bill and county pay the costs. THIS MORNING'S SESSION. In the case of Charles Metz, the resident of Williamsburg charged with selling ambrosia, a beverage alleged to be an intoxicant, without a license, the jury found the defendant not guilty, but that the costs be divided between the defendant and the prosecutor, John Clark. The costs amount to $75.57. This same case was brought to court about one year ago, but it was killed in the grand jury room. The verdict in the present case seems to meet with the approval of the public. The defendant, Charles Metz, is a reputable citizen and a native of Williamsburg, being a son of the late Charles Metz, for many years a prominent citizen of that village. The trial was resumed in the case of Harry and William Weest, bartenders at the Grand hotel, Altoona, who are charged with assault and battery upon Martin Higgins on the 6th of September last. Isaac Oatman, a witness for the defense, said - I was in the barroom at the time of this occurrence; saw Harry West use the water squirter twice on Tom Mac. Higgins said, "Weest, that's enough of that now; let that man alone." Then William Weest pushed Higgins out the door; saw fists flying but did not see anyone hit Higgins in the face. Harry Weest, defendant, said he squirted water upon Mac, but he did not see his brother, William, strike Higgins. The defense offered to prove that Higgins had the reputation of being a fighting man, but his honor ruled such evidence inadmissible. Jury out. Jury sworn in the case of Hayes Snyder, charged with larceny and receiving stolen goods. The defendant, on the 4th of September, it is alleged, took a bicycle to the repair shop of Frank Stratiff, in Tyrone, which had been stolen from Charles Plummer, of Altoona. Frank Stratiff testified that the defendant brought the bicycle to his shop in Tyrone, on September 14 to have the pedal repaired. (Witness identified the wheel, which was in the court room.) Mr. Hunter, residing at Tyrone, testified - Hayes Snyder came to my house on the morning of September 14, on a bicycle. He told me he had come from Altoona; had left there the evening before at 8 o'clock. Snyder tried to sell the bicycle to my boy for six dollars. Charles Plummer - Live on Fifth avenue, between Eighth and Ninth streets, Altoona. On the evening of the 13th of September paid twenty dollars for the wheel; it was taken from the curb on Sixth avenue, between Eighth and Ninth streets, about 8 p.m. Commonwealth rests. Hayes Snyder, defendant - I was in jail for assault and battery; was discharged on September 11; I did not steal that wheel; I bought it from R. S. Goodman, east of Altoona, for $5.90; he gave his residence as Twenty-second and Arch street, Philadelphia; he said he had been boarding with his brother who wanted to hold the bicycle for boarding due, and if I would buy the bicycle, he would get on a freight and go to Philadelphia. I rode to Tyrone that night and arrived at 1 a.m.; stopped at the Farmer's hotel. LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED Dr. J. E. Smith of Johnstown was in the city this morning. W. J. Swoyer and wife, of Clearfield, are visiting friends in Altoona. Conductor Joseph Cherry of the City Passenger Railway is confined to his home by illness. C. P. Dull of McVeytown and J. F. Sellers of Huntingdon are registered at the Logan House. James Hartford has returned from New York where he took in the sights of the Dewey celebration. Mrs. Rooney of the Richelieu hotel has just returned after spending a vacation of several months at the hospitable home of her brother, J. Cullen of Spruce Creek. A pheasant flew in through the window of the Seventh avenue car yesterday morning and was captured by Motorman Kilhelner who took it to his home and ate it for dinner. Mrs. George Ferris and two children of Ash Grove who have been visiting her mother, Mrs. Anson Armstrong of 2327 Fourteenth avenue for the past three weeks, departed for Ohio today where they will visit with friends before returning home. Mr. H. H. Amheiser of 1102 1/2 Seventeenth avenue is working at his job in the book bindery on Eleventh avenue with renewed vigor. He says he has to do so now for whereas he formerly had no one but his wife and himself to keep he is now compelled to provide for one of those "bouncing baby boys" you read about. A reception was tendered to Dr. C. F. McBurney and wife, who were married recently, at the home of the groom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. McBurney, 415 Fourth avenue, last evening. Quite a number of relatives and intimate friends were present and a most enjoyable evening was spent by all. Refreshments were served and the usual social pleasures of such occasions were indulged in. UNDER THE SHERIFF'S HAMMER. The following disposition was made of properties at the adjourned sheriff's sales yesterday: Interest of John F. Rhodes in house and lot in Huston township. Sold to Provident Building and Loan association for $50. The sale of the Mrs. Annie E. Treese properties at Bellwood was held over until Friday. Interest of Mrs. Mary Kelly in a house and lot on Tenth avenue, Altoona. Held over until Friday. Interest of George H. Brown in Chestnut Avenue hotel, Altoona, and forty-nine acres and ninety-eight perches of land in Logan township. Sold to Andrew Biddle for $10,200. Interest of Grant O. Hench in tract of land in Logan township. Held till Friday. The interest of Mary Ann Mitchell in house and lot in Millville. Sold to Altoona Building and Loan association for $50. The sale of the Mrs. Malinda Newton property in Millville was stayed. The sale of the Albert Minehart property in Logan township was held over until Friday. Interest of Margaret Kelley in a house and lot, Fourth avenue and Eighth street, Altoona. Sold to J. Banks Kurtz, esq., for $381. The sales were adjourned until Friday at 1 p.m. HOME FROM WASHINGTON. Prof. Gipprich and a quartet of Altoona's best musicians, Messrs. Aug. Meinel, Fred Sahler, Ralph Dalton and Alonzo Epright, returned to this city from a delightful trip to Washington. They played Monday and Tuesday with Prof. D. Haley's great band in the Dewey celebration. Prof. Haley speaks in highest terms of our home musicians and has made very flattering inducements to Prof. Gipprich to locate permanently in Washington which he has declined. He says Altoona is good enough for him and that he came here to stay. WILLIAM ALCOTT INJURED. William Alcott, a tinsmith employed by W. J. Kimmell at Ninth avenue and Seventeenth street, met with a painful accident while at work about 8:30 o'clock last evening. While engaged in rolling spouting, the finger of his left hand was caught between the rolls and badly lacerated. The injury was dressed by a Seventeenth street physician. DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE. James O'Neil, arrested for being drunk and disorderly and abusing an officer was fined $5.80 or seventy-two hours yesterday, but sentence was suspended during good behavior. Harold Fleck, a small boy, living at Ninth street, above Howard avenue, was reported to the police as being lost yesterday. He was dressed in a blue shirt waist and pants and wore a leather cap. John Lehle and Richard Schantz, charged with larceny by bailee, are having a hearing before Alderman Stephens this afternoon. The defendants are represented by H. Price Graffius, esq. The local police authorities have been requested to look out for W. A. Airhart, aged 27 years, who absconded from Brunswick, Ga., with funds belonging to the Southern Express company. A reward of $200 is offered for his apprehension. Pius Inlow, who was arrested for being implicated in a dog fight some time ago, says he was the only one of 25 defendants who was made to pay a fine. He was assessed $7.40. Pius naturally does not think he was treated fairly, and says he was no more guilty than the other persons arrested. The prisoners arrested in the alleged disorderly house at Eighth avenue and Fourth street were given a hearing before the major last evening. Mrs. Harris and Lizzie Smith were fined $5.80 or seventy-two hours imprisonment, and they chose the latter; Bess Smith forfeited $5,80 security and Jas. Simpson was given five days in the lockup. NEWS IN RAILROAD CIRCLES. Night Stationmaster Irwin is off duty, enjoying a well earned vacation of ten days. George Smouse, a brakeman on the Hollidaysburg branch is on duty at the gate at the passenger station. W. B. Graham is filling the position of night stationmaster during the absence of Mr. Irwin and George Carpenter is doing work in the stationmaster's office. J. H. Sullebarger of Saxton, Bedford county, who is an engineer on the Huntingdon & Broad Top railroad is in the city. Mr. Sullebarger came here to attend the funeral of his sister, Mrs. Harry Bennett. He was formerly an engineer on the Pittsburg divisions and is well known in railroad circles. He left Altoona in 1881. On November 1 next, Mr. John P. Levan, general foreman of the Pennsylvania railroad car shops in this city, will celebrate the forty- eighth anniversary of his service with the railroad company. There are few members of this community whose interests have been more closely allied with the progress of this city than Mr. Levan, whose generous, substantial, upright and progressive methods have won the respect and confidence of the people of Altoona. Yesterday a number of changes went into effect in the local yards of the Pennsylvania railroad at Harrisburg, the most important of which was the appointment of an additional assistant yardmaster. Alfred Sites received this advance and took charge of his new duties. He was formerly conductor of a shifter crew and is a very popular railroad man. It is said that this appointment is simply the forerunner of some important changes that will be made within about a month. One of the changes in the transferring of Yardmaster Fisher from his present position to another branch of the service. His successor, it is said, may be his brother, who is now assistant yard master. A number of other changes were made, being in the motive power department of the yards. Miles Soil, engineer, and J. A. Pennel, fireman, were transferred from night to day duty, and were assigned to engine No. 108, at FL. C. M. Elder, engineer, and H. M. Grove, fireman, were transferred from extra to regular night and were assigned to No. 108. Other extra firemen to be given regular runs were C. Martz, assigned to No. 889, and W. McDonnel, assigned to the 756 - [Harrisburg] Patriot. HOLLIDAYSBURG. Miss Lizzie Stouffer, of East End, left today for Wheeling, W. Va., where she will visit friends. The Ladies' Guild of the Presbythereian church meet at the home of Mrs. R. H. Spendley this evening at 7:30 o'clock. Mr. William Albright has returned home from New York where he witnessed the Dewey festivities. Mr. and Mrs. George Silvey of Gaysport are spending the week in Pittsburg. The regular monthly meeting of the board of health was held on Tuesday evening. Mr. John A. Fox took the oath of office as a member of the board. Health Officer Johnson reported the abatement of several nuisances. His report concluded with remarks on the pollution of the Juniata river by the almshouse sewerage and Altoona sewage. Dr. George W. Smith was elected president of the board, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Charles Curran. The health officer was directed to notify green grocers to cease throwing oyster shells and decayed vegetables into the river at the Gaysport bridge. The Hollidaysburg gas company announces that gas will be furnished to consumers tomorrow evening. DUNCANSVILLE. Mrs. Jennie Richardson took her departure last night for Rhode Island where she will assume the management of a sanitarium. Mrs. Mary Gunnett has gone to Tyrone to spend a few days with relatives. George McCready will act as agent for the Mirror in this place hereafter. John Tate and wife are off on a pleasure trip. Among other places they will take in the sights of Philadelphia, Suffolk and Old Point Comfort. Miss Cora Beegle of Altoona is the guest of Miss Carrie Beegle. Mrs. C. S. Gable has gone to Milton to visit her parents. HENRIETTA. Mrs. E. P. Snyder, and daughter, Miss Pearl, are visiting relatives in Roaring Spring, McKee and Altoona. Miss Blanche Bowser visited her sister, Miss Emma Bowser of Altoona during the past week. Mrs. Annie Burget of this place has a head of cabbage which weighs twenty pounds. Mrs. F. G. Nicodemus and son, William, of Martinsburg are guests of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Nicodemus. Mr. Harvey Wengert of Fredericksburg was a business caller here last Saturday. Miss Maggie Smith, who is employed at Roaring Spring, spent Sunday at home. Mrs. Annie Kimmel, wife of Engineer Charles Kimmel, of East Liberty, is visiting her uncle, Mr. C. M. Snyder and other relatives. Miss Charlotte Miller of Indiana is visiting friends here. Mr. I. C. Stonerook of Curryville was noticeable on our streets on Saturday. S. R. Nicodemus has a sweet potato which weighs four pounds. Mrs. Mary Higgins of Duncansville spent part of this week with friends at this place. Miss Annie Loose is the guest of Altoona relatives. OFFICERS' COMMISSIONS HERE Colonel Theodore Burchfield has received the commissions for Captain W. Fred Reynolds, adjutant, and for Captain John C. Dunkle, First Lieutenant Harry J. Goodman and Second Lieutenant Ernest M. Newell of company A, Fifth regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania. LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN The millinery opening at Miss Laura Westbrook's last evening was largely attended. S. B. Blake has been appointed a call man in the fire department, Chas. O'Donnell, resigned. W. J. Russell of W. F. Gable & Co.'s store, wore a very pleasant smile yesterday. It's a girl. Adam Kyle has opened a new restaurant on Eleventh avenue between Sixteenth and Bridge streets. Vince Baird of 406 Oak avenue was treated at the hospital yesterday for an incised wound on the face, received at the shops. President and Mrs. McKinley and party including the entire cabinet passed through Altoona at 4:20 o'clock this morning, enroute to Chicago and the northwest. The Pennsylvania Railroad Young Men's Christian association will hold cottage prayer meeting this evening at the residence of W. F. Roland, 812 Green avenue. FIRE IN A COAL SHED. At 8:10 o'clock last evening the coal shed in the rear of 2124 Sixth avenue was discovered to be on fire. A still alarm was sent into to No. 5 hose house. One stream was turned on the fire and it was extinguished. The loss was slight. The property is owned by Mrs. Thompson. ORDER BURDENED BY ITS NAME Ask any member of the Improved Order of Heptasophs, "why do you call yourselves Heptasophs?" and he will answer in this way: "The word Heptasoph is derived from the Greek. Hepta means seven, soph means wise - seven wise men - the Seven Wise Men of Greece - don't you remember?" "But why or how does that apply to your order?" The ordinary member will tell you they give it up. And even M. G. Cohen, the supreme archon or chief officer of the order, frankly admits he doesn't know. "Not only am I unenlightened as to the reason why the name was applied to the order, but I do not propose to tell you a cock- and-bull story to let on that I do," He said to a newspaper man at Buffalo a few days ago. "I do know this, that the name was a burden to the order in its earlier years. When a member introduced himself as a Heptasoph or asked a non-member why he didn't become a Heptasoph, the non-member usually put his hand to his ear, craned his neck and asked rather sharply, "A what?" "Every fraternal organization has to have a name, you know, and one is as good as another," and the supreme officer of the order smiled such a smile of amiability as would convince a beholder that, no matter what their name or why, they are ordinary mortals, and jolly good fellows at that. PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS Mrs. George Wright is visiting friends in Williamsport. John N. Tillard formerly of this city but now of Pittsburg arrived in town last night. Miss Ella O'Brien of 808 Twelfth street, is visiting friends in Gallitzin and Latrobe. Misses Dollie Herr and Bertha Snyder of Lock Haven are guests so of J. D. Hoover of this city. James Tennis and his sister, May, have gone to Juniata county to visit their friend, Miss Wetzler. Mr. John P. Coppersmith and wife left this morning to visit friends at 328 Crawford avenue, Pittsburg. Mrs. A. F. Lahr, of 111 Fifteenth street and sister, Margaret, left this morning for Honnersville, Somerset county, to stay a week. Thomas Dillon of 1813 Twentieth avenue who has been confined to her [sic] home for the past month suffering with typhoid fever is slowly recovering. Ed. Hering, of Braddock, of the drug firm of Farnsworth & Herring was in town yesterday, having been called home by the serious illness of his brother, George. Mrs. A. L. Baker, wife of Dr. Baker, of Eleventh avenue, went to Philadelphia yesterday as delegate to the Woman's Christian Temperance union state convention, which opens there today. Ira L. Whitehead who has been bookkeeper at Frank Brandt's planing mill for some months, resigned and left on Saturday last for Philadelphia, where he will take a course in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. THE BRIDGE CLOSED. Owing to Its Bad Condition It Has Been Closed to the Public. The bridge over the Pennsylvania railroad at Twenty-fourth street has been closed to traffic of all kinds. The flooring of the driveway is not alone dangerous, but that of the east and west sidewalks as well. In the driveway and walks there are a dozen or more holes, and the centre joists are in a rotten and charred condition. A lady, a few evenings ago, in crossing over the east sidewalk, narrowly escaped falling through a large hole. At the last meeting of councils a joint resolution was passed providing for a special committee of five, in conjunction with that of highways and sewers, to investigate as to the closing of the bridge to ascertain who is responsible for the repairs to the structure and its approaches.