The American Republican & Chester County Democrat Abstracts (23 Apr 1867); Chester Co., PA
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Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Estate of Thomas HOOFMAN,
Late of the Township of Valley, dec'd.
Notice is hereby given, that Letters Testamentary on the above named
Estate, have been granted to the undersigned, to whom, all persons indebted,
will please make payment, and those having claims to present them for payment.
Amos G. WILSON,
Parkesburg
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Estate of James PAINTER
Late of the Borough of West Chester, deceased.
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary on the above estate have
been granted to the undersigned, to whom all persons indebted will please make
payment and those having claims against said state will present them for
settlement.
Betsy G. PAINTER, Executrix
West Chester, Pa.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Sad Accident On Wednesday last, a serious accident occurred at the iron ore
mines of Samuel COFFMAN, in E. Whiteland township. The edge of a shaft caved
in, burying one of the workmen, Stephen DEAN. When rescued, it was found that
his right leg was broken, and both bones protruding through the flesh for some
inches; he was also very seriously bruised in other parts of the body. His
wounds were dressed by Dr. GUNKLE, and is now in a much more comfortable
condition than could have been expected.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Fire In West Chester Two Stables completely destroyed, and four houses
partially consumed. Between the hours of 10 and 11 o'clock on Tuesday night
last, our little borough was aroused from its usually quiet attitude, by the
alarm of fire. It proved to be a frame stable belonging to Hon. Wm. EVERHART,
situate on Union street, west of Church. It being late in the evening, and the
property located in a somewhat obscure part of the town not usually frequented
by pedestrians in their evening rambles, the fire was not discovered until it
had made considerable progress. Another frame stable, the property of Mrs.
Brinton JONES, was situated in close proximity to that of Mr. EVERHART, and
which was also soon enveloped in flames. Immediately in front of these stables
was a row of two and a half story brick houses. The inmates of these dwellings
had all retired to rest, and were not aware of their danger until aroused by the
crackling of the flames, and the shouts of the firemen. The scene at this time
was truly terrific. The wind was blowing fresh from the South, and great
volumes of smoke were rolled up over the town, carrying with them millions of
sparks and burning fragments.
The heat from the burning stables was intense, and which soon communicated
the flames to the row of houses on the opposite side of the street. The
building that stood upon the corner of the alley, and which we are informed was
the first to take fire, was owned by Montgomery KINNARD, and was in the
occupancy of Mr. Thomas WALLACE. Most of the furniture was removed from this
house by the citizens and firemen, but, as is always the case under such
circumstances, was considerably damaged. Mr. W. is in delicate health, and a
poor, industrious man. Whatever his loss may be, it is one that he can barely
afford to bear. The adjoining house was owned by Enoch GIBBS. Enoch is a
colored man, and he and his family were in bed when the fire occurred. The next
house was owned by Mrs. Sarah JOYCE, a widow lady and her two daughters. The
other house was owned by Mr. James MORAN. The family were all in bed, and were
aroused by the heat and smoke. Two children of Mr. M's were in bed in the third
story, and when rescued, were still asleep. The damage to these several houses
was not very serious, and we believe is fully covered by insurance. At the time
of writing this article, new roofs have already been put on, and other necessary
repairs are being made. We understand that there were some six tons of hay in
the barn of Mr. EVERHART, together with some other property. There was a horse
and cow in the barn of Mrs. JONES, but these, fortunately, were got out; it also
contained a considerable quantity of oats and hay, which were consumed.
The Firemen of our Borough were on the ground early, and by their
energetic and skilful efforts, a large amount of valuable property was preserved
from destruction. We regret to notice that the fire department is very
deficient in good hose; several section belonging to both the West Chester and
Fame engine companies, burst almost at the commencement of operations, and the
Chief Burgess of the Borough was compelled to take quite a considerable quantity
of hose from the Good Will, in order that the other two Engines might continue
in service. This not only delayed operations for some time, but enabled the
flames to make additional progress. It also made it necessary for the members
of the Good Will to return to their House for more hose, and prevented them from
rendering any very efficient service until the flames had well nigh spent their
fury. This deficiency in Hose should be remedied without further delay. If the
Borough authorities have not the means to purchase new hose, let them call a
meeting of the citizens, and have a special tax of two or three mills authorized
for that purpose. We should be warned in time. Each company should be provided
with a sufficient quantity of good hose to fill two reels, so that while that
portion that has been in use, is being properly dried, another can be
substituted, and thus at all times be in readiness for immediate service. When
the house of Mr. PARKER took fire on Thursday afternoon last, we noticed that
one of the Companies had their hose on the side walk drying, and were thus
compelled to reel the same before answering the alarm. Fortunately their
services were not needed, but that fact cannot be used as an argument in favor
of the present practice. The Borough now contributes one hundred dollars per
annum to each of the companies, to enable them to buy hose, keep their apparatus
in order, repair buildings, provide fuel, light, oil, etc. When we take into
consideration the fact that hose alone costs in the neighborhood of $2 per foot,
it does not require a mathematical mind of any very great capacity to
demonstrate that the sum allowed is entirely too small. It is a miserable,
niggardly pittance, and fully explains why our Fire Department is in its present
dilapidated condition. The late Council, with very commendable spirit,
purchased last summer, and presented to each of the fire Companies in the
Borough, about 100 feet of hose, and this, we are informed, is about all the
really serviceable hose there is in the entire Department. We would not counsel
extravagance, but the purchase of that which is positively essential to protect
the community against fearful loss, cannot in any sense of the word be charged
to that account. We must have the Hose, and if a special tax is necessary to
secure it, let it be levied without unnecessary delay. Should the present
council fail to move in the matter, we trust the fire department, as a united
body, will.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Another Fire The alarm of fire in this Borough on Thursday last, was
occasioned by the slight burning of the window frames in the attic gable windows
of Mr. John J. PARKER'S dwelling, on High Street. They had been placed too
close to the flue of the chimney, and from which they took fire. The Fire
Department was speedily on the ground, and assisted in extinguishing the flames.
The damage done was slight. Had the fire broken out in the night, the house
would probably have burned down. There should be a law passed imposing heavy
fines upon parties constructing houses where woodwork is placed in such close
proximity to flues in which fire is used.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Post Office Robbed The store of Charles S. WELLS, in this borough, was
forcibly entered on Thursday night last. The thieves effected an entrance by
boring two holes through the back door, and then slipping the bolt. Mr. W. is
also Postmaster. The principal object of the thieves seems to have been to
plunder the Post Office, as not a single article of value in the store was
disturbed. The letters remaining in the office overnight were broken open and
scattered around the room promiscuously. It is not known how well they were
rewarded for their trouble. A number of checks, made payable to order, were
found the next morning in a lot some distance from the office. On the evening
previous to the robbery, a stranger came to the Railroad Hotel with a carpet bag
containing something like tools. He assumed to be drunk, and it is probably
that the robbery was committed by this individual. The Cabinet Maker shop of
Mr. KIRK was broken open the same night, and the bits carried off with which the
holes in the door were bored. A pick was taken from a blacksmith shop. An iron
safe that stood in the store was untouched, although it is said to have been
unlocked. A few coppers, taken from one of the drawers, are supposed to be all
that was secured of any value, by the robbers.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Fire Early on Saturday morning week, volumes of smoke were seen arising from
the tope of South Hill, about one mile from the Borough, in the woods owned by
Wm. DOWLIN, Sr., and Joshua KAMES, & Co. The wind being fresh, the flames
spread rapidly and extended over some eighty acres of sprout land. The young
wood was badly injured besides some $400 worth of fence destroyed. How the fire
originated, is unknown.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Improvement James HUMPRHEY, Esq., is about to enlarge his residence by the
erection of an additional building, that he may better accommodate his numerous
clients.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Lime Depot Mr. Garrett STRADDON has re-opened the Park Limestone quarries, at
Chester Valley Depot. This is an old quarry and has not been worked for a
period of fifteen years.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Mr. George WILLS has entered into co-partnership with E. ZOOK, in the lime-
burning business, at the first toll-gate, on the horseshoe turnpike.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Changes Mr. CLARK, Clother and Tailor, has removed from opposite the railroad
hotel to the house formerly occupied by John MULLIN. Mr. MULLIN has taken
possession of the Gallagherville hotel. Mr. SAGER has moved from RINGWALT'S
mill to one recently purchased by him in Radnor, Delaware County. A gentleman
by the name of Cox has taken possession of the mill vacated by Mr. SAGER.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Purchased Capt. Wm. R. DOWNING has purchased from the heirs, the real estate
of Charles DOWNING, dec'd., in the Borough of Downingtown. Price $20,000.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Sad accident Deborah BRADLEY, a girl about 10 years of age, and daughter of
Caleb BRADLEY, of this place, met with a sad accident on Friday, the 12th inst.
She was jumping rope on a small bank in the front yard of her father's
residence, but accidentally tripped and fell, breaking her right arm just below
the shoulder. Dr. STONE was called in, and dressed the wound, and the little
sufferer is now doing as well as could be expected.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Sales Messrs. MENDENHALL and HARLAN have sold three lots on Main Street, to
Reese DAVIS, Esq., of West Chester, and two on Union Avenue to Charles GAY, and
John DESMOND.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Fire A fire was discovered in the woods belonging to Mr. Jos. BAKER, near
Thorndale, on last Friday morning, about 12 o'clock. Two men built a fire in
the outskirts of the woods to cook their dinner, and the leaves being dry, it
soon spread, and before it could be extinguished, had burned over several acres,
destroying a large quantity of wood.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Suicide A correspondent informs us that William HARLAN, an esteemed citizen of
Newlin Township, committed suicide on Sunday, by cutting his throat from ear to
ear. No cause can be assigned for the terrible act.
Tuesday, April 23, 1867
The American Republican & Chester County Democrat
Marriages
MILTON BICKING On the 16th inst., by Rev. James TRICKETT, Mr. Job G. MILTON,
to Miss Mary E. BICKING, all of West Chester.
Deaths
PENNOCK Died, at his residence at Howellville, Del. County, on the 16th instl,
Dr. Casper W. PENNOCK, in the 68th year of his age.
BOATE On April 9th, in Reading Pennsylvania, of scarlet fever, Sally, daughter
of Geo. G. and J. A. BOATE, aged 6 years 2 mo. And 3 days. Other Chester county
papers please copy.
WOODWARD At her late residence, on West Gay St., West Chester, on the 16th
inst, of consumption, Catherine WOODWARD, wife of Jefferis WOODWARD, in the 42d
year of her age. May our last end be like hers.
MILLER On Tuesday April 16th, in Bloomington, Ill., Mary H., daughter of
Wilmer W. and Anna C. MILLER, aged 2 years and 6 months.
Farewell Mamie, thou hast left us,
All thy little plays are o'er.
Although death has thus bereft us,
Thou art only gone before.
Thou hast crossed the misty river,
And joined the angel band;
Thy tiny hands outstretched toward us,
Invite us to the better land.
Sorrowing hearts have borne thee homeward,
From the Prairies of the West,
Gentle hand have laid thee down
Amid thy kindred here, to rest.