Newspapers: The Sharpsburg/Etna Herald, Allegheny County, PA
November 30th, 1878
Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Norm Meinert, November 1999.
njm1@ghplus.infi.net
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The Herald, Sharpsburg/Etna, PA (1878-Present)
Selective Extracts From
THE HERALD
A Sharpsburg and Etna, Pennsylvania
Weekly Newspaper Publication
November 30th, 1878
Editor's Note: Here are my personal observations, and recorded
extracts, from microfilms borrowed through inter-library loan from the
Pennsylvania State Archives, on the Sharpsburg and Etna Herald newspaper,
circa 1878. Unreadable areas of question are indicated with ?'s.
The first issue of THE HERALD newspaper, in its meek and humble beginnings,
dealt primarily with an introduction of itself to the citizens of
Sharpsburg and Etna, Pennsylvania. News was scarce but nonetheless
the first issue contained light-hearted items borrowed from other
publications of that era which will NOT be reproduced. And, in a successful
effort to draw the local publics' attention, The Herald included a "PERSONAL"
column which contained one and two sentence "blurps" about some prominent
citizens' doings. Many weddings, engagements, and obituaries were generally
lumped together under this column.
As with any newspaper venture there was a need for advertisers. Initially
there were few, and gratuitiously the Editor mentions them within the news
reporting columns repeatedly.
In my attempt to salvage genealogical and historical information about
the people of the Sharpsburg/Etna areas I'm attempting to reproduce here
any pertinent facts as they were reported during these times.
Unfortunately many obituaries and/or other announcements written
during this time period do not follow any standard.
As time progressed, announcements took on a more formality and
included much more factual data.
Once I've completed recording reproductions from The Herald, I'll be
including on these pages reproductions from The Weekly Observer, a
second newspaper which was serving the Sharpsburg/Etna area during
this time era.)
FIRST EDITION
"The Herald" in its infancy, blossomed on Saturday,
November 30, 1878. News items were sparse in the beginning and much
of the newspaper space carried items of light-natured happenings.
Church related news items were used frequently; references to
advertisers were intertwined in columns of local events; and articles
relating to close friends of the Editor and Proprietor, J. A. RATTIGAN
helped fill other areas.
The "flag" for the original Herald read:
J. A. RATTIGAN, Editor and Prope.
The Herald is published every Saturday
morning, cor. Main and North Canal Streets,
Sharpsburg, Pa.
Contributions are solicited from all quarters,
and will at all times be inserted when in gener-
al keeping of this paper.
Communications for publication should be
brief as possible, plainly written, and only upon
one side of the paper. When anonymous, they
will be neither published nor returned.
Communications intended for publication must
be addressed to THE HERALD, or handed
in by Thursday noon.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH, 1878
-------------------------------------------
OUR PLATFORM
We are independent in all things,
neutral in nothing. The political
world will only hear from us when its
votes violate public confidence or
trust. Perhaps this fact will seem
strange to some of our citizens, who
think that a paper published in our
borough should wield its editorial
weapons in favor of a certain party
or platform; but we have learned that
in small publications, it is the better
way to deal fairly and impartially with
all. In criticizing certain classes of
politics, upheld by the people, it is
difficult to do so without causing hard
feelings of the criticized parties, there-
by instead of gaining the good will of
our patrons, we incur their displeasure.
-------------------------------------------
Here are some items extracted from the first issue, Vol. 1, No. 1:
Advent of Sharpsburg's First Newspaper
------
Progress, spirit of the present age,
Smiles triumphant on the printer's page
Time, noting what has just been done,
Records an era just begun.
Tell it to whomsoever you meet,
A friend today is on the street.
An event worthy to be noted down
In the annals of our growing town.
The news of the week, correctly, we think
Are reported today in printer's ink.
Is this privilege long denied,
A keen want has been supplied;
The gossip of this, and its sister town
Is gathered together and here "boiled down;"
Items of interest, from far and near,
For the old and the young, are published here;
To the household we tell a tale,
??? ???? ??? ????
Storekeepers who are knowing and wise,
Will be very apt to advertise.
O'er public humor we'll have a care,
In public success we hope to share;
The peoples' servant we'll ever be,
Our columns, to them, are always free.
And thus kind friends we'll make a start
With public interest at heart.
As such receive, and please protect
Our leaves from Winter's cold neglect:
The chilling winds of cold November,
The ice and snow of dear December,
On many a prospect, fair and bright,
Have cast their wan, and withering light,
Lives born for some glorious end,
Projects on which success might tend,
?????? ???? ????? uncharitable breath,
?????????? ????? ?????
Yet there's hope which we in secret feel--
May the Future from us never steal--
That THE HERALD shall ne'er await
The consequence of such a fate;
But may we into the household come,
And be welcomed 'round the hearth at home,
And may each family take much delight,
In reading THE HERALD Saturday night.
T.H.S.
---------------------------------------
Our Greeting (Editorial)
OUR GREETING
In this, the first issue of THE HERALD, we present to the people of
Sharpsburg, Etna, and the sevral adjoining towns, our first effort in
journalism. We may have been possessed with too much ambition when we
conceived the idea to establish a weekly newspaper in Sharpsburg; but,
nevertheless, are perfectly willing to give it a trial, notwithstanding
the several objections offered
by some of our citizens, who predicted that such an enterprise would
be rewarded by the utter derision of the people. To start a newspaper
is not a difficult matter, especially in a town where there is no journal
published, because the idea is novel; it strikes the people favorably;
but, the difficult part about newspaper publishing, is to make your paper
interesting; to make it contain all the news of interest to its readers;
and last, but not least, is to conduct it on a principle that will gain
for it the respect of the people. Sharpsburg, at the present time is one of
the most thriving towns in Western Pennsylvania, and contains a population
of between three and four thousand people, which with Etna and the
several surrounding towns held for the establishment of a local newspaper.
There are towns that have but half the population we have that support
three weekly newspapers which all pay, and why cannot Sharpsburg, that has
the name of being a first-class business town, support one? We have given
this question considerable study before we undertook this enterprise, and we
feel assured that our efforts will be rewarded. All we ask of you is to be
as lenient towards us as possible in your criticisms; to regard us as
amateurs in the business, and not to look for editorials that will
compare favorably with a "Greely," or a "Dana," and secondly, your support,
for we assure you that there is nothing that will give a young editor more
encouragement than to see his paper well patronized by the public. If the
people will bear those two points in mind, we assure you we will do all in
our power to make this enterprise a credit to our borough, and we hope the
time will come when THE HERALD will be spoken of as one of the successful
organs of the county.
---------------------------------------
Baptist Sabbath School Entertainment
Friday evening, November 22nd, the Baptist Sunday School had an
entertainment, to which THE HERALD man was, of course, invited; and
he went, with a goodly crowd of others, notwithstanding the exceedingly
tempetuous weather.
The programme was as varied as it was lengthy--so much so that quite a
number of pieces had to be omitted. However, the parts of the programme
given were excellent, and at quarter past ten o'clock the audience still
asked for more. The parts in which the children participated were enjoyed
very much, and showed considerable care in training them. Little Jennie
LEWIS sang a beggar girl song, in costume, in a manner which charmed the
audience. The tableaux were very good, notably so was the one "Simply
to Thy Cross I Cling." There was a local hit in the shape of a "Model
Literary
Society," which was said to be dedicated to the late Sharpsburg Lyceum--
a thrust in the dark. The other recitations, songs, etc., were well
rendered, and deserve a more extended notice, but our space forbids. However,
on the whole, it was quite a success, and was indeed an entertaining
entertainment. The audience said so by sending up a petition, three feet
long, asking that it be repeated on Saturday evening. Accordingly, it was done,
and the second was even better than the first.
The young people of the Baptist Church certainly deserve credit for
furnishing cheap entertainments. Sometime ago they had a free one and at
this one the price of admission was put within the reach of all.
-----------------------------------------
Personal (includes Obits, Weddings, Travel, etc.)
(Editor's Note: Unreadable areas are defined with "xxxxxxx's",
surnames were capitalized for ease of identification, spelling was left
in tact.)
PERSONAL
Squire KEIL is rapidly assuming aldermatic proportions.
Edw. H. GIBSON, as manager of a surprise party, is a success.
Mr. John J. KEIL, our enterprising Etna druggist, will soon have his name
displayed on Main street.
Wm. B. KROSEN, of Etna, is out for Coroner. Doc is a first-class
fellow, and is deserving of the people's support.
Mr. H. THICKETT was tendered a pleasant surprise party on Tuesday,
Nov. 19th. Herbert has a host of friends.
Mr. Samuel CHESSMAN, a former resident of Etna, is back in town.
He intends starting in business there at an early day.
Henry M. AYRES, our affable agent, at Sharpsburg, paid us a visit last week.
Mr. Ayres during his stay with us has gained many friends.
Capt. Robert NESBIT, our Burgess, has left for Modoc City, where he
intends starting in the grocery business. We wish him success.
W. C. MEYER, our enterprising dry goods merchant, has just returned from
the East. W. C. is all of business as ever, and deserves credit for his
enterprise.
The many friends of Mr. J. G. PATTERSON, who was severaly injured by
xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx since, will be xxxx xxxxxx xxxxx recovering.
S. E. HANNAH, Esq., of Etna, the energetic financier of that borough, is
full of business. When Mr. H. is in any way connected with an enterprise it
is always sure of success.
Thomas H. SHEDDEN, of Etna, deserves special notice for the creditable
manner he conducted the entertainment at the Baptist Church, on Friday
and Saturday evenings last.
Robert GRAHAM, Esq., our enterprising lumbr merchant, of Etna, has
lately purchased a lot on Middle street, where he proposes erecting a
fine residence. We are glad to have him with us.
John L. HODGE, formerly conductor on W.P.R.R., was in town Sunday.
He is at present engaged in the hotel business at Bradford, Pa. John L.
was always gentlemanly in his manner, and has many friends.
W. A. GILDENFENNY, of Pittsburg, was married to Mrs. Jennie ROBINSON,
daughter of T. H. GIBSON, Esq., on Thursday evening, Nov. 21st. Rev.
John SCOTT, of Grace Church, performed the ceremony.
J. McC. CREIGHTON, formerly superintendent of the W.P.R. division, was
recently appointed to general manager of the Empire line, Pennsylvania Co.,
and P. F. SMITH, late foreman of Engineers of Pennsylvania R.R., is spoken
of as his successor.
Mr. E. M. LUDWIG, formerly conductor on the W.P.R.R., and of late,
superintendent of the new Narrow Gauge, has resigned the superintendency of
the above mentioned road, and is back at his old position as conductor.
We are sorry to hear of this change, as is Mr. LUDWIG. The new road loses
a valuable assistant, and leaves a vacancy that we think cannot easily
be filled.
------------------------------------
KIRKPATRICK'S LECTURE
(from November 30th, 1878 issue)
A splendid audience assembled at the U.P. Church, Etna, to hear Hon.
John KIRKPATRICK deliver his pleasing lecture on his recent travels in
Europe. The Judge spoke some two hours, which proved very interesting
to his listeners, as his talent as an orator is unrivaled.
The management of the lecture was under J. G. WEIR, who done his part
in a creditable manner. As the lecture was for the benefit of the church,
the members turned out well, and the result was a success, as quite a large
sum was realized. The ladies of the U.P. Church intend holding a Social on
the evenings of Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st, at the Academy Hall where they
would be pleased to see their friends.
-------------------------------------------
Some Miscellaneous Items
--------------------------------------------
THE EIGHT O'CLOCK SYSTEM
The system lately adopted by the re-
spective grocers of this borough, is we
think, an admirable plan. Heretofore
they were compelled by practice to keep
open till late. By the new system of
closing at eight o'clock, it gives the
business man a few hours for recreation
after his day's toil is over. At first,
this plan was regarded by some as
being foolish; but, by degrees they
found it to be as it was intended, ben-
eficial and useful.
---
We should value affliction as we
do physic--not by its taste, but by its
effects.
-------------------------------------------
We understand that J. J. KEIL, the
enterprising Etna druggist, intends
opening a fine store in the old stand,
cor. Main and 7th sts, Sharpsburg,
where will always be found a complete
stock of everything kept in a first-class
drug store.
----
Try WHITE's improve Cherry Pec-
toral for coughs, colds &c.
----
Don't forget to ask for WATKINS'
mince meat and fruit bitters.
----
Pure Drugs and Medicines cheap at
WHITE's Etna.
----
FOR SALE--A lot 110 X 44, situated
in Etna borough, above Spang's mill,
on which is erected two frame dwell-
ing houses, one six and the other three
rooms; also, a stable 16 X 20 feet. En-
quire for terms and particulars of
Thomas HIGGINS, Etna, Pa.
----
For a good job of sign painting go
to P. A. HARTMAN
----
A very pleasant farewell meeting
was held in the Presbyterian Church
on Tuesday evening, it being the oc-
casion of a farewell tendered to Miss
Annie HERRON, previous to her depar-
ture for the foreign mission. Miss
HERRON was the recipient of a handsome
present, and a purse containing fifty
dollars in gold. She leaves behing
her a large circle of friends.
----
Considerable excitement was occa-
sioned on Saturday last by the runaway
team belonging to Mr. SCHRAMM. It
seems that while the driver, Mr. Joseph
SCHRAMM was absent, the horses took
fright from some unknown cause, and
dashed up Main street at a fearful pace.
They succeeded in turning all corners
without any damage, and were finally
captured near TIBBY's glass works.
----
Mrs. POTT's polishing irons, the best
in the market, at MYRICKS.
----
Don't forget the Social and Supper
at the Academy Hall, Dec. 31st and
Jan. 1st.
----
One of the most enjoyable social
events which we have had the pleasure
of attending for some time, took place
at the residence of Mr. Charles CAPPER,
North Canal street, on Tuesday even-
ing, Nov. 19th, it being a surprise party
given to Mr. Herbert THICKETT in honor
of his twenty-first anniversary. "Trip-
ping the light fantastic" was indulged
in, much to the enjoyment of all present,
and at a seasonable hour the guests de-
parted; but not without thanking and
leaving a good wish for the kind host
and hostess for the kind attention shown
them; the only regret offered was that
birthday celebrations after this style are
not more frequent.
----
???n. M. BRINTON was married
Thanksgiving to Miss Mollie BOYCE,
?????? them the greatest of happi-
ness.
-----------------------------------
Advertisements
--------------------------------
H. J. WAIGHT
In expressing his sincere
thanks to his Custom-
ers, and the pub-
lic generally,
for the
Liberal Patronage
he has received,
would respectfully inform them
that he has concluded to
CLOSE OUT
--his entire stock of--
GLASS,
CHINA,
QUEENSWARE,
BRUSHES,
TOYS,
Notions, Etc.,
and hereafter he will
devote his entire
time to the
Painting
Business,
in all its branches, at the
Same Old Stand,
MAIN ST.,
SHARPSBURG.
-----
It will pay you to call and ex-
amine the Stock, as no reason-
able offer will be refused.
All goods will be
--sold at--
Private Sale.
--------------------------------
JOB PRINTING
-----
RATTIGAN & PAUL
Job Printers,
Are prepared at all times to do Job
Printing on
SHORT NOTICE
And in the
Best Style of the Art.
Business Cards,
Bill-Heads,
Letter-Heads,
Statements,
Posters,
Hand Bills,
Circulars,
Agreement Notes
Wedding Invitations,
Ball Tickets,
Visiting Cards, etc.,
Printed in the best style,
Call upon or Address,
Rattigan & Paul,
Sharpsburg, Penn'a.
-------------------------------
E. MYRICK
--Dealer in--
General Hardware,
Glass, Oils, Paints, Sash,
Grate Plates, Tile, Fire Brick, &c,
Main St., Sharpsburg.
-------------------------------
R. CHESSMAN
UNDERTAKING
and Embalming promptly attended to.
Carriage, Horse and Buggies For
Hire.
Coffin Rooms and Office,
Bridge St., Etna
-------------------------------
H. C. GOODMAN
--PRACTICAL--
WATCHMAKER and JEWELER,
--and dealer in--
Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, etc.
Main St. SHARPSBURG
-------------------------------
JOHN J. KEIL,
Druggist and Pharmacist
--dealer in--
Pure Drugs, Chemicals,
Patent Medicines etc. at Lowest City Prices.
Physicians' prescriptions a specialty
Opp P.O., Etna, PA
-------------------------------
RAMSEY & CO.,
SHARPSBURG, Pa.
dealers in
Drugs, Medicines
--and--
Chemicals,
FANCY AND TOILET ARTICLES,
SPONGES,
BRUSHES & PERFUMERY.
-------
All prescriptions carefully compound-
with accuracy and despatch by competent
persons, at all all hours of the day and
night.
-------------------------------
J. R. W. TIBBY,
--Dealers in--
GROCERIES, FLOUR, PRODUCE,
--and--
GENERAL MERCHANDISE.
Main St., above 18th,
SHARPSBURG
-------------------------------
JAY M. WHITE,
DRUGGIST AND PHARMACIST,
and dealer in
Perfumary, etc.
Physicians prescriptions carefully compounded.
BRIDGE STREET, ETNA
-------------------------------
CHALFANT & DARRAGH,
dealers in
Mansfield and Anthracite
COAL,
Office and Yard at ETNA STATION
-------------------------------
J. HOLZHEIMER,
Manufacturer of
FURNITURE AND CHAIRS,
and proprietor of the Sharpsburg
Livery and ????? Stable
Undertaking promptly attende dto
Cor. Main and Ninth St.,
SHARPSBURG, Pa.
-------------------------------
GIBSON & CO.,
MERCHANT TAILORS
and dealers in
Mens' Furnishing Goods
-------------------------------
P. A. HARTMAN
HOUSE and SIGN
PAINTER,
Grainer, Glazer, Paper Hanger,
and Kalsominer.
-----
English and German Sign Painting
in all its branches a Specialty
ALL ORDERS WILL RECEIVE PROMPT
ATTENTION.
MAIN STREET, SHARPSBURG
-------------------------------
W. C. MEYERS
DRESS GOODS
Nos. 413 and 415
South Main street
Sharpsburg, Penna.
-------------------------------
SHARPSBURG "T" STORE
-------------------------------
KEILS' BAKERY,
Main Street, Sharpsburg
-------------------------------
F. W. BEALAFELD,
PRACTICAL BUTCHER,
and dealer in all kinds of
FRESH AND SALT MEATS,
Wholesale and Retail
-------------------------------