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Births, Marriages & Deaths From The Carbon Advocate, 1882-1883
This is the fifth in a series of vital records extracted from the Lehighton Newpaper, The
Carbon Advocate.
Like the previous parts, in extracting the births, marriages & deaths, I have not included
the following types of items:
1. Items that did not pertain to Carbon or the surrounding counties. I excluded anything west
and south of Berks County, and south of Lehigh & Northampton Counties. I generally included
anything north of Carbon county.
2. Estate notices.
3. Murder trials.
4. Coroner inquests when they are not part of the original death notice.
In extracting these records, I have copied items as completely and exactly as possible. I
have not attempted to correct any spelling errors. If I felt a need to add any text, I did so in
brackets. Although most of the papers on microfilm were easy to read, there were some times
where the image quality made things difficult. Because of this, researchers are advised to consult
the original records.
Volume 10, Number 7, Saturday, January 7, 1882
Local and Personal. James Coon, a well-known mine contractor of Pleasant Valley, Luzerne
county, acidentally shot and killed himself on Monday while hunting.
Local and Personal. Frank Dormer died at Pottsville on Saturday from the effects of injuries
received in an explosion at Otto Colliery about two weeks ago.
Local and Personal. The youngest daughter of Mrs. C. DeTschirschky, of this place, died, after
a short illness of diphtheritic croup, about 4 o'clock on Sunday afternoon last.
Local and Personal. A young man named John Leighton, a resident of Pittston, and employed as
a brakesman on the Wyoming Division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, was killed near the Weigh
Lock, below Mauch Chunk, on Wednesday morning last. Both legs were cut from the body, and
he was otherwise badly mangled. He lived but a few minutes after the accident. He was
unmarried.
Local and Personal. John W. Rickert, of Rittersville, died on Monday morning of small-pox.
He had the disease in its worst form. He was a shoemaker by trade, and leaves a wife and eight
or nine children.
Local and Personal. Thomas Williams, a miner, working at Logan Colliery, near Centralia, was
struck by a fall of slate Tuesday, and died from internal hemorrhage shortly afterward.
Local and Personal. Jerome Cole, was killed by cars at Bangor, Northampton county, on
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Saturday.
Wild Creek Items. L. A. Smith, of this place, is the happy man--it is a boy.
From the County Seat. William R. Stroh was made happy on last Wednesday morning by his
wife presenting him with a promising young son. We congratulate the young man on this
addition to his family and new member of the firm, and are glad to learn that mother and babe
are both doing well.
Surprise Party. On the 3rd inst., the children of Mrs. and Mrs. Lewis Graver, of this borough,
took occasion to surprise their parents in a very agreeable manner, in commemoration of their
fortieth marriage anniversary. Mr. Graver was the happy recipient of a valuable gold headed
cane, bearing the inscription, "To our Father, Presented by his children." Mrs. Graver was
gratefully remembered with a pair of beautiful gold specatacles and a silver castor. The whole
occasion was one long to be remembered. It speaks very highly for sons and daughters when
they regard their aged parents with love and honor. What a blessing it would be if all children,
instead of recklessly bringing the gray hairs down into the grave with sorrow, would strive to
become a source of joy and benefit to their parents.
Warren Crossland, night dispatcher at Palo Alto, was struck by an engine Wednesday evening
and fatally injured. He leaves a wife and family.
MARRIED. MORRIS-FRY.--At the "Sunnyside Parsonage," Hokendauqua, Lehigh Co., Pa.,
by Rev. James A. Little, David Charles Morris, of Ferndale, and Miss Sarah E. Fry, of
Unionville, Pa., on Saturday evening, December 31, 1881.
MARRIED. SCHUTER-HOLTZER.--On the 4th inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, at his
residence, W. A. Schuter, of Lehighton, and Miss Amelia Holtzer, of Allentown, Pa.
DIED. DeTSCHIRSCHSKY.--In this borough, of diphtheria, on the 1st inst., Wilhelmina C,
youngest daughter of Mrs. Caroline DeTschirschsky, aged 7 years, 7 months and 26 days.
Volume 10, Number 8, Saturday, July 14, 1882
Local and Personal. Thomas Moran, a miner, working at Welsh & Co's colliery, near
Minersville, in Schuylkill county, was instantly killed on Monday last. Moran and his
companion prepared a blast and lit the fuse, but before reaching a place of safety it fired, with the
above result. The other miner escaped injury by falling flat on the ground. Moran was 58 years
of age, and leaves a large and helpless family, consisting of a crippled son, a blind daughter and
an invalid wife.
Local and Personal. Martin Cain, employed at Wadleigh Colliery, near Centralia, while working
on a dirt bank Thursday evening was smothered to death by the undermined bank caving in.
Local and Personal. William Heydt, of Lower Macungie, Lehigh county, fell under a moving
coal car on Saturday and was killed.
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Local and Personal. Edward Green, a retired mine boss at Ashley, while feeding a vicious cow
Friday was gored to death. He was the father of the Green brothers who were entombed in the
Sugar Notch mines two years ago, and who lived upon mule meat for five days.
Local and Personal. David Wehr, residing near Pleasant Corner, in Heidelberg, died on Sunday
evening at five o'clock, aged sixty years and Stephen Heintzleman, also living near the same
place, died on Sunday night, aged about forty years.
Walcksville Items. January 5, 1882.--It is with regret that we have to chronicle the death of one
of our scholars, Master John Campbell. The sad event occurred on Tuesday of last week. His
death is said to have resulted from brain fever. His remains were deposited in their last resting
place, in the cemetery at Northeast Weissport, on the 30th ult.
Walcksville Items. Mrs. Thomas Zeigenfuss died on Monday, 2nd inst., at 9 o'clock a. m.
Funeral took palce at St. Paul's church, on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock.
Samuel Arthur, aged 60, residing at East Hokendauqua, while walking on the Lehigh Valley
Railroad track on his way to his work in the Fullerton Car Works, between 5 and 6 o'clock on
The Tuesday morning of last week, was struck by an engine attached to an iron train. He was
thrown upon the pilot, and carried for some distance before he was noticed by the hands on the
locomotive. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, at Bethlehem, where he died shortly
afterwards. His injuries consisted of a severe fracture of the skull and compression of the brain.
His remains were taken to Hokendauqua for interment.
Daniel Malloy received fatal injuries in William Penn Colliery, Schuylkill county, on Tuesday.
Fire-Damp Explosion at Lansford.
An explosion of fire damp occurred in one of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company's
mines, near Lansford, on Saturday last, when there were over 200 men at work. The explosion
was terrific, causing the caving in of one breast and destroying a shute and a portion of a monkey
gangway. There were 16 men at work in the section of the mine where the explosion occurred,
nine of whom were more or less severely injured. The following is a list of those injured:
Thomas Perry, fire boss, Bull Run, face and front of body badly burned-thought to be
internally injured by inhaling flames. Died from his injuries on Tuesday night.
Jacob Reinhold, Tamaqua, right leg and thigh broken, and face badly burned.
Edward Gatens, Gearytown, face cut and injured internally.
Frank Boyle, Tamaqua, thigh dislocated and face and body severely burned.
Daniel McGee, Gearytown, hands, face and body burned.
John Kline, Tamaqua, burned in several places and body bruised.
Michael Burns, Tamaqua, slightly burned.
John Sneddin, door tender, Gearytown, head cut and hands and face bruised and burned.
---- Kenarium, Tamaqua, slightly burned on hands and face.
The fire did not spread, and the damage to the mine is not serious. The explosion was
caused by a fall of coal breaking the safety lamp of fire boss Perry.
MARRIED. LOCH-STOUDT.--On the 18th ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Noah A. Loch and
Miss Mary A. Stoudt, both of West Penn, Schuylkill county, Pa.
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MARRIED. REHRIG-BOWMAN.--On the 24th ult., by the same, Henry H. Rehrig and Miss
Catharine A. Bowman, both of East Penn township, this county.
MARRIED. RICHARDS-DAUBENSPECK.--On the 25th ult., by the same, Chas. H.
Richards and Miss Emma E. Daubenspeck, both of West Penn, Schuylkill county.
MARRIED. GRILL-BOYER.--On the 17th ult., by Rev. Mr. Bruegel, Wm. W. Grill and
Jennie Boyer, both of Millport.
MARRIED. DISTLER-GREEN.--On the 24th ult., by the Rev. W. J. Peters, John C. Distler, of
Weissport, and Miss Catharine Creen, of Millport.
MARRIED. STILLE-DORWARD.--On the 1st inst., by the same, Jacob Wilson Stille, of
Slatedale, and Elvena Dorward, of Franklin.
DIED. MILLER.--On the 21st ult, in Lansford, Nathan David, infant son of Abraham and
Elizabeth Miller, aged 2 mos. and 2 days.
Volume 10, Number 9, Saturday, January 21, 1882
Local and Personal. John Williams, of Bethlehem, was killed by cars there on the 10th inst.
Local and Personal. A miner named Robert Marshall, was killed in the mines, near Scranton, on
Wednesday of last week, by a fall of coal.
Local and Personal. Thomas Gaffney, a shoemaker, of Scranton, was killed on Monday by an
accidental fall down stairs.
Local and Personal. Mrs. George Messinger, a widow, aged 75, living alone near Easton, was
found dead in her bed on Sunday morning. Her son went to visit her, and, finding the house
locked, became alarmed, and on bursting open the door found his mother dead.
Local and Personal. William Encke, Justice of the Peace, and a leading citizen of Mahanoy City,
committed suicide about five o'clock on Thursday afternoon, the 12th inst., by shooting himself
through the heart. He was forty-five years of age, and prominently identified with the National
Guard. He had recently appeared to be melancholy, and spent the afternoon at his office. His
wife and children were with him until half-past four, when they went home at his request, saying
he would follow shortly. Financial embarrassment and family difficulties are thought to be the
cause.
Local and Personal. Stephen Voxburg, a watchman on the Lehigh Valley railroad, was instantly
killed by cars at Towanda on Wednesday of last week.
Local and Personal. Robert Bartholomew, an old resident of town and supervisor of streets,
died at his residence in this borough, on Friday of last week, after a few days illness. His funeral
took place Monday and was very largely attended by relatives and friends.
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Local and Personal. Mrs. Sarah Maher, widow of James Dolon and Michael Maher, died at her
residence, Packerton, on Friday morning, 13th inst., at 10 o'clock, in the 78th year of her age, of
malarial fever. She was the daughter of the late George Fogleman, and was born in Packerton in
1804, and has ever since resided there. Her children are John C., George and Wm. Dolon, and
Mrs John Welsh and John McGinn, by her first husband, and Peter and Margaret Maher, by her
second husband. She was a lady well known and very highly esteemed. She was buried at
Lehighton on Monday morning last.
Weissport Items. An infant child of Wm. Koons departed this life on last Wednesday.
Summit Hill and Neighborhood. Summit Hill. Mrs. Mary Rickert, a highly respected resident
of this place, died in her 69th year on Tuesday, after an illness which confined her to bed for the
past eighteen weeks. Deceased was a native of Geschenhopen township, Lehigh county, Pa.,
where she was born August 29, 1812. Four sons--Samuel, Solomon, John and Joseph survive
her. Her husband preceded her to the great tribunal 10 years ago, having met his death by coal
cars on No. 1 Plane, then used to hoist coal. Mrs. Rickert's funeral took place Friday afternoon
in the Protestant cemetery. Rev. I. E. Graeff and W. H. Strouse of the Reformed and Lutheran
Churches, conducted the burial service.
Summit Hill and Neighborhood. Nesquehoning. A child of William Emanual, aged two years,
died on Wednesday morning.
Summit Hill and Neighborhood. Lansford. Henry Holland, once a resident of Lansford, died at
Bristol, England at the home of his parents, from the effect of an accident he met with by falling
off the Scren Building, Hauto, while in the employ of the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company
in the spring of 1874. Deceased was an honorably discharged soldier of the late civil war, having
served in the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
MARRIED. LENTZ-ANDREAS.--On January 7th, 1882, by the Rev. A. M. Masenheimer, Mr.
Benjamin Lentz to Miss Martha Andreas, both of Weatherly.
MARRIED. KRIEGER-GARRETT.--On January 13, by the same, Mr. Christopher Krieger to
Miss Alice Garrett, both of Weatherly.
MARRIED. TROUTMAN-HINKLE.--On January 14th, by the same, Mr. Alfred Troutman to
Miss Lucy Hinkle.
MARRIED. KRIEGER-MEISER.--On January 14th, by the same, Mr. William Krieger to
Miss Sallie Meiser, both of Weatherly.
Volume 10, Number 10, Saturday, January 28, 1882
STATE NEWS. Hon. William Hottenstein died at Maxatawny, Berks county, on Friday, in his
92d year. He was elected to the Legislature by the Democrats in 1831.
STATE NEWS. James Williams, of Kutztown, Berks county, was instantly killed on Saturday
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by the premature explosion of a blast in a stone quarry near that place.
Local and Personal. George Beck, an old resident of Wilkesbarre, who lived alone and had
accumulated considerable wealth, was found dead in his bed on last Saturday afternoon. It is
thought that he was murdered.
Local and Personal. A rock thrown from a blast at Durham Furnace, Northampton county, on
Friday, struck and instantly killed John Yost.
Local and Personal. Early on Friday morning of last week a broken axle on a tank car caused the
wreck of a freight train on the Lehigh and Susquehanna railroad, below White Haven, when
Henry D. Endy, a brakeman, was killed, and a number of freight cars smashed. Endy was about
32 years of age, and leaves a wife and three small children to mourn their loss.
Local and Personal. Stephen V. B. Kachline, a lawyer and politician of Northampton county,
fell dead at his residence in Easton, Tuesday afternoon. He was the Independent candidate for
Congress in 1874, and polled a large vote.
Local and Personal. Joseph H. Chase, a pioneer and well-known citizen of Scranton, died on
Sunday after a lingering illness.
Local and Personal. The remains of an unknown man, cut to pieces, were found Monday on the
Lehigh Valley railroad, between Bethlehem and Freemansburg.
Local and Personal. John A. Stirk, a farmer of Trexlertown, Lehigh county, committed suicide
Monday by hanging. The cause is said to have been worriment on account of going bail for a
neighbor, and which he feared he would be called on to pay.
Local and Personal. Thomas Morris, William M. Hopkins and Wm. M. Davis, miners in the
No. 1 slope of the Susquehanna Coal Company, at Nanticoke, were found dead in one of the
gangways Monday afternoon. They had been suffocated while at work.
Local and Personal. Jonathan Seidle, formerly of this borough, died at the residence of his
daughter in East Mauch Chunk, on Wednesday morning. His funeral will take place from the
Evangelical church, this borough, to-morrow (Sunday) morning, at 11:30 o'clock.
Weissport Items. Mrs. O'Brian's infant child died of diphtheria, on Tuesday.
From the County Seat. On last Tuesday evening Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Heberling, of this
borough, celebrated the 17th anniversary of their marriage, at their residence, on Broadway. We
presume they had a very pleasant and agreeable time.
Burned to Death. A shocking affair occurred at the Hampton mines, on the outskirts of Scranton,
Friday morning. William Cook, who was stricken by small pox a few days ago, was dying. His
wife and babe were in the same room on the ground floor. Mrs. Cook placed a lighted candle in
the hand of her husband and then knelt by his bedside to pray. No one had visited the house for
days. Overcome by fatigue she fell asleep, and when the candle had spent itself it burned
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through the rigid fingers of the dying man, setting the bed clothes on fire. Mrs. Cook started up,
but fainted on the floor at the sight. A crowd of neighbors gathered at the window outside and
looked in, but wouldn't venture across the threshold of the plague-stricken house. At last two
men more courageous than the rest arived at the house, burst open the door and carried out the
suffocating mother and child. Then the body of Cook was removed, and presented a frightful
spectacle, the flesh dropping from the bones. The fire was extinguished with difficulty. Mrs.
Cook has so far recovered as to tell the particulars of the unhappy affair. She says she had not
slept for several days before the occurrence and was completely worn out for lack of rest when
she knelt to pray beside her husband. They were German Catholics and the lighted candle was
placed in the hand of her husband as a symbol of the immortal light toward which the soul was
going.
DIED. BARTHOLOMEW.--In this borough on the 13th isnt., Robert Bartholomew, of palsey,
aged 64 years, 5 months and 21 days.
DIED. REIGEL.--In this borough, on the 22nd ins., William Joseph, son of Joseph and
Hermena Reigel, aged 1 year and 8 months.
DIED. SEIDLE.--In East Mauch Chunk, on the 25th inst., Jonathan Seidle, formerly of this
borough. Funeral from Evangelical church, Lehighton, to-morrow (Sunday) at 11:30 a. m.
Volume 10, Number 11, Saturday, February 4, 1882
The body of a man killed by cars near South Bethlehem on Monday of last week has been
indentified as that of Peter Stehley, of Catasauqua.
Local and Personal. Warren J. Buckalew, a son of ex-United States Senator Buckalew, of
Bloomsburg, was married on Tuesday of last week to Miss Dora Quinn, of Allentown.
Local and Personal. John M. Miller, a prominent citizen of Pottsville, died on Monday.
Local and Personal. William Garfield, infant son of Dr. W. A. Derhamer, of this borough, died
on Monday last, aged four months and 28 days. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon.
Died of Consumption. Jonas A. Hom, proprietor of the Mansion House, in this borough, died of
consumption, at about 10 o'clock last Monday night. Deceased was born near Lynnport, in
Lehigh county, and came to this county about the year 1846, since which time he has resided in
this vicinity, being engaged in business at different times as farmer, drover and hotel keeper. At
the time of his death he was treasurer of the Carbon County Industrial Society, which office he
had held for a number of years. Deceased was about 57 years of age, and leaves a wife and
several chilren to mourn the loss of husband and father. The funeral took place Friday afternoon,
3rd inst.
Dots from Lower Towamensing. Mrs. Brown, of near Millport, died on Saturday night, 21st ult.,
of consumption, after a long, lingering illness.
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From the County Seat. Early on Wednesday evening last Mrs. Lewis Beers, mother-in-law of Eli
Sensinger and housekeeper for James Belford, died very suddenly of heart disease. A short time
before her death she was attending to her household duties, when she suddenly remarked to those
in the house that she was dying, and immediately expired. How true that none can tell "what a
day may bring forth." We sincerely condole with her relatives so suddenly and unexpectedly
bereaved of one so well beloved by all.
How sad the thought that die we must,
The rich and poor, the bond and free;
And all again return to dust,
Obedient to Death's stern decree.
From the County Seat. John Sandel, son of Jacob Sandal, and Miss Emma Kiefer, daughter of
John Kiefer, of this borough, were united in marriage by Rev. E. B. Cook, at Nesquehoning, last
Saturday, at the house of Mr. Riley, the groom's brother-in-law.
MARRIED. BENNER-KEMERER.--On the 28th ult., at the residence of the bride's mother, in
this borough, by Rev. B. J. Smoyer, Mr. Charles J. Benner, of Jamestown, and Miss I. Lizzie
Kemerer.
Volume 10, Number 12, Saturday, February 11, 1882
Louis Baltz, a married man employed at the tube works of the Reading Iron Company, in
Reading, was Friday struck on the head by a large pulley, which became detached from shafting
overhead, and fatally injured.
Local and Personal. Edward Hogan, aged 13 years, fell under cars at Exeter colliery, Luzerne
county, on Saturday and was killed.
Local and Personal. Michael Hopkins, of Pittston, Luzerne county, was frozen to death on
Sunday, while under the influence of liquor.
Local and Personal. A small child of Frederick Kepping, of Hazleton, tipped a kettle of boiling
water upon itself a few days ago and was scalded to death.
Local and Personal. A Lehigh Valley passenger train struck a sleigh containing six persons, on
the Sugar Notch crossing, near Wilkesbarre, on Monday night. Nicholas Rapson, of Wanamie,
had both his legs broken, and his son William was killed. The others escaped with slight injuries.
Local and Personal. S. V. B. Kachline, Esq., who died suddenly on Wednesday of last week in
Easton, had his life insured for $5,000 in the New York Mutual.
Local and Personal. Robert H. Sayre, Esq., of Fountain Hill, South Bethlehem, superintendent
and engineer of the Lehigh Valley railroad, will soon lead to the matrimonial altar the third and
youngest daughter of the venerable Dr. Nevin, of Lancaster. It is said that the wedding will come
off in the early spring.
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Local and Personal. Michael Caddy, of Wilkesbarre, was found dead in the bottom of a well at
noon on Friday last. The cause is being investigated.
Local and Personal. John Cornelius, ex-sheriff of Pike co., and a well-known citizen, died
suddenly at his home in Milford, on Friday night, aged 68 years.
Local and Personal. Carrie, youngest child of Mr. W. H. Montz, of this borough, died of
diphtheria, on Thursday. The funeral will take place on Monday.
Local and Personal. About noon Thursday, as six Hungarians were traveling up the L. & S. R. R.
track above Mauch Chunk, they stepped off one track on to another to make way for an
approaching train, when a train from the other direction caught three of the six and killed them
almost instantly--one of them being actually cut in two pieces.
Local and Personal. Edward Wilt, who was a marine on the Kearsage when that vessel sunk the
Alabama, died in Allentown on Thursday of last week.
Fatal Accident--Fall of Top Coal. On Saturday afternoon, the 4th inst., a feeling of intense pain
was felt by the people of Jeanesville and vicinity, occasioned by an accident at No. 7 slope of the
Spring Mountain Coal Company, where by a miner named John Williams was instantly killed,
and his helper, James Coyle, very seriously, perhaps fatally injured. The accident was caused by
a fall of top coal. The body of Williams was, says the Hazleton Bulletin, crushed into an
unrecognizable mass, being completely buried beneath the fall of coal. Coyle, who was standing
a few feet away, had a piece of coal fall on his leg, severing it from the body, and but slight
hopes are entertained of his recovery.
Summit Hill and Around. Summit Hill. Mary, daughter of Condy Conningham, aged 10 years
was buried in the New Catholic cemetery on Tuesday. Death resulted from brain fever, after a
brief illness. She was an interesting child, and in their loss Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have the
sympathy of neighbors and friends.
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. Wash Brobst buried a young son on Wednesday, in the
Protestant burying ground on the Summit.
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. On Tuesday a young daughter was born to Mrs. Davis,
whose husband was burned to death in No. 4 a few months ago.
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. James McDermott, of Coal Dale, buried a son aged six
years, on Wednesday. Death resulted from congestion of the brain.
Summit Hill and Around. Nesquehoning. Robbie, a bright and interesting boy aged three years,
belonging to 'Squire Burns, died of diphtheria on Wednesday.
From the County Seat. On last Monday night death entererd the home of Paul Kiefer, jr., West
Broadway, and took from their midst their eldest son, aged about 10 years. We condole with the
parents in their sad bereavement. He was buried on Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock, in Upper
Mauch Chunk cemetery.
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May his sorrowing parents hear him say-Dear father and mother, steer this way;
So that when this life with them is past,
They may meet again in Heaven at last.
A Mine Boss' Carelessness. On the 23rd ult. three men were suffocated in a colliery, a few miles
below Wilkesbarre, and 23 others made a narrow escape from sharing the same fate. The
Coroner summoned a jury to investigate the affair, and that jury, on Thursday morning of last
week, rendered the following verdict: "That John Davis, Samuel Morris and William H.
Hughes came to their death by being smothered on the morning of the 23d of January, 1882, by
the accumulation from a fire of carbon acid and carbonic oxide gases, with other poisonous gases
and vapors, in the gangways and workings of a mine known as No. 1 shaft of the Susquehanna
Coal Co., in Nanticoke borough, and we further do say that Daniel W. Griffiths, fire boss, is to
blame for the death of the said men in saying, from inability or gross neglect, that the water pipe
had water in a running condition, and telling the men that they could go in to work--that all was
safe and right, that there was no danger, which, according to the testimony before the jury, was
incorrect. The carelessness of Griffiths is the more aggravating because the morning was one of
the coldest of the month and one which should have impressed him with his great responsibility.
Killed on the Railroad. A man named Patrick Gleason, an old resident of Allentown, met with a
frightful accident on Saturday morning last, which resulted in instant death. The unfortunate
man was on his way to work at the Allentown Rolling mill, and while crossing the track of the
Lehigh Valley railroad, at the Liberty street crossing, he was struck by an iron train. His head
was almost severed from his body, his right foot was cut off, his left leg broken at four or five
places, both arms fractured at three places, and his body terribly mangled. An inquest was held
and verdict of accidental death rendered.
MARRIED. DRUM-HARPEL.--On the 14th ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, L. A. Krum and
Miss A. M. Harpel, both of this borough.
MARRIED. REPPERT-DIETER.--On the 16th ult., by the same, John Reppert and Miss S. I.
Dieter, both of Lower Towamensing.
MARRIED. WARG-FAGAN.--On the 4th inst., by the same, Robert B. Warg and Miss Katie J.
Fagan, both of Weatherly.
MARRIED. MILLER-GREEN.--On the 5th inst., by the same, Albright M. Miller, of
Mahoning, and Miss Amanda Isabella Green, of Stemlersville.
DIED. HILL.--On the 23rd ult., in Weatherly, Ellemanda, daughter of Levi and Lydia Hill, aged
10 years, 5 months and 6 days.
DIED. FREEBY.--On the 2nd inst., in East Penn, Catharine, wife of Solomon Freeby, aged 47
years, 7 months and 24 days.
On Thursday Irvin Eschbach, aged 9 years, chopped upon a [illegible] of ice coating a water
tank at Topton, Berks county. While thus engaged the ice fell upon him and he was instantly
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killed.
Volume 10, Number 13, Saturday, February 18, 1882
AROUND THE STATE. Mrs. Emma Moyer, of Bern township, Berks county, committed
suicide on Saturday by cuting her throat. No cause is assigned for the act.
Local and Personal. Mrs. Ostrander, of Pond Eddy, Pike co., died of small pox the other day,
and as no vehicle would be had for love or money her husband and the nurse tied a rope around
the coffin and dragged it to the cemetary where the interment was made.
Local and Personal. Aggie McGeer, aged 22, living at Gilberton, Schuylkill county, while
making fire in a stove Saturday night was burned so badly by her clothes taking fire, that she
died the next morning. Her father was also severely burned in attempting to save his daughter.
Local and Personal. Jeremiah O'Brien, of Kingston, Luzerne county, fell from the high bridge at
Nanticoke, the same county, into the Susquehanna River on Sunday night, and his body floated
down the stream under the ice, and cannot be recovered at present.
Local and Personal. John Murray and John Gerrity, employes at the Honesdale Gas Works,
were suffocated by gas on Thursday night last.
Local and Personal. James A. Gordon, the oldest lawyer in Luzerne county, died at Plymouth,
in that county, on Saturday, aged 84 years.
Local and Personal. Daniel Wentz, Esq., one of the oldest and most respected citizens of the
lower end of the county, died at his home near Parryville, on the 2nd inst., of kidney disease. His
funeral took place on Monday, the 6th inst., and was very largely attended by relatives and
friends. Deceased was 75 years of age.
Local and Personal. John O'Donnell, mine boss at Summit Hill, this county, fell down the shaft,
a distance of one hundred and ninety-five feet, and was instantly killed, on Wednesday.
Local and Personal. David Q. Ehret, of Bethlehem, was killed near that place by a train on
Tuesday. He was walking on the railroad track, when an approaching train whistled. He stepped
on the other track, when a train passing at the time struck him.
Local and Personal. J. J. Kemerer, an old and much respected citizen of Towamensing died last
week, of consumption, and was buried in the Evangelical cemetery, at Big Creek on Wednesday
of last week. Deceased was a farmer and a gentleman standing high in the estimation of his
neighbors. He was about 65 years of age at the time of his death.
Local and Personal. On Friday, 3d instant, a man named Davenport died at Coalmont, near
Shickshinny, Luzerne county, of small pox. A party attempted to bury the body on the following
Saturday night, but an excited mob refused to admit it to any of the cemeteries. On Sunday
evening however, some resolute residents, stimulated by fear of spreading the infection,
11
performed the burial ceremony.
Not a Murder. Peter Bache, of this borough, died very suddenly last Saturday; complaint was
made that there had been foul play in the case--the family bearing a rough name for discord.
Whereupon a jury was summoned, and the cause of death investigated, when, on the opinions of
the physicians, N. B. Reber and W. A. Derhamer, his death was pronounced to have resulted
from natural causes--congestive pneumonia.
Killed on the Railroad. Passenger train No. 2 on the Lehigh and Susquehanna railroad, on
Thursday morning, the 9th inst., when near Hetcheltooth, above Mauch Chunk, struck and
instantly killed two Hungarians and injured a third, one of them was cut in two and the other was
terribly mangled. The man who escaped death, was thrown some distance and lodged in a snow
bank. He was hurt so badly that he could not walk, and the officers at the road put him on the
evening passenger train, and sent him to Drifton, where he has a brother. One of the men killed
was single, the other was married and leave a wife and five children in the old country.
Died of Apoplexy. Rev. Father Scanlan, pastor of the Catholic church, of Summit Hill, died of
apoplexy at an early hour on Monday morning, the 6th inst, and was buried on Thursday
afternoon in the central portion of the old burial ground. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the
weather, an immense concourse of people, including about forty priests, were present to render
the last tribute of respect to one, who during life, had labored so incessantly and faithfully for the
welfare of those under his care. Deceased was born in Limrick county, Ireland, in 1827, and
came to this county at the age of 22 years, and was ordained as a priest in 1854. He had served
the church at Summit Hill for the past 18 months.
Infanticide at Parryville.
Last Sunday morning the people of Parryville were shocked by the announcement that a
child had been found in a water closet, of one of the families resident in the upper portion of that
borough. With the consent and advice of the Chief Burgess, H. P. Cooper, Esq., the suspicious
bundle, upon which ashes had been emptied, was fished out of the cess-pool, and on examination
the suspicions of the people were confirmed--it was the body of a male child.
Sabilla Baker, the reputed mother, was arrested about 3 o'clock a. m., an hour or so after
the body of the child was found. The particulars of the case so far as developed are as follows-The single daughter, Sabilla, was thought to be enciente for two or three weeks past, then she
was repoted sick, and was not seen for nine or ten days, finally on her reappearance, it was
noticed that she was somewhat lithe in contour, and then, a day or two after, a bundle of rags was
seen in their outhouse, upon which, the following day, ashes were thrown. The neighbors
concluded to investigate the affair, and the result is that Sabilla now languishes in the county jail.
The verdict of the jury, as near as we could learn, was that the child was born alive, and that
Sabilla Baker was the mother and guilty party. Drs. Derhamer and Kutz held the post mortem.
From the County Seat. The infant daughter of Frank Reed, of West Broadway, died on last
Saturday after a short illness, and was buried on Tuesday afternoon, in the Upper Mauch Chunk
cemetery.
Dots from Lower Towamensing. Mrs. Jacob Kuntzman, of Fire Line, was surprised on Tuesday
afternoon last, by a number of ladies who assembled to celebrater her birthday.
12
Volume 10, Number 14, Saturday, February 25, 1882
Local and Personal. Dennis Hunsicker, a well known citizen of Washington twp., residing near
the Frieden's Church, died on the 9th inst., aged 65 years, 8 months and 18 days.
Local and Personal. Mrs. Messetta Heil, wife of Mr. Frank P. Heil, of Germansville, died on the
9th inst., in confinement, convulsions setting in prior to the labors of parturition, and continuing
after the delivery of the babe, in so severe a form that she fell into a comatose state and died ere
morning.
Local and Personal. An old German lady named Brobst, of Shenandoah, 60 years of age,
missing from her home since Sunday evening, was found dead Tuesday in an old breach, fifty
feet deep, near the Plank Ridge colliery, where she evidently had fallen in the dark.
Local and Personal. Albert Dick, of Hazleton, Luzerne co., while on his way to Madison, Wis.,
got off the train at Lewistown, Mifflin county, on Saturday to search for liquor, and was left
behind. He was boisterous, and was put in jail. During the night he set fire to his cell, and
received injuries which resulted in his death the next day. He had $117 in money on his person.
Local and Personal. David Ehrig was instantly killed by cars on the Lehigh and Susquehanna
Railroad, near Bethlehem, on Tuesday of last week.
Local and Personal. Phoebe Huntzinger died at Schuylkill Haven, a few days since from
excessive fatness. She was 13 years old, and weighted 180 pounds.
Local and Personal. Jacob Moyer, an old bachelor, of Penn township, Berks county, died a few
days since, leaving $20,000 to Nathanal Egan, a poor boy he was raising.
Local and Personal. Mrs. Hughes, living near Pittston, Luzerne county, was divorced on
Wednesday, 15th, and was married to a former sweetheart the next day.
Local and Personal. Hiram Watkins and William Arnold, and a lot of mules were Tuesday
blown into fragments in the Sloan Shaft of the Del., Lacka. & West. R. R. Co., by the explosion
of a 100 lb. keg of powder, caused by a spark dropped into it by a boy.
Local and Personal. Michael Brennan was found dead in his bed in his house near Minersville,
Pa., Wednesday morning, with a number of knife cuts on his body. He was 50 years of age,
unmarried and lived alone.
Since Died. We understand the surgical operation reported in our last week's issue was of no
avail in the case of Mr. Jonas Beck, of East Penn. His age, the severe injury, the subsequent
exhaustion and gangrene, all making the prognosis a bad one. The amputation of his right leg
was his only hope. He died last Sunday evening at about 8 o'clock. His wife preceeded him to
the grave only last fall.
E. D. Leisenring, of Allentown, Dead. E. D. Leisenring, of the publishing firm of Leisenring,
Trexler & Co., of Allentown, and one of the oldest and most influential German editors in this
13
State, died, Monday morning last, of softening of the brain, aged 65 years. He had been in
failing health for several years, and in 1880 took a trip to the Old world in the hope of recruiting
and succeeded to some extent. Last July softening of the brain set in, and since then he had been
incapacitated for editorial work. On Sunday, the 12th inst.,he took to his bed, from which he
never arose. He leaves a wife and nine children in comfortable circumstances.
From the County Seat. Last Thursday Mr. W. Smythcorse, of Hazleton, and Miss Lizzie Rex,
were united in marriage, at the bride's residence West Broadway, by Rev. L. B. Hoffman.
Summit Hill and Around. Nesquehoning. The nuptials between Miss Lizzie Smith and Charles
Harkins, of this place, were solemnized in the Catholic Church at Mauch Chunk on Wednesday,
Rev. Father Bunce officiating. When the ceremony was over and on the return home of the
bridal party a grand supper was served to a large number invited guests, and in the evening they
were serenaded by the Washington Cornet Band. The young couple enter upon the sea of life
with the warm congratulations of many friends and acquaintances. We wish their union one of
happiness and a long succession of years to enjoy it.
DIED. HAMM.--In this borough on the 30th ult of Consumption, Mr. Jonas Hamm, aged 58
years, 4 months and 28 days.
DIED. MANTZ.--In this borough on the 9th inst., of diphtheria, Carrie youngest daughter of
Wm. and Susan Mantz, aged 2 years, 6 months and 5 days.
DIED. NEWHARD.--In this borough on the 23d inst., the wife of Wm. Newhard, aged about
35 years.
Volume 10, Number 15, Saturday, March 4, 1882
Local and Personal. Philip Harlos, aged 5 years, living at Schultzville, Luzerne county, was
crushed to death by a wagon body falling upon him last Saturday.
Local and Personal. Samuel I. Bush, a machinist, was run over and instantly killed on the
Lehigh Valley railroad, near Bear creek, on Wednesday of last week. Deceased was a resident of
Jeansville in the employ of Hayden & Co., and had been sent by them to Bear creek, to set up an
engine for Lewis & Brodhead. The remains were sent to Jeanesville on Thursday, and interred
the same afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Local and Personal. Thomas McNerney, an employee at the Friedensville zinc mines, a single
man, aged thirty-five, committed suicide by shooting himself in the forehead, on Friday evening
last, at his room in the hotel at Friedensville. He came there about two weeks ago from
Centreville, N. J. It is said that he has a brother living in Buffalo, N. Y.
Local and Personal. John Cotter, a miner, was instantly killed by a fall at West Bear Ridge
Colliery, near Shenandoah, on Monday.
Local and Personal. Thomas McAnerney, 50 years old, a cooper in the employ of the
14
Friedensville Zinc Works, in Lehigh county, committed suicide by shooting on Friday evening.
Local and Personal. Patrick Cooligan, an inmate of the Schuylkill county almshouse, fell down
a flight of steps on Friday of last week and broke his neck.
Minersville Homicide.
As briefly announced in last week's Advocate, on the previous Wednesday morning (22nd
ult.,) the dead body of Michael Brennan, a miner, was found in bed at his home, near
Minersville, with every indication of foul murder. Brennan was unmarried and lived alone in a
small hut. He was a miner by occupation and was in the habit of indulging in periodical sprees.
A man named Duffy, while passing Brennan's house was attracted thereto by broken windowpanes and the general appearance of a fight. Upon entering the house he found Brennan as
above stated, with ten or fifteen cuts in different parts of the body, as if made by a knife. Outside
of an occasional spree Brennan was considered quiet and harmless and not known to have
incurred the ill-will of anyone. The murdered man was probably fifty years old. A jury was
empanneled who after having heard the testimony rendered the following verdict:
"We find that the said Michael Brennan came to his death by blows inflicted with a knife
and stone in the hands of some person or persons to this inquest unknown; and further, that from
the evidence produced before us we have reason to believe that James Price, Jr., of Cass
township, inflicted the blows aforesaid."
Immediately after the return of the verdict a warrant was made out for the arrest of Price.
It was placed in the hands of Captain Alderson, who, with John S. Snyder and others at once
made play for the alleged murdered. Some of the circumstances on which the jury based their
suspicions relative to Price are the threats made by him soon after he had knocked Brennan
down and the fact that he sent for Dr. Beach on Wednesday morning. The physician found that
he had been cut with a knife. Price was arrested on Friday night and lodged in the Pottsville jail.
Big Creek Items. Allen W. Buck, of this place, and Miss Ella Flexer, were married on Saturday,
Feb. 18th, and on the following Thursday evening they were serenaded by the band.
Big Creek Items. Orlando Boyer, of Lawrence, Kansas, and Miss Martha Dreisbach, of this
place, daughter of Tilghman Dreisbach, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony on Saturday
last. The happy pair have the best wishes of "Revere" for their future prosperity. Mr. Boyer left
for Kansas again on Tuesday last, but his wife will remain sometime in the East.
Summit Hill and Around. Summit Hill. Married: At the Presbyterian parsonage on February 23,
1882, by Rev. J. H. Deremus, Peter Katzmire to Miss Sarah M. O'Neil, both of Summit Hill.
Summit Hill and Around. Summit Hill. William Warlow died on Friday evening last at the age
of 60 years. He had not enjoyed good health for the past few years, being troubled with asthma,
superinduced by years of mine work. Deceased was a native of Pembrookshire, Wales, but for
the past thirty years was a resident of Summit Hill, except for a year or two he resided at Eckley,
Luzerne county. The burial took palce on Sunday, when the members of Summit Lodge, No.
576, I. O. O. F., of which he was an honored brother, attended in a body, as did members of
Lansford Lodge of the same order. Rev. Henry Thomas, pastor of the Welsh Baptist Church,
conducted the funeral services.
15
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. Benjamin Gwilym has been wreathed in smiles during the
week past. Whether it is owing to his election as School Director or over the arrival of his
seventh daughter, we at a loss to know. Both occurred on Tuesday.
From the County Seat. James McCrea, one of the oldest citizens of this borough, and in all
probability the oldest person in the county, died on last Sunday, at the residence of his daughter,
Mrs. James Huston, on West Broadway, at the extreme age of 94 years. It is said that he was
always favored with good health, scarcely ever known to have been sick. Several days before his
death he fell and injured his spine which is believed to have caused his death. It is thought by
some of his friend that if he had not met with said accident he might have reached his centennial
year. He was buried on Tuesday afternoon in the Upper Mauch Chunk cemetery. Thus in the
course of human events has passed away another of the old pioneers of this place who was
identified with the interests of our town, when old Mauch Chunk was young.
Packerton Ripples. A sociable was held at the residence of Mr. Lyman McDaniel, on Saturday
evening, in honor of Miss Anabel, it being the 21st anniversary of her birth. Quite a number of
ladies and gentlemen were present; music, dancing, &c., were indulged in, and refreshments
were served at about 10 o'clock. Miss Anabel has a host of friends, and as post-mistress is
obliging. She was the recipient of quite a number of presents among which we notietd an elegant
gold chain from her father. The party broke up about midnight, with many good wishes for the
future of Miss Anabel.
MARRIED. REBER-PETTIT. At Parryville, on the 25th ult., by Rev. W. F. Sheppard, of the
M. E. church, William W. Reber, M. D., of Lehighton, and Miss Lizzie Pettit, of Parryville, Pa.
MARRIED. SEABOLDT-PETERS.--On the 16th ult., by Rev. W. J. Peters, Howard Seaboldt,
of Lehighton, and Miss Louisa Peters, of Neffsville, Lehigh county, Pa.
MARRIED. MYERS-MILLER.--On the 23rd ult., by Rev. W. C. Hesser, Valentine Myers and
Miss Viola Miller, both of Rockpor, Pa.
MARRIED. LUTZ-RAUCH.--On the 20th ult by Rev. Jos. Watson, Henry M. Lutz and Miss
S. A. Rauch, both of Hickory Run, Pa.
Mr. Simon K. Ullman was found dead in his bed in Williamsport on Saturday. It is supposed his
death was occasioned by heart disease.
Alice Berkey, a child, of Clayton, Berks county, swallowed strychnine by mistake on Thursday
and died a few hours afterward.
At Reading Thursday, Henry Strausberger, a German and a stranger in the place committed
suicide by shooting himself through the body with a pistol. Poverty was supposed to be the
cause.
16
Volume 10, Number 16, Saturday, March 11, 1882
Hon. Benjamin S. Bentley died at Williamsport, on Monday morning, after a short illness, aged
73 years. He was former President Judge of the XXIXth Judicial District, and afterwards Judge
of the Lackawanna District.
Local and Personal. Daniel Ferry, a conductor of a coal train, was instantly killed by cars near
Wilkesbarre on Saturday.
Local and Personal. Michael Sourleran, a Hungarian, was killed by cars on the Lehigh Valley
Railroad, near Allentown on Saturday.
Local and Personal. The four-year-old daughter of William Dennis was burned to death in
Scranton on Saturday. Her clothing accidentally took fire.
Local and Personal. While fishing on Thursday last, in Jordan creek, Allentown, Lafayette P.
Weaver, aged 14 years, residing near the iron bridge, fell into water and was drowned. The body
was carried down the stream about a mile, and was not recovered until the following afternoon.
Local and Personal. About 11 o'clock on Thursday morning of last week, a miner at the
Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Co's Indian Ridge colliery, near Shenandoah, named
Michael L. Brennan, was instantly killed. He was a contractor and was engaged in robbing
pillars at the time of the accident. A piece of top coal, weighing some eight or ten tons, dropped
on him. He was 35 years of age, and leaves a wife and three children.
Local and Personal. Patrick Brislin of Summit Hill, was killed in the mines by a fall of coal at
Ebervale Tuesday morning. It was his first day in the mines at Ebervale. his body was taken to
Summit Hill on the 3:15 p.m. train. Neal Bonner was seriously hurt at the same time.
Local and Personal. Patrick Cummins, a slate picker, was killed at Erie breaker, near Scranton,
on Monday, by being caught in the machinery.
Walksville Items. Death has been again in our midst and has taken the light of the home circle-the oldest and brightest daughter of Wm. Sensinger, of this place. All that kind parents and a
faithful physician could do was done for her, but all to no purpose. Her disease was diphtheria,
of which she suffered only a week. The sad event has cast a deep gloom over the hearts of her
playmates and people of this place; but she is gone--her breath has flown, her smile has departed,
her struggle is o'er, her life was but a dream. Some one has said "human life is the bud of being,
the dim dawn of day, the vestibule of existence," and it is pleasant to know that the departed one
has gone to the better world, and roams on the banks of the beautiful river. Her remains were
interred in the St. Paul's cemetery, on Saturday morning; Rev. J. S. Erb, of Slatington, conducted
the funeral servies. She was aged 9 years, 5 months and 22 days. The family have our most
heartful sympathy in their sad bereavement.
A Terrible Death. John Munday, aged seventeen years, a driver at the Lehigh Coal and
Navigation's No. 11 breaker, near Lansford, met with a terrible death Friday. He was driving a
mule on the breaker trestling just before dinner and jumped on the mule's back to ride part way.
17
The rattling of his dinner can, which he carried on his arm, frightened the mule so that he ran
away. In attempting to jump off the mule Munday's foot caught in the traces and he was
dragged over the sills and railroad track a distance of a quarter of a mile, crushing his head so
terribly that his brains were scattered over the road. The unfortunate young man's remains were
picked up and conveyed to his home at Gearytown.
A Death-Bed confession. The Reading News publishes the death-bed confession of Mrs. George
Metz, who died recently in that city. Her husband was owner of a large farm in Berks county in
1862, and employed a young married man at that time named John Rauch.--Rauch suspected
Metz of intimacy with his wife, and during a fight in the barn over the matter Rauch was killed.
Metz set fire to the barn, consuming the body of Rauch, and before his death a few years ago
confessed the deed to his wife. She, unwilling to carry the secret to the grave, confessed it to her
friends on her death bed.
From the County Seat. We are sorry to learn that death has enterred the family of Wm. McGee,
of the second ward, and suddenly took from their midst a bright two-year-old son, with that
much dreaded disease croup.
Weissport Items. Prof. F. P. Fenner, of this place, not thinking it wise for man to be alone, took
unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Gussie Shaffer, of Shamokin, on Saturday, Feb. 18th
inst., and not at the time stated by "Ike." The happy couple have "Quint's" best wishes for
success through married life.
AROUND THE STATE. Edward Mosher, a log driver, from Nova Scotia, was drowned in Lick
Run, near Lock Haven, on Saturday.
MARRIED. DIEHL-STROHM.--On Jan. 28th, by the Rev. J. E. Freeman, Frank P. Diehl and
Miss Mary E. Strohm, both of town.
MARRIED. RAMALY-KLOTZ.--On the 27th ult., by Rev. J. E. Freeman, James Ramaly and
Miss Eliza M. Klotz, both of North Weissport, Pa.
DIED. HAHN.--In Towamensing, on the 22nd ult., Mary Jane, daughter of Washington and
Catharine Hahn, aged 14 years and 8 days.
Volume 10, Number 17, Saturday, March 18, 1882
Parryville Items. We have learned of the death of Mrs. Dennis Wentz, at the residence of her
father, Mr. Charles Belford, of this place, where she has been stopping the last ten days. She
passed away very quietly at 2 o'clock Thursday morning. She had been sick for some time with
consumption.
Parryville Items. Mrs. Lauer, of this place was buried last Wednesday. She had been married
about a year and was just past 17 when, through a fall, she was prematurely confined and died of
child-bed fever. The woman was highly respected. She was the oldest daughter of Mr. Laf.
Brown, of this place. The case was a very sad one and the family have the sympathy of the
18
whole community. The funeral was largely attended.
From East Penn. Penrose George, our genial landlord, is happy over a young son, and Isaac
Ginder, after 7 years of married life, smiles over a young daughter.
Local and Personal. John Monaghan and Frank Manning were struck by a wagon descending
the plane in Indian Ridge Colliery, near Pottsville on Tuesday afternoon. Monaghan was
instantly killed and Manning seriously injured. The accident was caused by the breaking of a
bolt on the wagon when near the top of the plane.
Local and Personal. The wife of Henry Schmauch, of Beaver Meadow, died on Tuesday
morning last, after a short illness, at the age of 72 years. She was buried in the Beaver Meadow
cemetary.
Local and Personal. It is reported that Miss Lydia Woodward, sister of Judge Stanley
Woodward, of Wilkesbarre, is soon to be married to Colonel E. A. Hancock, of Philadelphia.
Local and Personal. Martin Joyce was killed by a fall of coal in one of the mines near Mahanoy
city on Tuesday of last week.
Local and Personal. Capt. John Laubach, an aged and a prominent citizen of Northampton
county, on going upstairs to bed, on Thursday night of last week, at his residence in
Kreidersville, fell back, fracturing his skull, and died almost immediately. He was a prominent
business man, was a member of the first Board of Prison Inspectors, and, in the old militia days,
commanded a company of light horse.
Local and Personal. Mrs. Carolina Eugenia Coppee, mother of Professor Henry Coppee, LL.D.,
of Lehigh University, died on Thursday night of last week, at the residence of Dr. Coppee, at
South Bethlehem.
Local and Personal. William V. Ruth, aged about 34 years, fell into the Lehigh river, at Easton,
last Saturday night, and was drowned. A wife and two children mourn his untimely taking off.
Summit Hill and Around. Summit Hill. Alex. McLean and Miss Rachael McLaughlin were
married in St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Saturday evening.
Summit Hill and Around. Nesquehoning. Two infant children, one belonging to John Watson
and the other to Thos. Richards, were buried in the Protestant cemetary this week.
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. Mr. and Mrs. J. Pry lost their infant daughter by death on
Wednesday, at the age of six weeks. The remains were interred on the Hill Friday.
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. Mrs. Daniel Munday died on Wednesday after a long
illness. She was a native of Glentise, Donegal county, Ireland, where she was born in the
neighborhood of sixty-five years ago. Interment took place in the Catholic burying ground
Friday. Her husband survives her.
19
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. Mrs. John McGlynn died on Monday morning at 3 o'clock
after months of painful suffering from cancer of the stomach. Deceased was a native of Donegal
county, Ireland, and was about 56 years of age. The funeral took place at St. Joseph's old
Catholic cemetary on the Hill Wednesday afternoon.
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. Mrs. Lager, of Mechanicsville, died suddenly on Sunday
evening. She had been sitting in a rocking chair and fell into what the folks in the house
supposed was a sleep, with her face in her lap. Presently it was discovered that she was dead. it
is supposed she suffocated. She was buried in the Protestant graveyard on the Hill Tuesday
afternoon.
Thomas Rogers, of Girardville, Schuylkill county, labored under the hallucination that a fortune
had been left him and that it would come on the 2 o'clock train of the Lehigh Valley Railroad on
Tuesday of last week. It did not come and he killed himself.
Volume 10, Number 18, Saturday, March 25, 1882
Local and Personal. John Lantham, a miner, was killed by a fall of rock near Wilkesbarre on
Friday last.
Local and Personal. J. W. Freeman, a well-known journalist of Wilkesbarre, died on Tuesday
night of consumption.
Local and Personal. Late Thursday night of last week, a German tramp, 50 years old, was found
suffocated to death at No. 2 furnace of the Allentown Iron Works He was an old stager and
known as "Charlie." A pet cat belonging to him and which had accompanied him in his
wanderings was found suffocated at the same time and place.
Local and Personal. James Campbell, an old resident of Carbondale, was struck by a passenger
train Friday and instantly killed. His body was thrown several feet in the air, but not a mark was
found on his person.
From the County Seat. Mrs. James McGee, an old resident of East Mauch Chunk, died suddenly
and unexpectedly with appoplexy and was buried on Wednesday morning in the Catholic
Cemetery, in East Mauch Chunk.
From the County Seat. The only child and daughter of M. H. Headman, of the 2nd ward, died
on Monday last, after a short illness. Aged 6 years. The parents have the sympathy of all their
friends in their sad bereavement.
From the County Seat. We are sorry to report the death of Mamie Walters, eldest child of Alfred
W. Walters, (son in-law of W. H. Stroh, of this place), who after having suffered about two
weeks with an excruciating pain in her head, departed this life on last Tuesday morning at their
home in Mill Hollow, Pa., aged 6 years and a few months. We sincerely condole with the family
in their sad loss, for she was a promising child and an amiable, obedient and loving daughter, and
her absence will be keenly felt. The funeral took place from the residence of W. H. Stroh,
20
Market Square, on Thursday at 2 o'clock p. m. She was interred in the Upper Mauch Chunk
Cemetery.
Walcksville Items. We are for a third time called upon to chronicle the death of another of our
pupils Birdie Sensinger--another victim of that dread disease diphtheria, making 17 or 18 that
have died of this disease in this village. Her sister Clara preceded her to the grave only one
week. Her remains were deposited in their last resting place in the cemetery at St. Paul's church
on Tuesday of last week. Rev. J. S. Erb, of Slatington conducted the funeral services. She was
aged 6 years and 11 days.
Walcksville Items. An infant of Richard Miller, of North East Weissport died on Sunday
morning.
Dots from Lower Towamensing. A son of Nicholas C. Strohl died of small-pox last Saturday
night, another child and the father are down with the disease. The father is not expected to
recover.
Dots from Lower Towamensing. Michael Schuler, of Fire Line, one of the oldest inhabitstants
of Lower Towamensing, died at the advanced age of 90 years. He was buried in the Catholic
Cemetery above Bowman's, on the 11th inst.
Obituary. The Rev. Dr. Lyman Coleman, professor of Latin in Lafayette college, Easton, died of
paralysis Thursday morning, aged 85 years. He was born as Middlefield, Mass., in 1796, entered
Yale College at the age of 14 and graduated in 1817. For three years subsequently he was
principal of the Latin Grammar School, Hartford, and then became tutor in Yale, where, during
four years, he had William M. Everts and William Adam, D. D., LL. D., president of Union
Theological Seminary, New York city, among his pupils. During this time he took a theological
course and became pastor of the Belchertown, (Mass) Congregational Church. After seven years
he accepted the position of principal of the Burr Seminary, Vermont, and subsequently
transferred his efforts to Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. In 1842 he went abroad and on his
return became professor of German in Princeton. In 1856 he again went abroad and on his return
twenty years ago, began his connection with Lafayette College.
Volume 10, Number 19, Saturday, April 1, 1882
Local and Personal. John Lewis, a well-known politician of Lackawanna county, was killed, last
Saturday evening, while firing a blast in the Hampton mines, at Scranton.
Local and Personal. By an explosion of gas in the Laurel Run mines, of the Delaware & Hudson
Coal Co., at Parsons, near Wilkesbarre, on last Saturday night, James Ashford, James Williams
and William Scoville were severely burned. The latter has since died.
Local and Personal. Mrs. Laury, mother of Frank Laury, of Weissport, died on Wednesday of
this week.
Local and Personal. John Schwab, of Franklin twp., died during the week, and was buried on
21
Thursday afternoon. Mr. Schwab was one of the oldest residents of the township, and is said to
be the man who lost the mackeral out of his wagon, giving the name Mackeraltown to the village
across the river opposite to Lehighton.
Local and Personal. Abraham Deibert, a simple-minded youth of South Manheim, Schuylkill
county, committed suicide, on Saturday last, by hanging.
Specials from Albrightsville. Never so happy was Wm. Getz, sr., as on last Monday, when his
wife presented him with the 16th token of her affection--an 11lb. bouncing boy.
Obituary--Mrs. John Lentz.
At 12 o'clock on Sunday night, Elizabeth, widow of the late Col. John Lentz, died at the
residence of her son, John S. Lentz, in this borough, after long and painful suffering from cancer,
which she bore with true christian patience and resignation. The deceased was the daughter of
Samuel and Maria Hoch, of Maxatawny twnsp., Berks county, where she was born, grew up to
womanhood, and married her first husband, Jacob Metzger, by whom she had four children,
three of whom have preceded her "home," and dying in infancy and two--Daniel and Amanda-after reaching maturity. After the death of her first husband, she married our late highly
respected townsman, Col. John Lentz, by whom she had three children; one, Alice, dying in
infancy, and two, John S. and Franklin P., surviving her. At the time of her death she was aged
68 years, 5 months and 1 day.--She leaves three children--one by the first and two by the last
husband, 12 grand children and one great-grand child, with numerous other relatives who,
deplore the loss of a kind mother and generous friend.
The funeral took place from the residence of her son, John S. Lentz, in this place, on
Thursday afternoon, and was very largely attended by relatives and friends who had assembled to
pay the last tribute of respect to all that was earthly of mother and friend. The services were
performed by Rev. J. H. Hartman, of the Reformed church, and Rev. G. W. North, of the M. E.
church. Requiescat in pace.
Railroad Accidents. Charles Rehr, a young married man residing in this borough, and who was
employed as a brakeman on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, was fatally injured last Monday, by
coming in contact with the bridge at the Allentown furnace as his train was passing under it. He
was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, but the unfortunate man's injuries were such that he died shortly
afterwards. His remains were brought to his home, in this place, on Tuesday evening. He leaves
a wife but no children. The funeral took place on Thursday.
Railroad Accidents. About 12 o'clock on Friday night, 24th ult., while walking on the Lehigh
Valley track on his return from Siegfried's Bridge, Eli Steckel, of the Coplay Iron Co's Works,
was struck by a freight train and received very serious injuries. He was sent to St. Luke's
hospital for treatment. The poor fellow has since died.
Railroad Accidents. Mrs. Patterson, a young married woman, was instantly killed on the
railroad at Shenandoah Thursday while picking coal.
Fatal Boiler Explosion. The boiler at the ore mine of Chas. Leiser, situate about two miles south
of Allentown, exploded with fatal effect Thursday after noon of last week. James Weaver, the
engineer, was fixing the fires at the time, and was thrown six feet backward, falling into a well
22
60 feet deep and containing 35 feet of water. He was dead when taken out. The unfortunate man
leaves a wife and seven children. Harry Leister, aged 17 years, son of the proprietor of the mine,
was struck by the fire box and had a leg broken. A new check valve had been connected with the
engine that afternoon which failed to work properly, and before the engineer was aware of it the
boiler was empty. The pressure of steam at the time was only 10lbs. The verdict of the coroner's
jury, holds no one responsible for the explosion, but the evidence shows carelessness on the part
of the engineer, who unwittingly permitted the boiler to become empty.
A Probable Suicide at Wilkesbarre. William F. Parker, aged about 30 years, of the firm of T.
Parker & Son, one of the oldest jewelry houses in Wilkesbarre, died Saturday afternoon last, in
his hotel apartment, from the effect of an overdose of chloral. It is thought that Parker took the
dose with a view to end his life, as it is currently reported that a young and beautiful lady, to
whom he was engaged, broke the engagement the previous week. He retired to bed at nine
o'clock Friday night, and when called at his usual hour Saturday morning answered the porter.
At ten the servant knocked on his door again, but received no reply, and at noon the door was
burst open, and Parker found lying on the bed in a state of unconsciousness. Three physicians
were in attendance on him during the afternoon, but their efforts were unavailing, as he died at
about six o'clock.
From the County Seat. The youngest child of D. J. Betz, of Susquehanna street, died on
Saturday, and was buried in the cemetery on the hill on Monday last.
Parryville Items. Mrs. Henry Blose was buried last week, died of child bed fever complicated by
dysentery. She is the send victim from this same disease within a short time. She left a husband
and four small children.
Volume 10, Number 20, Saturday, April 8, 1882
Local and Personal. Casper Deitzer, who was a soldier under Napoleon, died last Friday in
Wilkesbarre, aged 101 years.
Local and Personal. An unknown man was killed by cars, at Portland, Norhtampton county,
Friday. He had a kit of burglar's tools, including powder, fuse, etc.
Local and Personal. John Dugan, of Mauch Chunk, a brake man on the Lehigh & Susquehanna
Railroad, while arranging for a locomotive attached to a rope to draw coal cars on a siding at
Chain Dam, Thursday night of last week, had both his arms crushed in a horrible manner, being
jammed between the locomotive and cars, besides receiving severe internal injuries. He was
taken to St. Luke's Hospital, where he died during Friday night. He had been on the railroad
only four days. Deceased was about twenty-one years of age.
Weissport Items. Mrs. Leah Laury, an old and respected lady, died last week of dropsy, and was
interred in the new cemetery.
From the County Seat. Mrs. S. E. Kind, who kept a boarding house on Susquehanna street, this
borough, and who was lately married to Mr. S. Hopper, has left for Harrisburg, Pa.
23
James Nolan, of Lost Creek, Schuylkill county, was instantly killed by cars, near that place, on
Saturday night last.
Summit Hill and Around. Lansford. Councilman Jenkins was presented with his second child
and daughter on Wednesday evening. He smiles, but would smile louder if it had been a boy.
MARRIED. BROWN-DAUBENSPECK.--On the 5th ult., by Rev. Abrm. Bartholomew, W. H.
Brown and Fianna Daubenspeck, both of West Penn, Schuylkill county.
MARRIED. NOTHSTEIN-FENSTERMACHER.-On the 11th ult., by the same, Nelson Thos.
Nothstein, of Mahoning, and Miss Julia L. Fenstermacher, of Weatherly.
MARRIED. FRANTZ-MOSER.--On the 19th ult., by the same, Willoughby Frantz, of East
Penn, and Alavesta Moser, of Mahoning.
MARRIED. BELTZ-BLOSE.--On the same day, by the same, Robert F. Beltz, of Parryville,
and Anna D. Blose, of Lower Towamensing.
MARRIED. MERTZ-REX.--On the 2nd inst., by the same, Edwin Mertz and Mary Alice Rex,
of Mahoning.
DIED. LOWER.--On the 1st ult., in Parryville, Sarah R., wife of Darby J. Lower, aged 17
years, 2 months and 17 days.
DIED. SCHEIRY.--On the 20th ult., in West Penn, Henry Scheiry, aged 80 years, 11 months
and 14 days.
DIED. FRANTZ.--On the 22nd ult., in West Penn, Wilson T., son of Chas. and Polly Frantz,
aged 1 month and 4 days.
DIED. KNAPP.--On the 23rd ult., in West Penn, Catharine, wife of Frederic A. Knapp, aged 86
years, 4 months and 28 days.
DIED. ARNDT.--On the 27th ult., in West Penn, Susanna, wife of Benjamin Arndt, aged 70
years and 9 months.
Volume 10, Number 21, Saturday, April 15, 1882
Local and Personal. On Thursday evening of last week, in Salisbury twp., Northampton county,
Mrs. George Moyer went out to the barn. While milking she heard the screams of her three year
old child, whom she had left in the cradle in the house asleep. Returning to the house she found
the child in flames. It had found some matches and ignited its clothing. The child died after two
hours of great suffering.
Local and Personal. John Cottingham was accidentally drowned in the canal, near Easton,
Thursday of last week.
24
Local and Personal. James Sharpe, a showman, formerly a resident of Wilkesbarre, was run
over and killed on Thursday night of last week, near Mauch Chunk, in attempting to steal a ride
on the Lehigh Valley railroad.
Local and Personal. Thomas Smart, of Sugar Notch, Luzerne county, was fatally wounded on
Thursday the 6th inst, by his brother in-law, Alfred Evans. They were gunning in the woods
when Evans shot at a bird the contents of the gun striking Smart in the face and chest.
Local and Personal. Dr. A. Dimmick, a well-known and prominent physician, died at his
residence in Audenried, this county, at about half-past seven o'clock on Saturday morning, of
congestion of the lungs. He had been in poor health for several years, but was only confined to
his bed for about one week previous to his death. He was buried on Tuesday afternoon.
Local and Personal. Isaac S. Osternout, President of the Wilkesbarre Water Company and the
largest land owner in that city, died there suddenly Wednesday.
Local and Personal. Samuel Smith, employed in Centralia Colliery, near Ashland, fell down the
traveling way Wednesday, a distance of one hundred feet, and was killed.
Local and Personal. Mr. Will. Seiple, of Upper Lehigh, son of Mr. Con. Seiple, formerly of the
Carbon House, of this place, was treated to a surprise party last Tuesday evening, the occasion of
his twenty-first birthday.
Accidentally Shot Himself. Grant Gardner, aged 19 years, a son of B. H. Gardner, proprietor
of the Rogers House, at Waymart, near Carbondale, while fishing on Elk pond last Sunday,
accidentally discharged a gun which he had in the boat. The ball passed through his abdomen,
causing injuries from which he died four hours after in terrible agony. The gun was at his side,
and while paddling the boat he accidentally put his foot upon the trigger, causing the discharge of
the weapon.
From the County Seat. B. F. Kleppinger, of Nesquehoning, departed this life on last Saturday
after an illness of a few weeks, and was buried on Wednesday last at Nesquehoning.
From the County Seat. The only child of H. J. Woodring, of West Broadwaw died on Tuesday
last and was interred in the the Upper Mauch Chunk Cemetery on Sunday at 3 o'clock p. m. The
parents have the sympathy of the entire community.
A Mauch Chunker Drowned.
Early Saturday morning last, Daniel Shields, of Mauch Chunk, captain of the canal boat,
Express, lying in the Bronx River, near West Farms, was thrown from his boat and drowned.
Martin Kelley, aged 26, a mason, and James Sherman, aged 31, a laborer, were arrested on
suspicion of having caused his death. The investigation made by the police revealed the fact that
the prisoners and a third man, named Thomas Spain, had been in the captain's company until the
time when he was drowned, and that the captain was drunk. it was thought that they quarrelled,
and the captain was thrown overboard. The prisoners have all made contradictory statements of
the affair. In Court Saturday the prisoners were held for examination.
Later.--The mystery of the sudden death of Captain Shields of the canal boat Express
25
remains as deep as ever, and Tuesday morning Police Justice Ford discharged from custody
Martin Kelley, James Sherman, Thomas Spain, and Archibald Noble, whom Capt. Sanders of
the Teremont station had arrested to await the finding of the body. The authorities are building
an iron bridge over the Bronx River on the line of the Westchester turnpke, and the sloop Wasp
of N. Y., which has a steam engine and derrick aboard, is removing the big stones of the
abutments of the old bridge. The lighter Ida Belle, from Pennsylvania, laden with coal, has
fallen apart from old age close by, and the canal boat Express from Mauch Chunk, is unloading
the wreck. Martin Kelley is a laborer at work on the bridge, James Sherman, and Thomas
Spain are deck hands on the Wasp, and Daniel Shields, who is missing, was the captain of the
canal boat, and the only man on her. He was from Mauch Chunk, was 33 years old, and was a
single man. The Captain of the Wasp went to Westchester to visit friends on Thursday evening,
and the other men went to West Farms together, bought some whiskey, and on their return
gathered in the cabin of the Wasp, and, according to their own story, got so drunk that they know
absolutely nothing of what went on afterward, during the night.
It was a little before midnight when some one of them upset a pail of water and awoke
Archibald Noble, cook aboard the Wasp. He had not been drinking with the rest. He went on
deck, and Captain Shields followed him. The Captain has not been seen since. On Friday night
a business man in the neighborhood heard the men talking about the Captain's disappearance. He
told one of Captain Sander's policemen, and all the parties concerned except Noble, were
arrested. They were, or pretended to be, unable to give the police any information. Next day the
foreman of the laborers on the bridge work told Captain Sanders that Noble had told one of the
laborers how Capt. Shields met his death. Noble, when arrested, said he knew nothing about it,
but afterward he said that he knew all about it.
He said that when he was awakened he found the men in the cabin exceedingly drunk.
He passed them and went on deck. Presently Captain Shields crawled up out of the cabin,
staggered along the deck to the plank that was thrown from the gunwale to an abutment of the
old bridge, and, reaching it, got down on his hands and knees, and crawled toward shore. When
he got to the middle of the plank, it turned over, and the captain fell into the river. He did not
come to the surface again. Noble says he cut the painter of the yawlboat, intending to haul it
around between the sloop and the shore, and, getting into it, to rescue the man; but all remained
quiet.
Captain Sanders believed Noble's story, but had an iron drag made with which to search
for the body. His idea was to hold the men until it could be determined by what mean Captain
Shields died. Four policeman dragged the river, above and below the sloop, on Saturday,
Sunday, and Monday, without success. Old residents told the captain that in former times when
men have fallen in at that point, and have been drowned, their bodies have fallen into one of two
deep holes, 100 feet below the bridge, and have either been found there or have been floated out
and back again by the reverse tide. The Bronx is thirty feet wide at the bridge, and is twelve feet
deep, with precipitous banks and a very swift current. Each of the depressions spoken of is ten
or twelve feet in depth. These were dragged, but nothing was found.
In Captain Shield's cabin was found a letter from G. B. Linderman & Co., bankers Mauch
Chunk, Pa., addressed to the Capt. and informing him that his request for $25 could not be
complied with until he sent on his book of deposit. Then the interest would be entered in it and
the money forwarded. This letter was dated March 21. It is conjectured that if this letter was not
followed by another containing $25, Capt. Shields had no money at all, and that if he did get the
$25 he did not have all of that when he died. His bank book was not found.
26
Volume 10, Number 22, Saturday, April 22, 1882
Local and Personal. Percy German is happy--it is a boy. Mother and child are doing well.
Local and Personal. The oldest inhabitant in Deleware township, Pike county, W. C. Jagger,
died on Saturday, at the age of 80.
Local and Personal. Andrew Y. Hillman, a well-known druggist of Wilkesbarre, died suddenly
of apoplexy last Monday night.
Local and Personal. James Rice, aged 8 years, was run over an instantly killed by a Lehigh
Valley train at Biery's Bridge last Saturday evening.--He was walking on the track and getting
confused stepped in front of the train.
Local and Personal. Martin Gaughin, a deaf mute, was instantly killed by cars on the Lehigh
Valley Railroad, at Centralia, on Saturday afternoon.
Local and Personal. Mrs. M. Silliman, for the past twenty-two years Postmistress at Pottsville,
died on Saturday night.
Local and Personal. Daniel Transue, formerly of Linwood, Kansas, was killed at the Parrish
colliery, near Wilkesbarre, on Thursday evening of last week by falling down the shaft.
From the County Seat. Asa R. Beers seems to be happy just now, and well he may be for his
wife has presented him with a fine young son. We congratulate him on the new addition to his
family.
Lower Towamensing Dots. Three children belonging to N. Strohl, died of small pox recently.
The father was not expected to recover, but he is able to be out again.
Small-Pox. Last week we stated that the cases of small-pox in the family of Henry Drumbore,
of this place, were convalescent, and that the house was being disinfected and would be released
from quarantine; but on Saturday morning the fell disease developed on the infant child (aged ten
weeks--too young to vaccinate) in a severe form, thus causing a renewal of the strictest
quarantine. The child sufferred until Tuesday evening last when it died and was buried in the
cemetery at 4 o'clock on Wednesday morning. We are assured by Dr. Reber that at this writing
there are no indications of a further spread of the disease, the other members of the family having
been vaccinated when the disease first developed itself on the father. If our Council maintain a
strict watch upon the premises, and deter children from playing in front of the building and older
people from visiting there, until everything is thoroughly purified, we may conclude that smallpox is "stamped out." While we sympathise with Mr. and Mrs. Drumbore in their sad affliction,
we must, on the part of our people, demand that everything in the power of our Council be done
to prevent the spread of this foul disease.
A Terrible Death by Suicide. A miner named John Richards, residing on the outskirts of Mount
Carmel with his wife and several children, drew his pay at the colliery the beginning of last week
and immediately started on a spree. He remained away from his family--who were in poor
27
circumstances, until Thursday night, 13th, when he went home, packed his trunk and took his
departure. Mrs. Richards became frantic over the action of her husband and, on Friday
morning, arose at an early hour and without saying anything to her children, who were all in bed,
saturated her clothing with coal oil and proceeded to an unfrequented part of the neighborhood
and deliberately set fire to her clothing. In an instant her body was enveloped in flames and the
unfortunate woman was soon burned to a crisp. The terrible affair created considerable
excitement. It is supposed jealousy was the cause of the trouble.
Died from Drinking Oil of Birch. Henry Pollock, son of John Pollock, the brush manufacturer,
of Easton, a young man prominently known in that neighborhood, died on Saturday night last.
He had, while in White Haven on the day previous, taken three swallows of oil of birch, a
volatile fluid distilled from birchwood. Several of his friends also tested the oil, but not in so
large a quantity. Upon his arrival at home on Friday evening he was taken very ill; Physicians
were summoned, but the oil being readily absorbed was too generally spread through his sytem,
and death resulted as above. He leaves a wife and one child to mourn their loss.
Volume 10, Number 23, Saturday, April 29, 1882
Local and Personal. George A. Goodale, Receiver of the Second National Bank of Scranton,
died on Saturday.
Local and Personal. Annie Haggerty, supposed to be from Reading, was killed by cars on the
Lehigh Valley Railroad, at Slatington, on Saturday last.
Local and Personal. Mrs. Hammel, aged 55 years, wife of a wealthy farmer living near Moyer's
Station, Schuylkill county, hung herself Tuesday in her bed-room. She has been insane for some
time.
Local and Personal. Thursday evening the nuptials of Miss Lillie Mickley, the accomplished
daughter of Mr. Edwin Mickley, of the Thomas Iron Company, and Dr. H. M. Chance, of
Philadelphia, were celebrated at the residence of the bride's parents in Hokendauqua. Rev. E. J.
Fogel, uncle of the bride, officiated, assisted by Rev. J. A. Little.
Local and Personal. Motta Nitzga, aged 10 years, was accidently drowned at Chain Dam, on the
Lehigh River, near Easton, on Sunday night.
Local and Personal. The 3-year-old daughter Thomas Broderick, living at Cherry Hill,
Lackawanna county, was run over and killed by cars on Saturday last.
Local and Personal. John McCloskey, of Plymouth, was run over and killed by a passenger train
on the Deleware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad at Plymouth Saturday morning. He was
intoxicated and lying upon the track. His head was severed from his body.
Local and Personal. On Sunday a little girl named Miskey, who lived with her parents at
Mutchlertown, Lehigh county, while boating with two other girls of her own age, lost her
balance, fell overboard and was drowned. Her companions, though badly frightened, got safely
28
to shore.
Local and Personal. On Saturday afternoon Hugh Sand, 18 years of age, who resides near
Nazareth, was kicked by a horse in the abdomen, from the effects of which he died in a few
hours.
Local and Personal. Leon Clark, a brakeman on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, was run over and
killed by cars at South Bethlehem, on last Sunday night.
Local and Personal. A 12 year old son of A. P Clauss, of the Mansion House, this borough, died
of diphtheria on Tuesday last.
Local and Personal. Harry, a 7 year old son of Mr. Henry A. Schraden, hotel-keeper at
Breinigsville, died on Wednesday last, of small pox. He had the disease in its very worst form.
Local and Personal. Lieut. A. S. Fry, proprietor of the Catasauqua House, wears a genial smile
on his face, especailly when you ask him how is the--well it is a little boy, you know, and a
wonderful little fellow he is. Mr. Fry says the boy will be named after the noble Hancock our
next President.--Catasauqua Dispatch. Lieutenant, shake.
Obituary. Daniel Clauss, an old and very highly respected citizen of this borough, died after a
short illness, at his residence on Bank-st., about 3 o'clock on Monday morning last, at the ripe
old age of 77 years and 2 months. Deceased was born in Bethlehem township, Northampton
county, on the 24th of February, 1805; he served an apprenticeship to the tailoring trade in
Easton, and afterward took up his residence in Claussville, Lehigh county, (of which village he
was the founder, and it was in honor named after him), and carried on the business of merchant
tailoring very successfully for a number of years. In 1851 he came to this town and leased the
hotel, now known as the Carbon House, which he kept for two years, when he disposed of his
interest therein, returning to Lehigh county, and for about seven years followed farming in the
neighborhood of Weidauville; disposing of his property there, he once more returned to
Lehighton, and went into the merchant tailoring business with his son, T. D. Clauss, which
partnership continued for about five years, when deceased retired, after an active business career
of over 30 years. An upright business man, a true and affectionate husband and parent, and a
kind and obliging neighbor, he enjoyed the highest respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
Deceased leaves a wife, 7 children, (2 sons and 5 daughters), 37 grand-children and 4 greatgrand children to mourn their loss. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, and was
largely attended by relatives and friends of the family. His remains were interred in the family
lot in the Lehighton Cemetery, the funeral services being performed by Rev. G. W. Laitzle, late
pastor of the Lutheran church, of this borough, of which church deceased was an exemplary
member.
A Fatal Mistake. A Carbondale dispatch of the 23d instant says: Robert and Morris Andrews,
left their home in Greenfield, on Wednesday, to go into Salem Woods on a hunting expedition.
They hunted without food or rest until Thursday night. On Friday morning Robert, hearing a
rattling sound in the bushes, which he supposed to be game, took up his rifle and blazed away.
On visiting the spot, he found the dead body of Morris, the charge having entered his head.
Robert, in his excitement, took the body on his shoulder, and carried it home, and hid it in the
29
barn under the hay. Inquiry was made for Morris, and Robert declared that he had not seen him
since they left home. The family noticed his uneasiness, and believed some great trouble preyed
upon his mind. A neighbor's children, with Robert's two small sisters, were playing in the barn
Sunday, and one of the little girls, in attempting to pass from the hay mow to the ground floor,
placed her hand upon the dead face of her brother, and carried the news to her parents. Robert
turned deathly pale, and being asked as to the cause of his brother's death, related the story as
given above. He is now out of his mind.
From the County Seat. Mrs. Angeline Long and her sister Mrs. Oscar Hamilton, attended the
funeral of their sister's child in Philadelphia on last Monday.
From the County Seat. Mr. Samuel Bradley, jr., wife and son, left on Tuesday morning for
Philadelphia, to attend the funeral of Mr. Bradley's mother.
From the County Seat. William Yaeger, son of Leonard Yaeger, of this place, celebrated his 17th
birthday on last Monday evening, by having a social gathering at his home.
From the County Seat. Mrs. Samuel Bradley, the widow of Samuel Bradley, sr., who at one
time was extensively engaged in the foundry and machine business here in company with J. H.
Salkeld, at the lower foundry, but for several years a resident of Philadelphia, departed this life
at her home, on last Sunday, at the afdvanced age of 79 years, and was buried on last Wednesday
in Philadelphia.
From the County Seat. John Speckner, of Upper Mauch Chunk, while laboring under temporary
derangement, supposed to have been caused by domestic troubles, purchased two ounces of
laudanum on last Saturday and left for Tamaqua, where he took the laudanum, and some time
during the day, was found in an insensible condition. His friends at this place hearing of it, had
him brought to Mauch Chunk and lodged in the County Prison, where he died on Tuesday last.
He leaves a wife and several children.
A Grand Wedding at Audenried. The upper circle of Audenried society was visibly affected last
Wednesday afternoon. The Presbyterian church was the centre of attraction and at 2 p. m., began
to fill rapidly. It had been very prettily decorated for the occasion. When the edifice was
completely filled Miss Minne Park, as organist began playing a wedding march. The door
opened slowly and the bride and bridegroom Miss Virginia McNair and Charles Gardener, of
Newark, N. J., escorted by four ushers, walked gracefully up the aisle. The ceremony was
performed by the bride's father, Rev. McNair, of Audenried. At the conclusion of the ceremonies
the bridal party returned to the home of the bride's parents, from wence they took the three
o'clock train for an extended tour through the south. The bride was very becomingly dressed and
looked beautiful. Among the number in the church were Mr. E. B. Leisenreng, Mr. G. H.
Meyers, Mr. Ashley Duggan and wife, Wm. Park, jr, and wife, Mrs. A. Stager and daughters,
Miss Butler, and many others.--Hazleton Beacon.
MARRIED. LEUCKEL-MORRIS.--On the 22nd inst., at the M. E. parsonage, Parryville, by
Rev. W. F. Sheppard, Edward H. Leuckel and Miss Dorothy Morris, both of North Weissport,
this county.
30
DIED. CLAUSS.--In this borough, on the 24th inst., Daniel Clauss, aged 77 years and 2
months.
Volume 10, Number 24, Saturday, May 6, 1882
Local and Personal. Mr. William Crampey, a former resident of Catasauqua, died at the Lehigh
county Poor House on Friday after an illness of five years with paraylsis, during which period he
was entirely helpless.
Local and Personal. Charles Kirchline, one of Allentown's best and most highly esteemed
citizens, died on Monday morning last, at the age of 56. He had for a considerable length of time
been struggling with consumption.
Local and Personal. John A. Transue, for five years Chief Burgess of the Borough of Easton,
died last Monday at the age of 66 years.
Local and Personal. Captain Bloomer, a veteran of the war of 1812, died at Hawley, in Wayne
county, on Thursday, the 28th ult. Graveyard insurance speculators had him plastered with
policies amounting to $60,000, upon which they had paid $3100 in assessments. The companies
having all busted up, nothing will be realized from the investment.
Local and Personal. Andrew Weiss, weighing 418 pounds, died suddenly at Reading on
Tuesday.
Local and Personal. Michael Bolin, a miner, was killed by a fall of coal in Kohinoor Colliery, at
Shenandoah, on Monday.
Local and Personal. John Dornblazer, jr., aged 19 years, a resident of Tamaqua, attempted to
board a train at the water station Wednesday evening, when he stumbled and fell under the train
and was killed.
Double Murder by a Tramp. A tramp, calling himself James Trethway, asked for lodgings at the
residence of Henry Ames, in the suburbs of Carbondale, on Wednesday of last week. He was
refused. Ames, in going from the house to the barn an hour later, was approached by Trethway,
who shot him through the head, the ball passing out through the left cheek. Mrs. Ames heard his
cries, and hurried to him. Upon reaching the wounded man, she also received a wound in the
head.--They both died on Saturday. Trethway escaped across the mountains.
A Carbon County Man Shot. A dispatch published in last Monday's papers, says: "On Thursday
three cattle thieves were killed near Grand Junction, Ute Reservation, by Sheriff Bowman, of
Gunnison county, Col., Deputy Sheriff, J. F. Brink, of Utah, and a large posse. On Friday the
Sheriff's posse came suddenly upon another gang of thieves, and during the engagement
Bowman and Brink were both killed." Mr. Brink was a brother-in law of E. P. Williams, of
Weatherly, and a former member of the Coal and Iron Police, and stationed at Audenried. He
was a most excellent gentleman, just in the prime of life, and his untimely death will be deeply
regretted by his numerous friends in this and the adjoining counties.
31
Three Boys Poisoned--One of the Dies--Great Excitement.
Special to the Carbon Advocate.
Packerton, May 1st.--Last Saturday afternoon this community was thrown into intense
excitement by a report that several boys of the neighborhood had been poisoned and were dying.
There was hurrying of parents, and friends in the direction of Beaver Run. Mr. Joseph Bennett
found his son, Josie, near the new oil house, along the public road, in convulsions. Quickly
gathering him in his arms he started for home, but was compelled to stop at the residence of
Thos. Weaver, a brother-in-law, because of the sufferings of the boy. Quite a number of persons
soon gathered, and willing hands were at work doing all in their power to relieve the sufferer.
Now, to add to the excitement, Mr. Walp, merchant of this place, came driving up with little
Harry, a younger son of Mr. Bennett, in a still worse condition. As quickly as possible Mr. Walp
started for medical aid, and after considerable trouble, having called on all the physicians in
Lehighton, he secured the services of Drs. Derhamer and Bower, who speedily reached the
sufferers; they were soon followed by Dr. Reber who had been summoned to attend Harry, son
of Mr. Thomas Stocker, also suffering from the poison, though not so bad as the two Bennett
boys.
Mr. Thomas Harleman had interviewed some of the boys who were in company with the
sufferers, and ascertained that they had eaten of a root they had supposed to be artichokes.
Pieces of the deadly plant were secured. Within the house, Dr. Derhamer was battling with all
his skill and energy to save the life of little Harry Bennett, but despite all efforts, after enduring
the most intense agony, the little sufferer breathed his last; he then turned his attention to Josie,
still in convulsions, with a determination, if possible, to defeat death's ravages; he was
successful, the convulsions were broken, and the little fellow is as well as ever to-day, only
almost heart-broken at the loss of his little brother whom he fondly loved. Meanwhile Dr. Reber
had mastered the poison in Harry Stocker. Other children, who had eaten sparingly of the
poisonous root, were being attended to by anxious parents, and the excitement subsided.
As to what kind of plant, root or herb it is there is nothing satisfactory yet, portions have
been sent to those who will give it their attention and give it its proper name. One thing certain,
it is a deadly poison and does its work quickly.
The funeral of little Harry Bennett took place this (Monday) afternoon, and was attended
by a large concourse of citizens. The sympathy of the community is extended to the grief
stricken parents in this their hour of affliction. Little Harry, with his bright, happy disposition,
was a favorite among his playmates. he will be sadly missed by a sorrowing family.
Hymeneal. Miss Amanda E. Laubach, daughter of Mr. Samuel Laubach, of Stemton, was on
Thursday afternoon married to Rev J. F. DeLong, pastor of a church in Bellefonte, Pa. The
ceremony was performed by Rev. C. J. Becker, of Catasauqua, assisted by Rev. S. A. Leinbach,
of Coplay. The ushers were Prof. T. M. Balliet and Mr. P. J. Laubach, brother of the bride. The
was a large number of invited guests embracing residents of Bethlehem, Allentown, Catasauqua,
Coplay, Reading, Philadelphia, Lehighton, Mauch Chunk, Siegfried's Bridge, Weaversville and
Franklin, Venango county. The wedding gifts were numerous, elegant and valuable, and gave
substantial evidence of the esteem and regard in which the bride has always been held by her
relatives and friends.--Allentown Democrat.
From the County Seat. Eddie Gere, the oldest child of C. M. Gere, of West Broadway, departed
this life on last Tuesday morning, after having suffered intensely for several days with
inflammatory rheumatism. He was a bright and promising youth, aged 11 years.
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Lower Towamensing Squibs. A large number of young ladies assembled at the house of Mrs.
Thos. Stroup, in Franklin, twp., on Tuesday, May 2nd, for the purpose of celebrating the
birthday of Miss Ellen, her daughter. They at the same time had a quilting party. A rich banquet
was furnished by the family, of which all partook. She received quite a number of presents.
Weissport Pencilings. On last Monday night Miss Emma R. Musselman and I. Y. Ux, were
united in the golden bonds of wedlock, by Rev. J. S. Erb, at Slatington. We congratulate the
happy couple.
Volume 10, Number 25, Saturday, May 13, 1882
Local and Personal. Frederick Miller, of Bethlehem, lost four children by death from small pox
within the past few weeks.
Local and Personal. Mrs. Ann Cole, 58 years of age, living at Llewellyn, Schuylkill county,
committed suicide Tuesday by jumping down into a deep well.
Local and Personal. Mr. R. H. Sayre, sr., superintendent of the L. V. RR. resident at South
Bethlehem, and Miss Patty Nevin, daughter of Rev. Dr. Nevin, president of Franklin and
Marshall College, Lancaster, were married at the latter's residence, near Lancaster, on
Wednesday afternoon, 3d inst. They left on an extended wedding trip.
Local and Personal. A five-year old son, of H. A. Beltz, esq., of this borough, died of
convulsions, about 11 o'clock Thursday morning.
From the County Seat. Mrs. Fisher, wife of H. G. Fisher, of 2nd ward, died on last Sunday very
unexpectedly, leaving a husband and an infant a week old. She was buried on last Thursday at
Lehighton. The sorely stricken husband and motherless infant have the sympathy of the entire
community.
From the County Seat. Dr. H. DeYoung, one of the oldest and most prominent physicians of this
place, departed this life on Tuesday morning at one o'clock, very suddenly an unexpetedly. We
were informed that he retired to rest on Monday night apparently in good health, in the morning
when he awoke and attempted to get up he was suddenly seized with a fit of paralysis, and
become unconscious, in which condition he remained until he expired. His death will be
severely felt in this community. The funeral takes place this (Friday) afternoon, the cortege
leaving his late residence shortly after two o'clock, and proceeding to the Lehighton cemetery,
where the remains will be deposited in their final resting place.
Weissport Pencilings. On Saturday evening last, Mr. Lewis Stecht and Miss Lillie Seidel, of
town, were united in the holy bonds of wedlock, by Rev. Mr. DeLong. The happy pair have our
best wishes for a long and happy life.
MARRIED. SAVITZ-BLOSE.--On the 11th ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Wilson Savitz and
Miss Ellen P. Blose, both of L. Towamensing twp.
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MARRIED. STOUT-HILL.--On the 15th ult., by the same, Edwin T. Stout, of North Weissport,
and Miss Mary Louisa Hill, of Franklin twp.
MARRIED. MARKLEY-BEAVER.--On the 16th ult., by the same, Jonah J. Markley and Miss
Sarah I. Beaver, both of Franklin twp.
DIED. LYNN.--On the 14th ult., in West Penn, Benjamin Lynn, aged 83 yrs. and 12 dys.
DIED. TORRENCE.--On the 28th ult., in Mahoning twp., Jonathan Torrence, aged 55 yrs.
DIED. WALTON--At Summit Hill, on the 29th ult., John Walton, aged 73 years, 1 month and
10 days.
DIED. FREYMAN.--On the 30th ult., in Mahoning twp., Jacob Freyman, aged 75 years, 11
months and 4 days.
DIED. HOUSER.--On the 2nd inst., in Centreville, Priscilla, daughter of Samuel & Rebecca
Houser, aged 31 years and 24 days.
Volume 10, Number 26, Saturday, May 20, 1882
Local and Personal. William Newbry, aged 40 years, was crushed to death Tuesday afternoon by
a fall of coal in the Avondale Mines, near Wilkesbarre.
Local and Personal. Alfred Engle, aged 15 years, employed at the Bethlehem rolling mill, died
on Friday from injuries received the night before by falling into a pit in which revolved the fly
wheel of a stationary engine. He was badly crushed.
Local and Personal. Katie Food, aged 6 years, was run over by a street car in Easton on
Thursday, 11th inst., and instantly killed.
Prof. Doolittle's Marriage. Professor Charles L. Doolittle, of the chair of astronomy and higher
mathematics in the Lehigh University, was last Thursday morning at 10 o'clock married to Miss
Helen Wolle, daughter of Rev. Francis Wolle, former principal of the Moravian Female
Seminery of Bethlehem. The father of the bride performed the ceremony in the large Moravian
church. The church was most beautifully and appropriately decorated with spring flowers. The
music on the grand organ was very fine, performed by Mr. Fred Wolle, brother of the bride, and
Professor Wolle, also a relative of the bride. Professor and Mrs. Doolittle sailed in the Ohio for
Europe from Phildelphia on Saturday.
STATE NEWS. Edward Major, a raftsman, while attempting to "snub" a raft at Queenstown,
near Sunbury, on Thursday, fell and injured his spine so badly that he died sonn afterward.
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Volume 10, Number 27, Saturday, May 27, 1882
Local and Personal. A miner named John Dough, was killed at Pittston, on last Monday, by a
fall of rock.
Local and Personal. Charles Acker, inside boss, and Paul Quirk, a miner, at Cuyler colliery,
Schuylkill county, have been arrested for violating the law relating to ventilation in the mines, by
which a miner named Patrick Tighe, lost his life.
Local and Personal. Elmer Erdman, aged 19 years, and Chas. Reuter and John Shoun were
Sunday swept over the Lehigh dam, at Allentown, in a rowboat. Erdman was drawn under the
dam and drowned, but the others swam ashore.
Local and Personal. John Rinker, headman at one of the colleries of the Pennsylvania Coal
Company at Scranton, fell down the shaft on Friday and was instantly killed.
Local and Personal. David H. Davis was caught between the cars at Nottingham Shaft, near
Wilkesbarre, on Saturday, and so badly mangled that he will die.
Local and Personal. Joseph Derr was fatally injured in the mines at Shenandoah on Thursday of
last week.
Local and Personal. Friday, at Dunmore, Lackawanna county, John Rinker fell down a coal
shaft 200 feet deep. His body was fearfully mangled.
Local and Personal. Thomas Hayley was killed by a fall of rock in Glendon Colliery, near
Mahanoy City, on Wednesday.
Local and Personal. Miss Amanda Silliman, Postmistress at Pottsville, Pa., died on Sunday
night. She succeeded her mother in the Postmistresship, the old lady having died several weeks
ago.
Local and Personal. Five men were killed and three severely injured Wednesday by an explosion
of gas in the Kohinoor colliery, at Shenandoah, Pa.
A Brutal Attack. Saturday night at Frackville, Schuylkill county, several boys were tormenting a
party of Hungarians who could not speak English, when one of the Hungarians in his rage
attacked Benny Kantner, aged 16 years, an innocent spectator, with a hatchet, crushing his skull
and cutting a deep gash across his face. He then attempted to place the boy's head on a block,
intending to cut it off, but was prevented by outsiders. Young Kantner cannot recover. The
Hungarian was arrested Sunday and committed to jail.
Fatal Explosion. An explosion of sulphur occurred in the Buck Ridge colliery, near Shamokin,
Saturday, causing the instant death of Jame Lawrence and Frank Osman, and fatally burning
David Green and Frederick Hoffman. Green has since died. Hoffman had entered a breast
with a naked lamp, while the other men remained behind the battery. An unexpected body of
sulphur was met, which ignited from the lamp, causing a terrific explosion, and hurling the men
35
with great force against the gangway timbers. About two hundred tons of top coal was
dislodged, which fell on Lawrence and Osman. Green and Hoffman were terribly burned, and
the former died the following day. This mine is over 1500 feet deep, and has always been
remarkably free of gas.
Weissport Pencilings. On Tuesday evening a large party took Mrs. Amelia Knecht, the
accomplished wife of our popular postmaster, unawares, and surprised her, it being her birthday.
A large number were present with refreshments and enjoyed themselves merrily. Mr. K. was
fully up to the occasion, and furnished a liberal supply of oranges, nicknack, candies and other
dainties. It was indeed a pleasant evening for the participators, and will be long remembered by
them.
From the County Seat. The infant child of Fred Breneiser, of 2nd ward, died on Wednesday last
aged about 5 months.
From the County Seat. C. C. Fulton and Miss Lizzie DeHart, of the 2nd ward, were united in
the bonds of matrimony on last Tuesday by Rev. L. B. Hoffman, pastor of St. Paul's M E church,
of this place. They left on the afternoon train for Philadelphia and Washington, D. C. They
expect to be absent about one week. May they have a pleasant time on their wedding tour and
enjoy a long and happy life.
From the County Seat. Hugh Hyndman, of East Mauch Chunk, and Father of E. K. Hyndman,
Superintendent of the Wabash System of Railroads in the West, died on last Tuesday at the ripe
old age of 82. Thus has another old veteran of the L. C. & Nav. Company gone to his long
home.
From the County Seat. Nathan Patterson, of Summit Hill, departed this life on last Thursday,
the 18th inst., and was buried last Tuesday afternoon in Upper Mauch Chunk cemetery; he was
about 79 years of age, and was one of the first settlers of Mauch Chunk, and one of the oldest
employes of the L. C. & Nav. Co., he having been in their employ 57 years; about 27 years of
that time he lived in this place, nnd 50 yeas at Summit Hill, where he died. He was universally
respected and was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church.
From the County Seat. Charles Hand, one of our respected citizens, and for many years
employed in this place and vicinity--first by the L. C. & Nav. Co., and lately by the C. R. R. of
N. J.--and who has for several months past been afflicted both in mind and body, departed this
life on Saturday the 13th inst., leaving a wife to mourn his death. He was buried in the Catholic
cemetery in East Mauch Chunk.
From the County Seat. Mr. Wilmore Wiley, of New York, and Miss Fannie Morris, daughter of
Wm. C. Morris, Jr., were joined together in the holy bonds of matrimony on Thursday afternoon
of last week, by Rev. E. Ferrier, pastor of the Presbyterian church. The ceremony was
performed in the church in the presence of a large number of friends. The reception took place
immediately after the ceremony at the residence of the bride's parents, on West Broadway.
Long may they live and happy may they be
While sailing together o'er life's rugged sea.
36
Summit Hill and Lansford Items. Summit Hill. Mrs. Mary Sweeney, who left town 2 weeks ago
to make her home with her son John at Philadelphia, died there on Monday last and was buried
in the new Cathedral cemetery on Wednesday afternoon. She was 58 years of age, having been
born in County Donegal, Ireland, in the year 1824.
Summit Hill and Lasford Items. Lansford. Mr. and Mrs. Weber, and Messrs. E. L. and L. P.
Jenkins were called to Philadelphia on Saturday last, to attend the funeral of Mr. Weber's
daughters, Mrs. Smith, nee Gwennie Weber, who died of consumption at the age of 33 years.
Her husband and family of two children survive her. She was formerly a resident of Lansford.
Summit Hill and Lasford Items. Lansford. Another of our old and respected citizens passed
away on Tuesday, in the person of William Lewis, of Berstch street, at the age of 62, from what
is known as miner's consumption--asthma. He was a native of South Wales. The burial took
place on Thursday the Summit Hill Protestant cemetery, when Summit Lodge, I. O. O. F., of
which deceased was a member, attended the funeral. Lausford Lodge also attended. Mrs. Lewis
survives him after 40 years of married life.
Big Creek Items. A child of James Hone, of Long Run, was interred in the cemetery at
Weissport this week.
MARRIED. MENCH-KAISER.--At the residence of the bride's parents, Saturday, evening
May 13th, 1882, by Rev. H. H. Bruning, Mr. Wm. Mench of East Mauch Chunk, and Miss
Louisa, daughter of Mr. Joseph Kaiser, of White Haven.
MARRIED. DAILEY-FLOWER.--At the residence of the bride, on Sunday, May 14, 1882, by
Rev. P. Bird, Mr. Daniel Dailey, of White Haven, and Miss Elizabeth Flower, of Lehigh Tannery,
Pa.
Volume 10, Number 28, Saturday, June 3, 1882
Local and Personal. On Monday, Eva May, daughter of Edward and Alice Henry, of Jeanesville,
died of diphtheria. The third child they had lost by that dread disease within a week.
Local and Personal. Mrs. Daniel Caddeby, who started to walk from Stairney, Pike county, to
Port Jervis on Sunday, 21st ult., was found drowned soon after in the Delaware and Hudson
Canal. Her satchel, containing about $40, was missing, and it is supposed that she was murdered
for the money.
Local and Personal. The broad smile upon the features of our young friend W. P. Long, on
Tuesday last, was occasioned by the fact that it was his birthday, and his better-half had
presented him with a brand-new daughter as a pledge of her affection.
Suicide Through Jealousy. Lucy Maish, a promising young woman, whose parents live in
Wilkesbarre, died Wednesday afternoon, at No. 1411 Perth street, Philadelphia, from the effects
of poison which she took on Monday afternoon. She had been to the Schuetzen Park in the
morning with a gentleman friend, who has been paying her very marked attention, but he left her
37
for another girl at the park, where upon she returned to her home and sent for a quantity of
vermin poison known as "rough on rats," of which she swallowed a large quantity.
Summit Hill and Lansford Items. Summit Hill. Alex McLean's infant child, a boy six months
old, died on Wednesday from convulsions. The funeral took place at the Catholic cemetery.
Summit Hill and Lansford Items. Summit Hill. Nathan Patterson's funeral took place on
Tuesday afternoon at Upper Mauch Chunk cemetery, via the Switchback. The burial services
were read by Rev. J. H. Doremus, but in accordance with a wish of the deceased, nothing
eluogistic of his life or many good deeds were indulged in. The pall-bearers were W. D. Zehner,
Casper Ichter, S. F. Minnick, J. C. Rutter, J. W. Abbott, Frank Zehner, Nathan Drumheller,
John Bogle, Samuel Allen, George Kline, R. Carter, Mauch Chunk, W. S. Hobert, Tamaqua.
Summit Hill and Lansford Items. Lansford. Mrs. E. W. Moister was treated to a surprise party
on Tuesday evening by a large circle of friends, it being her birthday. A very pleasant evening
was spent.
Good Record of a Scholar. Miss Mary Louisa Whitehead, living in Franklin township, this
county, has a school record which is hard to find an equal in the county. She was 16 years of age
on the 6th of May, and is bright and intelligent for her age. She has attended school during six
winter sessions without missing a single day. During this time she has had the following
instructors: Messrs. Thomas Arner, Isaac Bagenstose,--Francis, Frank Fenner and Albert
Campbell. Notwithstanding the fact that she has had such a variety of instructors, she says she
liked them all, although we suppose she liked some better than others. She attended Messrs.
Bagenstose and Campbell's schools each several sessions; but the most singular thing of all is,
that during the entire six years she never got a single whipping! Is there another boy or girl in
the county who can show such a record? If there is, we would like to know. This is a pattern for
juvenile imitation.--Many children miss school about once a week, and consider it a pretty good
thing when they do not get a whipping about once a day or have to stand on one foot in a corner.
The consequence of her regular attendance is that she has a love for study and is well advanced
in all the common branches. She is also a good writer, and altogether, we think she is quite a
model scholar.
Infanticide. An Easton dispatch of the 31st ult., says: The citizens of Redington are much
excited over an infanticide case developed Wednesday. The body of a newly-born infant was
discovered in a cess pool and the Coroner was quickly notified. He held an inquest, the body
was placed in a physician's care for a post mortem and then it was learned that the infant had
died from ill treatment and exposure. It was a strong, healthy babe when born. Suspicion
pointed to Emma Hess, a servant girl, and the Coroner's jury found that she is responsible for the
murder of the child and an order for her arrest has been made.
MARRIED. MORRISON-SNYDER.--On the 13th ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, James L.
Morrison, of Mauch Chunk, and Miss Catharine Snyder, of Packerton.
MARRIED. GREGG-STRAUSBERGER.--On the 14th ult., by the same, David Gregg, of
Hokendauqua, Lehigh county, and Miss Sarah E. Strausberger, of Upper Towamensing, Carbon
county.
38
MARRIED. KNEPPER-EBERTS.--On the 16th ult., by the same, Frank Knepper, of West
Penn, Schuylkill county, and Miss Matilda Eberts, of New Mahoning, Carbon county.
MARRIED. FREEBY-SHIPE.--On the 28th ult., by the same, George E. Freeby, and Miss
Mary Ann Shipe, both of East Penn, Carbon county.
DIED. McLEAN.--On the 17th ult., in New Mahoning, Thomas McLean, aged 85 years, 9
months and 17 days.
Volume 10, Number 29, Saturday, June 10, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A man named F. George was instantly killed by a freight train on
the L. & S. railroad, near Allentown, Tuesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Rich'd W. Roberts was instantly killed in David William's quarry,
near Slatington, on Wednesday, 31st ult, by a derrick falling upon him.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Henry Sargeant, night watchman at the signal tower on the
Reading railroad near Port Clinton, was found dead on Thursday morning, 1st inst. It is
supposed that he fell from the tower during the night.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Edward Burke, of Philadelphia, aged 24, an engineer on the Phila.
& Reading railroad, was killed Tuesday, at Bethlehem, by getting his head caught between his
engine and a pillar of the round house.
Arrested for Murder. As noticed in last week's Advocate, the dead body of a newly-born child
was found in a cesspool at Redington, near Easton, last Tuesday. Dr. S. S. Bachman, of Easton,
testified that it was born alive and healthy, and the jury summosed by Coroner Uhler of Easton
rendered a verdict to that effect, and that Emmma Hess, a servant, was its mother. The girl has
been arrested on the charge of murder, and is now in the Easton jail. Since her arrest she has
confessed to being the mother of the child, but she denies that she killed it. She attributes its
death to an accident. She is the mother of a bright child ten years of age, and she claims to have
been married about 11 years ago. The reputed father of the child lives in the vicinity of Easton.
Detectives who are working on the case withhold his name for the present. It is averred that its
publication would create general surprise.
Volume 10, Number 30, Saturday, June 17, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Eltz, a conductor, was run over by an engine at Lost Creek,
Schuylkill co., on Saturday and killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Patrick McAndrew was found dead in the suburbs of Scranton on
Saturday, with marks of violence upon his body.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Beigium, aged 40 years, fell from a bridge into the creek at
39
Parsons, Luzerne county, on Sunday, and was drowned. He lived near Scranton.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas McNeish, a noted contractor and a
soldier under Roserans in the rebellion, died at Nanticoke, Luzerne county, on Sunday, aged 49
years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Saturday while John Newton, of Prompton, Wayne county, was
engaged in painting the residence of Ellis Dann, at Damascus, that county, the ladder upon
which he was standing broke and he fell to the ground, breaking his neck. When found his head
was doubled under on his breast.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A young man named Lowery, while seated with some friends at a
country inn near Carbondale on Friday, was approached by a man named Stebbins, who
challenged any man to knock him down at one blow. Lowery struck him a power ful blow on
the chest and Stebbins fell dead from a burst blood-vessel. Lowery, who intended going to
Canada, proceeded on his journey and has not yet been arrested.
MARRIED. ARNER-BOYER.--On the 9th of April, by Rev. J. E. Freeman, James G. Arner
and Miss Emma J. Boyer, both of Franklin township.
MARRIED. SNYDER-SOLT.--On the 27th ult., by the same, H. D. Snyder and Miss Eliza A.
Solt, both of Franklin township.
MARRIED. KUNKLE-KROMER.--On the 9th inst., by the same, Jacob Kunkle and Emma
Kromer, both of Long Run.
DIED. THAMARUS.--In East Mauch Chunk, on the 20th of March, Claude, infant son of Jacob
and Mary Thamarus, aged 1 montha dn 3 days.
DIED. BEER.--In Lower Towamensing, on the 28th ult., Margaret, widow of the late Adam
Beer, aged 72 years, 10 months and 19 days.
Volume 10, Number 31, Saturday, June 24, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Samuel Snyder was run over by a locomotive at Bethlehem, last
Saturday, and almost instantly killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Anthony Schappert was thrown from a wagon by a runaway team
near Wilkesbarre, on Friday, and killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Edward Rote a married man 21 years old, was Tuesday killed by a
falling tree near Trout Run, Luzerne county.
David Thomas Dead. David Thomas, the father of the anthracite iron business in the United
States, died of pneumonia at his home in Catasauqua, Tuesday afternoon, in the eighty-eighth
year of his age. Mr. Thomas came to this country from Wales in 1839. On July 4, 1840, he put
40
into blast the first furnace which successfully smelted iron ore by the use of anthracite coal with
the hot blast, and has lived to see the present vast extension of such furnaces, producing five
million of tons of pig iron annually. He was a man of vigorous frame and possessed a clear mind
to the last.
Weissport Pencilings. On Saturday of last week, Miss Hester Raber was united in marriage to
Mr. A. Miner. Success and long life attend them.
Fatal Mine Explosions.
There was an exposion in the Stanton mine, Wilkesbarre, Thursday, 15th instant, by
which one man was killed outright and three fatally injured. It is a mine that generates great
quantities of gas, and there have been many explosions in it. For some time past the Lehigh and
Wilkesbarre Coal Company have been sinking a new shaft to the mine. A depth of 800 feet has
been reached. At 7 o'clock Thursday morning one shift came out. As a general thing the shifts
have succeeded each other immediately, but on that day there was a delay of one hour and a half
before the next shift went down. James Carey, Michael Lynch, John Welsh, Lewis Morgan,
Henry Hughes, and Edward Finnegan stepped on to the edge of a bucket that swung over the
deep shaft. Each carried an open miner's lamp on his hat. At 250 feet from the surface Morgan
got off at what is called the first lodgment where a donkey pump is stationed. His five
companions went on down the shaft. Three hundred feet below they came to the second
lodgment, and just here a terrific explosion occurred. The noise was heard for miles, and
resembled thunder. Those near the shaft saw splinters of the sheds that covered it flying in all
directions. Hundreds of excited people rushed to the shaft. The families of two of the men
living near were quickly on the spot, filling the air with their lamentations. The engineer in
charge of the shaft fired the machinery and found it all right. He put on steam to raise the
bucket, and when it came to the surface Michael Lynch still stood on its edge clasping the rope
above. He was bleeding profusely from a large wound in his head, his hair was burned off, and
he was otherwise dreadfully injured. Welch, Hughes, and Finnegin were lying in a heap in the
bucket, all horribly burned, but still living, Carey and Morgan were missing. The men in the
bucket were cared for at once. Cries were heard below, and the bucket was lowered three or four
times, coming back empty. Finally William Carey, the father of one of the missing men, jumped
into the bucket and descended. Coming to the first lodgment, Morgan hailed him and was
rescued. He was not injured, On the next trip Carey was joined by three other miners. This time
they went down into the stifling atmosphere to the bottom of the shaft, where Carey found the
mangled remains of his boy. Young Carey was only 20 years old, and had been married but a
month. He had been blown off the bucket and fell 250 feet. The use of safety lamps would have
prevented the accident.
This sad disaster was supplemented on Saturday morning, 17th inst., by an explosion at
the Diamond Mine, also located at Wilkesbarre, which, if not so fatal in character, is bad enough
to awaken serious apprehensions concerning the probable fate of at least five of the eight men
injured. It appears that about 2 o'clock Friday afternoon the gas in No. 4 lift was ignited from an
open lamp, which was carried by a miner, who was warned not to enter the place with it, which
set fire to the brattice and timbers at once. Efforts were made to put out the fire and at 4 o'clock
Saturday morning it was supposed that the work had been successful. It appears, however, that
some fire was still left in the rubbish, and when the first shift of men went down to work an
explosion occurred while the men were cleaeing up the wrecked timbers. The men were
provided with safety lamps, but in turning over the rubbish a jet of fire was suddenly uncovered
41
and this ignited a pocket of gas in a cross-head, which exploded with a fearful noise. Four men
were burned at this time. Half an hour later another explosion occurred, by which four men were
injured. The names of those burned are as follows: Daniel P. James, Aston Morgan, Lenahan,
Thomas R. Morgan, John Levans, Morgan D. Williams, David Johns and David P. Griffith. In
some instances the skin upon the arms and breasts of the injured men peeled off in strips when
their clothing was removed. The mine is being flooded. It will take two weeks before the water
can reach the fire. Orders have been issued suspending work at the Hollenback and Empire
mines, connecting with the Diamond. the loss will be extensive.
The fire in the Diamond Mine was reported Tuesday to be under control, no further
exposions having occurred. Work was resumed in the Hollenbach and Empire Mines
Wednesday.
From the County Seat. Asa P. Blakslee, has had a fine young daughter added to his family, and
he is happy.
From the County Seat. James Belford, of West Broadway, and Mrs. Julia Simpler, late of
Tamaqua, were joined in holy wedlock on last Tuesday afternoon, at Tamaqua, by the Rev. E.
Ferrier, pastor of the Presbyterian church of this place. We wish them a long and happy life.
From the County Seat. Charles Weyhnmeyer and Annie Zane, both of the 2nd ward, were
united in the bonds of matrimony, on Tuesday evening, last, by the Rev L. B. Hoffman, pastor of
the St. Paul's M. E. church. May peace, prosperity and haypiness attend them.
From the County Seat. Frederick Kent, aged 19, departed this life on last Monday morning, at
the house of Mrs. J. T. Stockett, West Broadway, after an illness of two weeks, supposed to be
caused by taking cold when scarcely over the measles. On Wednesday morning his remains was
followed to the Lehigh Valley depot by his friends, where they were put on the cars, to be
conveyed to Philadelphia for interment.
MARRIED. RHOADS-DOTTER.--On the 20th inst., by Rev J. H. Hartman, Mr. Silas M.
Rhoads, of Lehighton, to Miss Ella A. Dotter, of Packerton.
MARRIED. BACHMAN-WEAVER.--At the residence of the bride's parents, in Coplay,
Lehigh county, Pa., June 21, by the Rev. James A. Little, of Hokendauqua, Horace S. Bachman,
Esq., of Ocean Beach, N. J., and Miss Mamie Weaver, daughter of V. W. Weaver, Esq, of
Coplay.
Volume 10, Number 32, Saturday, July 1, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Cochran, of Scranton, was drowned on Sunday while
bathing.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Purcell fell dead in Tamaqua recently from the effect of strong
drink.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Harry S. Titus, a young man, was drowned Saturday afternoon
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while bathing in the Susquahanna river at Wilkesbarre.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Andrew Ruddy, an old miner, who jumped from a train at
Wilkesbarre on Saturday and fell under the wheels, died from his injuries on Sunday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Wertman, of Mahoning, an old man about 60 years of age,
died very suddenly on Monday. he was taken with a fit about 11 o'clock a. m., and died at 3
o'clock p. m.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Friday evening while laying bricks on the top of a three story house
at Easton, Josiah Michael stepped on a loose board in the scaffold and fell to the ground,
receiving injuries from which he died on Saturday morning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles A. Lukenbach, a prominent citizen of Bethlehem, died on
Sunday, aged 77 years. He was at one time a member of the Legislature, was President of the
Thomas Iron Company and President of the First National Bank of Bethlehem.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Lewis Hosfield, a laborer, aged 67 years, committed suicide at
Macungie, Lehigh co., Sunday, by taking Paris Green. He lingered in intense agony for nearly
ten hours. For nearly two years he was mentally unbalanced. He leaves a widow and three
children in destitute circumstances.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Our young friend Harry E. Sweeney, of Drifton, was united in the
holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Annie Patterson, of Pittston, on Tuesday. The young couple
passed down the road the same evening on their way to New York and Cape May. That their
voyage through life may be one of peace, prosperity and happiness is the wish of all.
Weissport Pencilings. C. B. Siegfried and family, of Cunnygham passed through here on their
way to attend the funeral of Mrs. S's father. Charlie was a former resident of this place and all
his old friends were pleased to see him.
Weissport Pencilings. On Tuesday evening our young friend W. H. Oswald shuffled off the
coals of single blessedness and took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary Snyder, an
accomplished young lady of Allentown. We extend our congratulations, and trust that none of
life's storms may lower upon the heads of the young couple.
From the County Seat.
Mrs. Sarah Stroh, daughter of William and Sarah Stiles, late of Phillipsburg, N. J., and
wife of Amos Stroh, of this place, passed peacefully and calmly away, after a lingering illness of
several months, a few moments after six o'clock, on last Saturday morning, and was buried on
Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, in the Upper Mauch Chunk cemetery. She leaves to mourn her
absence a husband and five children, five sisters, two brothers and many friends and relatives.
She was born in William township, Northampton county, December 15, 1829, come to this place
in 1848 and was married March 8th, 1849. She was a true and devoted wife, a kind and
indulgent mother, and a tender and loving sister. Her anxiety and solicitude for her family was
her chief desire and her home her world; her intercourse with her neighbors was always pleasant
and agreeable, constantly manifesting a disposition to do what she believed to be right and just,
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having in view the comfort and happiness of all. Her bereaved friends are consoled with the
pleasing thought that they are permitted to look through their tears with mingled sorrow and joy
to the beautiful beyond where they believe her happy spirit rests amid the splendors of eternal
glory.
"No night shall be there nor darkened room;
No bed of death nor silence of the tomb;
But breezes ever fresh with love and truth
Shall cover her form with immortal youth."
We sincerely condole with the bereaved family in their lonliness and most earnestly hope
that this dispensation of Providence may be sanctified to their present and eternal good.
MARRIED. ALEXANDER-REHRIG.--On the 29th ult., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, at the
residence of the bride's parents, William J. Alexander, of Bethlehem and Miss Emma J. Rehrig,
of Mahoning.
Volume 10, Number 33, Saturday, July 8, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Phillips, a miner in the Butler colliery, at Carbondale, was
removing some blasting powder last Friday, when it was exploded by mine lamp on his hat, and
he was so badly injured that he died in a few hours after.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Hess, aged 60, was found on Monday night in a mine
breach, near Shenandoah, where he had fallen sometime during the night. He was terribly cut
and bruised, and died from the effects of his injuries on Tuesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Much proud, but very quiet about it--Our young friend Ed. W.
Feist, because his better half, on the 28th ult., presented him with a token of her affection--a boy,
and a bouncer too, they say. Lemonade, Ed.
Weissport Pencilings. An infant child of Mr. Monroe Berger died on Monday and was burried
on Thursday.
MARRIED. McNALLY-SHERIDAN.--At St. Mary's Catholic church, Mauch Chunk, by Rev.
Father Bunce, on the 15th ult., P. J. McNally, of White Haven, and Miss Katie Sheridan, of
Mauch Chunk.
MARRIED. BEHLER-GERBER.--On the 24th ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Robt. F. Behler,
Millport, this county, and Miss Alvenia M. Gerber, of West Penn.
MARRIED. CUNFER-SHOEMAKER.--On the 1st inst., by the same, Josiah Cunfer and Miss
Fyetta J. Shoemakar, both of Mahoning Valley.
MARRIED. TROXEL-MILLER.--On the 2nd inst., by the same, William Troxel and Miss
Mary Miller, both of West Penn.
MARRIED. REHRIG-ROMIG.--On the 4th inst., by the same, at the residence of the bride's
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parents, Charles G. Rehrig and Miss Catharine S. Romig, both of East Penn.
DIED. MAURER.--On the 25th ult., at Lansford, Ida Montana Jane, daughter of Edwin &
Sarah J. Maurer, aged 6 years, 1 month and 2 days.
DIED. KISTLER.--On the 29th ult., in West Penn, Sarah, widow of Jonathan Kistler, aged 81
years, 10 months and 25 days.
Volume 10, Number 34, Saturday, July 15, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Milton Pearson was killed Wednesday afternoon by a fall of rock in
the Wharton mines, near Hellertown. He leaves a wife and three children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dr. G. B. Schott, of Hacktown, Northampton county, died last
Saturday at the age of 83 years. He had been in active practice 60 years, and was the oldest
physician in that county.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A miner named Patrick Lyons, employed at the Philadelphia Coal
Co's No. 3 colliery, at Lost Creek, Schuylkill county, was instantly killed by a fall of top coal on
Saturday evening. He was 35 years of age, and leaves a wife and five children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A. W. Squiere, of Carbondale, aged 19, a student at Wyoming
Seminary, Kingston, fainted while sitting in the window of his room in the third story at an early
hour on Wednesday morning, and fell to the ground, a distance of 50 feet; he died an hour
afterwards. He graduated on the previous day, received his diploma, and was making
preparations to return to his home when the accident happened.
Weissport Happenings. No wonder that A. W. Marsh has such an illuminating smile all week. It
is a matter that brings joy to the bosom of any man. It was not our privilege to see it, but they
say it is a bouncing girl. Alex accept our hearty congratulations on this, the second advent of
your labor.
Volume 10, Number 35, Saturday, July 22, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Barnet, a wealthy citizen of Easton, Pa., fell dead from
sunstroke Sunday, in Philipsburg, N. J.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Samuel Hare, a carpenter, who had been working in the Lehigh
Valley runnel at Rockport, was killed and terribly mangled by a coal train at Bethlehem Friday.
he was a native of Martinsburg, W. Va.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Tuesday evening William Deisher, a Philadelphia and Reading
brakeman, living at Frackville, while coupling cars at the foot of Mahanoy plane fell under the
wheels and had both his legs taken off. He cannot recover. Deisher is 24 years of age, has a
wife and two children.
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A Boy Dragged to Death. A driver boy named Staples, employed on the Clum dump of the
Mount Pleasant, Colliery, at Scranton, was dragged to death at the heels of his horse Tuesday
afternoon. He mounted the animal at quitting time to ride to the barn, but the horse took fright
and leaped down a steep embankment, throwing the driver, whose leg was caught in the harness.
The efforts of the spectators to stop the runaway, together with the shrieks of the hapless boy
crying for help, made the horse wild and be dashed across the railroad track and over an
adjoining fence in the direction of the barn, where he came to a stand still. Staples was dying
when extricated from his fearful position and expired in a few minutes.
A Basket of Cherries Causes a Murder.
A terrible affair occurred at Hell Hole, Nescopeck township, Luzerne county, Friday
evening. Henry Myers and William Hufnagle, while drunk, became engaged in a dispute over a
split basket of cherries. Hufnagle drew a revolver, Myers took it from him and kicked him in
the stomach and head with a heavy pair of boots. Hufnagle died ten minutes after. Myers is
still at large. The murderer is only eighteen years of age, but he is a desperate character. The
authorities seem very slow in searching for Myers. The place where the murder was committed
is a resort for the worst characters of that section.
Later.--Myers was arrested in Wilkesbarre on Monday. He fell into the hands of a
detective in that city and was lodged in the county prison. He stated that he would have
surrendered himself to the authorities of Berwick had not the excitement been so intense.
From the County Seat. On last Saturday evening A. W. Nonamacher, of West Broadway, was
agreeably surprised by his friends and the clerks in his office, who met at his house and had a
pleasant time in honor of his birthday.
Lower Towamensing Items. Mrs. Wilson Bowman, of Hazardsville, died suddenly and
unexpectedly, Thursday of last week, of dropsy of the heart.
MARRIED. RAUDENBUSH-RHOADS.--On the 15th inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, Mr. Wm.
H. Raudenbush, of Lehighton, and Miss Rosa Rhoads, of Jamestown.
Volume 10, Number 36, Saturday, July 29, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frank. C. Raub, of St. Louis, and Miss Emma Quick, of Pike
county, were married at Milford on the 20th inst.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On the 20th inst., Benj. Ehler, aged 64 dropped dead in a harvest
field, near Easton He was a bachelor and a well-do-do farmer.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On the morning of the 20th inst., Ed. Welsh was instantly killed by
a fall of rock and coal in No. 2 slope of the Susquahanna Coal Co., at Nanticoke.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Margaret A. Meyers, wife of Hon. O. H. Meyers, President
Judge of Northampton county, died at Easton on Sunday night, of consumption, aged 55 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A miner, named James Cannon, was instantly killed by a fall of
46
rock, on the 20th instant, in the mines of Linderman, Skeer & Co., at Humboldt, near Hazleton.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. In Heimbach's quarry, at Walnutport, on the 20th inst., Charles Seip
was instantly killed by a large stone thrown by a blast striking him on the neck.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Henry Baker, aged 45, a miner employed at the Phila. Coal and
Iron Co's Knickerbocker mines, was killed last Saturday afternoon by a fall of top rock.
Deceased leaves a wife and ten children.
Two Children Struck by an Engine. As a passenger train on the Lehigh Valley Railroad was
passing along at a rapid rate at Koch's Crossing, below Freemansburg, Monday morning, two
children, named Harvey Buss and Thomas Opp, aged respectively two and three years, playing
on the railroad track, were struck by the engine. The Buss child had his skull badly mashed, and
death relieved his suffering at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. The Opp child had a leg mashed and
an arm broken in two places. The latter resides in Easton and was on a visit to his grandparents,
Mr. and Mrs. Koch, near Freemansburg.
Accidental Death. Katie Stack, a three year-old child of Morris Stack, of Philadelphia, was the
victim of a heartrending accident, at the store of Mr. McCloskey, in Beaver Meadow. The child,
in company with her five year old brother, were brought from Philadelphia several weeks ago to
spend the summer months with their aunt, Miss Kate McCloskey. Saturday while rummaging
among the boxes at the end of the counter, she accidently had her head caught between the
counter and a box that had tipped over, and was choked to death, her lifeless body being found a
short time afterwards. A telegram was sent the parents in Philadelphia, who arrived on the late
train Saturday evening. The remains were taken to Philadelphia on the 3:20 train Monday
afternoon for burial.--Hazleton Bulletin.
Killed in the Mines. An immense fall of roof took place in the Central Shaft, Scranton, on
Thursday afternoon, the 20th inst., killing a miner named, William Johnson, instantly, and
burying James B. Hickey, his assistant, beneath a mass of rock and coal. A gang of thirty men
worked for three hours to extricate Hickey, who spoke to them most of the time. The men were
frequently driven from their task by the rumbling sound of the roof, which threatened another
fall, but they finally succeeded in rescuing Hickey, who said he was dying, and at his request
was attened by a priest at the mouth of the shaft, where the last sacrament was administered.
Hickey was removed to the hospital, where he told of his thrilling adventure. There were hopes
of his recovery until near midnight, when he died. James B Hickey was about 33 years of age
and four years ago was a candidate of the Labor Reform party against Dr. Seamans for State
Senator. He was popular, had decided opinions and expressed them forcibly.
Suicide by Drowning. The dead body of Pliney Porter, a highly respected and prominent citizen
of Schuylkill Haven, was found Saturday afternoon in the Schuylkill canal, a short distance north
of that town. The previous morning he left home, attired in an old suit of clothes, leaving all
important papers and letters, together with his watch and pocketbook, on his bed room table.
Going in a northerly direction nothing further was heard of him until Saturday afternoon, when a
number of boys saw a man floating on the water. they gave the alarm and search was instituted.
the body of Porter, in a bad state of decomposition, was soon brought out of the water. The
deceased was 55 years of age and was Borough Treasurer and member of several societies at the
47
time of his death. The cause of the suicide is unknown, but it is thought that he was unable to
cash the borough order, having loaned out the money entrusted to him, and for fear of exposure
jumped into the canal and was drowned. He was a widower.
Mahoning Dottings. Mrs. Eliza Semmel's daughter was interred on Monday forenoon, in the
East Penn Cemetery.
MARRIED. KLOTZ-GULDNER.--On the 16th inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, Milton T. Klotz,
of Franklin twp., and Miss Elmena Guldner, of East Penn.
MARRIED. SCURS-REED.--On the 22nd inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, Thos. F. Scurs and
Miss Mary C. Reed, both of Weatherly.
Volume 10, Number 37, Saturday, August 5, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Isakassmo Hlassakofo, a Hungarian, employed by the Lehigh
Valley railroad, was killed by a train while crossing the track at Packerton, Friday evening.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Monday evening Thomas Robertson, a miner employed at the
William Penn Colliery, Shenandoah, was suffocated to death by gas in the colliery. The deceased
was 40 years of age and leaves a wife and five children at Frackville where he resided.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Generals, an old colored man, was found dead in a stable in
Wilkesbarre, Monday morning. His death resulted from a blow on the head given by an
unknown person, and from excessive drinking. He had nearly $200,000 insurance on his life in
the "graveyard" insurance companies; "but he outlived all the companies."
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Michael Martin, a miner employed at the New Kaska William
Slope, New Philadelphia, was fatally injured on the 26th ult. He was working at the bottom of
the shaft when a large steel drill fell from a bucket at the top of the shaft, a distance of over 300
feet. It struck Martin on the top of the back of the head, inflicting a serious fracture of the skull
and driving fragments of bone into the substance of the brain.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Robinson Williams, of Plains township, Luzerne county,
accompanied by his nephew James Williams, went in quest of huckleberries in the woods Friday
morning. A few hours afterwards he was found dead, his nephew having separated from him. It
is supposed he was overcome by the heat. He was seventy years of age and very wealthy, and
created some excitement some time ago by marrying a young girl of 24.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thursday morning of last week a three-year-old son of W. J.
Whalen, a prominent merchant of Shenandoah, ran out of the house from its mother's side into
the yard to play. The child in some way came into possession of a box of matches, with which
his clothing was set on fire. The little fellow was hardly missed from the house when his cries
were heard. Mrs. Whalen went to his assistance, but he was so terribly burned that after
lingering in great agony for an hour he died.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. Patrick Hurley, 62 years of age, a miner, employed at the West
Shenandoah Colliery, was instantly killed Friday morning. Entering a breast, he began drawing
down coal, when a rush occurred, hurling him against a battery and squeezing him to death. The
deceased was the father of Thomas Hurley, the youthful Mollie Maguire and fugitive from
justice, who at a Mollie convention held at Tamaqua in 1875, openly declared that he fired the
fatal shot that killed Gromer James, of Shenandoah.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Kingbsury, of Muhlenburg, a farmer, while attempting to
cross the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, near Shickshinny, Saturday morning,
with a team and wagon load of produce, was struck by the mail train, hurled into the air and
instantly killed. Both horses were injured and were shot to relieve them of their suffering.
Suicide by Poison. Says a Bethlehem dispatch: Kate Korner, a young woman aged about 24
years, was Friday found in the woods near her parents' residence, on the Lehigh Mountain,
suffering great pain. She was taken to her home, when she confessed that she had taken half an
ounce of arsenic, the last of a package which had been left in a clock for safekeeping after a
portion had been used for exterminating vermin. Emetics were administerred, but the poison had
done its work. She expired at noon the same day. The young lady had long suffered from
epilepsy and had frequently expressed a determination to take her own life. She told her parents
that she felt an attack coming on, took the arsenic with her into the woods and there swallowed it
in a dry state.
From the County Seat. On last Wednesday evening one of the Hungarians employed by the L. V.
R. R. Co., below Packerton while walking on the track, was struck by No. 6 passenger train and
almost instantly killed.
From the County Seat. Mrs. Robert Tobias has presented her husband with a young son, and of
course he is happy.
Volume 10, Number 38, Saturday, August 12, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Kressly, the oldest citizen of Heidelberg twp., died on the 28th
ult., at the advanced age of 85.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Christian Corcoran, of Weatherly, a Lehigh Valley brakeman, had
both feet crushed by the cars at Bethlehem on Friday. Both were amputated, but it is said he
cannot recover.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Nathan Handwerk, a well known deaf and dumb man resident at
New Tripoli, Lynn twp., died on the 27th ult., at the age of 63 years. His remains were interred
in the New Tripoli cemetery, Rev. H. S. Fegely officiating.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Presser, a well known machinist, was instantly killed,
Saturday morning by being struck by an engine while crossing the track of the Deleware,
Lackawanna and Western railroad at Bellevue, near Scranton. His body was horribly mangled.
49
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Tulley, aged 20 resident of New Philadelphia, was run over
between Tamaqua and Middleport, Friday evening by the Tamaqua passenger train and fatally
injured. Tully was a miner, and visited Middleport on that day, when he became intoxicated and
in that condition started for home.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jacob Boyer, a resident of Red Lion, Berks county, committed
suicide about 2 o'clock Tuesday morning by hanging himself to a tree in the yard. Mr. Boyer
frequently became despondent since an accident last spring, when a log was thrown on his head.
He attempted suicide last Sunday, but was prevented by a member of the family from carrying
out the deed. It is supposed the injury sustained from the log caused a temporary aberation of his
mind. The deceased is 40 years old and leaves a wife and several small children.
Big Creek Happenings. A young man from Philadelphia, who was spending a few weeks at this
place, for the benefit of his health, died of consumption on Friday evening of last week. His
remains were taken via Lehigh Valley RR., to this city, on Sunday morning. Mrs. Raddatz, with
whom he was stopping, accompanied his remains.
From the County Seat. We are sorry to learn that the youngest daughter of Mrs. Emily
Middleton, daughter of Mrs. James Polk, died on Wednesday evening, of cholera infantum,
aged about 1 year.
MARRIED. WHEELER-HOLLAND.--At the Presbyterian parsonage, of Hokendauqua,
Lehigh county, Pa., July 20th, 1882, by the Rev. James Little, Albert D. Wheeler, of Fullerton, to
Miss Diana E. Holland, of West Catasauqua, Pa.
DIED. BELTZ.--On the 14th day of July, in Mahoning, Milton Albert, son of Isaac and Maria
Beltz, aged 15 years, 11 months and 11 days.
DIED. HUNSICKER.--On the 27th day of July, in West Penn, Jacob, husband of Magdelene
Hunsicker, aged 70 years, 6 months and 26 days.
DIED. ZIMMERMAN.--On the 28th day of July in West Penn, Maria, wife of Charles
Zimmerman, aged 47 years, 3 months and 27 days.
Volume 10, Number 39, Saturday, August 19, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Connors, a carpenter, killed his wife at Scranton, on Sunday
night, by cutting her with a square.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A wealthy resident of Lambertville, New Jersey, known as
"Governor" Williams, shot himself in the stomach, at Easton, on Sunday and died the following
morning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Bowers, a miner at No. 4 slope of the Delaware and Hudson
Company at Plymouth, was instantly killed Wednesday by a fall of top coal.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Courtright, a track walker in the employ of the L. V. RR.
Co., was run over by the midnight express train near Ransom Wednesday and killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At the funeral of the late Jacob Benninger, a retired merchant and
farmer, aged 83 years, which took place from his late home, at Walnutport, on Saturday, there
were in attendance four brothers, whose ages respectively were 78, 76, 74 and 72 years.
Missed the Bird, but Hit the Man. Robert Parker and Hiram Neiswinter have for a long time
been rival sportsmen in Shenandoah. Each had made a good record at pigeon-shooting.
Saturday afternoon they met on Ringtown Mountain to test their merits as shots. A large crowd
witnessed the match. A number of birds had been shot, when Neiswinter fired at a bird, which,
when released, flew towards the spot where Parker was standing. Neiswinter missed the bird
and struck Parker The top of Parker's head was blown off and his brains was scatterred all
around. He expired in the arms of a friend. He was twenty-two years old and unmarried.
Neiswinter is twenty four years old. Neiswinter gave himself up to the authorities.
From the County Seat. Mrs. Ritter, mother in-law of John L. Dink, departed this life in peace on
Thursday morning at 2 o'clock, after having been confined to her bed but a short time. She was a
consistent member of the M. E. church of this place and an exemplary christian, and was
permitted to live to a ripe old age. She will be buried at Bethlehem to-day (Saturday) the 19th,
leaving here on the L. & S. railroad at 11 o'clcok a. m.
DIED. SCHWARTZ.--In this borough, on the 11th inst., Mrs. Eliza Schwartz, wife of Wendell
Schwartz, aged 63 years, 9 months and 18 days.
Volume 10, Number 40, Saturday, August 26, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Buss, an old resident of town, died suddenly on Wednesday
last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Baker Snyder, of town, rejoices in the advent of a son, which he
has long kneaded.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John McDowell was scalded to death on Sunday night by the
explosion of a boiler at No. 5 furnace, at the works of the Crane Iron Co., Catasauqua.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A passenger train ran into a wagon on Saturday night, near
Catasauqua, instantly killing John Steward, fatally injuring Willoughby Sieger, and slightly
injuring Jacob Stockeberger.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Rev. M. P. Walsh, aged 40 years, pastor of the Roman Catholic
Church at Lost Creek, Schuylkill county, died there on Sunday night. He had been suffering for
some time from a complication of diseases.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Late on Friday night an altercation took place at Mill Creek, two
miles from Pottsville, between Bernard Horne and John Gorman, respecting a fence between
51
their property. After some explanation Horne walked away apparently satisfied, when he
suddenly turned and emptied the contents of a shotgun in Gorman's body. Gorman is 60 years
of age. He is fatally wounded. Horne is in custody.
Death of Judge Waller. Charles P. Waller, President Judge of the Twenty-second judicial district,
composed of the counties of Wayne and Pike, died at his home at Honesdayle, on Thursday
morning, after a lingering illness, aged sixty-two years. Chronic bronchitis, from which he has
suffered for years, accompanied with gastritis, caused his death. His funeral took place on
Monday afternoon. H. M. Seeley, one of the senior members of the Wayne county bar, will
probably be appointed by the Governor to hold the office until a Judge can be legally elected at
the general election in 1883.
From the County Seat. We are sorry to learn of the death of Mrs. Lizzie Mann, daughter of F. C.
Kline, formerly of this place, but now of South Bethlehem. The deceased had been living in
Florida for the last 7 years. Being in poor health, she came home to her parents several months
ago, where, after lingering with that deceptive and fatal disease consumption, she departed this
life on last Sunday morning and was buried in Bethlehem last Thursday. She leaves a husband,
several small children, father and mother, brothers and sisters to mourn her untimely death, as
she was yet in the prime of life. We sincerely condole with the bereaved family and friends and
trust their loss will be her gain.
Weissport Squibs. Mr. Ed Miller, whom we reported as sick last week, died on Monday morning
and was buried on Wednesday. It is a severe blow to the family and in particular to his young
wife.
MARRIED. SHUCK-HENKEY.--On the 19th instant by the Rev. A. Bartholomew, George D.
Shuch to Miss Ellen J. Henkey, both of Lehigh Gap.
MARRIED. ANDREAS-GEORGE--On the 19th inst., by the same, James Andreas to Miss F
-ette George, both of East Penn.
MARRIED. LOCH-LUTZ.--On the 14th inst., by the same, Joseph Loch, to Miss Sarah Lutz,
both of West Penn, Schuylkill co.
MARRIED. GREEN-FIELD.--On the 20th inst., by the same, Nathaniel Green to Miss Susan
C. Field, both of Parryville.
MARRIED. WENTZ-BELFORD.--On the 20th inst., by the same, Addison Wentz to Miss
Sarah E. Belford, both of Parryville.
DIED. ECKROTH.--On the 12th inst., Ida Gertude, daughter of Jonas and Katie Eckroth, aged
3 month and 19 days.
Volume 10, Number 41, Saturday, September 2, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frederick Metzger, a miner was killed Tuesday at the Prospect
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Colliery, Wilkesbarre, while blasting coal.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Harvey Steller, 12 years of age, fell into a screen at the Mount
Pleasant Slate mine, near Scranton, Tuesday morning, and was crushed to death.
Death on the Rail. On Friday night Joseph Herman, a young farmer of Lehigh Gap, boarded a
coal train at Slatington to ride to his home. It is supposed that in jumping off at his home he fell
between the up and down tracks, sustaining injuries which produced unconsciousness. He must
have fallen partly on the down track, as a coal train going south caught him and pushed him
along, inflicting injuries that proved fatal. The engineer on the latter train saw the man laying on
the track, but was unable to stop in time to save him. The man's injuries were mostly on the
head, which was cut and lacerated, but no bones were fractures.--Allentown Democrat
From the County Seat. We are sorry to report the death of Mrs. Wm. R. Snyder, of West
Broadway. She departed this life on last thursday afternon while yet in the noon of life, after
having suffered for several months with Dropsy. She was buried on Friday afternoon at two
o'clock, in Upper Mauch Chunk cemetery. We sincerely condole with her deeply afflicted
husband, who so early in life is called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved companion.
Another solemn admonition that in the midst of life we are in death.
A Young Girl's Suicide. Lizzie Thomas, a girl of 22, known to many in Easton as "Frankie
Evans," died on a settee at police headquarters, in Easton, Tuesday morning from the effects of a
dose of laudanum taken the previous night. The girl's home is in Wilkesbarre, but she had been
leading a questionable life in Easton for over a year. She took a great fancy to George Simons,
jr., a young man, who did not return her affection so very warmly. She met him Monday night
on the street and they quarreled. She was jealous of others with whom he went and told a friend
she would take poison. About 11 o'clock she was found in a back street, suffering from the
effects of laudanum, and was taken to police headquarters, a proprietor of a house in the vicinity
having refused her admission. She was attended by physicians but died in eleven hours after
taking the dose. At the Coroner's inquest Tuesday afternoon it was in evience that the deceased
drank twice of laudanum. The first dose was not retained on her stomach. She then purchased
two ounces more and swallowed it in the presence of her lover, who ran away in fright and told
no one to assist her for fear that he would be blamed for giving her the dose.
Lower Towamensing Items. William Bowman departed this life last Sunday, the 27th ult., of
that dreadful disease consumption. He was buried in the St. John's cemetery on the 29th.
Lower Towamensing Items. Mrs. O. Blose and Mrs. Wm. Peter were attending the funeral of
Jacob Farver, at Slatington, last Wednesday, Aug. 30th.
Volume 10, Number 42, Saturday, September 9, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Cahill, a pumping engineer at the Middle Lehigh Colliery,
Mahanoy City, was killed on Saturday morning by being caught in the blades of the breaker fan
which was revolving at high speed.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. A Hungarian was killed on the L. & S. railroad, between Lehighton
and Packerton, on Friday evening, it is thought by the 9.43 train, he was taken to Mauch Chunk,
but was sent back again to be buried by Mahoning twp.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Harry Blank, of Walnutport, died Friday morning of
diphtheria, after a short illness. Three of her children are seriously ill with the same disease. Mr.
Blank has many friends who will extend their deepest sympathy on learning of his affliction.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Susan Hartz, mother of Mrs. David Ebbert, of this borough,
Peter, Levi, George and Abraham Hartz, of Weatherly died at 10:30 o'clock Saturday evening,
aged 82 years, 7 months and 10 days. Her funeral took place on Tuesday, and was very largely
attended by relatives and friends of the family.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. About 1 o'clock Monday afternoon the body of Aaron Uhler, a man
about forty-two years of age, unmarried, was found suspended from a rafter in his barn in
Bethlehem. The bed-cord with which he had hung himself was cut and the man taken down, but
life was extinct. Uhler had been suffering from consumption for a long time time and had
recently had frequent hemorrhages from the lungs. The deceased had recently shown signs of
deep melancholy. He was highly esteemed in the community as a sober, upright and kindhearted man.
From the County Seat. Mrs. Joseph H. Chapman, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed
citizens of East Mauch Chunk died on last Sunday afternoon and was buried on Tuesday
afternoon, in the Upper Mauch Chunk cemetery. She was permitted to live the allotted time of
life and had reached her three score-years and-ten. During most of this time she was blessed
with reasonable good health, until about one year previous to her death, when she was taken sick
with dropsy, which resulted in her death. Thus in obedience to Death's stern decree, has another
one of the old respected settlers of Mauch Chunk passed away. The deceased leaves to mourn
her absence, a husband, son and two daughters, two sisters and many warm friends. We
sincerely sympathize with the bereaved and especially with her sorely afflicted husband, who,
with her, traveled down the stream of life for nearly half a centry--and for the last few years
almost alone, for the children are all married and away from the old home, so the death of his
companion has not only left him entirely alone, but has left an empty void that this world can
never fill.
"When this transient life is over
May they meet on the other shore,
In yonder bright heavenly home
Where the pang of parting is unknown."
MARRIED. BOLEN-MISSON.--On the 29th ult., at Slatington, by the Rev. B. F. Meyers,
James Bolin, of Drifton, and Miss Emma L. Misson, of Slatington.
Volume 10, Number 43, Saturday, September 16, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles Pike, a well-known lawyer of Wilkesbarre, died suddenly
Tuesday morning of apoplexy, aged 52 years.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles Von Etten, youngest son of H. C. Van Etten, a hotel
proprietor, was drowned in the Delaware river at Milford Tuesday morning in the presence of his
mother. The body was recovered.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Johnson, a farmer of Lower Nazareth, Northampton county,
was fatally injured, Friday, in Easton, by falling from a wagon.
Lower Towamensing Chips. Alexander Beer is the happiest man in the place, because his better
half presented him with twins--two boys. This is the second time that they are blessed with
twins--the former were a boy and a girl.
Lower Towamensing Chips. Tilghman Hankey is blessed with a little son--presented to him by
his better half.
Lower Towamensing Chips. The youngest child of John Balliet, of Slatington, died and was
buried last week.
Wild Creek Items. An infant child of Daniel Andrew was buried at the Jerusalem church on
Monday last.
Wild Creek Items. An infant child of Stephen Christman was buried at the Jerusalem church on
last Friday.
Wild Creek Items. Mr. H. P. Kibler, of this place, aged 61 years 10 months and 5 days, was
instantly killed by falling out of his barn, on Thursday 7th inst. His remains were buried at the
Jerusalem church, on Sunday, 10th inst. The unkertaker was Mr. Younkin, of Trachsville,
funeral services were held in both English and German, by the Rev. A. Strauss, whose text was-Proverbs 14th chapter, 12th verse: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end
thereof are the ways of death." The deceased leaves a wife, two daughters, five sons and fifteen
grand-children.
MARRIED. SOONHEIMER-GROSS.--On the 10th ult., at Parryville, by the Rev. W. F.
Sheppard, Mr. A. Spoonheimer and Miss Emma Gross, both of Parryville, Pa.
Volume 10, Number 44, Saturday, September 23, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Patrick Markley was killed Friday morning at Nesquehoning, by
the fall of a hoisting car, caused by the breaking of a rope.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Kohler, aged nine years, of Easton, fell from a moving
canal boat at Slatington on Monday and was drowned. His body was recovered.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Walter F. Singmaster, President of the Lehigh Telegraph Co., died
Wednesday in Allentown, of congestion of the brain, after one day's illness.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Ashman, a miner employed at No. 1 slope, Upper Lehigh,
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was fatally injured by a fall of rock on Friday. He died shortly after the accident occurred.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles Silvers and Jacob Clark were killed at the Red Ash
colliery, near Wilkesbarre, Tuesday, by a fall of rock. Both were married. Silvers was preparing
to enter the ministry of the Methodist church.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. An old resident of town, Richard Weiss, died, on Saturday last after
a few weeks sickness.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Haines, 60 years of age, a resident of Hamburg and for many
years a boatman on the Schuylkill canal was found dead in the cabin of his boat at Schuylkill
Haven Friday. His boat was undergoing some repairs at the dock and no one knew that Haines
was on the boat. The cabin door was locked and was forced open by his friends, who were in
search of him for several days. The Deputy Coroner empanneled a jury, who rendered a verdict
of death from apoplexy.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. About seven o'clock Friday evening Eugene Huff, a brakeman on a
coal train on the Lehigh and Susquehanna railroad, lost his life while coupling cars on a siding
near the round house, above Bethlehem junction. Huff's body was found under a car, where he
must have fallen while in the act of coupling. The head was completely served from the body
and was found lying outside the track, opposite the body. After several train hands were
examined a verdict of accidental death was rendered and the railroad company and its employes
exonerated from all blame.
Our Neighborhood in Brief.Mrs. Catharine Emerick, wife of Jacob Emerick, a farmer living in
South Manheim township, Schuylkill co., died suddenly Thursday morning of last week, the
deceased and her little son left home at an early hour with a load of produce which they soon
disposed of, and had just left Schuylkill Haven on their way home when Mrs. Emerick suddenly
fell back in the wagon and expired. The little boy drove back to Schuylkill Haven with his
mother's corpse, where a Deputy Coroner held an inquest. Heart disease is believed to be the
cause of her death. She was 55 years of age and did not complain of feeling ill during the day.
MARRIED. HUNSICKER-GRAVER.--On the 18th inst., by the Rev. J. H. Hartman, Milton
H. Hunsicker, of Lehighton and Miss Ella E. Graver, of Weissport.
Volume 10, Number 45, Saturday, September 30, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charley, a young son of Robt. Sweeny aged 2 years, 2 months, died
of inflammation of the bowels, last Saturday, 3rd inst., and was buried on Wednesday afternoon
at two o'clock.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A brakeman on the Lehigh Valley railroad, whose name we could
not learn, was terribly smashed up while coupling cars in the Packerton Yard Wednesday night.
He died shortly after the accident.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Thursday evening of last week, at Hazleton, A. S. VanWickle,
56
of Cleveland, Ohio, and Miss Bessie Pardee, daughter of Ario Pardee, were married in the
Presbyterian church, the pastor, Rev. Mr. Jack, officiating.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Thursday, of last week, Mrs. Chas. Dietrich, of Easton, gave
birth to a son, and in the evening two daughters were born to her. The triplets are doing well, and
appear healthy and strong. Mrs. Dietrich is also in good spirits.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At the Coal Brook Colliery, Carbondale, Wednesday a driver boy,
named McMinn, while in the act of removing a coal car from the chamber, was wedged between
the car and a pillar and was squeezed to death. He was found two hours later by some of the
workmen, who became alarmed at his absence and instituted a search.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Anthony Daly, a driver boy employed at No. 3 shaft, Pittston, met
with a terrible death Thursday morning. The mule he was riding took fright and before he could
remove his foot from the traces he was thrown from the animals back. The boy with his head
downward was dragged a considerable distance and was terribly mutilated.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. W. G. Colburn and Miss Ella Graver, daughther of W. A. Graver,
formerly of this borough, now of Wilkesbarre, were married on Thursday evening at the above
named place. The young couple have our hearty congratulations and best wishes for a happy and
prosperous voyage on the ocean of life.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Engle, a miner employed at the West Lehigh Colliery, near
Mahanoy City, was instantly killed Thursday evening by a fall of rock. Engle, with several
companions, was working in a breast and he attempted to knock out some of the prop timber
with a heavy sledge, although warned not to do it. Another blow brought the prop down and
with it came five or six tons of rock, completely burying him. The deceased was _8 [first digit
illegible] years of age and unmarried.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Joseph Owanco, a Polish miner, aged 35, employed at the
Schuylkill Colliery, Mahanoy City, was instantly killed on Thursday morning of last week. He
prepared a shot to fire and lighting the fuse retired some distance to await the explosion, which
failed to take place. After waiting the usual time he went back to relight the fuse, which he
believed had been extinguished. He lit a match and stooped down when the shot fired with
terrific force, knocking him against the timber and dashing his brains out. He leaves a wife and
three children. This was the fourth mine accident in that vicinity during the week, three of which
were fatal.
A Disastrous Mine Explosion. A disastrous mine explosion took place Monday morning at the
Dodson shaft, in Plymouth, by which two men, Thomas Copes, fire boss, and John Race, a
miner, were instantly killed. Henry Barnes, also a miner, was so badly burned that his recovery
is doubtful. The accident was the result of sheer carelessness. Copes, although warned not to do
so, entered the mine with a naked lamp, accompanied by Race and Barnes, and an explosion
immediately followed. A cave in followed shortly after the explosion, which affects about half
an acre of the surface over part of which the track of the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg Road is
laid. It is about three feet in depth, and trains were delayed for a long time in consequence.
There was more or less excitement in or about the mine the whole morning, and it is feared that
57
other cave-ins will occur sooner or later.
Big Creek Doings. A little boy of Harry Smith's, of Pine Run, died last week of cholera
infantum, and was interred at St. paul's church on Friday. Rev. J. E. Freeman officiated.
Big Creek Doings. Mrs. Jos. Otto, of Upper Pine Run, who accompanied her husband to the old
country several months ago, returned home last week. Mr. Otto had great confidence in a certain
physician in the old country with whom he was well acquainted and thought (after our physicians
here pronounced his case incurable) that if he could place himself under the treatment of that
physician he could be cured; but we are sorry to say he lived but a short time after reaching the
old country.
Death of Adam Woolever.
At nine o'clock Monday night Adam Woolever, lawyer, politician and author, died at his
residence in Allentown, the victim of blood-poisoning. He has been suffering for two weeks
from the malady and abscesses formed all over his body. It was not until Friday, however, that
he yielded to the extent of going to bed, though previous to that his system was greatly weakened
by the effects of the disease.
Adam Woolever was born in Franklin county, New Jersey, March 7, 1833. At the age of
15 he his left home and located at Easton as an apprentice in the mercantile business.
Subsequently he read law in the offices of Judge Joseph Vilet, Washington, N. J., and Judge
McCartney, of Easton, and in 1855 was admitted to practice at the Northampton county bar. In
1860 he removed to Allentown and became a solicitor to the sheriff. Three years later he was
elected District Attorney. In 1869 he was elected to the Legislature and returned for three
consecutive terms, having been nominated by his party for the Speakership in 1872. In 1875 he
was elected Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, the arduous duties of which position he
discharged with ability and integrity. Mr. Woolever was a great student and his mind was given
to literary pursuits whenever his exacting professional services gave leisure to indulge it. In
1876 he published a work of recognized value entitled "A Treasury of Wit and Wisdom." It was
the fruit of ten years of faithful effort. It embraced the sayings of 931 authors upon 1,393
subjects and included 10,299 quotations.
MARRIED. EACHES-SPANGLER.--On the 1st inst., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Adam Eaches
and Miss Susanna Spangler, both of Franklin township, Carbon county, Pa.
MARRIED. KNEPPER-COLE.--On the 17th inst., by the same, Alfred Knepper and Miss
Sarah A. Cole, both of West Penn, Schuylkill county.
MARRIED. FAULKNER-PRICE.--At the residence of Mr. David Price, of Catasauqua,
Lehigh county, Pa., Wednesday evening Sept. 27th, 1882, by the Rev. Cornelius Earle, assisted
by the Rev. James A. Little, John Faulkner, of Hokendauqua, and Delilah Price, of Catasauqua.
DIED. STEIGERWALT.--On the 24th ult., in East Penn, Emaline, daughter of Joshua and
Caroline Steigerwalt, aged 12 years, 10 months and 14 days.
DIED. CORREL.--On the 27th ult., in Rush twp Clara Olivia, daughter of Charles and Sarah
Correl, aged 23 days.
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DIED. REHRIG.--On the 31st ult., in Mahoning, Lillie Mable, daughter of Thomas A. and
Cordelia Rehrig, aged 4 months and 22 days.
DIED. FREDIRICI.--On the 31st ult., in West Penn, Matilda, wife of Alfred Fredirici, aged 41
years, 4 months and 29 days.
DIED. MILLER.-On the 1st inst., in West Penn, Reuben Miller, aged 73 years, 9 months and
18 days.
DIED. REX.--On the 13th inst., in Lehighton, Gertrude May, daughter of Alvin and Annie Rex,
aged 8 months and 2 days.
Volume 10, Number 46, Saturday, October 7, 1882
MARRIED. FROELICH-HORN.--On September 23rd, at the Lutheran parsonage of
Cherryville; by Rev. G. A. Bruegel, Mr. Charles G. Froelich, of Minneapolis, Minn., former of
this borough, to Miss Annie Horn, of this place.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Colonel George C. Wynkoop, a soldier of the war with Mexico and
the war for the Union, died Friday in Pottsville, aged 75 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Thursday night, Daniel Fraze, residing at Lehigh Gap, died
suddenly of apoplexy, aged sixty years. On Friday night, his wife also died very suddenly, aged
68 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Samuel Nonemacher, one of Allentown's oldest and best known
citizens, died on last Friday from the effects of a paralytic stroke sustained a few days before.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Rumor reached here Thursday morning, that Nathan Klotz, for
many years a resident of this place, died very suddenly at his home in Lansford, on Wednesday.
A Darkey Shot. Charles Gordelli, an Italian, shot Robert Stewart, a colored man, on the 28th
ult., at Pottsville, inflicting a wound which resulted fatally. The post mortem and inquest
disclosed the fact that Gordelli had spent the evening at the house of a countryman who had a
colored mistress, and was drinking with her and a number of other negroes. He had $200 with
him, and Stewart returned to the house after all had departed for the night and endeavored to
effect an enentrance into the room in which Gordelli was asleep. The latter, waking up,
discovered Stewart on a ladder, and running to the window, fired the fatal shot. Gordelli and
Mary Reilly, the colored paramour of the countryman, are in prison.
Weissport Letter. Mr. George Reed, an estimable gentleman from Philadelphia, who has been
summering at Weissport lost his only child last Wednesday. He removed the little one to its last
abode, in Philadelphia, on Friday.
Lower Towamensing Chips. A number of friends and relatives gathered at the house of Mrs.
Jonas Peter, on Thursday of last week, to celebrate her birthday.
59
Lower Towamensing Chips. William Behler while returning home last Monday evening, from
gunning, was surprised by a large number of his friends, who had come to celebrate his birthday.
A rich and luxurious repast was furnished by them, of which all partook. 47 years have passed
over his head. May he live long and be happy.
Lower Towamensing Chips. A young son of Tilghman Hankey, died and was buried in the St.
John's cemetery on last Monday.
Volume 10, Number 47, Saturday, October 14, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Abraham Hillard, aged 75 years, committed suicide in Upper
Nazareth, Northampton county, Tuesday, by hanging himself from a tree.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Colonel Andrew Lee, a retired coal operator and well known
throughout his and York State, died in Wilkesbarre at midnight on the 5th inst., in the sixtyeighth year of his age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Broder, a young printer of Wilkesbarre, was found
unconscious on top of a passenger car at the Lehigh Valley Depot, in that city, Monday evening.
He had been stealing a ride. He is seriously and fatally hurt. It is not known how he sustained
his injuries.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The funeral of Nathan Klotz, of Lansford, who died of apoplexy on
Thursday, of last week, took place in this borough on Monday, and was very largely attended by
relatives and friends. Deceased was about 59 years of age and was very highly respected by all
who knew him.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles Hummel, twenty-three years of age, was instantly killed at
the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company's Brookside colliery, near Pottsville,
Thursday morning, 5th inst. Hummel was employed as a laborer and was engaged in prying
coal loose when a fall occurred, killing him instantly. He was only recently married. The
deceased was a brother of Edward Hummel, Democratic candidate for the Legislature.
Death of David Kistler--Autopsy.
David Kistler, of Mahoning township, after some three months' illness died Sunday
night, Oct. 8th. About a month previous to his death he expressed himself as incurable, and all
he desired was to be relieved of his sufferings. He was only confined to his bed some 12 days,
during which time he suffered greatly.
In accordance with his own request an autopsy was made next day after his death by Dr.
W. W. Reber, assisted by Drs. C. S. German and N. B. Reber; Dr. Jonas Kistler, son of the
decased and medical student at Jefferson Medical College, was also present by special request of
his father "that he might learn from him."
The autopsy proved the case to have been a very complicated one and showed, as had
been supposed, that the direct cause of his death was disease of the kidneys, with which he had
been afflicted some 18 or 20 years. The result of the post mortem was as follows:
Hydronephrosis or dropsy and atrophy of the right kidney; Hypertrophy or enlargement of the
60
left kidney; chronic adhesiveness of the intestines with contractions of the transverse colon near
the liver, and Pryloricsend of the stomach, also thickening and hardening of the Pylorus, other
abnormities were also present. The autopsy was very satisfactory to the family and relatives,
proving that al had been done for the deceased that could be done and that the case was an
incurable one.
The above case we learn was highly instructive to the physicians and the autopsy, instead
of being an exceptional one, should become the rule, especially in obscure cases, which would
have a tendency to expose some mistakes instead of depositing them six feet under ground.
Weissport Letter. Married--Last Thursday, by the Rev. A. Bartholomew, Joseph Strohl, of
Towamensing and Miss Effie J. Fenner, of this place. Our best wishes are with the happy couple
as they start out on their journey of unified life.
Weissport Letter. Ike Ux has received a new comer in his family, i. e., an increase. It does not
quite say papa yet, but if all goes well it will not be a year before it begins to lisp that name
lustily.
Weisspport Letter. The many friends of Nathan Klotz were sorely grieved at hearing of his
death.
Mahoning Squibs. David Kistler died on Sunday night. His funeral took place on Thursday at
the M. E. church, the Rev. W. H. Wieand officiating.
Mahoning Squibs. James Kistler, of Minneapolis, Minn., came home to attend the funeral of his
father.
Volume 10, Number 48, Saturday, October 21, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Michael Gilmartin, a repairman on the Lehigh Valley Railroad,
was struck by a passenger train last Friday morning at Fairview and sustained injuries which
resulted in his death a short time afterwards. He was fifty-five years of age and unmarried.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Rudolph Hoffman, a machinists in the Delaware, Lackawanna and
Western Railroad shops, at Scranton, was struck, on Thursday night, by a piece of iron, which
reopened an old wound in his leg. He walked to a physician's office, where he soon after died.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Fred. Harpersberger, aged seven years, while playing with
matches and kerosene oil at his home in Wilkesbarre on Saturday, set fire to his clothes and was
fatally burned. He died shortly afterward. His mother, while trying to put out the fire, was
severely burned.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Brown, aged 80 years, died in Marion township, Berks
county, Monday of old age. When the graveyard insurance business was at its height in Berks,
Brown was insured by outside parties ofr $275,000. All the policies, however, became void
when the companies were declared illegal some time ago.
61
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At Llewellyn, Schuylkill county, Monday afternoon Mrs. Walton, a
widow, aged 52 years, while laboring under a temporary aberration of mind, jumped into a well.
Friends saw her and made a gallant attempt to rescue her, drawing her up part way twice. She
fell back both times and her body was not recovered until life was extinct. No cause is assigned
for the unsettled state of her mind.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Gerrity, aged nineteen years, employed as bottom man at
the North Ashland Colliery, Schuylkill county, in attempting to take the chain off a descending
mine wagon at the bottom of the slope Tuesday afternoon missed it and threw the wagon off the
track, which caught Gerrity and jammed him against the timbers, killing him almost instantly.
His body was horribly mutilated, his head being completely split in two.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Judge Pershing, of the Schuylkill county court, on Monday granted
a divorce to the wife of Edward Curley, a Mollie Maguire, now serving a twelve years term in
the Eastern Penitentiary. The grounds of divorce were ill treatment and desertion of his family.
Curley, in July, 1876, murdered John Gunning at Centralia and fled to Ireland. Four years
afterwards he returned and surrendered himself to the authorities at Bloomsburg. He was tried
and convicted of murder in the second degree.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Thursday afternoon of last week one of the tanks of Glendower
colliery, near Glencarbon, Schuylkill county, used for hoisting water, jumped the track. Ivor
Jones and David Williams were engaged in putting it on the track when a large piece of rock fell
from the roof of the slope, severely injuring Jones and knocking Williams to the bottom of the
slope into the sump, where he was drowned. Several hours elapsed before his body was
recovered. He was twenty four years old, unmarried and lived at Minersville.
Big Creek Notes. Mr. Daniel Weidman, of Long Run, was interred in the cemetery at Solt's on
Sunday at 3 o'clock. He was aged about 61 years. Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Mr.
DeLong, of Weissport, in German.
Big Creek Notes. The wife of Jacob Graver, of Catasauqua, lately of this place, was brought by
the cars to Weissport, on Wednesday last, for interment in the East Weissport cemetery. Mrs.
Graver died from a tumor which the physicians removed, after which mortification set in and
soon ended her earthly career.
Weissport Letter. Miss Lillie Dreisbach, an exemplary young lady, of East Weissport, was
buried on Tuesday afternoon. The funeral was largaly attended. The sorrow for the demise of
this beloved lady is universal, and the eyes of many were fountains of tears, on the day that the
last sad rites were performed to all that was mortal. Rev. DeLong preached a feeling sermon,
and took as his text, which was selected by the deceased, 1st verse, 3 chapter, Songs of Solomon:
"I am the flower of Sharon and the rose of the valley." By request the minister read a piece of
poetry, from the pulit, which called upon those young women who are of a frivolous and
unthinking disposition to behold the corpse and be admonished by it. It had the effect and was
most appropriate.
Weissport Letter. Mrs. Jacob Graver, a very estimable young lady of Catasauqua, was buried on
Thursday, at this place. The services were conducted in the Evangelical church.
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Mahoning Squibs. James H. Kistler, who came from Minneapolis, Minn., to attend the funeral
of his father, will leave again for that place next Monday.
Volume 10, Number 49, Saturday, October 28, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Joseph Pryta was killed by a fall of coal in the Koh-i-noor colliery,
at Shenandoah, on Wednesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Northerly, aged 13 years, was killed, on Tuesday, at
Mahanoy City, by falling into the breaker of the Tunnel Ridge colliery.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Peter Miller, the horse trainer and turfman, died at his home in
Rittersville, on Thursday evening of last week, of dropsy and heart disease.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. John Klinetop, of Wild Creek, died on Thursday of last week,
and was interred at Jerusalem church on Monday. A husband and large family mourn their sad
loss.
Obituary.
Miss Fannie S. Hottenstein, one of our teachers, died on Wednesday afternoon at 5
o'clock, at the residence of Mr. Thos. S. Beck, in this borough, where she had been lying ill with
typhoid fever for the last three weeks. Her parents live at Pottstown, Montgomery county, and
the family consisted of a son and three daughters. About a month ago her brother took sick with
typhoid fever and a telegram was sent calling Miss Fannie home. Soon after her return she took
the fever herself and had been confined to bed ever since. At the same time that she took sick,
her eldest sister who was at home with her parents, also took the fever and after a short illness of
four days died. Miss Fannie was too weak to receive the sad news and thus never learned that
her sister died. Immediately after her sister's death, her mother took the fever, and, according to
the latest reports, she has had a relapse, and there is little hope for her recovery. It is feared that,
under the circumstances, her second daughter's death will be a bereavement too heavy for her to
bear. The son is off the fair way of recovery, and is considered out of danger. The father and the
only daughter that is left, were alone to attend to those who were sick at home, and both of them
are said to be unwell themselves though not convined to bed.
Under these circumstances, it was impossible for any member of the family to come to
see Fannie during her illness. It is thought, by her physician, that worry about Fannie's illness,
where none of them could visit her, broke down the mother's health as much as the fever itself.
Miss Fannie was a graduate of the Keystone State Normal school, of the class of 1881.
She was a young lady of fine culture and scholarship, and always enjoyed the highest esteem of
her classmates and professors.
Last July she was elected to one of the Lehighton schools, and during her short stay of a
few months, won for herself not only the affection of her pupils but the esteem and regard of all
school officers, fellow teachers and parents.
During her illness the people of Lehighton had the deepest sympathy for her. Nothing
was left undone that could in any way contribute to her recovery or alleviate her sufferings. Her
remains were taken to Pottstown on Thursday accompanid by Rev. J. H. Hartman of town, her
pastor.
63
A short service was held at the residence of Mr. Beck before the remains were taken to
the depot.
The teachers and pupils of the public schools, the members of the school board, the
County Superintendent, and a number of prominent citizens of town accompanied the remains to
the train. Few cases of sickness have elicited such universal and heartfelt sympathy among our
citizens, and whilst it is sad that none of her friends from home could visit her, she was made to
feel that she was not among strangers really but among people who had all the sympathy and
affection for her of life-long friends. Her death is a bereavement, not only to her family, but also
to her pupils and the many friends she had made during her short stay with us.
P. S.--Since the above was put in type, we learn that the only sister left has been taken
with typhoid fever, at her home in Pottstown, while the mother still remains in a very precarious
condition.
Doings in Mahoning Valley. Our population is steadily increasing. The better half of Frank
Sittler presented him with twin girls last week. Frank is happy, he goes about whistling, Baby
Mine, and Home Sweet Home.
Doings in Mahoning Valley. To-morrow (Sunday) morning, at the residence of the bride's
parents, Mr. Frank Behlor, of West Penn, will be united in the holy bonds of wedlock with
Deborah, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Mr. D. S. Longacre, of this place. The
silken knot will be tied by the Rev. W. H. Strauss. As they journey, together, along life's
highway may their path be strewn with roses; may their joys be many and troubles be little ones.
Towamensing Dots. Daniel Blose died of consumption, and was buried last Saturday in the St.
John's cemetery. Rev. J. E. Freeman officiating.
MARRIED. STROHL-FENNER.--On the 5th instant, by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Joseph Strohl
and Miss Effie Jane Fenner, both of the borough of Weissport.
MARRIED. REINHART-OSENBACH.--On the 22nd inst., by the same, Elias B. Reinhart
and Miss Ida Rebecca Reinhart, both of West Penn, Schuylkill county.
MARRIED. HILL-PETER.--On the 22nd inst., by the same, D. K. Hill, of West Penn,
Schuylkill county, and Miss Amelia E. Peter, of Lynn twp., Lehigh county.
MARRIED. HENRY-GREEN.--On the 19th inst., by Rev. G. A. Breugel, Augustus Henry and
Miss Ellen J. Green, both of Parryville.
MARRIED. FARROW-HEBEL.--At Hazleton, on the 22nd inst., by Rev. E. A. Bauer, Elmer
Farrow, of Beaver Meadow, and Miss Kate Habel, of Coleraine.
DIED. RHOADS.--On the 16th inst., Sylvester W., infant son of Wallace Rhoads, of Millport,
aged 1 year, 2 months and 3 days.
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Volume 10, Number 50, Saturday, November 4, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Francis, a son of Samuel Kibler, of Big Creek, died on Friday noon,
of diphtheria, and was buried on Monday. Aged 4 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Henry Wagner was instantly killed by a cave-in of ore at the mines
of Dr. Shultz, near Emaus, Thursday afternoon 26th ult. He leaves a wife and child.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A young man named Heffelfinger was killed by cars at Sheckler's
crossing, on the L. V. R. R., last Friday morning. He resided in the vicinity of Slatington.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. General Ebenezer Warren Strudivant died Monday in Wilkesbarre,
aged 76 years. He was formerly District Attorney for Luzerne county, and lately President of
City Councils of Wilkesbarre.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While on his way to work Tuesday morning Joseph Wyant, of
Easton, an iron roller, was struck by a passenger train on the Lehigh Valley Railroad and fatally
injured, The engine and one car passed over him.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A three-year-old son of Mrs. Hunter, of Reynold's Station,
Schuylkill county, during the temporary absence of its mother drank a large quantity of coal oil,
and after lingering in great agony for 24 hours died Saturday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Augustus Deppe, of Wilkes Barre, was on a visit to friends at
Mauch Chunk, and was taken sick a few days ago, and died on Sunday last, aged 37 years. Her
funeral took place at Big Creek on Wednesday, the former residence of her husband.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Two freight trains ran into each other Wednesday, at a crossing in
Scranton, and 25 cars were thrown from the track and an engine was smashed. John Glynn,
watchman, was killed and several train hands were injured. The disaster is said to have been
caused by Glynn's negligence.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At Glen Carbon, Schuylkill county, last Saturday morning, Mrs.
Tobin, wife of James Tobin, a miner, left the house to get some water, leaving her two-year old
son playing on the floor. About twenty minutes later she returned, to find the little fellow in
flames and so terribly burned that he died an hour afterward. The child had lighted pieces of
paper at the stove and set its clothes on fire.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Govern Burt and Peter Lamb, miners, on Friday entered an
abandoned portion of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company's mine, at Wilkesbarre, to get a
lot of old iron. They carried naked lamps upon their hats, and the result was the terrific
explosion of mine gas. In the new workings over a 100 men were laboring, but all made their
escape. Subsequently a force of men searched for Burt and Lamb, who were found in the Pine
Ridge shaft. They were blown several yards away, and were burned to death.
Mahoning Squibs. The wedding on last Sunday, 29th ult., was well attended.
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Resolutions of Condolence.
Whereas, God, in his infinite wisdom, has been pleased to remove from our midst by
death our respected friend and fellow-teacher, Fannie S. Hottenstein, who, by her untiring labor
and earnest devotion to the cause of education, and by her kind and gentle disposition, has won
the friendship and admiration of her pupils and fellow teachers in the short time she has been
among us, therefore, be it Resolved,
First, That while we recognize the hand of Our Heavenly Father in her death, and humbly
bow in submission to His will, yet we deeply mourn the loss of one so young, so full of
gentleness and kindness, and so successful and full of promise for the future.
Second, That in her removal we realize that we lose a genial companion, an earnest colaborer in the work of education and one whose self sacrificing disposition and strict adherance
to the right won the admiration of all who knew her.
Third, That we tender to her bereaved and afflicted family our heartfelt sympathy in this
hour of affliction and distress.
Fourth, That we wear a badge of mourning for thirty days in token of our respect and
admiration of our departed friend and fellow teacher.
Fifth, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to her sorrowing family and that they be
published in the Carbon Advocate.
T. A. Snyder, Hattie L. Koons, Cora M. L. Rhoads, Belle Nusbaum, Laura V. Hofford, Aggie
Hauk, Annie Sewell, Teachers of the Lehighton Schools.
MARRIED. LEAKE-AULT.--At the residence of Mr. John Allen, Coplay, Lehigh county, Pa
Thursday, October 26th, by the Rev. James A. Little, Hugh Leake, of Hokendauqua, to Savanna
Ault, of Catasauqua.
DIED. ISRAEL.--At Beaver Meadow, Thursday, Oct. 26th, Sophia, daughter of Frederick
Israel, aged 7 years, 7 months and 19 days.
Volume 10, Number 51, Saturday, November 11, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Calvin Fry was killed Friday at Allentown by falling into a well
150 feet deep, at Guth's ore mines.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Chas. Rogers, aged 48, a railroad watchman, was run over and
killed by a train, near Schuylkill Haven, Tuesday morning.
Burned to Death. Mrs. John Fox, of White Haven, while seated in her kitchen last Friday
morning, by the side of a table on which a coal oil lamp was burning, was suddenly taken with
an epileptic fit and fell forward upsetting the table and breaking the lamp. The oil spread about
the floor and ignited, when she unfortunately fell into it. She was unable to give any alarm, but
her husband, who was in the room above the kitchen, smelling the smoke raised a window and
called for help. Several neighbors rushed in and found Mrs. Fox lying on the floor, her clothes
all in flames and the fire about her burning. The fire was quickly extinguished, and Dr. Trimmer
summoned to attend the injured woman. He found the skin and flesh of her body burned to a
hard crisp. In many places the skin and flesh had fallen off with pieces of her clothing. She
suffered the most intense pain for several hours, but retained consciousness until she died.
66
Packerton Ripples. A very pleasant and agreeable surprise party was held at the house of Jerry
Gould, on the 2nd inst., it being the fifty-third birthday of his sister Lizzie. As is customary on
such occasions, the tables literally groaned under the weight of good things they contained, and
the happy guests all did full justice to them. Miss Gould was made the recipient of several
presents by the visitors as a manifestations of the love and esteem in which she is held by them.
Among those present your reporter noticed the following: Mr. and Mrs. Warg, Mr. and Mrs.
Stiles, Mr and Mrs. Harleman, Mr. and Mrs. Hontz, Misses Nettie Marshall, McKelvy,
Harleman, McDaniel, Smith, Everet, Messrs. Beers, Long, Everet and Davies. These parties
do not only offer innocent pleasaures for the young, but creates fellowship and neighborly love
in a community, and for this reason are commendable. May Miss Gould live to see many such
happy birthday reunions is the wish of her many friends.
MARRIED. COOPER-THOMAS.--At Lock Ridge Presbyterian church by Rev. J. A. Little
assisted by Rev. E. A. Nelson, of Alburtis, Saturday, October 28, Harry Cooper formerly of
South Wales, and Martha A. Thomas, of Hokendauqua, Lehigh co.
Volume 10, Number 52, Saturday, November 18, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Michael M. Sheridan and Miss Ella Garrett, both of Weatherly
were married by 'Squire Longshore on last Saturday afternoon.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A Lehigh Valley railroad train collided with a gravel train at Coxton
on Saturday morning, at P. Costello, the engineer, received fatal injuries.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Willie, only child of Robert and Kate Nattrass, of Upper Mauch
Chunk, died on Wednesday last, aged about 6 years. The funeral will take place this (Saturday)
afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Train no 9, on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, due at Pittston Saturday
at 4.50 o'clock from the West, collided with a gravel train at Coston, and P. Costello, the
engineer, from fatally injured.
Packerton Ripples. Mr. Leopold Myers, the obliging host of the Packerton Hotel, adopted a plan
of keeping a place for the accommodation of travellers, and not a rum hole. Attentive to the
wants of his guests, he is making his hotel pay. on Wednesday evening, being the occasion of his
birthday, he gave a supper to a few of his friends. It was an enjoyable affair. May Leopold live
to enjoy many such occasions with his friends.
At Preston Colliery, near Ashland, Patrick Conway, a driver, was instantly killed Wednesday by
being caught between a wagon and a large rock. He was twenty-three years of age, unmarried,
and lived at Big Mine run. This was his third day at the colliery, having only been employed last
Monday.
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Volume 11, Number 1, Saturday, November 25, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Hughes, an old man, was killed Tuesday by a fall of rock
at the Brisbin shaft, near Scranton.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. William Garis, of South Easton, died on Saturday from
injuries received by falling from the second story of her residence.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A boy named McNally, aged 14 years, employed by the
Pennsylvania Coal Company, was crushed to death betwen the cars at the Law shaft, Pittston,
Tuesday morning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Westfall, present member of the House of Representatives
at Harrisburg from Pike county, died Tuesday, aged 68 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John McNulty, a miner, aged 23, was instantly killed Tuesday
morning by a fall of top coal at the Logan Colliery, near Centralia, Schuylkill county. His body
was mangled beyond recognition. His partner, who was working with him, narrowly escaped
meeting the same fate. McNulty was unmarried and resided at Ashland.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Daniel Ruffner, a hermit for a number of years in Cumru township,
six miles from Reading, was found dead last Monday in his cabin. Portions of his flesh had been
eaten away by rats. Ruffner was 83 years old and was heavily insured in "wildcat" companies.
He is supposed to have been dead several days before the body was discovered.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas and Albert Williams were instantly killed and Sylvester
Williams was fearfully injured by a fall of roof in the Grassy Island Colliery of the Delaware
and Hudson Company at Olyphant last Friday. The accident occurred shortly after firing a blast
and came upon the men while loading a coal car, burying them beneath several tons of rock. It
took two hours to release Sylvester Williams from the debris, during which time his cries were
pitiful to hear.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Wednesday evening, at the new air shaft of the Oxford Colliery,
at Scranton, a large platform, upon which an immense quantity of ice had accumulated, crashed
to the bottom of the shaft, a distance of 125 feet, where a number of sinkers were at work. There
was no possible way of escape for those in the shaft. Two men named Hopkins Hughes and
Patick Rochfort were instantly killed, and James Roberts, William Hayes and Thomas
Watkins, the contractor were probably fatally injured.
Commits Suicide. On Wednesday of last week a fellow-painter of William Stark, residing at
Phillipsburg, N. J., visited the latter's home and found Mrs. Stark lying in a stupor on a bed. He
succeeded in partially arousing her and, thinking she had been sleeping, left her. At supper time,
when Mr. Stark returned home, he found his wife unconscious and summoned a physician, who
found the woman suffering from opium poisoning. She died early Thursday morning. A note
found upon her told her husband not to weep for her, but to soon follow her to where there was
no more trouble. She also asked that her ring be kept as a remembrance. There is no cause
assigned for the act. When a young girl in her teens she married David Wright, who died three
68
years ago. On October 21st last she was married to Stark, being then but 23 years old.
Lower Towamensing Chips. George Pettit is the happiest man in Lower Towamensing, his
better-half presented him with twins last week--a boy and a girl.
Obituary--Mrs. S. B. M. Packer. As briefly in the Carbon Advocate last week, Mrs. S. B. M.
Packer, relict of the late Asa Packer, the well known projector of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and
the founder of the Lehigh University, died at the family mansion, in Mauch Chunk, at 1:47
o'clock Friday morning, after an illness of a fortnight's duration. Mrs. Packer was born at
Springvile, now Dimmick's Four Corners, Susquahanna county, Pa., March 12, 1807, and was
married to Judge Packer January 23, 1828. Three of Mrs. Packer's children survive her, viz.:
Robert A. Packer, superintendent of the Pennsylvania and New York Division of the Lehigh
Valley Railroad, of Sayre, Pa; Hon. Harry E. Packer, vice president of the Lehigh Valley
Railroad, and Miss Mary Packer. Mrs. Lucy P. Linderman, the eldest daughter, preceded both
the Judge and Mrs. Asa Packer to the grave. Her surviving children were all present at her
deathbed. Judge and Mrs. Packer celebrated their golden wedding January 23, 1878, and it was
one of the greatest social events that ever occurred in the Lehigh Valley. One of the provisions of
the will of Judge Packer, who died in 1879, was as follows: "My purpose is that she (Mrs.
Packer) shall have whatever she wishes out of my estate, and all other provisions hereof are
subordinate to this one." Mrs. Packer was greatly devoted to her husband and shared all his
trials and successes. They had lived in Mauch Chunk since 1834. Mrs. Packer was known
through a wide circle for her unobtrusive charities and good works. Recently she had caused to
be erected a large chapel and Sunday school room in connection with the Episcopal Church in
that town. The funeral took place at 3 o'clock, on Monday afternoon last. The following
gentleman acted as pall bearers: F R Sayre, Lafayette Lentz, A W Leisenring, Oliver A G
Broadhead, jr., A W Butler, General Wm. Lilly, Joseph H Champan, John Painter, Robert
Klotz, Thomas L Foster, A A Douglass, David Trehan, R Q Butler, John Taylor, J. H. Wilhelm
and J H Ruddle. The services which took place at the house, were conducted by the rector of St.
Mark's church, Rev. M. A. Tolman, assisted by Bishop Howe, of Reading, and Rev. J. Archer, of
White Haven, and were attended by a large number of the relatives and friends of the deceased
lady resident in the Lehigh Valley, New York, Philadelphia and other places. The funeral was the
largest ever held in the Lehigh Valley, with the exception of Judge Packer's, in 1879. The
offices of the Lehigh Valley Company at Mauch Chunk suspended business during the day.
A Fatal Nitro-Glycerine Explosion.
The Cold Spring Chemical Works, on the Lehigh Mountain, about four miles south of
Allentown, was the scene at 12 o'clock Friday of a terrific explosion. One man was blown to
atoms. The city was shaken and window panes within a circle of half a mile of the explosion
were shattered and numbers of doors in the vicinity were forced open and the locks broken. The
building that exploded was the nitro-glycerine magazine, a small frame concern resting on solid
rock. A big hole in the ground filled with bits of stone, the remnants of the rocks on which the
magazine stood, attest the force of the explosion. Four men were at the works at the time of the
disaster. Three were in the drying room eating dinner; the superintendent and chemist, H. C.
Welch, aged forty-five years, had gone with a pail into the magazine to tap a pailful of oil to mix
with other material. The magazine contained two forty-gallon barrels of nitro-glycerine. Just as
one of the others was about to go to Mr. Welch's assistance the explosion occurred.
The shock was terrible. Not a vestige of the magazine was left. The workmen and the
69
people who hurried to the spot searched for Welch, of whom nothing was found but a few small
shreds of clothing and a small piece of skin. Notwithstanding that the search was kept up until
dark, not a bone or limb of the unfortunate man was found. The mixing and packing houses
were demolished. The damages amount to about $300. The cause of the explosion is not known.
Great precaution was exercised in handling the materials. A few days previous to the explosion
the zinc spigot of one of the barrels holding the oil became clogged and Welch inserted a nail to
open a passage, when a slight explosion occurred. Some think he may have repeated this
operation. Welch was engaged in the nitro-glycerine making business all his life. When his wife
heard the report she ran to the works and when told of her husband's fate she went into hysterics.
The same works exploded last May, with terrific effect, but no lives were lost.
Volume 11, Number 2, Saturday, December 2, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Two dwellings in Scranton were burned shortly after 1 o'clock
Friday morning, and in one of them Mrs. Ruddy lost her life in trying to save $250 in gold.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Edward Kohler, one of Whitehall township's oldest and most highly
esteemed citizens, residing near Egypt, died on Wednesday last, after a lingering illness of
several years, at the age of 76.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. About ten o'clock Tuesday morning fire broke out in a building
occupied by John Clark, near Pittston, and his little daughter Agnes, aged 4 years, perished in
the flames, though desperate efforts were made to rescue her.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Clews, aged seventy years, was found dead on a filthy pallet
of straw in a miserable hovel on the outskirts of Pottsville Monday. She was last seen alive on
Saturday. Her death is attributed to apoplexy. Her last days were miserably spent in begging and
drinking. During the reign of the Mollie Maguires two of her sons disappeared mysteriously, and
she always claimed that they had been killed by that murderous organization. Her remains were
sent to the county almshouse for interment.
In and Around Parryville. David Moyer buried his youngest child on Monday last. It had been
sick for some time with a wasting disease common among small children.
In and Around Parryville. The youngest child of W. I. Peters, of the Horseshoe hotel, fell over
backwards from hits high chair, one day last week, and sustained a concussion of the brain, from
which it died on Sunday evening, and was buried at Lehighton on Tuesday.
In and Around Parryville. Mrs. Elwin Dengler, of East Penn, died last Saturday. She had been
suffering for the past year or two with a complication of diseases, and recently an attack of
malaria intervened, which hastened her death. She left a husband and two or three small children
to mourn their loss. They have the sympathy of the entire community.
MARRIED. SOLT-REHRIG.--On the 5th ult., by Rev. J. E. Freeman, Tilghman Solt and Miss
Ida Rehrig, both of Franklin twp.
70
MARRIED. KNECHT-LEWIS.--On the 12th ult., at the house of the Reformed pastor, North
Weissport, by Rev. J. E. Freeman, Frank Knecht, of Franklin twp., and Miss Mary L. Lewis, of
Plymouth, Luzerne county.
DIED. STOUDT.--On Sept. 29, of kidney disease, Thomas Stoudt, of North Weissport, aged 81
years, 9 months and 4 days.
DIED. MAY. On the 17th ult., of breast fever, William, infant son of Joseph and Mary E. May,
aged 1 month and 2 days.
DIED. CAMPBELL.--On the 17th ult., of rheumatism, Sarah, wife of Archibald Campbell,
aged 45 years, 4 months and 4 days.
DIED. MOYER.--On the 23rd ult., in Parryville, Hattie H. infant daughter of David and Mary J.
Moyer, aged 4 mos. and 23 days.
Volume 11, Number 3, Saturday, December 9, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Quite a number of friends assembled at the residence of Mrs.
Huskey, on Saturday last, to celebrate her 48 birthday. A number of handsome presents were
given to her and a handsome and liberal luncheon was spread to which all did ample justice. It
was decidedly a happy occasion.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A young man, 22 years of age, named Lawrence Martin,
committed suicide at the Washington hotel, Hazleton, on Saturday night last, by swallowing a
large dose of arsenic.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Henry Hottenstein, the mother of Miss Fannie Hottenstein,
who died her in town a little over a month ago, died last week at her residence near Pottstown, in
Montgomery county.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Patrick McCullough, a miner, employed at the Pottsville shaft, was
instantly killed, Monday afternoon, by a mass of rock and slate falling upon him. He was 55
years of age, and leaves a wife and six children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Delilah, wife of John Caffrey, and youngest daughter of George
and Mary Raworth, of this borough, died on Thursday night of last week, at St. Luke's Hospital,
Bethlehem, of ovarian tumor, from which she had been suffering for about two years past. The
funeral took plae on Monday afternoon from the residence of the parents, the services being
conducted by Rev. G. W. North, of the M. E. church. Deceased was about 22 years old.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A young unmarried man named Dunlap, residing in Freemansburg
and employed at the Bethlehem Iron Works, was struck by the fly-wheel of one of the large blast
engines at the works Saturday afternoon, and his brains dashed out. The remains were gathered
up and taken to an undertaker's.
71
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Miss Matilda Strahler, living near South Bethlehem, died on
Wednesday of last week from the effects of burns received about a week previous. While at
work in the kitchen her clothes caught fire while in the act of taking a kettle from the stove. She
suffered intensely up to the time of her death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Express train No. 8, on the Lehigh Valley railroad, ran into a freight
train on a siding at Rummersfield, near Towanda, on Tuesday morning. Both engine were
wrecked, the baggage, express cars, sleepers and mails were destroyed by fire, and engineer
Foulk and fireman Kingsland, of the freight train, were burned to death. R. M. Mullen,
brakeman, was badly injured. The passengers escaped injury. The disaster was caused by a
misplaced switch.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Theodore Hill, a laborer, aged twenty years, was instantly killed by
a fall of coal Monday, at Carter's No. 2 slope, Beaver Meadow. A miner named Bonner, was
also slightly injured when the fall occurred.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A Hungarian emigrant, named Jungo Vassle, was killed on the
Lehigh Valley railroad, near Bethlehem, last Friday, while walking on the track.
Weissport Letter. We extend our sincere congratulations to that jovial friend of ours, S. R.
Gilham upon his change from the joys of singleness to those of double blessedness. It will no
more be in order for him to chant:
"At three score winters' end I may die,
A cheerless being, lone and sad,
The nuptial knot I never tied.
And wish my father never had."
But instead, sing and lullaby that beautiful verse:
"A faithful wife
Becomes the truest and the tenderest friend,
The balm of comfort and the source of joy.
Through every firtuous turn of life the same."
MARRIED. GILHAM-KEMERER.--On the 30th ult., at the residence of Mr. Rex, in
Lehighton, by Rev. G. W. North, Mr. Samuel R. Gilham and Miss Emma Kemerer, both of this
borough.
MARRIED. NICHOLAS-HARTLEY.--On the 9th ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Amandas
Nicholas and Miss Mary Alice Hartley, both of Packerton.
MARRIED. SCHWARTZ-MODDER.--On the 11th ult., by the same, John Schwartz, of
Lehighton, and Mrs. Lucessa Modder, of Lowhill, Lehigh county.
MARRIED. HALDEMAN-BALLIET.--On the 19th ult., by the same, Albert Haldeman and
Miss Emma E. Balliet, both of West Penn, Schuylkill county.
DIED. OHL.--On the 16 ultimo, in West Penn, Joseph husband of Susanna Ohl, aged 65 years,
1 month and 9 days.
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DIED. PETERS.--On the 26th ultimo, in Lower Towamensing, Oliver Stanley, son of W. L. and
Hannah Peters, aged 1 year 2 months and 17 days.
DIED. CAFFRAY.--At St. Luke's hospital, Bethlehem, from ovarian tumor, Delilah, wife of
John Caffray and daughter of George and Mary Raworth, of this borough, aged about 22 years.
Volume 11, Number 4, Saturday, December 16, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dr. David Copeland, late principal of the Wyoming Seminary, at
Kingston, died Thursday of last week, at Royalton, Vt.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Flora, a six-year-old daughter of Jeremiah Andrews of Beaver
Meadow, died on Sunday morning. Funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. J. B. McKinstry, a wealthy resident of Shultzville, near Scranton,
who was beaten by highwaymen a few weeks ago, died Tuesday of his injuries.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On last Saturday week Mr. Edwin T. Schertzinger and Miss Clara
M. Huff, both of Slatington, were united in wedlock. The ceremony was solemized at the
residence of the bride's mother, Mrs. Scheetz, in Lynn, by Rev. J. S. Erb, in the presence of a
company of near relatives and friends.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Margaret Glancey was found dead in her house at Wilkesbarre,
Sunday morning, with a gash in her head. It is said she kept considerable money in the house,
and it is suspected that she was murdered by robbers.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Minnie Williams, a nine year old daughter of Thomas K. Williams,
of Beaver Meadow, died suddnely on Saturday. The deceased had been ill but a day and her
sudden demise is a sad affliction to her parents. The funeral took place Monday afternoon.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A report reached us Thursday afternoon that our esteemed friend
and correspondent, Wm. E. Kemerer (Revere), of Franklin township, died at his home on that
day. Deceased was about 35 years of age, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him for his
honesty and integrity. We deeply sympathize with his bereaved amily in this, their hour of
trouble.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Michael Cannon, a miner employed at the Lehigh Coal Company's
No. 4 breaker, near Lansford, was instantly killed Friday morning by a fall of coal. He was forty
years of age and leaves a wife and four children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A body, believed to be that of Daniel Morgan, who disappeared in
1877, was found Tuesday, of last week, in No. 9 mine of the L. C. & N. Co., at Lansford. The
body was well preserved, though the mine has just been extinguished after being on fire for more
than a year.
Finding a Corpse.
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We clip the following from the Summit Hill Record, of the 9th inst: The people of
Lansford and the surounding neighborhood were thrown into a state of excitement on Monday by
the annoncement that the remains of a man were found in No. 9 mine. John D. Kelly, Nicholas
Burns and Henry Boner were employed at laying a railroad in the Red Ash gangway, which the
Company is reopening after an idleness of about six years. In cleaning up the refuse which had
accumulated, they struck a shoe, and further investigation discovered the remains of a once
human being. Mine Boss Holvey was notified, and he in turn telegraphed Supt. Morris.
Coroner Lentz was sent for to hold an inquest. On Wednesday he arrived and formed a jury who
visited the mine where the corpse lay. It was then removed to the outside, when Dr. Kistler
made an examination of the skull, but could find no marks of violence. He was of the opinion
that the man was between 18 and 25 years. After the skeleton had been washed off pieces of
flesh yet adhering to the bones it was placed in a box and removed to the lock-up.
Speculation as to who it could have been was rife. At first it got down to John Gallagher
and David Morgans, but on second consideraiion it was shown that Gallagher disappeared long
before this gangway was abandoned. As the jaw of the skull showed a missing tooth, it agreed
with David Morgans, who also had a tooth missing. The clothing worn was a short sack coat,
double breasted vest, woolen shirt, long woolen stockings and a pair of hob-nailed mining shoes,
which were well preserved. The pantaloons were patched on one knee. In the pockets was found
a piece of slate pencil and a portion of a tin tobacco box. The cap could not be found. Had this
been found and it was one with a square peak, it would have proven beyond a doubt that the
remains were those of David Morgans, who disappeared from his home here on the 27th of
March, 1878.
Before the Coroner's jury the following witnesses were heard, but they failed to indicate
him later than ten o'clock in the day, and not near the mine: John D. Kelly, George Holvey,
Nicholas Burns, John Breslin, Dr. Kistler, Mrs. Bynon, Mrs. W. D. Thomas, Mrs. Scott, Mrs.
McTague, Frank Jones, William Gibson. The last witness was Hugh Edgar, who at that time
ran the locomotive hauling the coal out of the mine. His testimony reads:
"Hugh Edgar being sworn according to law, doth dispose and say that he saw David
Morgans standing in the mouth of the Red Ash gangway (where the body was found) on the
afternoon of the 28th of March, 1878, at or about 4 o'clock, in shifting clothes, and that Abraham
Morgans, who was doortender at the mouth of No. 9 tunnel, told him that Davy passed through,
going in to see his father; and that he Abraham, wanted Davy to wait and ride in on a trip of cars,
but he would not wait; and he thinks that Abraham Morgans told him (the witness) that he did
not see Davy pass out of the tunnel mouth, and at the time of disappearance he, witness, told
several parties of this."
This brings it down very close, and the supposition is that he must have wandered to this
gangway where he was seized with convulsions, which he was subject to, and died. His position
was indicative of death in convulsions. On the other hand many believe that he was the victim of
foul play, claiming that if he had died in convulsions he could not cover himself with dirt as he
was found. This theory is met with the inquiry why any person should deal foully with him, as
he was a young man who did not have his reasoning faculties fully developed. Whichever theory
is correct is hard to tell, but that his death is a mystery there is no doubt. After hearing the
evidence the jury rendered the following verdict:
"The cause of death is unknown to the jury, but by the evidence produced before this jury
we believe the remains to be those of David Morgans, who disappeared from our town of
Lasnford, on or about the 28th day of March, 1878."
The following gentlemen composed the jury: J. A. Quinn, foreman, John Werner, David
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H. Griffiths, Frank Zehner, Josiah Williams, Michael M. Breslin.
The remains were taken in charge Friday by his brothers and interred in the Protestant
cemetery at Summit Hill.
Mahoning Squibs. Last Thursday Miss Ellen Zehner was married to Gideon Gerber, of West
Penn, Schuylkill county.
Burned to Death. Mrs. Salome Wieder, aged eighty-eight years, who has been an inmate of the
Lehigh County Almshouse for the last twenty-seven years and totally blind, while alone in her
room Monday afternoon accidentally set her clothes on fire. By the time alarm of fire was given
the room was filled by flames and her body so badly burned that death followed in a short time.
Dr. J. D. Erdman, the physician, was called and relieved the sufferer somewhat. By great
exertions the fire in the building was extinguished before it reached the other buildings and thus
prevented the destruction of the institutiton, with its many hundreds of inmants. Mr. W. R.
Henninger, assistant steward of the institution, while making an effort to rescue the woman from
the flames was also seriously though not dangerously burnt.
Volume 11, Number 5, Saturday, December 23, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jane, daughter of Jeremiah Andrew, of Beaver Meadow, died last
Friday morning of diphtheria.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A five year old daughter of Wm. Dandew, of Jeanesville, died on
Friday morning of last week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. An engine at No. 9 Plane, of the Pennsylvania Coal Company's
Road, exploded near Scranton on Saturday, killing Fireman Marsh and blocking the road.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James McCahey, aged 12 years, employed at the Fairmount
colliery, Pittston, was killed Monday morning by being drawn into the elevator gearing.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On last Saturday morning a 14 year old daughter of Thomas
Keating, of Cork Lane, depot, Luzerne county, (on the L. & S. RR.,) was drawing water from a
locomotive tank, when the train started. The girl was drawn under the wheels and killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Shoemaker, an old and respected resident of Scranton,
died in his chair Wednesday afternoon at the dinner-table while listening to a magazine article
which his son was reading.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Friday afternoon while a number of boys were skating on a pond in
Martin's meadow, in the Southern part of Allentown, one of them, John S. Gardner, fell and his
head struck a stone, causing a fracture of the base of the skull and concussion of the brain. He
was carried to the grass at the side of the pond, and after gasping several times died. Deceased
was twelve years of age, and a son of Rev. G. F. Gardner, and attended Muhlenberg College.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Professor Philip Blumenschine, aged 45 years, at one time the
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leader of the orchestra at a Philadelphia theatre, died at St. Luke's Hospital, at Bethlehem,
Tuesday morning. His death resulted from injuries received by a fall on the icy pavement in
Easton last Thanksgiving Day.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. An old German named Christian Ochsenfus, for ten years past
hostler at the Lehigh hotel, Allentown, committed suicide Sunday morning last by hanging
himself to a rafter in the stable connected with the hotel.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. David Shinlever, aged 23 years, an employe on the North Penn
branch of the Reading Railroad, was killed in the yard at South Bethlehem, Wednesday morning
by falling from the top of a freight car and striking his head on a rail. The remains were taken to
Hatfield, Bucks county.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Monday morning last, Mr. John Loeser, of East Mauch Chunk,
with a friend was passing across the Lehigh to Mauch Chunk, when they discovered a man lying
at the end of the bridge, lifting him up they found him in a dying condition, and before help
arrived he breathed his last in the arms of Loeser. He proved to be Gerrity, of the Northern
Liberties, and his death is said to have resulted from heart disease.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. About 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon of last week, Mrs. William
Wynne, a highly respected lady of Mahanoy City, was on her way to the Lehigh Valley depot,
had just ascended a steep embankment and stepped on the track when she was struck by a coal
train. The engine and forty cars passed over her body, which was cut to pieces and was gathered
up piece by piece and placed in a sheet. The train was passing around a curve and the engineer
was powerless to prevent the accident. Deceased was the mother of 14 children.
Parryville Mentions. The Advocate suffers the loss of two valuable correspondents, one by death
and one by change of residence. Our deceased friend W. E. Kemerer, "Revere," showed grand
improvement in his latter locals, and "Alien," of Weissport, always was interesting and pithy.
Mahoning Dottings. On last Saturday evening Mr. E. S. Hoppes was very agreeably surprised
by his many friends, it being the 37th anniversary of his birthday. Mr. Hoppes was out giving
music lessons in the afternoon, and when he returned he found about forty of his friends
assembled. He was completely taken by surprise not having expected anything of the kind; but
he made the best of the circumstances, and after having received the hearty congratulations of all
present he led the way to the dining room. The party broke up at a late hour.
The Fairview Shooting Affair.
The ante-mortem statement of the man May, who was shot by Reilly at Fairview, says
that there was no quarrel or disturbance between Reilly and himself. He says that he called in
Reilly's saloon to get a drink. When he entered a man named McFadden was also in the place,
but he left before the shooting took place. He says he paid for one drink and called for another
when Reilly, saying, "I will give you one that will last you a long time," pulled out a revolver
and shot him. The only reason he can assign for the shooting is that he loaned Reilly a sum of
money, and that he had trouble in getting it back." The man McFadden, who is considered an
important witness, has been arrested, as it was reported that he was about to leave the
neighborhood. May is still alive, but is very low, and it is not thought possible that he can
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survive.--Wilkesbarre Record.
We have since learned that May died about 7 o'clock on Sunday night.
Volume 11, Number 6, Saturday, December 30, 1882
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Raymond, a veteran of the war of 1812, died at Scranton, on
Friday night, aged 88 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. J. H. Warg, of Silver Brook, lost a 3-year old child by scarlet fever
on Wednesday of last week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. John Gallagher, of Audenried, died on Thursday night of last
week, after long illness.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mary A. Thomas, aged about 4 years, died on Friday morning, at
Beaver Meadow, of diphtheria. She was buried Monday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Martin Maley, son of 'Squire Maley, at Shenandoah, was killed on
Saturday in a mine, by being jammed between a car and the side of a breast.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mary Boyle, aged 62, and old and highly esteemed resident of
Beaver Meadow, died on Tuesday morning last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Berkemeyer died at her home in Slatington on Saturday
morning, after a lingering illness, being upwards of 80 years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Johns, a miner, was killed on Tuesday, at Wilkesbarre, by
the explosion of a keg of powder, into which he dropped spark from his lamp.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A young man named Patrick Boyle, a son of Charles Boyle, of
Lansford, was run over and killed on the Lehigh Valley railroad, near Hazleton, Monday.
Deceased was about 29 years of age, and had been in the employ of Parde & Co.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Morris, working as a filler at No. 1 furnace of the Crane
Iron Works, Catasauqua, was instantly killed Friday morning by being struck on the head by the
brace of the framework of the hoist, which crushed his temple. The hoist was started by the man
on top who was blinded by steam and thought the man below was out of the way. Morris was a
fine looking man, six feet two inches tall, twenty-four years of age and unmarried. He had been
in this country about one year.
Murder in Luzerne County. A terrible outrage occurred at Eckley on Wednesday evening of last
week. A party of Hungarians were enjoying themselves in one of their neighbor's houses, when a
lot of Irishmen entered and kicked up a row. The Hungarians proved too much for them and
cleared them out. The Irishmen subsequently returned armed, and surrounded the house. The
Hungarians were not aware that enemies were about, and when one of them went out on his way
home he received a shot from a gun and fell dead. The next to leave the house was a woman,
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and she too received a charge of shot in breast and arms. She is in a critical condition. At last
accounts the murderers had not been arrested.
MARRIED. GROO-PETERS. On the 23rd inst., at the residence of the bride's parents, by Rev.
W. K. Wieand, Mr. Lines Groo, of Middletown, Orange county, N. Y., and Miss Carrie E.
Peters, of Lehighton, Pa.
MARRIED. WILLIAMS-HOUSER.--On the 25th inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, Mr. Wm. R.
Williams and Miss Matilda Houser, both of Lansford.
DIED. PETER--On the 21st inst., in this borough, Bessie Alvine, child of John and Emeline
Peter, aged 2 years, 5 months, 15 days.
Volume 11, Number 7, Saturday, January 6, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Miss Rose Golightly, of Plymouth, Luzerne county, was drowned
while skating near that place last Friday night.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A young man known as Joseph Lamberg, was almosl instantly
killed at railroad crossing at Hazleton, on the 29th ult.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Conrad Seelbach, a German miner, was on Saturday killed by a fall
of coal in the Shenandoah City Colliery of the Phila. and Reading Coal and Iron Co.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The wife of Chas. E. Miller, of Mauch Chunk, who had been sick
for some time, died on Wednesday of last week. the funeral took place on Saturday and was very
largely attended.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A Hungarian employee on the L. V. RR., in the vicinity of
Packerton, was run over by the trucks Saturday evening and killed. He was buried in the
Catholic cemetary, in town, Monday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. We are pained to record the death of our genial friend, Capt. Harry
Williamson, of Summit Hill, which event occurred in that place on Thursday evening of last
week. He was buried at Mauch Chun k on Monday afternoon.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Christian Bessler, thirteen years old son of Gabriel Bessler, at St.
Clair, Schuylkill county, carpet weaver, met with instant death Monday morning while playing
with some friends at a gin in use at a shaft on Mount Hope. The boys had wound the gin up, and
while allowing it to run down young Bessler was struck by the handle and knocked down. His
head struck a rock so violently that his skull was fractured, and he died before he could be
carried home.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Codrington, of Tamaqua, a pioneer of the Schuylkill coal
regions, died on Saturday last. His experience at Cornwall, England, was of much service in the
earlier workings near Pottsville.
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Mahoning Splinters. Adam Louchnor died on Sunday morning. His funeral took place on
Wednesday.
Another Death from Coal Oil. A terrible accident occurred at 6 o'clock last Friday evening in the
family of James Sneddon, a prominent merchant on Main street, Shenandoah, resulting in the
burning to death of his daughter Agnes and seriously burning three others. Agnes was in the act
of building a fire. The wood did not kindle readily, and she poured coal oil on the wood.
Igniting, the oil can exploded in her hands, setting fire to her clothing and the interior of the
room. Her screams brought her younger sister to her assistance who was seriously burned in
attempting to tear the burning clothing from her sister's body. Agnes, covering her face with her
hands, ran from the room, when Lawrence Mangam, colliery superintendent, and George
Beddal, a hardware merchant, ran to her assistance. Mr. Mangam quickly wrapped his overcoat
around the burning girl and extinguished the flames, but her body was almost burned to a crisp
and she lived but a short time. Mr. Beddall succeeded in staying the flames in the room until
more assitance arrived. Both Mangam and Beddall were seriously burned about the hands and
face. Miss Snedden was only seventeen years of age, was a bautiful girl and greatly beloved.
Still there are others to follow this foolish practice of starting fires with coal oil.
Lower Towamensing Dots. Mrs. Fred. Hertzog, of this place, died very suddenly and
unexpectedly last Tuesday a week, of convulsions. She suffered but three days when death
claimed her.
MARRIED. YEAGER-BRILLHART.--On the 24th ult., by Rev. W. W. McNair, at Honey
Brook, Samuel E. Yeager and Sarah J. Brillhart.
MARRIED. MUIRHEAD-MACFARLANE.--On the 27th ult., at the house of Mrs. Jennette
Duncan, Audenried, William Muirhead and Marian Macfarlane.
MARRIED. BRINK-THOMAS.--On the 25th ult., by the Rev. S. O. Garrison, Mr. Walter
Brink, of Lansford, to Miss Mary Thomas, of Catasauqua.
MARRIED. BRECHT-HARRIS.--At the Presbyterian parsonage, Hokendauqua, by Rev. J. A.
Little, on the 25th ult., Israel Brecht, of Scranton formerly of Catasauqua, and Miss Mary A.
Harris, of Fullerton, Lehigh county, Pa.
MARRIED. GERBER-ZEHNER.--On the 7th ult., by the Rev. A. Bartholomew, Mr. Gideon
Gerber of West Penn, Schuylkill county, and Miss Ellen J. Zehner, of Mahoning, Carbon co.
MARRIED. HAMM-DREISBACH.--On the 20th ult., by the Rev. A. Bartholomew, Mr. Frank
B. Hamm, and Miss Polly Dreisbach, both of West Penn, Schuylkill county.
DIED. NUNAMACHER--On the 4th ult., in West Penn, Mary Catharine, daughter of Abraham
and Maria Nunamacher, aged 8 years, 10 months and 5 days.
DIED. GERBER--On the 31st ult., in West Penn, Catharine, wife of Reuben Gerber, aged 84
years, 2 months and 2 days.
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Volume 11, Number 8, Saturday, January 13, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The wife of Frank Meisel, of Jamestown, died on Saturday last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mary M. Thomas, aged 5 years, died at the home of her parents,
Richard and Mary Thomas, at Beaver Meadow, on last Saturday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Eyerman, one of Easton's most wealthy citizens, died
Saturday morning of heart disease. He was seventy-five years old.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The wife of Bernard Voght, of Weissport, died after a long illness
from consumption, on Wednesday morning last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Kessler, 32 years of age, was drowned in the dam of the
Emaus furnace on Thursday evening of last week. He, with a number of other employees, was
cutting ice on the dam, the water of which is about eight feet deep. Kressler was standing on a
large cake of ice about twenty feet from the shore and while making his way towards the other
men the ice broke under him and he was precipitated into the water. His companions endeavored
to save him but he at once sank out of sight. His body was recovered in a few minutes.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A ten-year old son of Henry Buck, of Centreville, died Sunday from
exposure to cold. His father and some friends started on a fishing excursion and the boy, though
forbidden, followed the wagon. Overtaking it four miles from home, he clung to the axle for
several miles and was then discovered. He was half dead with exhaustion. While the men
fished, the boy was wrapped in a blanket and laid on some dry brush. Later he was found
unconscious and died within 24 hours.
FIVE PERSONS KILLED.
Terrible Explosion in Bethlehem
A terrible boiler explosion occurred at the works of the Bethlehem Iron Company at 2
o'clock Tuesday afternoon, resulting in four deaths. Five people were injured and great damage
was done to property. Immediately above the engine house, at No. 1 blast furnace, were ten large
boilers, two of which exploded, from some cause as yet unknown. One of the boilers was carried
through the ventilator of the machine shop, and, falling on top of the old mill, broke through the
roof in two places and landed on the ground below. The other boiler was shattered into pieces
and fragments of it were forced through the sides of the pattern shop and thence to the river. At
the time of the explosion George Crade and Jesse Bright, engineers, were engaged in making
some repairs to the machinery connected with the boilers and were found dead at their posts.
Samuel McCandless' dead body was also taken from the debris. A woman, wife of Bernard
Graft, who had just taken dinner to her husband in the works, was also killed and her body
recovered. It was almost unrecognizable. John Scanlan, who was badly scalded, died at his
home the same night. A man named Clewell was seriously injured and taken to his home in West
Bethlehem. A large number of men in the works were slightly injured and left for their homes.
The explosion was terrific in its force and caused the greatest consternation among the
employees of the works, particularly in the blast furnace and shops. The scene after the
explosion beggared description. The workmen rushed about in the wildest confusion and men,
women and children from all parts of the Bethlehems, hurried to the scene, anxious to learn of
80
their friends. The boiler that fell through the roof of the old mill was thrown a distance of three
hundred feet or more, and the only surprise is that it did not kill some of the men in the old mill
in its descent. The pieces fell right in the midst of one hundred workmen.
The cause of the explosion is not apparent and the officials say that they are entirely at a
loss to know why the two boilers should explode right in the midst of the eight others of exactly
the same age, size and capacity. All the boilers were strongly constructed and had been given a
general cleaning last week. Several departments of the works were shut down after the
explosion. Some valuable machinery was damaged by the shock and flying debris. The
excitement was intense, and workmen are engaged in cleaning away the debris in expectation of
finding the bodies of others who may have been killed or mained by the explosion. This is the
first explosion of boilers that has occurred at these works for a dozen or more years. The boilers
were about fifty feet in length and thirty six inches in diameter. They had been in use about 20
years. The loss is estimated at from $5,000 to $10,000.
The bodies taken from the ruins were removed to undertakers and inquests were held
Wednesday. Samuel McCandless leaves a wife and five children. A rumor was prevalent at
nine o'clock Tuesday night that a child of Mrs. Graft accompanied her to the mill and was killed
with her mother. The progress of removing the debris went on very slowly, owing to the narrow
quarters in which the men are compelled to work. As the workmen are constantly going to and
from the works it is feared that more bodies will be found as the work of excavating in the ruins
goes on. Fortunately the rest of the boilers are located in the second story of the building. Had
they been on the ground floor and taken the same direction as the others the large machine and
pattern shops would have been demolished and the loss of life would have been terrible, as
hundreds of men are employed in these shops.
Later reports give the number of killed as three men and one women, and that those
injured will all undoubtedly recover.
MARRIED. DAILY-YOUNG.--On Christmas night, 1882, at Catasauqua by Rev. J. A. Little,
pastor of Hokendauqua church, Mr. Oliver E. Daily, of Lancaster, and Miss Ella Young, of
Easton, Pa.
MARRIED. WALCK-BROWN.--On the 2nd ult., by Rev. J. E. Freeman, Alfred Walck, of
Walcksville, and Miss Mary Jane Brown, of North Weissport, Pa.
MARRIED. FEGLEY-BUCK.--On New Year's day, by Rev. J. E. Freeman, at the Reformed
Parsonage, at Weissport, James Fegley, of Longswamp, Berks county, and Miss Amanda J. Beck,
of Millport, this county.
DIED. SNYDER.--On the 16th ult., of breast disease, Wm. Snyder, of Trachsville, aged 61
years, 2 months and 19 days.
DIED. GRAVER.--On the 23rd ult., Peter Graver, of Franklin twp., aged 72 years, 2 months
and 3 days.
Volume 11, Number 9, Saturday, January 20, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Evans, foreman at the Cayuga Colliery, at Providence, near
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Scranton, was killed Saturday by the explosion of a dynamite cartridge.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. An Italian laborer, named Michael Joseph, had just finished
clearing the snow from a frog on the L. V. railroad, near South Sugarloaf, last Saturday, when he
was struck by an engine and almost instantly killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Christopher King, a farmer, aged 70 years, died suddenly of heart
disease in an outhouse at his home at Butztown, Northampton county, on Saturday afternoon.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Tuesday afternoon, while John McCormick and a Polander were
working together in a breast at Lehigh Valley No. 2 Colliery, at Lost Creek, a dispute arose
between them about some work, when McCormick struck the Polander over the head with a
pick, inflicting a frightful and fatal wound. McCormick was arrested.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Monday a 3 year old daughter of Oliver Wengel, of Tamaqua,
found a bottle of diluted hartshorn, while palying in the kitchen, and drank of it, from the effects
of which she died in great agony on Wednesday.
Mahoning Items. On Sunday a week ago, Mr. Frank Ried, of West Penn, was united in the holy
bonds of wedlock with the handsome and accomplished daughter of Mr. Charles Fritz, of this
place. Rev. A. Bartholomew, of Lehighton, performed the nuptial ceremonies. May the bright
present of the newly wedded pair ever continue so, changing only to the mellow beauty of
advancing years, and may they be as happy as the happiest, live long and prosper; and feel the
footfalls of time as lightly as the most favored of fortune, is our wish and that all of their many
friends.
Lower Towamensing Squibs. Mr. Aaron Stroup was made happy one day last week by the
presentation of a young son from his wife.
Volume 11, Number 10, Saturday, January 27, 1883
HAPPILY RE-UNITED. An exchange gives the following interesting item: J. D. Bunnell, of
Carbondale, at one time a resident of Port Jervis, N. Y., says that about two years ago his wife
began proceedings for a divorce. It was the old story--an impulsive courtship, a happy marriage
and a gradual estrangement. Mr. Bunnell made no opposion to the proceedings and soon
afterwards the divorce was granted. Mrs. Bunnell kept the only child, a bright boy of seven, and
opened a hairdressing establishment in Port Jervis and this fall went to Philadelphia to live with a
sister. Mr. Bunnell, had been employed as a commercial traveler by a Carbondale firm. The
little boy proved a bond of union between the two and a correspondence was opened between
them in relation to the child, in which many messages were exchanged. Finall Mr. Bunnell
proposed to relieve his late wife of the expenses of educating the boy by taking the lad to the
home of his grandmother, in Carbondale. From that place he went to Philadelphia. This of
course brought father and mother together. The result of the interview was the rekindling of the
old love flames. A reconciliation took place and they resolved to again unite fortunes. Mr.
Bunnell returned to Carbondale with the boy and a few days ago his wife followed and they
were again married.
82
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Matilda, wife of W. P. Long, and daughter of the late David
Clauss, dec'd, died in this borough, on Sunday evening last, of consumption. The funeral took
on Wednesday afternoon, and was very largely attended by relatives and friends. Deceased was
40 years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Saturday morning the friends of Mrs. Elizabeth W., wife of John
Martyn, of Beaver Meadow, were startled on hearing of her sudden death. Deceased lingered
only a few days of cardiac paralysis. She reached the age of 56 years. Her remains were taken
to Philadelphia on the 9:45 train on Tuesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Brodhead, mother of A. G. Brodhead, superintendent of the
Beaver Meadow division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, died at her son's residence, at Mauch
Chunk, Sunday night. Her age was eighty-five years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Rev. Robert Weightman, of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
Shenandoah, died at his residence Sunday morning. He was Deputy Grand Master of the Odd
Fellows at the time of his death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The people of Mahanoy City were shocked by a horrible affair
shortly before midnight Monday night. A sleighing party passed through the town at that time,
and in driving down the principal street dropped or threw out of the sleigh a small box. The box
was picked up by persons who saw it fall, and on examining it they were horrified to find that it
contained the mutilated corpse of a new born babe. Its head was severed from its body and it
was otherwise mangled.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. James Cole, a prominent saloonkeeper of Hazleton, died on
Saturday evening at about half-past eleven o'clock. Deceased was well-known in Luzerne and
Carbon counties. He had been complaining for some time, but was competent to attend to his
business until a few days before his death. The remains were taken to Bucksville, Berks county
for interment.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Georgie, a bright little boy of about four years, son of Daniel
Bachman, Weatherly, died of typhoid fever on Saturday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A two-year-old child of James Brady, of Coleraine, died suddenly
on Friday of last week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Charles Atkinson, an aged resident of Beaver Meadow mines,
died suddenly on Friday morning. The funeral on Sunday was largely attended.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. Gideon Stout, an old and highly esteemed citizen of
Catasauqua, died on the 16th inst., after a brief illness with deadly tphoid fever, at the advanced
age of 71 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Tuesday morning while Mrs. Howard Arnold, of Easton, was in the
yard of her dwelling her little daughter, 14 months old, played with the fire and was soon abaze.
The mother returned just as the flames reached their height. She threw a bucket of water over
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the child, but, though the flames were extinguished, the burns were so serious that the little girl
died within an hour after the disaster.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dominick Coll, of Jeanesville, buried a son aged about 8 years on
Sunday, who had been suffering from injuries received when an infant.
MARRIED. REEDER-GEORGE.--On the 13th inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, William Lewis
Reeder and Miss Lucy Amanda George, all of Lehighton, Pa.
Volume 11, Number 11, Saturday, February 3, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. We learn that our old friend E. K. Stroh, of Mauch Chunk, died on
Tuesday last. He had been confined to the house for two or three months with malarial fever.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Fry, who lived alone at Coplay, was found frozen to death in
his room Monday morning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Polly Brown, widow of Paul Brown, dec'd., of Ballietsville,
died on Saturday last, after a lingering illness, at the age of 70.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. David Flickinger, well known to the older people of the lower
end of the county, died lately at his residence at Allentown.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While kneeling in prayer in the Lutheran church at Schuylkill
Haven on Sunday night J. P. Koons dropped dead from heart disease. He was forty-one years of
age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. In Dreher township, Pike county, a whole family recently died from
diphtheria. Two small children of Sydenham Hazleton died first. The mother and father died a
few days afterward.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Tuesday afternoon Trinity Episcopal church, Pottsville, was
crowded by a large and fashionable audience to witness the wedding ceremony of Lewis Grant,
son of William Grant, deceased, an extensive coal operator, and Harriet Wynkoop, daughter of
Colonel John E. Wynkoop. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. Charles G. Gilhott.
Immediately after the ceremony the happy couple left for New York. The presents were very
numerous and costly.
Two Mysterious Murders in Luzerne Co.
The people of Nanticoke, one of the boroughs of Luzerne county, are greatly excited over
the discovery of two murders which have just come to light. The first is that of the tragic death
of James W. McFarlane, a boss carpenter and formerly Superintendent of No. 3 breaker of the
Susquahanna Coal Company. It apears that on Wednesday night of last week, while returning to
his boarding-house, McFarlane was assaulted on the head with an iron instrument in the hands
of a person or persons at present unknwon. The motive of the deadly assault appears to have
been inspired by an intimacy which had existed for some time between McFarlane and the wife
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of Samuel Clauser, a night-dispatcher on the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg Railroad.
McFarlane, for awhile, boarded with Clauser, when the latter began to suspect that all was not
right between his wife and McFarlane and a separation was the result. Husband and wife
continued apart for some time, but a short time ago they made up again and once more lived as
man and wife. McFarlane was also pardoned by the husband and peace reigned supreme, but it
did not last long.
McFarlane was caught in a criminal act again. On Thursday night he received his death
blow, but by whom is not known. Clauser says that when he returned home that night he found
McFarlane in bed with the wounds upon him. The dying man said he knew who dealt the fatal
blow, but that he would not tell until the next morning. Afterward he died without revealing the
important facts. McFarlane was a married man, and resided in Plymouth.
William Fink, also of Nanticoke, who mysteriously disappeared from his home one day
during the month of July last, was found Friday by a gang of men who were cleaning out the
abandoned McFarlane shaft it being intended to resume work there. They found the body of the
man upon a pumping platform two hundred feet below the surface. The remains were greatly
decomposed. He had undoubtedly been murdered. It is thought by many that he was killed by
Molly Maguires, and an investigation is to be made.
The case of James N. McFarlane, the ex-Mine Superintendent of Nanticoke, who was
murdered on Thursday night of last week, is still a mystery. At the inquest Saturday night Mrs.
Clauser, in whose house McFarlane was found with his head split open, testified that he slept in
the house but, she was not aware as to how he met his death. The husband and son testified
likewise.
Lower End Items. Elias Royer, one of Lower Towamensing's poor, supported by the cold charity
of the township, aged about 69 years, died on Sunday, Jan. 21st, and was buried on Tuesday
afternoon, 23rd.
Mine Accident.
About two o'clock Saturday afternoon a terrible accident occurred at Jonas Metzger's ore
bed, near Ruchsville, Lehigh county. The men were at work in the shaft, and suddenly, without
warning, the timber crushed down upon them, followed by a mass of earth and ore, burying two
of the men in the ground and imprisoning three in the trench behind the barrier. The mass of
timber and earth struck William Metzger on the head, completely covering him, nothing being
visible but the tips of his fingers. A force of men were immediately put to work digging him out,
but this was found to be a difficult matter, as the earth fell in as fast as removed. He is badly hurt
though it is though not fatally. It was noticed that the men inside the shaft were still alive. One
of the men, named John Hilliard, succeeded in digging his way out, but the passage of his exit
was immediately closed again by the falling in of additional ore and other debris. His injuries
are not serius. Elias Hunsberger is supposed to be crushed to death, as no trace of him has been
discovered up to a late hour Saturday evening. A large force of employes of the Thomas Iron
Company, together with a number of other workmen, are busily engaged in rescuing those
remaining in the shaft with the hope of finding them still alive, but the general belief is that they
are alrady dead, being crushed by the terrible weight of ore, etc. The spot is surrounded by
hundreds of people from surrounding towns and excited and terror-stricken friends making
inquiries regarding the victims of the disaster.
Later.--The body of Eli Hunsberger was recovered Monday. The coroner's jury has
returned a verdict that death was caused by an accident, and exonerates all persons from blame.
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Obituary.
Mrs. Miller, wife of Philip Miller, residing on Northampton street, this borough, died on
Tuesday morning last, after a long and painful illness which she bore with great christian
resignation. She leaves a husband and one son, Dr. Ed. Miller, of Altoona, to mourn the loss of
an affectionate wife and mother.
Mrs. A. J. Lovett, former Wintermute, mother of W. S. Wintermute, of this borough,
died at her sons residence, on Tuesday last. Deceuased was for a number of years a resident of
Packerton, and was ery highly esteemed by a large circle of friends of that place, Mauch Chunk
and Lehighton. The funeral services will take place at the residence of her son, W. S.
Wintermute, in this borough, to day (Saturday), Feb. 3rd, at one o'clock p. m.
Hon. Richard Williams, an ex-member of the Legislature, died at his home in Audenried,
Tuesday afternoon, after four weeks of severe illness. In 1870 Mr. Williams was elected to
represent the Fourth District of Luzerne in the Legislature, and made himself conspicuous in that
body by earnestly advocating the cause of the workingmen against corporations. He was
reelected in 1871, and on his presentment a charter was obtained for the Hazleton Savings Bank,
of which institution he was a director until about three years ago, when failing health compelled
him to retire from active life. He was about sixty eight years of age, and leaves a widwow, four
sons and two daughters, all of whom are grown up.
A Hermit's Death.
The following particulars of the death of Eldridge Hazzard, of Beaver Meadow, we clip
from the Hazleton Plain Speaker of the 27th ult.:
The death of the hermit, Eldridge Hazzard, of Beaver Meadow, caused a commotion
among the curious of that village, as it was well-known that he was the owner of some real
estate, and the impression prevailed with those who had been most intimate with him, that he
was also the possessor of some wealth in the shape of cash. John Wear was called on by some to
take charge, but declined, unless a justice of the peace was brought. 'Squire McGarvey was sent
for, who summoned John Wear, John Travaskis, Stephen Farrow, John B. Penrose, J. P. Reiss
and Jos. Robert, six good citizens, who were sworn to inquire into the cause of the hermits
death, and also to search the premises occupied by the deceased and make true returns of all
things of value that might be found. It was ascertained that two citizens were present when the
lone man died. The search was then begun, Mr. Wear, at the suggestion of the 'Squire, was
chosen foreman and banker.
The premises occupied by the hermit, is a board cabin about 12 feet square, with a
corresponding loft overhead, dark and dismal. The cot on which reposed the remains is a rough
board structure, just large enough to hold the deceased, who was a man of six feet tall, and built
in proportion, with a few blankets for bedding. One large heater, and one small heating stove
stood near one side. One chair, a four legged stool, a small table, three small cupboards, or
closets of rude construction, and a wardrobe three feet high, and about four feet long and built
from the floor with a falling door against the wall, comprised the furniture, two trunks and six or
eight chests, or wooden boxes, some of which stood on shelves against the wall, were found to
be the depositories of valuables. One of the trunks contained nothing of moment. The other was
found to containe several suit of very fine clothing, including a handsome plush vest and a
beaver hat. The search of the trunks ended with the finding of only a few dollars, when in the
interstices were discovered a box and a wallet, which on being opened displayed a $20 silver
certificate and $180 in gold. Reaching up to one of the shelves, Mr. Wear took down a box that
lay open and unlocked, remarking that it felt heavy, and in it were found three hundred silver
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dollars. Box after box was then searched, ten dollars in ten cent pieces, in a buckskin pouch, was
the next discovery. The last a rude box of strong boards, was found to be locked, and on being
pried open, revealed a beautiful rosewood keepsake, that would do credit to the surroundings of
any lady. "Now we have the strong box sure," exclaimed one of the jury, but on being opened,
only a gold pen and holder and a pocket book with two three cent pieces were discovered. The
wardrobe was then searched, and much good clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes. The search
was then adjourned until after two o'clock Saturday. Wm. McNulty, the undertaker, arrived with
a coffin about ten o'clock, and with the aid of the jury, the remains of the hermit were attired in
his best clothes--for the first time in many years--and laid in the casket. Mr. Hazzard was, it is
gennerally believed, a native of York State. He never liked the presence of women, and when
meeting a woman alone on the road exhibited much agitation and displeasure.
Regularly he took his walk out on the Buck Mountain road, or out on the Spring
Mountain road, and meeting a nice sapling or a forked stick, suitable for a cane, cut it down and
took it home. His cabin was literally strewn with such bric a-bracs. Sometimes he would devote
his energy to hacking down any kind of a tree, exclaiming as he sunk his axe into the wood
"Sock you again, and again; sock you again, you d---- b----"
He was a tall, powerful and very intelligent man, but there were but few people with
whom he would converse. A story obtains, that he was about to be married at one time, and a
brother of his eloped with the object of his affections. The evidences of his life in Beaver
Meadow go to prove that some such incident marred his existence for many years, and destroyed
the nobility of a soul that might have adorned humanity. The bulk of the money found are the
savings of the last few years, all in gold and silver, and the impression prevails that he has laid
away in some place with papers that will identify him, the savings of years when greenbacks
were the medium.
DIED. LOVETT.--In this borough, on the 30th ult., Mrs. A. J. Lovett, mother of W. S.
Wintermute, aged about 58 years. Funeral services at the residence of W. S. Wintermute, today (Saturday) at one o'clock p. m.
Volume 11, Number 12, Saturday, February 10, 1883
MARRIED. ZIERDT-ACKERMAN.--On the 3rd inst., by Rev. E. A. Bauer, Mr. Jacob Zierdt,
of Tamaqua and Miss Anna M. Ackerman, of Hazleton.
MARRIED. LENTZ-MOYER.--On the 8th ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Mr. Edwin J. Lentz
and Miss Ida Moyer, both of Mahoning.
MARRIED. HOFFMAN-HARTUNG.--On the 13th ult., by the same, Mr. Griffith Hoffman
and Miss Susanna Hartung, both of West Penn.
DIED. MERTZ.--On the 10th ult., in Mahoning, Charles Sylvester, son of Joseph and Alwilda
Mertz, aged 3 years, 1 month and 29 days.
DIED. CORRELL.--On the 10th ult., near McKeansburg, John Franklin, son of John and Mary
A. Correll, aged 9 months and 21 days.
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DIED. MARKLEY--On the 18th ult., in Franklin, Zemah, wife of Stephen Markley, aged 36
years, 11 months and 9 days.
DIED. DERRICK--On the 24th ult., in Mahoning, Maria Jane, wife of Wellington Derrick,
aged 17 years, 3 months and 20 days.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Gallagher, an old resident of Tresckow, died on Sunday last,
from general infirmity. He was seventy-five years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The wife of Mr. William Koch presented him with a girl bady on
Tuesday of last week, and on Tuesday of this week the good wife of S. C. Wheatly presented
him with a bouncing girl baby.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Horlacher, wife of Mr. Fred. Horlacher, the popular lager
beer bottler at Slatington, is doing her best to fulfill the scriptual injunction to multiply and
replentish the earth, she having the other day presented her husband with twin boy babies.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. One of a nest of boilers at the Colorado Colliery, near Shenandoah,
operated by the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, blew up Wednesday, killing the fireman, Barney
Hillenthal. His head was blown off and his body was otherwise shockingly mutilated. These
boilers supply steam for all of the colliery machinery, and it is feared before the damage can be
repaired the slope will be drowned out. It is alleged that the boiler that exploded was condenmed
by the boiler inspectors.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At Logan Colliery, Centralia, Schuylkill county, four Polanders,
while setting in a breast conversing with each other, Tuesday were struck by a falling mass of
coal. Joseph Sevistoski had an ankle broken and his brother William was probably fatally
injured. Teolpen Miseatane, better known as David Williams, was fatally injured. His skull
was fractured and his brother William Miscatano was so seriously injured that his recovery is
considered doubtful.
A Most Brutal Murder.
A murder took place on Friday night of last week, in Slate Valley, five miles east of
Slatington, on the line of the Pennsylvania, Slatington and New England Railroad. Several
Italians occupying a hut near the railroad on which they worked, became engaged in a quarrel
over some money matters. Matthias Alexander, a middle aged man, and another known as
Italian Pete, soon narrowed the quarrel to themselves, and the result was that Alexander, with the
ferocity of a tiger, sprang upon Pete, knocked him down and trampled upon him. The men were
brothers in-law. They were separated by their comrades, and for a time the breach seemed to
have been healed.
CUT INTO PIECES.
"Italian Pete" went to bed and a few minutes after he was asleep his brother-in-law, who
occupied a bed in the same room, stealthily arose, and obtaining a hatchet, which he had bought
several days before, attacked his victim with frenzied fury. He must have wielded the weapon
with all his strength, showering blow upon blow upon the writhing body of the prostrate man.
"Italian Pete" called out in an agonized tone of voice, but the deadly hatchet soon quelled his
frantic struggles, and, bloddy and mutilated, he fell back dead on the bed. With uncontrollable
88
perseverance his muderer persisted in his brutal determination. He hewed limb from limb,
severing each member with well directed strokes of the keen axe. Then, throwing the blood
stained weapon to the floor, Alexander fled from the corpse and the place.
News of the murder spread rapidly. A man answering the description of the murderer was
seen standing near a mill at Treichler's Station, on the Lehigh and Susquehanna Road. One of
the mill hands ventured to say to the stranger that he resembled the description of the murderer.
The men started, turned pale, walked away, and soon disappeared from view.
UNDER ARREST.
Alexander had purchased a ticket at Treichler's Station for New York, and he would have
left in fifteen minutes had not the remark of the man in reference to the murder frightened him
off. He had taken the train he would not have been captured, for word was sent from the scene
of the murder to Treichler's Station, asking that the station agent there should telegraph to the
county officials in Easton, so that steps might be taken to capture the man. The agent said the
wires in the depot belonged to the railroad and he was not allowed to use them for free messages.
By the time word could be brought to Easton by messenger the man disappeared. Word was sent
up the Lehigh Valley to various officers to keep a lookout for the murderer, and Saturday evening
he was arrested near Treichler's Station, and taken to Easton, where he was committed to await
the result of the Coroner's inquest. Alexander is well-known to the police, and he is supposed to
have committed a previous murder in New York City.
THE INQUEST.
The Coroner's jury in the case of the murdered Italian, Philip Petrie, concluded the
inquest at 11 o'clock Saturday night and held the man arrested for the crime. His name is now
given as Alexander Sebasto. He is twenty five years of age and not of very heavy build. He
occupied the shanty with eight others, and did not go to his room on Friday night until the others
had been in bed half an hour or more. Three others slept in the room, one of them being his
brother-in-law, Petrie, whose widow is the murderer's sister, lives in Italy, and to her Petrie sent
his savings. The men were awakended by the blows and the shouts of Petrie for aid. He lived
long enough to tell all he knew of the affair, which was that he was awakened by a terrible blow
on the head with the hatchet. He could not imagine why Sebasto should have attacked him. The
men say Petrie owed Sabasto eight dollars, and that is the only reason they can assign for the
deed.
When Sebasto was placed in jail the first thing he did was to ask for coffee and bread.
No one is allowed to converse with him. He refuses to say anything to the jailer, except that they
should wait until that man from New York comes, referring to the counsel who has been
telegraphed for. Sebasto said to the deputy warden that Petrie stole his bread, sugar and
clothing.
A BAD RECORD.
Alexander Sebasto, the Italian murderer, now in jail at Easton, has made an unsavory
record while working in this county. He stole money from a comrade, and when the Constable
arrested him he asked to go into the shanty to change his clothing. The request was granted, and
Sebasto went to the second story, jumped from the window and escaped, though the Constable
fired three shots at him. At another time he quarreled with Contractor Clark about his wages.
He said Clark owed him money and if he would not pay it he would kill him. Several days later
he crept up behind Clark and had raised his arm to stab him, when a foreman caught his arm and
took his knife away. Petrie, the man he murdered, served five years in Italy for killing a man
seven years ago. The murderer's story is that he awoke Friday night and found that a vest had
been removed from under his pillow and $20 taken therefrom, and that he accused Petrie of
89
taking it and asked him to turn out his pockets. Petrie refused, though all the other Italians
turned out their pockets and showed they had not taken the money. Sebasto then approached
Petrie, who cut him in the hand with a razor. Sebasto then seized a hatchet and committed the
crime. He has retained H. M. Hagerman and Charles Walter as his counsel. The Criminal
Court begins next week.
Sad Picture of Want. When Preacher Woodruff, of Kingston, near Wilkesbarre, crossed the
threshold of Widow Leonard's house Wednesday of last week, on the outskirts of that borough,
his eyes rested upon a sad scene of destitution and death. The woman's husband died three
weeks ago, and soon afterward the family consisting of a son 23 years old and two small sisters,
were taken quite sick from the effects, it is said, of drinking impure water. Two weeks ago a
doctor called and left some medicine, but until Wednesday no other person had looked in upon
them. The preacher's visit was accidental. When he closed the door behind him he turned to a
bed in a corner, and saw lying upon it the rigid features of a corpse--that of the son--and close
beside it the pale and emaciated form of a little girl who could not move. Stepping into another
room he found Mrs. Leonard, the mother, in another bed, unconscious, and the film of death in
her eyes. By her side, suffering from a burning fever, was the other child, who could hardly
comprehend the awful situation. There was a little coal in the bin outside, but the stricken
patients, being unable to move, had watched the last embers die out in the stove two days before,
and had been without a fire for that time. The house was as cold as a barn, and the cupboard was
nearly empty. The visitor at once went for assistance, and help was soon procured.
Suicide of an Insane Woman. Mrs. Robbie, an insane woman, committed suicide by drowning
herself in a well at Tresckow, between 2 and 3 o'clock, on Sunday morning. The unfortunate
woman had been strictly guarded by he friends in Tresckow since the time when her mental
derangement was first known, but on Saturday last, her watchers being absent from her for about
five minutes, on their return found the demented being missing. They immediately gave the
alarm, and a vigorous search was immediately made for the fugitive. She was at last found in an
almost exhausted condition in the Tresckow well. A small rope was immediately lowered, which
she convulsively grasped, and to which she attempted to hang until her friends returned with a
stronger rope to rescue her from her perilous situation. But her strength was not equal to the
task. After clinging to the rope with an energy born of despair, for about fifteen minutes, her
grasp loosened and the waters of the well received their ill-fated victim. Her body was shortly
afterward recovered and removed to her husband's residence in Tresckow. The unfortunate
woman was to have been taken to Laurytown on the very day of her mournful death. Her
husband and family have the earnest sympathy of all in this hour of their sad bereavement.-Hazleton Plain Speaker.
Death of Rev. Moses Dissinger. Rev. Moses Dissinger, formerly of Allentown, died on the 25th
of last month at Endora, Kansas, whither he removed several years ago, to follow farming, he
having relinquished the pulpit on account of ill health. His ailment was dropsy and rheumatism.
The funeral took place on the 27th of January, and was largely attended. For many years this
man of God did faithfully all the work falling to his lot as a minister, and no one was more
identically connected with the rise and progress of Methodism in Pennsylvania. Although not
possessed of great learning, he was a ready debater, and in argument a giant, sparing none when
once he had made up his mind that he had the right in a good cause.--Allentown Democrat.
90
Volume 11, Number 13, Saturday, February 17, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Bretney, mother of our respected townsmen Mr. Clinton
Bretney, died in this borough on Monday morning, the 12th instant.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William S. Hilliard, a prominent merchant, and President of the
Wyoming Valey Ice Company, died Saturday morning at Wilkesbarre.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The marriage of Miss Annie Lehman, daughter of Captain B. E.
Lehman, proprietor of the Lehigh Valley Brass Works, to Mr. Edmund D. Lewall, of Stillwater,
Minn., on Thursday, February 22d, is announced. The cremony will take place in the large
Moravian Church in Bethlehem.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Abraham Miller, a former Deputy Grand Commander of the
Pennsylvania Knights of Templar, died on Monday of last week, at Grand Rapids, Mich. His
body was taken to Easton, his former home, and was interred Friday with full Masonic honors,
Hugh DePayne's Commandry turning out strong in full uniform.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Harriet Frances, an aged and respected lady of Beaver
Meadow, died on Saturday last aged 69 years, 4 months and 27 days. She was buried on
Tuesday at the Beaver Meadow cemetery. She leaves a grown up family.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. About 8:45 Tuesday morning engine 354, attached to a freight train
going east on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, struck and instantly killed Cornelius McIlhaney, the
watchman at Glendon Station. McIlhaney was arranging to run the engine down the west bound
track to round coal trains which were lying on the down track and in doing so he stepped on the
up track directly in front of the engine, which, with two cars, passed over his body, mangling it in
a horrible manner. The remains were picked up and taken to the Easton depot, where an inquest
was held, after which they were taken to the home of his mother, in Phillipsburg. Deceased was
twenty-four years of age and unmarried.
Ignorant miners--Their Perils.
The fate that apparently awaits Polish and Hungarian emigrants in and about the coal
mines of this region is most uninviting. The alarming increase of mine accidents and explosions
recently is mainly due to an imperfect knowledge of the English language and their entire
ignorance of the danger which surrounds them. An other accident occurred Saturday morning at
Myers & McCreary's Bear Ridge Colliery, near Mahanoy Plane, by which Jacob Azlozowsky
was fatally and George Sakolosky seriously injured. Several months ago the work of cutting the
ground on the top of the coal and blasting it out was begun at Bear Ridge Colliery, and as this
system of mining does not require experienced miners Hungarians and Poles were engaged.
While Azlozowsky and Sakolosky were stripping the coal a large quantity of earth and rock,
which they undermined, suddenly gave way and fell on them.
Mahoning Twinklings. Mrs. Bretney, widow of the late Henry Bretney, formerly of this place
but for some time past residing with her son Jefferson Bretney, at Lehighton, died on last
Sunday. Her funeral took place on Wednesday. She was buried at the St. John's church, at this
place.
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Was it a Murder?
Rumors were rife around here last Monday morning that an old farmer, aged 64 years,
named John Wallace, residing on a public road in the neighborhood of Buck Mountain, this
county, had been murdered on the previous day by a gang of six tramps. The tramps were said to
have been passing along the road in front of Wallace's farm; several of them addressing some
words to him, when they jumped the fence and went to his barn. The old man followed but the
tramps rushed upon him and choked him to death. They then fled. Wallace's wife going out to
the barn was horrified on finding the lifeless body of her husband. Two of the tramps have been
captured but the others have escaped. Wallace was a well known farmer and was esteemed a
quiet and peaceful citizen.
Later particulars of the above affair, seem to cast a doubt as to whether the tramps
committed the murder, or whether the old man died of fright or excitement from heart disease on
seeing the tramps approach the barn, at any rate it will need a thorough investigation. Here is the
latest report of the affiar: While Wallace was feeding his stock on Sunday afternoon he got into
a dispute with some men passing along the road. Two of the tramps entered Wallace's barn and
suddenly Wallace dropped dead. The entire crowd was arrested, and all but two of the party
were discharged. No marks of violence were found upon Wallace, and the prisoners allege that
he was in the act of raising a club to strike them when he fell. Henry Adams and Edward
Winnan, the two men arrested, were taken to Mauch Chunk and lodged in jail. The affair caused
great excitement and a large crowd assembled and threatened to lynch the two men who entered
the barn.
Lower Towamensing. Jacob Becker, Sr., of Parryville, died early Sunday morning last, of
paralysis. He was buried in the St. John's cemetery last Wednesday.
Lower Towamensing. Mr. Milton Westen and Miss Emma Blose were married on the 4th inst.
In a drunken row at Sayre, Tuesday night, Harry Hoover, a Lehigh Valley Railroad fireman, was
stabbed, causing death in ten minutes. Charles Sinsabough, one of the party was arrested for the
crime. At the coroner's inquest Wednesday, the verdict was that the deceased came to his death
at the hands of Sinsabough. The prisoner was taken to Towanda and jailed. The murdered man
resided at Pittston and leaves a widow and several children.
Volume 11, Number 14, Saturday, February 24, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jasper B. Stark, aged 55 years, formerly the Sheriff of Luzerne
county and the landlord and owner of the Wyoming Valley Hotel, in Wilkesbarre, died Friday.
His real estate is valued at $200,000.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Laura Anna, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Dentinger, formerly of
this place, but now resident at Beaver Meadow, died on Saturday last, aged 15 years, 10 months
and 12 days. The remains were brought to this borough on Monday and on Tuesday afternoon
interred in the Lehighton cemetery.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. An explosion of fire damp occurred Friday forenoon in the Scranton
Coal Company's mine, by which Michael Early, Patrick Duffy and James Gallagher were
92
seriously injured. The accident took place in a chamber where there had been a recent fall of
roof, which liberated the gas, and their lamps coming in contact with the deadly element it
exploded, with a great shock. Earley's injuries are supposed to be fatal.
Robert A. Packer Dead.
On Wednesday morning last the painful news reached here on the death on Tuesday
morning last of Robert A. Packer, at his residence, near Jacksonville, Florida. Robert Asa
Packer, whose death is above announced, was the elder son of the late Judge Asa Packer, the
projector of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and its head until his death in 1880. Mr. Packer was in
the prime of life, being about 41 years old. By the death of his father he succeeded to one of the
finest American estates, his income being estimated at nearly $200,000 per year. Mr. Packer
was born in Mauch Chunk and lived there until a few years ago, when he removed to Bethlehem,
and finally to Sayre, Pa., where he build a palatial residence. After attending school in his native
borough he went to college, but was glad to be relieved of the tedium of that kind of life to
engage in active business. Returning to Mauch Chunk, he entered the service of the Lehigh
Valley Railroad. He occupied a subordinate position, but gradually rose to be a director of the
company and the Preident of the Pennsylvania and New York Railroad, which is a part of the
Lehigh Valley system.
As a man Mr. Packer was entirely different from his father. He was lifely and
companionable from his early boyhood, and his good nature sometimes led him to the verge of
conviviality. He made many friends, not only because of this trait, but from an extreme and
spontaneous generosity. He loved to surround himself with a party of good fellows and go on a
far Western hunt, a yatching excursion or a European excursion. On every such occasion his
delight was to look up some handsome present for his friends at home, and in this kindly way he
spent a great deal of money.
Mr. Packer was a natural politician and one of the most ardent Democrats in the State.
Before he was of age he took an active interest in Carbon county politics, and, though he was not
a candidate for office until much later in life, he was always ready with time, and money to
advance the interests of the Democratic ticket from Governor to Constable. On very rare
occasions he departed from his custom of supporting Democrats, notably in the great fight
between General Charles Albright and Colonel Robert Klotz for Congress in the Eleventh
District, in 1878. Although Mr. Packer lived outside of the district at this time he plainly told
Colonel Klotz that he would not support him, and his known views had a wide influence. Mr.
Packer occupied many honorable positions in his party. He was generally a member of State
and National Conventions, and the State committee. His only appearance before the people was
in the Congressional contest in the Fifteenth District in 1880, when he was beaten by Hon. C. C.
Jadwin. The contest was a vigorous one on Mr. Packer's part, but the district is Republican and
he never had the slightest chance of election. It was not as a candidate that Mr. Packer loved
politics. His delight was to assist the election of some other man, and he loved the excitement of
a big campaign, with its secrets and quiet manipulations. As an instance of Mr. Packer's
generosity in political matters, it may be said that in the last campaign, while at Chairman
Hensel's headquarters one day, he asked as to the condition of the Committee's finances. He was
told that more money was needed, and on his return home he immediately remitted his check to
Mr. Hensel for $5000.
Mr. Packer was twice married, but he never had any children. His first marriage was a
rather romantic one. It was said that on a visit to Connecticut he discovered accidentally that
some excellent bread on his host's table was made by his first wife, and it was this circumstance
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that first attracted his attention to her. He shortly afterward married the lady, but in a few years
there was a legal separation. Mr. Packer went to Europe for a short time with a party of friends,
and a year or two afterward married the beautiful daughter of that veteran Bradford county
granger, Colonel Victor E. Poliet. He lived most happily with this lady, and she entertained his
friends in regal style at their mansion in Sayre.
For some years past Mr. Packer's health has been gradually failing, and while his death
will surprise his friends, it was well known that he would not live long. As was his custom, he
went to Florida early in January to spend the winter, and there in his elegant tropical home, death
overtook him. His brother, Harry E. Packer, is travelling in Europe, but his sister, Miss Mary
Packer, of Mauch Chunk, hurried to his bedside on receiving notice of his serious sickness, and
arrived before his death.
Mr. Packer must have left considerable estate, though it is well known that his fortune
was the income from the trust estate of his father, which, after an allowance to the magnificent
charities named in his will, is divided among the three children. Under its provisions the income
will now go to Harry E. Packer, the President of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and Miss Mary
Packer. The body of Mr. Packer will be brought North and buried at Mauch Chunk.
Murder at Shickshinny. Some drunken miners, while discussing politics in a saloon at
Shickshinny, Luzerne county, Friday evening, became engaged in a dispute with James
McDaniels, who finally escaped from them and made his way to N. B. Cary's store. A man
named John Briggs, who very much resembled him in appearance and dress, happened to be
there. Briggs soon after left the store, and the crowd, who had gathered about the door,
mistaking him for McDaniels, assaulted him with a billy. He was struck in the back of the neck
with the weapon and felled to the ground, when the murderous gang set upon him and kicked
him till dead. There have been four arrests, but it is not known whether any of those who
actually took part in the assault are among the number. The authorities are after more of the
gang. The names of the four men arrested are Henry Jacobs, Michael Malley, Hines and
O'Mally. The murdered man was a carpenter, about forty years of age, and leaves a wife and
five children.
Parryville Dottings. Jacob Baker, an aged and kindly old gentleman, of this place, died very
suddenly Sunday before last of heart disease. He was buried the following Wednesday. His
wife, who is of delicate health, will make her home with her son, Stephen Baker, at Bethlehem.
The old lady and the children have the sympathies of the community.
Thomas K. Zimmerman, a merchant of Allentown, died of brain fever Monday evening.
Volume 11, Number 15, Saturday, March 3, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Morgan Evans was instantly killed Tuesday and John Mulligan
badly injured by a fall of rock at Exeter colliery, Pittston.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. After a long and painful illness Hon. James Gamble, of
Williamsport, died at his home in that place, on the morning of the 22d ult., aged 74 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Skeer, for several years employed as foreman at one of the
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collieries of Linderman, Skeer & Co., at Stockton, died at his home in that place Sunday morning
at five o'clock, after a brief illness.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. J. H. Garfield, a prominent student of the Wyoming Seminary,
Wilkesbarre, died Tuesday at the seminary. His remains were escorted to the depot by the
students and professors and sent to his late home at Little Meadows.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Victor Davidson, formerly of Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, was
recently murdered near Hecla, Montana, by one Merrill, who robbed Davidson of $1300 Merrill
was swung up four times by a mob, but would not confess.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Martin Coyngham, a young man 21 years of age, employed as
gangway man at the Packer No. 2 Colliery near Shenandoah, wes killed by a fall of coal Friday.
A miner, Coyngham, and another laborer were engaged at driving a turnout sixteen feet wide.
Noticing that the coal was cracking, they stepped back to the second or third section of timber,
but a large piece fell through the ledge, killing Coyngham instantly.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frank Eckert, a well-known mine contractor, was fatally injured at
Riley & Co.'s Logan Colliery, near Centralia, Monday morning, by a fall of top coal. Eckert,
with two laborers, was engaged in blasting; a shot had just been fired, and before the manway
had cleared itself of the smoke Eckert went in to dress the coal, when the fall occurred. The
other two men narrowly escaped. Eckert was sixty years of age and the father of eight children.
A Sad Accident. On Thursday evening of last week, Coroner Wright held an inquest on the
body of Mary Matechley, aged seven years, who was accidentally shot by Joseph Rokinsky.
Mary and her mother were at the dinner table when the gun went off. The load entered her
abdoman and came out on her left side, terribly lacerating the flesh in its course. The girl fell on
the floor and instantly expired. Rokinsky, in whose hands the gun exploded, cried over the dead
body and declared that the shooting was purely accidental. The parties are Polanders, and live at
Hickory Ridge, a mining village a few miles from Mount Carmel. Rokinsky was a border at
Matechey's, and never, it is said, had any difficulty with any member of the family. The mother
of the child is now under guard, as she has shown symptoms of a deranged mind. A verdict of
accidental shooting was rendered by the coroner's jury. Another sad result from the careless
handling of fire arms, and the usual plea--"Didn't know it was loaded."
Terrible Boiler Explosion. The Hazleton Daily Bulletin furnishes the following account of a sad
boiler explosion at Drifton on Thursday of last week: The locomotove boiler in use at the
Chamberlain saw mill, Thursday, about 1 mile west of Drifton, exploded with terrific force,
instantly killing the fireman, William Westscott and fatally injuring John Chamberlain, a son of
the proprietor, and severly scalding two others, one of whom is named Purcell. One portion of
the boiler was carried upward striking and cutting off several trees from 8 to 10 inches in
diameter at a distance of 30 feet from the ground; then continuing its flight for some 400 feet it
came in contact with a large log which was imbedded in the hard frozen earth. This it removed
from its resting place, and passing along plowed up the surface for some fifty feet more, when its
force was expended. The other part of the boiler went through the mill completely demolishing
it and the engine, though fortunately not inuring the workmen, of whom there were several
employed at the time. The mill after the accident resembled a lot of old lumber strewn every
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which way. Westscott's head was pierced by probably a piece of splinter which passed
completely through. His body was hurled some 60 or 70 feet from where he stood, in front of
the boiler conversing with John Chamberlain, who, it seems, simply came to pay his father a
visit upon that very morning. Chamberlain had his thigh broken in several places, besides
being otherwise injured. These injuries resulted in his death Saturday morning. His remains
were taken on the 3:45 Lehigh Valley train to his home at Weatherly where he was employed as
an engineer. He was a member of Weatherly Post P. O. S. of A., and leaves a wife and two
children to mourn their loss. The remains of Westscott were interred in the Freeland cemetery
Saturday. A sad part of the affair is the lack of knowledge as to the whereabouts of the relatives
of Westscott. He appears never to have mentioned his home and his effects apparently threw no
light upon the matter. It is believed by some that his parents reside along the West Branch, while
others aver that his home is near Bloomsburg. As yet, his relatives have not been heard from.
There seems to be reason to think that his home was in Philadelphia. The two who were scalded
were removed to the hospital and are doing as well as can be expected. W. H. Chamberlain, the
owner of the mill is especially a subject worthy of sympathy, as only last winter his mill was
burnt down and he was but recovering from the shock when this accident sweeps away his all. A
sad, sad finis to the struggles of one whose labors are almost ended.
Buried At Sayre. The funeral of the late R. Asa Packer, eldest son of the late Asa Packer, took
place at Sayre Monday afternoon. Notwithstanding the bitter cold weather prevailing an
immense crowd of people from all parts of the Lehigh and Wyoming Valleys, and from the
country side, thronged the grounds surrounding the elegant mansion of the late Mr. Packer. The
body reposed in a handsome casket in the east parlor of the residence, a constant stream of
people passing through the house to view it. A special train from Philadelphia, augmented by
cars at different pints between Bethlehem and Sayre, took a large number of prominent business
men, railroad magnates and coal operators, to the funeral. The funeral services eere held in the
house, according to the Episcopal form. Rev. W. B. Morris, the present rector at Sayre, assisted
by Rev. G. F. Rosemuller, the former rector, now of Niagara Falls, officiated. The remains were
interred in Tioga Point Cemetery, about a mile and a half from the Packer residence. A large
number of people in carriages followed the remains to their last resting place. Among the
prominent persons present were Dr. L. A. Lamberton, of Lehigh University; Robert Sayre, H. S.
Gordon; John Fritz, Superintendent of the Bethlehem Iron Company; Dr. Henry Coppie;
Charles Hartshorne, Vice-President of the Lehigh Valley Railroad; Samuel Thomas, President
of the Thomas Iron Company, Catasauqua; State Senator Eckley B. Coxe, of Drifton; E. A.
Packer, of New York; Ario Pardee, of Hazleton; Elisha P. Wilbur, of Bethlehem; Chairman
Hensel and W. H. Seward.
Lower Towamensing Squibs. Mr. August Lehr was found in a dying condition, last Saturday a
week ago, on Stony Hill, by workmen who went to their work in the morning, life was almost
extinct, every thing was done to restore him, but all in vain. In his pocket was found a bottle of
whiskey, which on examination was found to contain poison. On the evening prior to his death
he went to Fire Line Hotel to get his bottle filled, and on his way home he met his sad fate.
Suicide in Allentown. Charles Heintzleman, a well known citizen and an extensive organ
builder, of Allentown, committed suicide by drowning in the Little Lehigh near the water works
on Lawrence Street, some time during Monday night or Tuesday morning. He left the house in
his stocking feet shortly before 12 o'clock and must have gone direct to the place where he ended
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his life, as a thorough search in the neighborhood failed to reveal his whereabouts. His body was
found in the river near the water works by Daniel Trexler, the Superintendent. Mr. Heintzleman
was well-known throughout this part of the State as a builder of church organs and leaves a
considerable estate. The Coroner held an inquest and rendered a verdict of suicide by drowning.
No cause is assigned for the rash act.
MARRIED. SEABEL-CAHL.--On February 11th, by Rev. J. S Erb, Mr. John H. Seabel, to
Miss Elizabeth Cahl, both of Weatherly.
MARRIED. KAST-O'BRIAN.--On February 24th by the same Mr. Ambrose B. Kast to Miss
Emma C. O'Brian, both of Weissport.
MARRIED. KRESGE-KUNKLE.--On February 11th, by the Rev. A. Bartholomew, Mr. John
W. Kresge, of Weissport, to Miss Sarah Kunkle, of Packerton.
MARRIED. BACHMAN-MCLEAN.--On February 17th by the same Mr. John Bachman, of
West Penn, to Miss Emaline McLean, of East Brunswick.
MARRIED. RHOADES-BAMBERY.--On the 22d ult., by Rev. J. H Hartman, William H.
Rhoads and Miss Lizzie Bambery, both of East Mauch Chunk.
DIED. DINTINGER.--In Hazleton, on the 17th ult., Laura Ann, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca
Dintinger, aged 15 years, 10 months and 12 days.
DIED. BEHM.--In this borough, on the 21st ult., John C. Behm, aged 77 years, 2 months and 7
days.
DIED. TRAINER.--In this borough on the 25th ult., Carrie Estella, child of the late Alfred
Trainer and wife Caroline, aged two years and 29 days.
DIED. NUNEMACHER.--On the 16th ult., in East Brunswick, Harriet A. E, daughter of Lewis
and Hetty Nunemacher, aged 6 months and 23 days.
DIED. SCHUMACHER--On the 25th ult., in Lehighton, William Franklin, son of Owen and
Mary E. Schumacher, aged 7 years, 11 months and 27 days.
Volume 11, Number 16, Saturday, March 10, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. August Blum was thrown from a wagon, near Tower City,
Schuylkill county, a few days since, and killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While John Toy, a resident of Bugtown, near Tamaqua, was walking
home Saturday morning on the railroad track he was run over by a coal train and instantly killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. There was a premature explosion in the stone quarry of the Saucon
Iron Company, near Allentown, on Saturday, which resulted in John Guth receiving fatal
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injuries.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. Paul DeLong, one of Upper Milford township's, Lehigh county,
oldest citizens, died on the 21st ult., aged 81 years, 8 months and 8 days. He was a man of
sterling worth and principle, and greatly loved and respected by all who knew him.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A two-year-old daughter of J. C. Xander, residing on 3rd street, this
borough, was so severely burned by her clothes taking fire on Saturday while playing around the
stove, that she died in great agony on Monday morning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dallas Xander, an old soldier, died at his home, in town, on
Wednesday last of consumption.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles Lewis, a young druggist of Mahanoy City, left home at six
o'clock last Sunday night, apparently in excellent health, accompanied by several friends, to
attend church. While on the way he was seized with violent pain and was taken to the office of
Dr. G. M. Miller, where he fell over and expired. He was 24 years of age and the son of Thomas
Lewis, superintendent of the Tunnel Ridge Colliery. Heart disease is assigned as the cause of his
sudden death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The funeral of Mrs. Brown, wife of Colonel D. P. Brown, general
superintendent of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company's collieries at Lost Creek, took place at
Pottsville Wednesday. Seven extra cars were attached to the regular passenger train arriving at
Pottsville at three o'clock, and they were loaded with friends of the deceased who was formerly a
resident of Pottsville.
An Old Mollie Maguire Dead. Patrick McKenna, alias "Fox" McKenna, a once noted Mollie
Maguire, of Schuylkill County, has just died a miserable death at Locust Gap. A few days ago
his reason was dethroned, and he was a raging maniac up to the hour of his death. His name was
unenviably used in Bloomsburg Court during the trial of the murderers of Alexander Rea, a coal
operator, who was assassinated about ten years ago, between that town and Centralia, while on
his way to the colliery with money to pay the employers. The murderers assembled at
McKenna's house after the commission of the bloody deed, but he, it is alleged, had then no
knowledge of the crime. Years ago he proved a defaulter of county tax in Schuylkill County, for
which he was tried, found guilty, and severely sentenced. His constitution gave way shortly after
he was incarcerated, and his friends had him pardoned. In years past he was among the wealthy
of Schuylkill county, where he owned a large bottling establishment, but lately he has been
almost wholly dependent on public charity. Since he came to Locust Gap his actions were those
of a troubled mind, and he drank freely. The Poor Directors have taken his body in charge.
MARRIED. REINARD-WRIGHT--On the 3rd inst., by Rev. W. J. Peters, L. E. Reinard and
Miss Ella L. Wright, both of Lehigh Gap.
MARRIED. MOSER-OVERMYER.--At Lindsey, O., on the 25th ult., Samuel W. Moser,
formerly of Lehighton, Pa., and Miss Lydia A. Overmyer, of Lindsey, Sandusky co., Ohio.
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Volume 11, Number 17, Saturday, March 17, 1883
MARRIED. GROSS-HONTZ.--On the 10th inst., in this borough, by Rev. J. H. Hartman, Mr.
Jno. F. Gross, of Lehighton, and Miss Ellen Hontz, of Mahoning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Carroll, aged thirty eight years, employed as a brakeman
on the Jersey Central Railroad, running between Lansford and Tamaqua, was fatally injured
Monday morning. He was standing on the top of a freight car and was struck by an overhead
bridge.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Thursday of last week Miss Kate Selfridge, daughter of the late
Wm. Selfridge, niece of Gen. James L. Selfridge, and only sister of Major Alex. W. Selfridge,
of Bethlehem, was married to C. W. MacFarlane, superintendent for Wm. Sellers & Co., of
Philadelphia. The bride is an accomplished musician. Mr. MacFarlane is a graduate of the
Lehigh University, of the class of '76.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. About 11 o'clock Tuesday morning a distressing accident occurred
at the Lehigh Valley Coal Company's No. 3 packer Colliery, near Lost Creek. A loaded wagon
was sent out and had reached half up the slope when the rope attached to it broke. The car was
hurled back with terrible speed and struck and instantly killed Thos. Cosgrove, the bottom man.
is body was jammed betwen the wagon and the heavy timbers. The deceased was unmarried, 23
years of age and lived near Shenandoah.
Fatal Accident. John Eagan, of Bethlehem, aged thirty years, last week buried his wife since
which time his sister-in-law, Miss Mary Rodgers, of Chicago, had been stopping with his family.
Monday evening Eagan accompanied her to the depot and she left for home. He entered the
Lehigh Valley car, and after the train started jumped off and was run over by the train. Two
wheels passed over his legs. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, where he lingered until
Wednesday afternoon. The train from which Eagan fell went on its way, the trainmen not
hearing of the accident, and Miss Rodgers was entirely unconscious of the sad accident which
befel her brother-in-law.
Sorrowful Ending of a Romance in Real Life. In the early part of last summer the borough of
East Mauch Chunk was startled by the elopement of Etta Lynn, a teacher in one of the public
schools in the town, with Heenan Dugan, a switchtender at Penn Haven Junction on the Valley
road. It seems that the pair had loved each other for some time, but the girl's family disapproved
of the match. She was of a good family, well connected and rather beautiful in form and
features. Dugan is a young Irishman of good address and said to be quite good looking. The
objections of the young lady's family to Dugan was the fact of his coming of a family with not a
very good name, and it was alleged that he himself had a bad record. However, in site of
obstacles the two eloped and went to New York, where they were married by a Catholic priest.
Afterwards they went to Bridgeport, Conn., where Dugan went to work in a brass foundry.
Everything went well, to the secret satisfaction of many who had in their hearts wished them
success. Last week a little one was born to the happy couple, but the birth of the child cost the
life of the mother, who died in terrible convulsions on Saturday. The grief stricken husband
brought the remains of his young wife to their former home in East Mauch Chunk on Monday,
the 5th inst. He became reconciled to his mother in-law as they had such a great grief in
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common, and the funeral was held Tuesday from the residence of Mrs. Lynn. It was a truely sad
sight to see the aged mother follow the last earthly remains of her child, who had fled from her
anger; and the husband, who but a while ago had been so happy, mingled his tears and sorrow
with the mother's. Though we are taught that the Almighty disposes everything for the best, it
seems to us mortals very hard that His decrees should take away one so young, beauriful and
beloved, by whose death such deep grief is caused. The funeral services were held in St. Mark's
Episcopal Church at Mauch Chunk, and was very largely attended by relatives of and
sympathizers with both the husband and mother. This makes a sad ending for so short a romance
in real life.
Volume 11, Number 18, Saturday, March 24, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Snyder, wife of Mr. Nathan Snyder, merchant, of East
Weissport, died last Saturday evening, aged about 51 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Monday last a young man named Frank Rothenberger, an
employee in the old Washington slate quarry at Slatington, was instantly killed by a ponderous
stone falling upon him.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Meeker, a Hungarian, was killed by a fall of coal at West
Lehigh Colliery, at Mahanoy City, Thursday morning, 15th inst. His lamp exploded, and, before
the body could be taken out, it was burned to a crisp.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Curran, aged fifty-two years, a miner at Glendon Colliery,
was crushed under a fall of coal in a breast, on the 15th inst. He lived about an hour after being
taken out. He leaves a wife.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Ruddy, aged eighteen years, a driver on the dirt bank at
Centralia Colliery, on the 15th inst., was caught between a wagon and schute under the breaker,
and squeezed so badly that he died the same night.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The house near Millville, Pike County, holding the family of Josiah
Perry, a dwarf named Blackmore, and a demented woman named Chitister, was destroyed at
midnight recently. Mrs. Chitister was burned to death and the other occupants of the house
escaped with only their night clothes, a mile and a half from any other house.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Monday afternoon at Heaton & Co's colliery, near Girardville, John
Caufield, while midway on the plane making some repairs to pulleys, attempted to jump on a car
going up the plane, when he slipped and fell under the wheels. His head was literally crushed to
pieces. The accident was witnessed by several of his companions, who removed his remians to
his home at Danessville, near Lost Creek. Canfield was thirty years of age and married.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Rhoads, the oldest residents of our
neighboring village, Jamestown, on the 11th inst, celebrated their golden wedding, it being 50
years since they took each other by the hand and pledged themselves to tread life's pathway
together. 'Twas a happy occasion, surrounded by children and friends, and many were the
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congratulations tendered and hopes expressed that they would long continue to live and enjoy
each others society.
Burned to Death. A strange and fatal accident occurred Thursday afternoon of last week at the
West Lehigh or Shoemaker's Colliery, near Mahanoy City. Two miners, named James Evan and
Joseph Morgan, together with their laborers, George and John Mika, Hungarian brothers, were
working at the face of the breast. The three first mentioned went for a wagon, leaving John
Mika at work drilling a hole. On returning with the wagon they found Mika's limbs protruding
from a large mass of coal, which had fallen during their absence and knocked Mika's lamp off
his head. The lamp fell at his feet setting fire to his clothing and burning both his limbs about
the knees to a crisp. The fire was quickly extinguished and soon afterwards his dead and
mangled body, presenting a sickening sight, was removed from its imprisonment.
Lower Towamensing Splinters. Saturday, March 3rd, Llewellyn Reinard and Miss Ella L.
Wright tied the nuptial knot, and no doubt are now traveling in the light of that "fairy
honeymoon." On the 17th inst., Francis Diehl and Mary Klotz started out on the same trip. We
right heartily bid them "good speed." And as rumor has it, "red headed" Bob and Mandy will
pop the question and nuptial too one of these days. Well, all women are good in their places.
Lower Towamensing Splinters. Isaac Lower and wife completed fifty years of married life on
the 12th inst.
Happily Mated. The Weatherly correspondent of the Mauch Chunk Democrat very prettily puts
it as follows: "The event of our town last week was the union in wedlock of our young friend,
Frank L. Raber with Miss Alice Derr, on Saturday evening last. The marriage rite was
performed by Rev. N W. Colburn, according to the ritual of the M. E. Church in the presence of
numerous intimate friends and relatives at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs John F West, on
Second street. Your scribe makes due acknowledgment for the liberal contribution of wedding
cake sent to the family, and extends to the happy pair his heartiest congratulations. May their
fondest dreams of success and happiness be more than realized and may the flowery path of
wedlock display but here and there a thorn, just sufficient to impress the felicitous twain of the
realistic character of life. Contrary to the usual custom, we do not wish them one continuous
voyage of ineffable bliss on the placid surface of a crystal sea on whose calm bosom shall be
borne to its destination their fair bark fanned by fragrant zephyrs. We say rather: May their
voyage of life be practically successful and successfully practical. We do not wish for them a life
void of storm and trial, but desire rather that it may be their blessed experience to come out of all
trials purified and made better and that they may majestically surmount all the difficulties and
outride all storms that may overtake them."
Parryville Dots. Miss Buella Peters has returned from school to attend the funeral of her aunt,
Mrs. Nathan Snyder, of Weissport.
MARRIED. ZELLNER-DORWARD.--On March 8th, by the Rev. W. J. Peters, Mr. John D.
Zellner, of Franklin, and Miss Agnes F. Dorward, of Slatedale.
MARRIED. DEAL-KLOTZ.--On March 17th by the same Mr. Francis Deal and Miss Mary
Klotz, both of Lehigh Gap.
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MARRIED. WALP-MILLER.--On the same day by the same, Wm. W. Walp and Miss Sabina
Miller, both of Walnutport.
Voume 11, Number 19, Saturday, March 31, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A man named George Whitehead was struck by a locomotive at
Mauch Chunk, last Sunday, and fatally injured.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. State Senator Henninger has bought a new residence in Allentown.
The Senator will, it is said, be married on July 4th.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Horace L. West and Cornelius Swartwout, of Pike county, and
Major Wm. H. Schoonover, of Monroe county, old pioneers of the northeastern part of the State,
have died recently.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Collins, of Glendon, was run over and killed by an engine on
the Lehigh Valley road early Tuesday evening. He was working on the track and the shouts of
warning and the blowing of the whistle were drownded by a passing coal train. Two months ago
his wife was taken to the Norristown Asylum. Five little children are thus left entirely destitute.
Collins came from Wales ten years ago and was a sober, hard-working man, but very poor.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A farmer named Peter Ward, living a short distance from
Carbondale, killed his mother-in-law, on Monday night of last week, with an exe, and was lodged
in the County Jail, at Scranton, Friday. Ward is about forty years of age and has been married
about thirteen years. He says his mother-in-law, Mrs. Donohue, made his life miserable and in a
fit of anger he struck the fatal blow, although he did not intend to take her life. His victim was
about seventy years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dennis Toomey, of Shenandoah, hanged himself in his bed room
Tuesday morning. His daughter had been to a ball and returned home about three o'clock and
was horrified to find her father suspended from the bed-post dead. He had attempted self
destruction a number of times. Several months ago he was discovered hanging from the rafters
of an out-house, but was cut down by a neighbor in time to save his life. He was 55 years of age
and a miner by occupation, working regularly up to Monday evening. He leaves a wife and eight
children in destitute circumstances.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Friday morning an unknown Hungarian was injured on the Lehigh
Valley Railroad, by having his skull badly crushed. He was conveyed to St. Luke's Hospital for
treatment, where he died shortly after his arrival.
Volume 11, Number 20, Saturday April 7, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Bishop Edmund deSchweintz, of the Moravian church at
Bethlehem, on Tuesday of last week observed the fifty-eighth anniversary of his birth.
102
Our Neighborhood in Brief. T. J. Seifert and his friends, of this place, "celebrated" his birthday
on Wednesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Eliza Miller, widow of the late Hon. Jesse Miller, died on
Monday at the residence of her granddaughter, Mrs R. A. Packer, in Sayre.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A 13 year old son of Griffith R. Davis, of Slatington, fell from the
top of a wagon load of furniture last Tuesday, and was instantly killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At West Bear Ridge Colliery, near Mahanoy Plane, Wednesday
afternoon, Jas. Peoples, a thirteen year old breaker boy, was adjusting one of the screen belts,
and while the wheel was in motion tried to kick it in its place. His foot caught between the belt
and wheel and he was whirled around several times, striking against some woodwork on each
revolution. His head and face were frightfully mutilated. He died just as he reached his home,
which was but a short distance from the colliery.
Big Creek Happenings. Peter Dreisbach, one of the oldest citizens of Franklin, died suddenly on
Saturday night last. He retired to his bed in the evening hale and hearty, in the morning they
found him dead. It is supposed he died from paralysis.
In and Around Parryville. Mr. Jacob Baker is now dead about a month, and last week his wife
followed him to the grave. They were an aged and affectionate couple. The old lady was sickly
for some time, and the loss of her husband soon bore her down. She was buried beside her
husband in Lower Towamensing.
In and Around Parryville. Mr. Bachman, who was our chemist here some two years ago, is
reported dead. It is said that he was killed in a steamboat collission.
A little child of Charles Leimberger, of this borough, died during the week, and was buried at
Weissport on Thursday afternoon.
MARRIED. BURKHARDT-BLASS.--On the 25th ult., by Rev. J H Kuder, Michael
Burkhardt, of Lehighton, Pa, and Miss Rosina Blass, of Trenton, N. J.
MARRIED. MAHLER-LABER--At Packerton, Pa., on the 29th ult, by Rev J. H. Kuder, J. C.
Mahler and Miss M. C. Laber, both of that place.
Volume 11, Number 21, Saturday, April 14, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Elizabeth Humphrey, wife of Dr. Charles H. Humphrey, of
Cherryville, died Thursday, 29th ult., aged 71 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A child's cradle caught fire in Catasauqua a few days ago, and a tenmonths-old infant of Milton Holland was burned to death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Our young friends Charles Dauxtater and Miss Maggie Wert
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joined their fortunes for well or for woe--we trust the former--on Saturday evening last. Rev.
Erb, of Slatington fixed the noose, and done it well; Charles and his bride are happy, and are
gently floating down the river of life with the hearty congratulations and kind wishes of their
host of friends.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dennis Crawley, aged about 35 years, who had charge of the
blasting in the old Bangor quarry, at Bangor, was killed Thursday of last week by a blast. Five
holes had been drilled, loaded and touched off. Four exploded, and thinking this was all,
Crawlew approached the spot, when a fifth went off, killing him instantly.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Coroner Latham empanneled a jury Tuesday morning to view the
body of the man killed in the Packerton Yard, Monday evening; the testimony adduced
exonorated the company and employees. No clue as to the identity of the man was presented
before the Coroner. The remains were taken charge of by the Poor authorities of Mauch Chunk.
Big Creek Dottings. Mr. Heebner, an old and respected citizen of Pine Run, died last Friday and
was buried at St. Paul's church on Monday. We did not learn the imediate cause of his death.
Mahoning Dottings. Mrs. Robert McClean was agreeably surprised last Friday evening, by her
many friends who came to celebrate her birthday.
Death of Rev. J. P. Daily. After an illness of only a few days Rev J. P. Daily, D D, of Staten
Island, N. Y, died of inflammation of the bowels Monday night at the residence of his brother in
law, Dr. G. B. Linderman, of South Bethlehem, aged about sixty-three years. At the session of
the Newark Conference of the M. E. Church, held at Phillipsburg last week, Dr. Daily, who was
a member, attended regularly, but spent his nights at the residence of Dr. Linderman. He was
taken suddenly ill while attending the conference and on his arrival at South Bethlehem in the
evening took to bed He was given the best medical treatment, but it was of no avail. The
remains will be taken to his late home in Staten Island for burial. He leaves one son.
MARRIED. ECK-KOLB.--On the 3rd ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, William F. Eck and Miss
Matilda Kolb, both of East Penn.
MARRIED. STEIGERWALT-FINK.--On the 5th ult., by the same, T. W. Steigerwalt, of East
Penn, and Miss Mary Ann Fink, of town.
MARRIED. WINTER-GEIGER.--On the 1st inst., by the same, Daniel Winter and Miss
Annetta Geiger, both of West Penn.
MARRIED. MERTZ-FREYMAN.--On the 10th inst., by the same, Granville Mertz and
Emaline Freyman, both of Mahoning.
DIED. KOONS.--On the 28th ult., in this borough, Mary Alice, daughter of Willoughby and
Sarah Koons, aged 8 yrs., 4 mos. and 8 dys.
DIED. BECHTEL.--On the 30th ult., in Coalport, Frances E., daughter of Aaron and Jernsia
Bechtel, aged 13 years, 4 mos. and 26 days.
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DIED. FRITZINGER.--On the 31st ult., in East Penn, Leon, son of Chas. H. and Kitty A.
Fritzinger, aged 1 yr., 11 mos. and 18 days.
DIED. DREISBACH--On the 1st inst., in Franklin, Peter Dreisbach, aged 75 years, 4 mos. and
9 days.
Volume 11, Number 22, Saturday, April 21, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The wife of Martin Beers, of Lower Towamensing, died on
Saturday morning last, aged 24 years, leaving a husband and two children to mourn their loss.
The funeral took place on Tuesday morning at St. Paul's church.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. John S. Noble, a prominent young merchant of Eaaston, and
Miss Florence Baldwin, of Mauch Chunk, were married in St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal
Church Wednesday afternoon by Rev. M A. Tolman, the rector. Mr. Chas. B. Hetrick, of Easton
acted as best man, and Messrs. Frank Burke, and C. W. Andrews, of Easton, and W. Cullen
Morris and W. C. Kent, of Mauch Chunk, as ushers. The bride and groom left the same evening
for an extended trip through the East.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Abe Arner, of Penn Haven, formerly of town, seems to be
particularly unfortunate, about two years ago he lost a foot, Thursday he buried a child, and a
second one had both its legs broken, while the wife and mother is laying at the point of death.
We sympathize with Abe in his misfortune.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thos. Eagan, a miner, working at the Bear Ridge colliery, near
Mahanoy Plane, was instantly killed, Thursday morning of last week, by a fall of coal. He was at
work in a breast when the fall occurred. He was a married man and leaves a large family.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Major William Schoonover, of Bushkill, Pike county, who was
appointed by the Governor of Indiana first lieutenant Post Guards of the Republic of Mexico in
1846, died lately. He served as a major during the rebellion.
MARRIED. MANTZ-MANTZ.--In this borough, on the 17th inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman,
Elwin Mantz, of Mahoning twp., and Alvena Mantz, of Lehighton.
MARRIED. STEWART-LEH.--At the Presbyterian parsonage, Hokendauqua, on the 14th inst.,
by Rev. James A. Little, Mr. Jonathan P. Stewart and Miss Anne J. Leh, both of Egypt, Lehigh
county, Pa.
DIED. GOWER.--In Packerton, on the 14th inst., Mrs. Caroline Gower, aged 64 years, 8
months and 26 days.
Volume 11, Number 23, Saturday, April 28, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While Thomas Dugan and Thomas Fanley were fishing from a
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small boat on the Lehigh river near Hokendauqua Tuesday, the boat sank and Dugan was
drowned. Fanley swam to the shore.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Joseph H. Smith, superintendent of the Glendon Colliery at
Mahanoy City, died very suddenly Tuesday. He was one of the most expert miners in the regions
and held various positions of trust under the Reading Company.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A Polish woman, the wife of a mine laborer employed in the mines
at Nanticoke, name unknown, was struck by an engine on the Delaware, Lackawanna and
Western Railroad on Monday evening, near Kingston, and killed. She was walking on the track
at the time, but paid no attention to the engineer's signal.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jury Commissioner George Huntzinger, of Mauch Chunk, was in
town Wednesday, attending the funeral of a child of Aaron Miller.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Wm. Conway, of Mauch Chunk, died on Wednesday morning, of
consumption, aged 26 years. He leaves a wife and one child.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. After nearly four weeks of suffering and pain death came to the
relief of Mrs. John Dillman Monday night. Her death is the result of the murderous assault on
her by her husband on the 29th of last month, who cut her throat after telling her that he was tired
of her. She was forty six years old and the mother of six children. She expressed a wish that
Dillman, now in jail, should hang for his crime.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas A. B. Alexender, son of Carolina and the late William
Alexander, of Philadelphia, and some time ago resident of Mauch Chunk, fell from a boat
loaded with lumber, while passing through the Chesapeake canal on Friday of last week, and was
drowned. The body was recovered and forwarded to his home in Philadelphia, and he was
buried on Tuesday. He was a very exemplary young man, aged about 23 years.
DIED. SCHWARTZ.--In Lehighton, April 17, Milton F., son of John F. and Amelia Schwarts,
aged one month and twelve days.
DIED. LONGKAMMER.--In Packerton, April 21, 1883, Matthaias Longkammer, aged 79
years, 11 months and 16 days.
Volume 11, Number 24, Saturday, May 5, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Ash, an engineer on the Perkiomen Railroad, died Saturday
morning at Allentown from the effects of coal gas, which he inhaled while in the cab of his
engine.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At 10 o'clock Sunday night James Size, employed at No. 6 furnace
of the Bethlehem Iron Company, met his death by being squeezed between the platform of the
furnace hoist and a beam above the opening. He was about adjusting a barrow which he thought
was projecting over the platform when he was caught. He served as a Union soldier during the
106
whole of the rebellion and was wounded twice.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. An Allentown dispatch say Valentine Shoemaker committed
suicide Tuesday night by hanging himself in the garret of his house. His head was injured years
ago by an accident and though he has never been watched with apprehension of doing himself
harm it is supposed that his death is ascribable to this cause. He has worried a great deal over the
running away of a son a week or so ago. He leaves a wife and three children. He was 46 years
old.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Emanuel Bennet, a miner, living near Wilkesbarre, while crossing
the Susquehanna river in a ferryboat Wednesday evening fell off and was drowned. He leaves a
widow and child.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Horn and Miss Emma Deibert, of Weissport, were joined
in the holy bonds of matrimony, by Rev. S. T. Leopold, at Tamaqua, on the 1st inst. They
returned home on the 2nd inst., and were treated to a serenade by the calathumpians--one of the
parties dancing in a hog trough and busting it.
Big Creek Items. Frank Whittaker feels proud just now. A little boy came to his place a few
days ago.
A Fatal Coal Mine Gas Explosion.
Ashland, April 30.--There was a heart rending scene at the Keystone Colliery to day.
Their men are dead and two are dying, as the result of an explosion. Scores of women and
children flocked to the mounth of the pit, awaiting news from below. Three cries were piteous,
and when the dead bodies were brought to the surface the grief of the stricken families was awful
to look upon.
The Keystone colliery is operated by the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron
Company, and is situated about one mile from Ashland. It was built in 1852, by Donaldson &
Co., and the coal and iron company got control of it twelve years ago.
There are two slopes, one 173 yards and the other 153 yards, a total depth of 326 yards.
The workings extend a mile each side. Immense quantities of gas are generated, and it requires
an eighty-horse-powers engine to keep the mine ventilated. It has been the scene of a large
number of terrific explosions in past years, and the dead of to day are added to a long list. At ten
o'clock this morning a gang of men were at work "skipping" pillars or removing the body of coal
standing between the breasts. Suddenly a pillar started to run. It brought with it an immense
volume of gas.
Five men were at work in breast No. 4, west gangway, when the gas rushed upon them.
Their names were Andrew Jones, August Weiker, Charles Tyler, Pat Reagan and Coney
Welker. The gas ignited, it is supposed, from one of the miner's lamps. Weker was an
inexperiment miner, and in the hurry and excitement he forgot to put out his lamp. A terrific
explosion followed, and Reagan, Jones and Welker were instantly killed. Welker was blown a
distance of fifty yards, and almost every light in the mine was extinguished by the concussion. A
miner named Sweeney escaped by crawling two hundred yards on his hand and knees. An
immense cloud of dust and smoke shot out at the shaft, and the shock of the explosion was felt
for a mile.
On all sides intense excitement prevailed. Everybody knew just what had happened, and
107
men, women and children seemed to spring out of the earth. They hurried to the scene of the
accident and crowded around the mouth of the pit. The exact particulars could not be had for a
time. None knew how many unfortunate miners were imprisoned or dead. The women, with
blanched faces, gave way to grief in its most violent form. Their wails could be heard for a long
distance. When the first body was brought to the surface the wildest scene ensued. Every one
crowded about. Jones was a boy, nineteen years, and as his mother bent over his blackened form
she fainted dead away. She was carried from the scene unconscious. Anxiously the crowd
awaited as each of the dead dead bodies were slowly drawn to the surface and mournful
precessions followed the unfortunate men to their late homes.
Walker is seriously injured and it is thought that he cannot recover. Tyler's condition is
pronounced hopeless, and his death is momentarily expected. He is shockingly burned all over.
All the men resided around the mine and leave large families, with the exception of Andrew
Jones. Welker had only started to work in the mine a few weeks ago and his carelessness and
inexperience caused the explosion. Reagan leaves a wife and six children. Tyler also has a
large family. The excitement to-night is unabated and the sad affair is the theme of conversation
in the vicinity of the mine. Terrible as the explosion was the damage to the mine, strange to say,
is comparatively small.
MARRIED. MERTZ-FREYMAN.-On the 10th ult., by the Rev. A. Bartholomew, Granville
Mertz and Emaline Freyman, both of Mahoning.
MARRIED. FLICKINGER-BELTZ.--On the 15th ult., by the same, Thomas Flickinger, of
Weatherly, and Sarah A. Beltz, of Mahoning.
MARRIED. FRITZ-BOWMAN.--On the 21st ult., by the same, William A. Fritz and Susan V.
Bowman, both of East Penn.
MARRIED. MOYER-REX.--On the 1st inst., by the same, Cornelius P. Moyer, and Eva A.
Rex, both of Lynn township, Lehigh county.
MARRIED. HERMAN-MEINHART.--On the 10th ult., by Rev. J. E. Freeman, John Herman
and Amelia Meinhart, both of Pine Run.
MARRIED. BEER-MEYERS.--On the 14th ult., by the same Cornelius Beer and Catharine
Meyers, both of Cherryville.
MARRIED. SMITH-STROH.--On the same day, by the same, Franklin Smith and Catharine
B. Stroh, both of Upper Towamensing.
DIED. KERSHNER.--On the 21st ult., in West Penn, William W. Kershner, aged 33 years, 8
months and 25 days.
DIED. MILLER.--On the 22nd ult., in Mauch Chunk, Katie, infant daughter of Aaron and
Hester Miller, aged 4 months and 3 days.
DIED. YOUSE.--On the 23rd ult., in East Penn, Gideon Youse, aged 77 years.
108
DIED. PETER.--On the 28th ult., in East Penn, Gideon, husband of Hannah Peter, aged 59
years, 4 months and 21 days.
DIED. KLEINTOP.--On February 7, in Millport, Herbert Oswell, infant son of John and Sarah
J. Kleintop, aged 1 year and 4 months.
DIED. LEHR.--On February 27, at Fire Line, Augustus Lehr, aged 61 years, 11 months and 20
days.
DIED. COLLINS.--On March 26, in East Mauch Chunk, William George, son of Charles and
Ann Collins, aged 3 years, 5 months and 16 days.
DIED. BECKER.--On March 27, at Bethlehem, Susan, wife of the late Jacob Becker, of
Parryville, aged 74 years, 3 months and 12 days.
DIED. BROWN.--On March 26, in Upper Towamensing, Lewis N., son of Lewis and Amanda
Brown, aged 2 years, 7 months and 14 days.
DIED. BUCHMAN.--On the 9th ult., near Stemlersville, William, son of Peter Buchman and
Caroline, (now Mrs. Green,) aged 14 years, 2 months and 2 days.
DIED. ARNER.--On the 8th ult., in Weissport, Katie Rebecca, infant daughter of Oscar and
Jane Arner, aged 1 month and 6 days.
DIED. HEUBNER.--On the 7th ult., at Pine Run, Abraham Heubner, aged 81 years, 6 months
and 7 days.
DIED. HONTZ.--On the 9th ult., at Weissport, William Edwin, son of Frank and Mary Hontz,
aged 1 year and 21 days.
DIED. BEER.--On the 10th ult., at Fire Line, Mrs. Martin Beer, daughter of Lewis and Mary
Hartman, of Typhoid fever, aged 24 years, 9 months and 7 days.
DIED. LICHTENWALTER.--On the 12th ult., at Lehigh Gap, Daisy Louisa, daughter of
Edwin and Amanda Lichtenwalter, aged 7 years, 4 months and 26 days.
DIED. ARNER.--On the 19th ult., at Penn Haven Carrie May, infant daughter of Abraham and
Mary Arner, aged 6 months and 23 days.
Volume 11, Number 25, Saturday, May 12, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Levi Weiss, aged 72 years, an old resident of town, and for many
years in charge of the Lehighton Cemetery, died very suddenly on Sunday morning, and was
buried on Wednesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Our Young friend John M. Kessler, of Allentown, formerly of town,
109
was married to Miss Emma Ruhe, of the former city, on Thursday last. The happy couple have
our best wishes for a prosperous and happy journey through life.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Allentown has just been bereft of an esteemed citizen, one who has
been long and largely identified with its manufacturing interests. We refer to Mr. James B. Cole,
of the firm of Cole & Heilman, steam boiler manufacturers, who died suddenly, of apoplexy, on
Tuesday night of last week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Healey, aged about 23 years, while at work at Fisher's slate
quarries, at Chapmans, was instantly killed at 11:30 o'clock Tuesday morning by the premature
explosion of a blast at which he was working. His entire head was blown off. Healey was a
single man.
Death of General Daniel Harer. General Daniel Harer, a pioneer of Schuylkill county, died at
Pottsville, Tuesday, after a brief illness. He was born in Philadelphia February 4, 1806, and in
1842 took possession of Orchard flour mill, the oldest business place in Pottsville. Subsequently
he was engaged in the lumber business, with F. W. Hughes as his partner, at Pottsville and
Mauch Chunk. Many years ago he was elected lieutenant colonel of the Pottsville militia and
was afterwards made brigadier general of the Schuylkill county troops. He was a prominent
citizen and always took great interest in educational matters.
Mahoning Twinklings. Willie, only child of Moses Snyder was buried on Monday afternoon, at
St. John's church. Rev. W. H. Strauss officiating.
Assault on a Woman
A report comes from Beaver Meadow of a murderous assault on Mrs. James O'Donnell,
by a man named Hugh Gillespie. It appears that a few years ago Gillespie and James O'Donnell
quarreled with each other, and not settling their dispute at the time, it slumbered along in
Gillespie's breast, and on Thursday evening, the 3d inst., he called at O'Donnell's house and
asked him out to have a drink. O'Donnell complied and the twain went to a saloon near by. As
O'Donnell did not return to his home for a long while, his wife started in search of him and
found him in the saloon fighting with Gillespie. She immediately threw herself between the
combatants and succeeded in separating them. Gillespie then walked away a few yards and
picked up a poker, and returning he struck Mrs. O'Donnell on the back of the head with it,
cutting a terrible gash in the scalp, knocking her senseless. Her condition, we are informed, is
decided critical. No arrests have been reported. Mrs. O'Donnell is the mother of Miss Mag
O'Donnell, who is employed in the dining room of the Central Hotel.--Hazleton Plain Speaker
7th inst.
Later.--Since the above was in type, we learn that Mrs. O'Donnell has sied, and that Peter
Gillespie has been arrested and lodged in Sheriff Lentz hotel, at Mauch Chunk.
Two Mine Accidents.
A terrible explosion occurred at the Dorrance Shaft of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company,
situated in the northern part of Wilkesbarre, last Friday afternoon. For the past month work has
been suspended for the purpose of timbering and gas had accumulated in large quantities. The
shaft is about 600 feet deep, and at the time of the explosion of Edward Rinker and Henry
Becker, carpenters, were working in the shaft, the former on a platform sixty feet below the
110
surface and the latter on the first girt of the tower of the hoisting shaft. The explosion was heard
for some distance and crowds hastened to the scene of the disaster.
Two men decended at once with blankets to the platform, where Rinker was found so
badly burned that the flesh dropped from the bones. He was at once taken to the hospital, but
died shortly after his arrival there. Becker, who was also badly burned was taken to the hospital
and his injuries attended to. The cause of the explosion is wrapped in mystery, as Rinker had no
lamp with him, and the only theory advanced is that a spark from a pipe which one of the men is
suspected of smoking at the time fired the gas. Rinker was a married man and lived at Forty
Fort. Becker is also married, living in this city. The demage to the mine cannot be estimated, as
the fire is all inside and cannot be extinguished from the top.
Tuesday's Storm.
Drifton, May 8.--The new breaker which is being built by Coxe Brothers & Co.,
adjoining No. 1, was blown down and two men, a carpenter named Dunn and a Hungarian
laborer, were instantly killed and about fifteen men and boys more or less injured by the falling
timbers and machinery. The full force of the tornado struck the long covered planes on both the
old and new breakers, and before the terrified employes had time to realize their danger the
heavy timbers were sent crashing to the ground with the noise similar to the booming of a
cannon. The alarm was quickly given by blowing the whistles. As soon as possible hundreds of
men were on the ground ready to render assistance. At first it was supposed that a greater
number of the employes had been killed and wounded, but as the portion of the breaker known as
the screen house was not seriously damaged, the large number of men and boys employed
therein escaped, with but few exceptions, unharmed. An old man named Coyle had his leg
broken and sustained other injuries that may result in his death, but the others will all recover.
At Jeddo a driver boy employed on the culm bank had a narrow escape. He was hauling
out a loaded truck from under the breaker when a tree fell on the mule killing it instantly. At
Freeland a large plate glass window in the store of Werner Brothers, valued at seventy five
dollars was broken by the slate flying from the roof of the building opposite and all the windows
in the Donos mansion and a number of those in the College Hotel of Fred Haas were also
broken. The store of William & Loerner was damaged considerably, and several new buildings,
which were standing on blocks, were overturned, and a number of wagons and carriages left
standing in the street were upset.
At Stockton a breaker owned by Linderman, Skeer & Co. was partially destroyed and
several persons wounded.
Lower Towamensing Dots - As we have not reported for some time, we did not announce the
death of Daisy Lichtenwalter, who died at Lehigh Gap, on the 12th ult., of dropsy of the heart.
She was the only child of Edwin and Amanda Lichtenwalter. Her death has cast a shadow of
gloom over the infant class in the Lehigh Gap Sunday School, of which she was a member. As a
tribute of respect, said infant class followed the deceased to her last resing place and while she
was being lowered in the grave sang “Good Night”. To the mother it was almost heart rending to
see her child embraced in death's cold icy hand, she almost fainted when she took a view of her
child as it lay in the coffin. She was comforted by Rev. Freeman's words, “Weep Not, “ on
which he based his discourse from the pulpit. She was a little over 7 years of age. Goodnight,
sweet Daisy.
Lower Towamensing Dots. Moses Ramaly is the happiest man in the place, beacuse his better
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half presented him with a little baby boy.
MARRIED. SPAID-HABEL.--May 5th, by Rev. E. A. Bauer, Mr. Jacob Spaid, of Hazleton,
and Miss Mary Habel, of Audenried.
Volume 11, Number 26, Saturday, May 19, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jos. Reinhart, of Parryville, buried a child last Sunday, which died
of scarlet fever.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A four year old daughter of H. S. Rinker, of Weatherly, died on
Tuesday afternoon of membranous croup.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. It is a girl, and it came last Saturday night, consequently our young
friend Will Brinkman is happy.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Ahrens, an employee of the Bethlehem Iron Company, was
burned to death in a flue Monday, which he was cleaning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Heberling, died suddenly of hemorrhage, on Wednesday
afternoon. he had been afflicted with consumption for along time past. He leaves a family.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While Jacob Kline, residing in South Wilkesbarre, was stepping on
a train Thursday of last week on the Lehigh Valley Railroad he was thrown under the cars, and
his body was cut in two.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Pottsville has lost one of its most prominent citizens in the death of
Mr. John Shippen, who died at his residence in that borough, on Saturday morning. He was
president of the Miners' National Bank. He was 86 years old.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Barnie Nevin and John Mcguire, the former residing at Ashley and
the latter at Sugar Notch, lost their lives on the 10th inst., at Roberts & Co.'s mines, at Sugar
Notch, by being crushed by falling rock. Both men were young and unmarried.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Sunday afternoon an eight year old son of Stephen Raph, lock
tender in South Easton, was drowned in the Lehigh Canal His home was on the canal bank and
he got out of the house without his parents noticing his departure. While playing on the lock he
fell in. The body was recovered.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John E Metler, of Easton, died Saturday night, aged 87 years. He
was an 1812 soldier, and his death leaves but two of these pensioners in that section of the State.
He was struck by a wagon some time ago, which doubtless hastened his death. He leaves no
family and his estate goes to heirs somewhat remote.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Isaiah Miller at one time a prosperous butcher, resident at
Weissport, arrived at the L. & S. depot, in this borough, on the 5 p. m. train from Mauch Chunk,
112
on Thursday last, under the influence of liquor, and after staggering around for a short time sat
down on the end of the platform and at about half past six o'clock died in convulsions.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Fawcett, 11 years old, whose father has charge of the oil
works at Mount Carbon was drowned Friday night at No. 3 Lock, Schuylkill canal. The boy
went to the works early in the afternoon and after remaining with his father a short time started
off fishing. Failing to return his father, with some of the neighbors, went in search of him and
found his hat floating on the water. His dead body was shortly afterwards taken out. It is
believed he fell in and being unable to swim could not help himself.
Fatally Hurt by an Explosion. By a premature explosion at Indian Ridge colliery, at Shenandoah,
Saturday afternoon Michael O'Neil was fatally and John Felland and John McCormick were
seriously injured. The men were working in a breast, blasting coal. Three holes had been drilled
and the fuse placed in them ready to light. The fuse in one of the holes was accidentally fired by
O'Neil's naked lamp and the explosion quickly followed, bringing down a large quantity of top
coal, falling on the three men. O'Neil was terribly mutilated and cannot possibly recover. The
other two sustained terrible cuts and bruises, but are not considered dangerously hurt. O'Neil is
twenty-six years of age and unmarried.
Big Creek Items. Jacob Solt, aged 96 years, one of the oldest citizens of Franklin, was buried on
Saturday last, at St. Paul's church.
Suicide by Hanging. John Warg, a well-know citizen of Mauch Chunk committed suicide by
hanging Tuesday, owing to despondency over ill health. He was fifty-five years of age, and
leaves a wife and two children. He formerly lived at Freemansburg. He was head book keeper
for the Lehigh Valley Road for many years and latter was agent for the Lackawanna Coal and
Iron Company. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a good citizen.
DIED. WEISS.--At Lehighton, May 5th 1883, Levi Weiss, aged 71 years, 4 months and 19
days.
DIED. BALTZER.--At Lehighton, May 8th, 1883, Annie C., child of Daniel and Barbara
Baltzer, aged 4 years, 10 months and 11 days.
DIED. BALTZER.--At Lehighton, on the 12th inst, Maggie, a child of Daniel and Barbara
Baltzer, aged 2 years, 10 months and 10 days.
MARTHIENSEN.--At Mauch Chunk, 12th inst., Maria, wife of August Marthiensen, aged 25
years, 7 months and 27 days.
Volume 11, Number 27, Saturday, May 26, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. Thomas Deshler, ex-borough treasurer of Easton, and his wife,
celebrated their golden wedding on Wednesday of last week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dr. John Welsh, a well known physician of Coaldale, near
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Tamaqua, was found dead by the roadside on the morning of the 16th inst.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A little daughter of Adam Stahr, of Upper Mauch Chunk, died of
scarlet fever at the residence of Mrs. D. Hontz, at Packerton, last Saturday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John O'Brien, a miner at the Bowman Colliery, Mahanoy City, was
instantly killed Friday by a premature explosion of a blast. He leaves a widow and six children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Russell, formerly a conductor on the Catawissa Branch of
the Reading Railroad, was killed at Sunbury Friday while attempting to board a locomotive on
the Nothern Central Railroad.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Connelly an old man without kith or kin who for many
years, has made his home with Mr. Levi Hartz, of the Packer House, Weatherly, was buried last
Friday in Hartz cemetery, in Quakake.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Robbie, a five-year old child of Hon. W. M. Rapsher, died on
Saturday evening of dihtheria. He was a bright, handsome little fellow and will be sadly missed
by his parents, who have the sympathy of our citizens in their bereavement.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles, oldest son of Fred. E. Miller, achieved his majority on
Friday of last week, upon which occasion he was serenaded by the Lehighton Orchestra with a
choice selection of music, after which the members were invited to partake of an elegant
luncheon, set out in friend Miller's very best style, to which ample justice was done by all
present, the party retiring with their best wishes for Charles' future welfare.
Suicide of a Bank Cashier. Stroudsburg was thrown into excitement early Friday morning by the
report that Jeremy Mackey, cashier of the Stroudsburg Bank, had committed suicide, haveing
shot himself shortly before six o'clock while in an outhouse. For many years Mr. Mackey had
been in poor health. For two months he had been unable to attend to his duties. Insomnia was
one of his chief troubles and recently he had been subject to melancholy. The Coroner's jury,
after hearing the evidence of his physician, found a verdict of death at his own hands while
temprarily insane. He was born near Belvidere in 1811 and went to Monroe county nearly fifty
years ago. He followed the tanning business until after the war, when he became cashier of the
bank at Stroudsburg. From 1859 to 1864 he served as Associate Judge of the county. He was a
leading citizen and a trustee in the Presbyterian Church. His wife and three children survive him.
Packerton Ripples. Scarlet fever and the measles are after the juveniles of Packerton. In cases of
scarlet fever, people should use the utmost care to prevent spreading it, as it a malignant disease.
An adopted daughter of Mr. Hontz died from it and was buried at Mauch Chunk on Tuesday
afternoon. Others still are sick.
Lower Towamensing Chirpings. Mrs. Jacob Kuntzman departed this life after a lingering illness
of consumption on the 12th inst. Rev. Freeman officiated at the funeral, and he based the words
of his text on the following passages, "I would not live always;" "For now I shall sleep in the
dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be."
114
Paetzel-Armbruster. M C. Democrat: The marriage of Mr. E. I. J. Paetzel to Miss Annie
Armbruster, took place at St. Mark's church on Wednesday afternoon of last week, at 3 o'clock,
the Rev. Marcus A. Tolman officiating. Precisely at the hour above mentioned, the bridal party
entered the church, preceeded by the ushers, Messrs. C. C. Brown, C. A. Blakslee, J. W.
McMullen, and B. Frank Bertsch. The bride was ecorted to the Chancel by her uncle, Mr.
Lewis Armbruster, followed by her aunt, Mrs. Lewis Armbruster leaning on the arm of the
groom. During the ceremony a bridal march and some beautiful selections were played by Mr.
Richard Ruddle, the organist of the church. A reception was given at the residence of Mr. Lewis
Armbruster, at which refreshments were served to the bridal party, and the immediate relations
of both families. In the evening Mr. Paetzel gave a handsome set out to a number of the patrons
of the Hazard House. The bride was dressed in heliotrope satin, wore a bonnet, flowers and a
handsome set of jewelry, the present of the groom. She was also the recipient of many handsome
and valuable presents. The bride and groom left on the 4:50 p. m. train, via Lehigh Valley
Railroad, for New York, where they will spend a few days. The happy couple have our
congratulations.
A Terrible Explosion. An explosion occurred Monday in the Mineral Spring Colliery, near
Wilkesbarre, operated by the Valley Coal Company, Two boys, named James Colleran and
Gomer Evans, both residing in the vicinity and employed in the mines as driver boys, entered an
abandoned chamber in a portion of the mine which has not been worked for some time. As
almost invariably happens when any portion of a mine is abandoned a large quantity of gas had
accumulated in this champer. The boys, either through lack of knowledge, or carelessness, took
with them their naked lamps. Scarcely had they entered the chamber when the gas with which it
was full, caught fire and a terrific explosion followed, which brought down with it a large
amount of roof coal and rock. The sound of the explosion echoing throughout the mine caused
great excitement for some time. The mangled remains of Colleran were found buried beneath a
quantity of fallen debris. The limbs had been almost torn from the body. Search for the body of
Evans was cyntinued, but up to a late hour nothing had been found. It is supposed that he was
blown to pieces or buried under the fallen rock which half fills the champer.
MARRIED. McFETRIDGE-KEMERER.--At the residence of the bride's father, Mr. George
W. Kemerer, Hokendauqua, by the Rev. James Little, May 15th, Mr. Daniel W. McFetridge and
Miss Mamie Kemerer, both of Hokendauqua.
DIED. RAPSHER--At Lehighton, May 20th, 1863, James Robert, son of Wm. H. and Ellen
Rapsher, aged 5 years and 6 months.
DIED. BOGDANSKI--At Packerton, May 21, 1883, Richard Reynold, son of Julius and Laura
Bogdanski, aged 4 years, 4 months and 11 days.
Volume 11, Number 28, Saturday, June 2, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A little daughter of Fred E. Miller, residing on Bank Street, died on
Monday morning last, aged 2 years, 2 months and 1 day.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Philip J. A. Biner and Miss Catharine Engessner, of Mauch Chunk,
115
were married by Rev. Father Heinen, on Tuesday morning last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jere Jones for some time past ostler at the Exchange Hotel, in this
borough, died of typhoid pneumonia, at an early hour on Thursday morning last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Our young friends Ed Fortwangler and Elmer Seip, accompanied
by their wives, of Weatherly, were in attendance at the funeral of B. O'Brian, in town, on
Sunday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Patrick Hoar was arrested early Sunday Morning for killing James
Norton at a wedding Saturday night. Hoar was one of a serenading party who enlivened the
occasion by shooting revolvers. He confessed to having shot Norton, but says the shooting was
accidental.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Bloss, operating a quarry near Slatedale, was struck
Tuesday by a heavy box on a cable derrick and thrown eighty feet to the bottom of the quarry.
He died an hour afterward. He leaves a widow and several children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Our brother-in-law Thos. A. Williams, writes us from Vernon,
Willbarger county, Texas, that his better-half presented him on the 13th ult., with twins--a boy 6
lbs 15 ozs and a girl 7 lbs. 3 ozs. He is, from his letter, very happy. We don't want to go to
Texas, not any.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The skeleton of a man was discovered Sunday in the woods near
Tamaqua. The remains are believed to be those of James Campbell, a Brooklyn lawyer who
wandered from home in a state of mental aberration in April, 1882, and was last seen in
Tamaqua, where his wife, who had come in search of her husband, lost all trace of him.
Campbell's friends have been notified.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Thursday afternoon, Mr. William Blose, of Slatedale, near
Slatington met with an accident which resulted in his deat. He was assisting another man to
unload a box of rubbish which had been hoisted out of the quarry where he was the contractor, he
was struck by the box and knocked over the bank into the quarry, falling a distance of about sixty
feet, sustaining injuries from which he died shortly afterwards. He was aged fifty years and
leaves a wife and several children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Elizabeth, wife of Samuel VanHorn, of Beaver Meadow, aged
forty-eight years, seven months and twenty-four days, died Tuesday from a tumor, with which
she had been afflicted for some time past. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon at the
cemetery in Beaver Meadow.
Obituary.
Frank Strittmaker, died at his residence in Mauch Chunk, on Monday of last week, and
was buried on the following Thursday, his funeral being attended by a number of ex-soldiers.
Deceased was a member of Co. G, 81st Regt. Pa., Vols.; he enlisted in 1861; re-enlisted and
served to the end of the war, and was wounded by a guerilla while the army was returning to
Washington in 1865.
116
A. L. Patterson, proprietor of the "Carbon House," at Weatherly, for many years a
resident of this borough, left his home for Allentown on Saturday, May 19th for medical
treatment at Allentown, having been a sufferer from kidney disease for a number of years;
shortly after his arrival there he grew rapidly worse and on Thursday afternoon of last week died.
His remains were brought to this borough on Friday, and on Sunday afternoon deposited in their
last resting place in the Lehighton cemetery, his funeral being very largely attended by relatives
and friends. He was 53 years of age.
Benjamin O'Brian died at his residence, East Mauch Chunk, at about six o'clock on
Thursday afternoon of last week. Mr. O'Brian has been more or less unwell for some time past.
Last summer his mental and physical condition was such that he was obliged to give up his
business, and went to Clifton Springs, N. Y., to recuperate. After remaining there some time he
returned home and in the course of a short time resumed his position. About the middle of April
last, the mental trouble returned and was more violent than the first attack. He continued
growing worse, and was unable to take sufficient nurishment to sustain bodily strength, and other
serious difficulties set in, which culminated as before stated. Deceased was the station agent at
East Mauch Chunk, having held that position for ten or twelve years. He was genial, sober and
attentive to business, and had many friends. At the time of his death he was 37 years, 5 months
and two days old; he leaves a widow, two sons, and a daughter to mourn a father's loss. His
remains were brought to this borough by a special train on the L. V. R. R. on Sunday afternoon,
accompanied by an immense concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends, and interred in the old
Gnaden eHutten cemetery. Rev. J. H. Hartman, pastor of the Reformed church officiating.
Lehigh Gap Gossip. Tuesday, 29th ins., Mr. Allen Kistler, of Stroudsburg, and Miss Jennie
Wentz, of Aquashicola, were joined in wedlock, so I am informed.
DIED. O'BRIAN.--At East Mauch Chunk on the 24th ult, of Nervous Exhaustion, Benjamin
O'Brian, aged 37 years, 5 months and 2 days.
DIED. PATTERSON.--At Allentown, on the 24th ult., of Bright's Disease, Abraham Patterson,
aged 53 years and 3 days.
DIED. MILLER.--At Lehighton, May 28, Rosa P., daughter of Frederick E. and Wilhelmina
Miller, aged 2 years, 2 months 1 day.
Volume 11, Number 29, Saturday, June 9, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Sarah Jane Hunter, widow of the late John Hunter, dec'd.,
residing near Catasauqua, committed suicide on Tuesday of last week by hanging herself in the
cellar of her dwelling.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Matthew Hale Jones, the oldest member of the Northampton county
bar, a prominent citien, an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a man connected with many of
the enterprises of Easton, died Friday, aged nearly 72 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The remains of Jere Jones, who died at the Exchange Hotel, of
pneumonia, Thursday, were interred in the cemetery near Trachsville, on Sunday. The funeral
117
took place at 9.30 o'clock a. m., and was attended by numerous friends from town.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Samuel Roth, laberer on gravel train No. 1 of the Lehigh and
Susquahanna Railroad, was fatally injured on Saturday, a little before noon, by being struck on
the head by a boulder of cinder that fell from the cinder tip at Catasauqua while his car was being
loaded.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Edmund Facer, a resident of Taylorsville, Schuylkill county, met
with a terrible death near the head of Gordon Planes Friday morning. He left home early to go to
Pottsville. He boarded a loaded coal train at Grodon, seating himself on the rear car. The train
had gone but a short distance when the bottom of the car on which he sat dropped out and Facer
fell to the track. The wheels passed over his neck and severed his head from his body. He was
fifty years of age and had a wife and six children.
Suicide of a Wealthy Farmer. Amos Garber committed suicide Wednesday night. The rash act
was the result of domestic troubles. He went into his barn just before supper time, ostensibly to
look after the cattle. Shortly thereafter the family were alarmed by a pistol shot, and rushing to
the barn, found him weltering in blood, with a large hold through his head. He leaves a wife and
a large family. He was regarded as the wealthiest farmer in West Penn Township, Schuylkill
county.
Dr. J. W. Danehower Dead. Dr. J. W. Danehower, for twenty-nine years superintendent of the
schools of Minersville, Schuylkill county, and a leading spirit in educational matters in that
section of the State, died Tuesday evening at his home of pneumonia. He was born in
Philadelphia, and practiced medicine there early in life, but gave up that profession for teaching,
on account of ill health. He was a member of a number of state conventions of teachers, and
assisted in organizing the first Schuylkill County institute. His remains will be taken to
Roxborough for interment to day (Friday.)
Mahoning Twinklings. Mr. Timothy Reinsmith died last Friday evening, at 7 o'clock, after a
very short illness. He has been called in his youth, being but 26 years old. He was honored and
respected by all who new him. His parents have the sympathy of all, in this hour of their sore
affliction. The New Mahoning Sabbath school, of which he was a member, attended the funeral
and sang the two beautiful humns, "Death has been here and borne away," and "A mourning
class, a vacant seat." The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at St. John's church, and was
attended by many weeping relatives and friends who honored and respected him.
"He has forded the mystical river,
And rests in the Eden beyond!"
The following resolutions of condolence were adopted by the New Mahoning Sunday
school:
Whereas, It has pleased an All wise Providence to remove from our midst, by death, our
friend, Timothy Reinsmith, who by his active interest in Sabbath school work, and his kind
disposition won the love and esteem of all whom he was associated; therefore be it
Resolved, That while we recognize in his death the hand of our Heavenly Father, and bow
in humble submission to His will, we deeply mourn the loss of a life so full of kindness and
promise.
Resolved, That in his departure we realize that we have lost a faithful scholar, whose
118
exemplary christian character had endeared him to all who knew him.
Resolved, That we, as a Sabbath School, as a tribute of our love and esteem of our
deceased brother attend his burial.
Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, in this, the hour
of their affliction, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to them, that they be entered on the
minute book of the school, and be published in the Carbon Advocate.
Thos. Musselman, E. S. Hoppes, Mahlon Nothstein, Com.
MARRIED. REID-HUNTER.--At Hokendauqua, Pa., June 1st, by the Rev. James A. Little,
Miss Margaret J. Hunter, lately of county Derry, Ireland, and Frank Reid, of Hokendauqua.
Carbon and Schuylkill county paper please copy.
MARRIED. HUNT-ROYER.--On the 19th ult., by the Rev. W. J. Peters, Lewis W. Hunt, of
Slatington, and Rosa A. Royer, of Cherryville.
DIED. MOYER-REX.--On the 1st ult., by the Rev. A. Bartholomew, Cornelius Moyer and
Eva A. Rex, both of Lynn township.
MARRIED. ENGLEMAN-TRACY.--On the 3rd ult., by the same, Charles J. Engleman and
Mary E. Tracy, both of East Mauch Chunk.
MARRIED. LEISER-BOLICH.--On the 15th ult., by the same, Joseph S. Leiser and Susanna
Bolich, both of West Penn.
MARRIED. GERBER-REX.--On the 20th ult., by the same, David A. Gerber and Fianna Rex
both of West Penn.
MARRIED. CLAUSS-WENTZ.--On the same day, by the same, Aaron Clauss, of West Penn,
and Anna E. Wentz, of Parryville.
DIED. LAUDENSCHLAGER--At Allentown, on Sunday, the 3rd inst., Mrs. Rebecca
Laudenschlager, aged 68 years.
DIED. ECKROTH.--On the 2nd ult., at Lansford, Lewis G., son of Jonas and Kate Eckroth,
aged 5 years, 4 months and 12 days.
DIED. LORAH.--On the 6th ult., in West Penn, Jacob, husband of Hannah Lorah, aged 75
years, 3 months and 3 days.
DIED. BELTZ.--On the 29th ult., in Weatherly, Lydia Beltz, aged 78 years, 9 months and 15
days.
DIED. REINSMITH:--On the 1st inst., in New Mahoning, Timoghy, son of Reuben and Louisa
Reinsmith, aged 26 years, two months and 15 days.
DIED. GREEN--On the 3rd inst., at Packerton, Charles W. Green, aged 2 years, 10 months and
25 days.
119
Volume 11, Number 30, Saturday, June 16, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Miss Kate Martin, daughter of John Martin, of Easton, was
married to M. J. Brady, of Mauch Chunk, in St. Bernard's Cathedral at Easton on Tuesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James O'Donnell, a resident of Newkirk, near Tamaqua, committed
suicide by hanging Tuesday. The deceased worked in the mines until recently when he started to
peddle notions. He had just returned from a trip to Mauch Chunk and complained of feeling
unwell. In the absence of his wife and family he hanged himself to the bed post. he was fiftyeight years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Ex-Prothonotary Thomas F. Kerns, of Schuylkill county was
married Tuesday at St. Patrick's Church, Pottsville, by Rev. A. J. Gallagher to Miss Clara E,
daughter of Frank P. Sterns. The wedding was a very quiet affair, and immediately afterwards
the couple left for Philadelphia, where they will make their future home, and where a handsome
residence had already been fitted up for their reception.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Married at the residence of the bride's parents, in this city, on
Tuesday morning, June 5th, by Rev. Chas. Irish, Mr. Wm. A. Cortright, of Mauch Chunk, and
Miss Jennie Rawlings. Unquestionably Mineral Point rears a superior lot of girls, as they are in
demand all over the country, and almost too frequently are they captured by distant parties, and
taken to superintend distant homes; however we must acquiesce to Cupid's cunning, and draw
consolation from the fact that our loss is agreat gain for others. They departed the same day for
Pennsylvania, followed by the well wishes of every one in this community, where the bride is a
standing favorite.--Mineral Point, (Wis.) Tribune.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Daniel Fisher, aged 50 years, who lately moved to Shenandoah
from the West, was found in a lumber yard by the Chief of Police, on Tuesday evening, stupefied
with laudanum. He died Wednesday morning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Postmaster Knecht, of Weissport, and his better half, are the
happiest couple in ten counties, and all because a little daughter arrived at their domicile one day
last week. We are really not astonished at their happiness over the event, seeing that it is the first
of the kind which has occurred in the family for fifteen years. Being Postmaster, we suppose is
the cause.
Arrested for Child Murder. A dead body of a child apparently about nine days old was found
floating in the Susquehanna Thursday of last week with a beer bottle attached to its neck. An
investigation into the facts of the case leads to the following result. Some years ago a widow
with her four children removed to Canada from Plymouth. The mother returned shortly
afterward and married a man named Peterson, leaving her children in a home in Canada. About
a month ago the eldest daughter also returned to Plymouth and gave birth to a child. The mother
said she would relieve her daughter from any further embarrassment by placing the child in the
Children's Home at Wilkes-Barre. The daughter willingly gave her consent and the child was
taken away. It is supposed that Mrs. Peterson than threw the baby into the river instead of
talking it to the Home. She was arrested Friday and held for trial.
120
MARRIED. FRETZ-WILLIAMS.--At the residence of Mr. John Williams, of Fullerton,
Lehigh county, by the Rev James Little, of Hokendauqua, Peter J. Fretz, formerly of Stemton,
Northampton county, to Miss Margaret Williams, of Ferndale. Carbon and Luzerne county
papers please copy.
DIED. KRUM.--In this borough, on the 6th inst., Salomie Krum, wife of Joseph Krum, aged
46 years and 7 years.
Volume 11, Number 31, Saturday, June 23, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Parsons was killed and Frank Collins seriously injured by the
explosion of a blast in a quarry at East Badgor, Northampton county, last Friday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Ginnard, aged 22, a brakeman on the Lehigh Valley road, fell
from a freight car at the depot in South Easton Monday evening and was killed, the wheels
passing over his head and legs.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Simon Brown, of East Weissport, who, as stated last week, was
injured on the L V. R. R. on the previous Monday, died of his injuries on Friday morning and was
buried Sunday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Wilson, aged 17 years, was struck and killed Tuesday by
an excursion train on the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Coalport. Several members of the dead lad's
family are said to have been recently injured on the railroad.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Silliman, the oldest resident of Pottsville, is dead. In 1824 he
used to run coal flats down the Schuylkill. He helped to run the first canal boats on the
Schuylkill Canal, and subsequently became a large miner and shipper of coal.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A letter received from Dr. J. M. Kistler, of Minneapolis, Minn.,
informs us of his safe arrival there, and announces that his brother, James Kistler was married on
the 14th inst., to Miss Mary A. Bingenheimer, of that city. About 100 guests were present on the
occasion, and a number of valuable presents were received by the happy pair.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Alfred Eli, a slate picker, employed in No. 6 breaker of G. H.
Meyers & Co., at Yorktown, was killed on Thursday of last week by a piece of a screen segment
thrown from the breaker window falling upon him. It appears that the lad was walking or
engaged outside of the breaker when the screen boss tossed out of the window the piece of iron
which crushed out his life.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The many fatal results of walking on railroad tracks did not deter
Michael Galligan, of East Allentown, from the dangerous practice, and last Saturday afternoon,
as he was sauntering along the L. & S. railroad between the depot and Mr. J. Clader's lime kilns,
he was run over and instantly killed by a locomotive. He was a quarryman, and had long been in
Mr. Clader's employ.
121
Weissport Special. The funeral of Mr. Simon Brown, on Sabbath last was largely attended.
Lower Towamensing Items. Levi Boyer was married, last Saturday to Wallace Rhoads'
daughter.
Obituary. At half-past five o'clock on Wednesday morning Conrad W. Krapf breathed his last.
For several years past he has been a sufferer from asthma and on Friday this disease assumed a
particularly dangerous form, and though every effort was made to preserve his life, he gradually
declined till death put an end to his sufferings. The sympathy of the entire community is
extended to his wife and family who are overwhelmed with grief at the loss of a kind husband
and an indulgent father. Mr. Krapf was born in Hesse Cassel, German, January 10, 1836. He
came to this country in 1854, arriving at Tamaqua, where he remained but a short while. He then
removed to Stockton, where he lived about five years. He next moved to Eckley, and after living
there six years he came to Hazleton where he has since resided. During his residence among us
Mr. Krapf always took an active part in politics--never seeking office, but always assisting the
candidate whom he considered the most capable and trustworthy. He had long been Inspector of
Election in his district, and had frequently represented the Democratic portion of it in county
conventions.--Hazleton Plain Speaker.
A Veteran of 1812 Dead. Samuel Moore, a veteran of the war of 1812, died at Easton Monday
evening, aged 89. He was born in that place and during nearly all his life has resided there. He
served as Chief Burgess and as Clerk of the Court and held the highest respect of all who knew
him. His children are Samuel Moore, of Elizabeth; Mrs. Townsend, of Philadelphia; Mrs. W. H.
Cornell, of Titusville, Prof. J. M. Moore, of Lafayette College, and Mrs. Lucien Doty, of
Mifflinton. His was the first death in the family for forty years.
MARRIED. KISTLER-BINGENHEIMER.--On the 14th inst., in Minneapolis, Minn., by Rev.
W. Stenger, Mr. James Kistler, formerly of Mahoning Valley, Pa., and Miss Mary A., daughter of
Mr. Ms. Bingenheimer, of Minneapolis, Minn.
MARRIED. BEERS-MANKEY--On the 16th inst., by Rev. Hartman, Webster Beers and Rosa
Mankey, both of Fire Line, Carbon co.
DIED. WAGNER.--In this borough, June 13, 1863, Willie A, son of Henry F., and Ida A.
Wagner, aged 11 months and two days.
Volume 11, Number 32, Saturday, June 30, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. Charles Warg, of Freemansburg aged 90 years, died on Sunday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Evan Feathersow, a miner employed at Notingham Colliery, of the
Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, at Plymouth, was killed by a fall of roof Wednesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. Reichard, an old resident of East Penn township, and father of
Simon Reichard, of Mauch Chunk, died very suddenly on Tuesday morning last. He was about
90 years of age.
122
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles James, aged about fourteen years, a breaker boy employed
at Red Ash Colliery No. 1, Wilkesbarre, was horribly mangled in the mud screen while at work
Wednesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Wm. Park, senr., died at his residence at Audenried, this county, on
the 18th inst., in the 79th year of his age. He was born in Muirkirk, Ayershire, Scotland, and
come to this country in 1864. He leaves a wife, four daughters and one son to mourn the loss of
an affectionate husband and father.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Roger Howells, a well known citizen of West Pittston, arose from
his bed early on Tuesday morning and proceeded to a shanty in the rear of his residence where he
committed suicide by hanging himself. Mr. Howells was a man well to-do, and the cause of his
suicide is a mystery.
A Drug Clerk's Mistake. An Easton despatch of the 25th inst., says: On Friday last a four year
old daughter of Jacob Case, of the firm of Case & Brother, of Phillipsburg, showed symptoms of
a fever. On Saturday morning Dr. Isaac Barber was called in and gave the child several
powders, with instructions when they should be given. In the afternoon the doctor left a
prescription for medicine that is generally used in such cases and the same was taken to
Gwinner's drug store to be filled. The messenger was waited on by Edward Moswen, a young
clerk, who recently came from Asbury, a small village below Phillipsburg. The clerk, instead of
filling the prescription as the note called for, gave Seidlitz powders. Mrs. Case says she
dissolved the powders and gave the child a teaspoonful. Soon after the child was seized with
convulsions and died at seven o'clock the same evening.
Accident at Jeanesville. At five o'clock Thursday evening, 21st inst., a distressing accident
happened in No. 1 Jeanesville colliery by which Edward Crossin lost his life and John Martin
and Hugh O'Donnell were slightly injured. It appears that these men were engaged in running a
trip of four loaded mine cars down the first run to the bottom of the slope. They succeeded in
spragging all the cars of the trip with the exception of the last one, before they arrived at a very
narrow place in the run. The trip by that time had evidently gained an unusually rapid motion,
about one hundred and seventy yards down plane the last car, on which were the men above
mentioned together with several others jumped the track Crossin was jammed between the car
and the pillar or rib of coal and squeezed to death and O'Donnell's hands were severely cut by
the coal on the car, while Martin escaped with a slight squeezing. Crossin was dragged along
with the trip a few yards when his body dropped by the side of the track. He was instantly killed
and most of the bones of his body were either broken or dislocated. Mine Inspector Roderick
went to Jeanesville when he heard of the accident to investigate. Edward Crossin was nineteen
years, ten months and twenty four days old. The funeral took place Saturday.--Hazleton Daily
Plain Speaker.
Lansford Items. Mr. John Hoffman was made happy during the week by finding a big baby girl
in the place he occupied the night before This makes John smile.
Henninger-Hausman. Hon. M. C. Henninger, State Senator from Lehigh, was Tuesday
afternoon married to Miss Mary Hausman, daughter of the late Hon. Boas Hausman, exmember of the Legislature. The ceremony was performed in St. John's Lutheran Church,
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Allentown, by Rev. Reuben Hill, in the presence of several hundred guests. After the wedding a
reception was held at the residence of the bride's mother and a collation served. In the evening
Senator Henninger and his bride left on a short wedding tour, and upon their return will take
possession of a handsomely furnished residence on Hamilton Street. Nearly every member of
the bar and almost all the county officials attended the wedding. The floral decorations were
very tasteful.
Volume 11, Number 33, Saturday, July 7, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The Rev. Dr. George W. Smiley, for 14 years pastor of the Second
Presbyterian church, of Pottsville, died of paralysis Friday morning, in his sixty-fifth year. He
had a wide reputation, not only as a theologian and a pulpit orator, but also as a popular lecturer.
Funeral services were held at Pottsville the same afternoon, after which the remains were
removed to Lexington, Kentucky, for burial.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Nolcott, of Moosic; David McClowan, of West Pittston, and
William Bares, of Hyde Park, were suffocated with black damp Saturday morning at a well near
Lackawanna. Nolcott looked into the well and became insensible and fell to the bottom, forty
feet. McClowan and Barnes missing Nolcott, looked into the well to see what had become of
him and were also overpowered. Bellows were used in forcing the foul air out of the well and at
noon the same day the bodies were recovered.
Lower Towamensing Items. Daniel Beer departed this life after much suffering on Friday of last
week. he was interred on Monday; Rev. Freeman officiating.
Lower Towamensing Items. Dallas Blose and Peter Yeck are the happiest persons; because each
received a little boy.
MARRIED. ANGLE-SMITH.--On the 11th ult., by Rev. Bartholomew, Wililam M. Angle, of
Dingman's Ferry, Pike county, and Miss Lucretia V. Smith, of Packerton, this county.
MARRIED. MOSER-HOPPIS.--On June 30th, by the Rev. James Little, Elmer E. Moser, of
Pottstown, and Emma A. Hoppis, of Fullerton, near Allentown.
DIED. REINSMITH.--On the 1st ult., in Mahoning, Timothy, son of Reuben and Louisa
Reinsmith, aged 26 years, 2 months and 15 days.
DIED. GERBER.--On the 6th ult., in West Penn, Amos, husband of Kate Gerber, aged 58
years, 6 months and 25 days.
DIED. DENGLER.--On the 23rd ult., in East Penn, Sarah, wife of Isaac Dengler, aged 73
years, 7 months and 6 days.
DIED. REICHARD.--On the 26th ult., in Eat Penn, Sarah, wife of Isaac Dengler, aged 73
years, 7 months and 6 days.
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DIED. WUND.--In this borough, on the 29th ult., Morris C., son of Charles D., and Lucy A.
Wund, aged 5 years, 3 months and 22 days.
Volume 11, Number 34, Saturday, July 14, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Joseph Drumbore is the happiest man in the whole universe; his
wife having presented him with twin boy babies on Monday last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At Weatherly, on Monday last, H. Ziegler, an engineer at the Sugar
Loaf breaker, was instantly killed by being caught and drawn into a pair of cogwheels while
engaged in oiling the machinery.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. In the Lehigh canal at Freemansburg, John Unangst, aged twelve
years, of Hellertown, was drowned on Tuesday, while bathing with several other boys, who were
unable to rescue him. His body was recovered.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Two children died at Beaver Meadow on Monday; Susan, daughter
of William and Elizabeth James, and Benjamin, the infant son of Benjamin and Jane Johns.
Both funerals took place on Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Beaver Meadow cemetery.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Ex-Sheriff Henry Smith, of Germansville, near Allentown, in
Heidelberg county, died last week from blood-poisoning, the result of a carbuncle that had
formed on his back a few days before. At the time of his death he had reached his sixty-sixth
year, having spent the greater part of his life in a community where every member looked upon
him with respect and reverence.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Near Allentown, early in the week, a shoemaker named Solomon
Koch, seventy years of age; who lived in Friedensville, put an end to his existence. He had
made previous unsuccessful attempts upon his life. In his last effort he commenced by cutting
his throat, and lest this should not quite finish him he went and hanged himself to the rafter of a
garret. He leaves a wife and eleven children and blames "outside parties" for his family troubles.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. At the Forrest House, near Easton, on the Fourth of July, George
Werkheiser, aged 19, a son of ex-Sheriff Werkheiser, attended a picnic in company with many
other young men all of whom drank freely of whiskey straight. Upon returning to Easton, young
Werkheiser got into an altercation with a citizen. Some blows were exchanged and finally the
youngster made for his father house, where he lay till morning on the porch. When aroused in
the morning he was frothing at the mouth and died before the arrival of a physician. The
immediate cause of his death was a clot of blood on the brain, resulting probably from the blow
on the head.
Another Tragedy in Banks Township.
The village of Yorktown was startled on the night of the Fourth by the cry of murder, and
upon repairing to the spot, Michael McCauley, a single man, about thirty five years of age was
found dying from pistol wounds inflicted by one Wm. Harris, a man of family aged about fifty
years. Harris was arrested on Thursday morning by officers Grim and Simpson, at the
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instigation of William Kenvin, of Hazleton. 'Squire McGarvey, of Coleraine, was notified, and
at once empannelled a jury, subpoenaed witnesses, and held an inquisition in the Yorktown
school house at 6:30 a. m.
Dutch Henry, or Henry Person, who boards with the Harris family, being sworn said:
About 11:30, the night before, he came down stairs, and found Wm. Cann, Michael McCauley
and Mrs. Harris in the room; Mrs. Harris told him that her husband had gone to Beaver Brook
for a pistol, soon after Mr. Harris came in the front way, and seeing the other two, ran out the
back way into the cook shanty, and was followed by Cann and McCauley; seen McCauley have
hold of Harris in the shanty, by the breast; then heard two shots, saw McCauley come out and
fall in the garden; went to him after he fell; saw wound on his forehead from which blood was
oozing.
Wm Cann, sworn, said: He and McCauley came from the picnic in Beaver Brook that
night on his buckboard; McCauley got off and went into Harris's by the front way; went home,
put away the horse and wagon, and came back to Harris'; went in front way and found "Dutch
Henry," Mrs. Harris and McCauley there; Gus Harris, son of the prisoner, came in, cursed
McCauley, took hold of him by the neck, and threw him on the floor; stood up and struck Gus
with his cane; heard the prisoner exclaim to leave Gus alone, or he would shoot; looked up and
saw William Harris standing near the back door step with pistol pointed at him (Cann); Harris
came toward me until the pistol was up against me; caught the pistol, but Harris wrenched it
away and gave it to Gus's wife; Harris then went out to the shanty, I ran after him; McCauley
came after me; in the shanty Harris aimed at McCauley and fired twice: McCauley went out;
thought he was afraid, but met "Dutch Henry" outside, who told me that McCauley had gone
into the garden where we found him.
Dr. J. S. Lazarus sworn said: He had not made a thorough examination, as the man was
dying when he got there, but to the best of his opinion, death was caused by the gun shot wound
on the left breast.
The jury, after a few minutes deliberation, returned the following verdict:
"We, the undersigned jurors, inquiring as to the cause of the death of Michael McCauley,
find that he came to his death from wounds inflicted with a pistol, by Wm. Harris, on the night
of July 4th, 1883.
C. J. Murray, foreman, Patrick Conaghan, Bernard Donahoe, Edward D. Lewis, Chas.
Boyle, Nicholas John, jurors.
A warrant having been issued by 'Squire McGarvey, Thursday morning, the prisoner was
thereon committed to the county jail in charge of Officer Simpson. The prisoner took the matter
very cool, and will doubtless make a hard fight on the plea of self-defense. But the fact of his
going to Beaver Brook--if fact it be--for his pistol, goes to show premeditated intent and
deliberation.
The deceased was the main support of aged and respectable parents, who mourn the loss
of a son loved by them and respected by all who knew him.
We are informed that the prisoner appeared perfectly cool and self-possessed.
Immediately after the shooting, without knowing the resultof his violent action, he went direct to
bed and to sleep. The first intimation he had of the death of his victim was when he was arrested
by Officer Simpson at about seven o'clock this morning. When informed of McCauley's death,
he simply remarked, "Well, the deed is done; there is no use worrying about it at all."--Hazleton
Plain Speaker, 6th.
Lloyd Chamberlain Dead. Lloyd Chamberlain, the treasurer and purchasing agent of the
126
Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, died early Saturday morning at his residence, 308 North
Second street, Camden, N. J. His death was the result of heart and lung trouble of long standing.
Mr. Chamberlain was born in Philadelphia in 1807 and had been in the employ of the Lehigh
Raod for forty-one years. He was a civil engineer by profession, and his first work, so far as is
known, was performed under the venerable Moncure Robinson, then chief engineer of the
Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad. It was subsequently to this, in 1842, that he entered the
service of the Beaver Meadow Railroad. The line had been pretty well washed out by a heavy
freshet and Mr. Chamberlain went in as superintendent and took charge of the rebuilding of the
roadway. He was disabled by accident, which, however, only proved temporary, but fearing at
the time he had a permanent injury he quit the superintendency and became secretary and
treasurer of the comapny. On the merger of the Beaver Meadow Road into the Lehigh Valley, in
1864, he became the secretary and treasurer of the latter company. His greatest value to the
Lehigh Valley Railroad company was as its purchasing agent.
MARRIED. GRIFFITH-JOHNSTON.--By Rev. Hartman, on the 7th inst., S. L. Griffiths and
Ida V. Johnston, both of Freeland, Luzerne county, Pa.
Volume 11, Number 35, Saturday, July 21, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Benjamin Lerch, a farmer residing near Freemansburg, dropped
dead in his corn field on Saturday. He was 65 years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Edward Reigel, a lad eight years old, got into a quarrel at
Shenandoah on Saturday with an unknown boy, and was kicked to death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Miss Maggie Moister, daughter of E. W. Moister, of Shenandoah,
and G. A. Bomer, principal of one of the Pottsville Grammar schools, were married in the
Methodist church of Shenandoah on Tuesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Edward Luckenbach, druggist at Bethlehem, died on Thursday last
after an illness of many weeks.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jarvis Fisher, of Reading, who became deranged about a year ago,
died at the Harrisburg Insane Asylum Tuesday morning, and the body was taken home at night.
He was highly educated, and a student for the ministry. His mind became affected in the effort to
commit to memory every verse in the Bible.
MARRIED. EMMERT-KRUM.--On the 14th inst., by J. H. Hartman, George Emmert and
Alice Krum, both of Packerton.
DIED. GUTH.--In this borough, on the 11 inst., of diphtheria, Pierce Guth, son of Paul Guth,
aged 10 years, 1 month and 12 days.
DIED. CAMPBELL.--In Beaver Run, on the 25th ult., George, son of James and Campbell,
age 11 months and 13 days.
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Volume 11, Number 36, Saturday, July 28, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James L. Doyle died at Easton on Saturday from the effects of a
fall.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Edward McKurskay was fatally injured while trying to board a
train at Hokendauqua, Lehigh county, on Friday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Calvin Williams, a citizen of Wilkes-barre, died at Harvey's Lake
on Thursday morning from a second stroke of paralysis.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While Lizzie Koch, of Pen Argyl, Northampton county, was
blacking a stove on Friday with turpentine, the liquid took fire and she was burned to death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Chester Tuttle, one of the oldest citizens of Wilkesbarre, and
formerly a prominent politician, died at Huntsville, Luzerne Co., last Tuesday, aged 78 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The miners' accommodation train on the Northern Central Road
Monday night struck and instantly killed Jacob Dirderoff, a miner, returning from his work to
his home at Shamokin. He was about forty years old and leaves a widow and seven children.
DIED. LENTZ--Suddenly at her home near Packerton, Pa., July 18th, 1883, Rebecca, wife of
Alfred Lentz, aged 58 years, 10 months and 27 days.
Volume 11, Number 37, Saturday, August 4, 1883
Wilson Frantz, a miner, employed at the Tamaqua shaft, was instantly killed on Sunday night.
He was coming up the shaft in a car and slipped, falling between the car and timber and was
horribly crushed. He was twenty five years of age and unmarried.
William Eckenrod was killed by cars at Plymouth on Tuesday. He was from Lebanon.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The funeral of George W. Smith, of Catasauqua, took place at
Mauch Chunk last Tuesday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Lewis Modjesky, aged six years fell into a wash boiler of scalding
water that his mother had put on the floor, in Shenandoah. His injuries are regarded as fatal.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Jones, a coal operator at Centralia, awoke on Thursday
morning last, at two o'clock, and complained of feeling hungry. His wife arose and made him
some toast, which he ate, saying that he felt better. After daylight his wife horrified to find him
dead.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Mosely, aged thirty years, committed suicide by hanging,
last Sunday night, in his cell at Sunbury jail. He was recently sentenced to twelve years
imprisonment for the murder of David Powell, at Mt. Carmel on last Christmas night. His wife
128
died while he was in jail. He leaves two children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While Peter Colilhan and two assistants were timbering in the slope
at Continental Colliery, at Ashland, Saturday, the top gave way precipitating a large body of coal
on Colihan who was completely buried. Having been dug out he was carried home where he
died, after a few hours, from injuries received upon the head. He was a a son of Burgess
Colihan, of Centralia, and leaves a widow and four chidlren.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. As Conrad Spiese, a Port Carbon butcher, was loadaing his wagon
with slabs at Miller's Mill, Middleport, his horse was frightened by the bumping rf railroad cars
and started to run away. Spiese held on to the bridle until the railroad crossing was reached
where he was thrown under the wagon and instantly killed. He leaves a wife and four children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Late on Wednesday evening an interesting marriage ceremony took
place in this town. Mr. J. R. Evans, of Beaver Run, entered the bonds of holy matrimony with
Miss Mary Levan. The religious services were performed by Rev. J. R. Albright, at the
residence of the bride. On the following morning the happy pair started for Ocean Grove,
carrying with them into wedded life the esteem and best wishes of their many friends.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jacob Hoffman, of Tamaqua, died suddenly last Saturday. Death is
ascribed to his calling God to witness to the truth of a false oath, relatives to a borrowed horse
which he asserted was his own property.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Frank Clarke, of Shamokin, died from a hemorrhage caused
by fright at her child falling from a moving carriage.
Mahoning Squibs. Last Friday evening, as Mahlon Nothstine was on the point of retiring for the
night, he was startled by the ringing of bells and the shouts of some boys. He was alarmed and
thinking a fire had broken out somewhere, he rushed out of the house with the intention of
calling out the fire department. But when he got into the street he saw the boys with straps of
bells around their necks, and big bells in their hands, ringing, shouting and having a regular
jubilee. Mr. Nothstine inquired as to the cause of the noise and was told that they (the boys)
were celebrating Samuel Snyder's birthday. The Fire Company was, therefore, not needed. The
boys kept up their racket for some time and then went home. We don't want to have our birthday
"celebrated" in this way.
George Dillser, a miner employed at the Gilberton Colliery, near Mahanoy Plane, was fatally
injured Tuesday afternoon while blasting rock in a breast. He is twenty-five years of age and
unmarried
MARRIED. EVANS-LEVAN.--In this borough, on the evening of the 1st inst., at the residence
of the bride's parents, by Rev. J. K. Albright, Mr. J. R. Evans, of Beaver Run, and Miss Mary
Levan, daughter of Mr. S. Levan, of this place.
George Rawley, of Carbondale, while engaged in sawing in his mill, Tuesday morning, was
instantly killed by the bursting of the saw, a large part of which struck him in the neck, nearly
severing his head from his body.
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Volume 11, Number 38, Saturday, August 11, 1883
MARRIED. HAMM-FENSTERMACHER.--On the 15th ult., by the Rev. A. Bartholomew,
Jonas A. Hamm and Miss Molly Fenstermacher, both of West Penn, Schuylkill county.
MARRIED. SHERTZINGER-ZIMMERMAN.--On the 29th ult., by the same, Saffran
Shertzinger and Emma Zimmerman, both of West Penn.
DIED. SCHMIDT.--In this borough, on the 26th ult., Carrie May, child of Frank and Ella
Smith, aged nine months and 12 days.
DIED. KOCH.--In this borough, on the 1st inst., Reedie Irene, child of Milton and Mary Ann
Koch, aged 2 years, 6 months and 3 days.
DIED. KELLY.--In this borough, on the 3rd inst., Harry Byron, child of Charles and Elinda
Kelly, aged 2 years, 10 months and 29 days.
DIED. GERBER.--On the 26th ult., in West Penn, Anna Maria, daughter of Josiah and Louisa
Gerber, aged 1 year, 11 months and 22 days.
DIED. BERG.--On the same day, in East Brunswick, Kitty Ann, wife of Daniel Berg, aged 38
years and 19 days.
DIED. HARTRANFT.--On the 29th ult., in East Penn, David, husband of Matilda Hartranft,
aged 51 years and 28 days.
DIED. SMITH.--On the 31st ult., in Hudsondale, Hudson J., son of James and Alvenia Smith,
aged 1 year, 4 months and 25 days.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Bloom, a Pole, having put off a blast in the Dodson Colliery,
Luzerne county, went back to see the result and was killed by a fall of coal.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Carr was instantly killed by a fall of top coal in the Stockton
slope, two miles from Hazleton, Saturday. He was thirty years of age and unmarried.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Annie Jordon, daughter of Henry Jordon, Scranton, while riding
on a load of logs last Thursday, fell under the wheels of the wagon and was instantly killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A three-year-old boy, at Tamaqua, last week swallowed a piece of
fine brass chain and died from the effects of the corrosion in his stomach.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Zimmerman, who fell between the cars of a moving train
at Penn Haven last week, died at Hazleton shortly after. Both legs were cut off, one above and
one below the knee. The body was taken to his home in Bristol.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Wm. Fees, of Pittsburg, fell from an excursion train on the Lehigh
Valley Railroad, Monday morning and the cars passed over his body which was horribly
130
mangled. He was removed to the Hospital at Wilkes-barre alive but cannot recover.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Conway, a miner at Shenandoah, employed at the Ellan
Gowan Colliery, was fatally burned Tuesday morning. He was carrying a keg half full of powder
on his shoulder. Having his lighted lamp on his head, a spark from the lamp flew into the keg
and ignited the powder. A terrible explosion followed and Conway was hurled, bleeding and
burning to the rocky floor of his working chamber. The clothing was entirely burned from his
body; flesh and skin hung in blackened tatters, while his eyes were wholly blinded. At last
accounts his death was hourly expected.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A child of Harry Millington, of Shenandoah, died on Tuesday from
poisoning by drinking fly preparation. The mother had brought some fly poison and placing it in
water in a tea saucer, stood it on a window sill in the dining room. Shortly after her son, about
three years old, asked her for a drink. She gave him permission to get one. Instead of going to
the water bucket near by the boy picked up the saucer and drank its deadly contents before the
mistake was noticed. Medical aid was of no avail, and the child died after a few hours of deadly
pain.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Wednesday morning a party of children, while picking berries
on the Mahanoy Plane, discovered the body of a man at the bottom of a hole, caused by caving in
of the mines. Armed with ropes, a party of men secured the body which proved to be that of a
German named Kunka, who worked on top of the mountain. He had been seen last about nine
o'clock the previous evening, and it is suposed that on his way in the dark to his boarding house
on the top of the mountain he fell into the hole The fall was a distance of fifty feet and the man's
neck was broke instantaneously.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Washington Smith, who died recently at Catasauqua and
now lies interred in Upper Mauch Chuch cemetery, was one of the earliest settlers in Mauch
Chunk. He started business in that town in 1826 and took out many valuable patents connected
with the wire weaving and screenmaking industries. Although, from time to time, he was offered
large sums for those patents he refused to sell, even when failure in business, a few years since,
compelled his removal to Catasauqua. Mr. Smith possessed all the qualities that make a good
citizen. He was a good biblical scholar, a prominent member of the Presbyterian church and
brought up an amiable family "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." He was an honorable
man, frugal, industrious and well informed, and leaves behind him troops of friends who will
long remember him with esteem and respect.
Lower Towamensing Squibs. A child of Wesley Stroup died last week of diarrhoea; also on the
same day a child belonging to Wilson Bowman died of diphtheria. Both were buried in the
Evangelical cemetery at Snyder's church.
Volume 11, Number 39, Saturday, August 18, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Catherine Roberts, aged twenty four, a native of Wales, where her
husband still lives, died in the Wilkesbarre hospital on Saturday. Death was caused by poisonous
and irritant drugs.
131
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Langor, aged twenty five, died suddenly on Saturday evening
at the residence of Mr. A. S. Monroe, Hazleton. He had just returned from Philadelphia where
the doctors had pronounced his lungs to be perfectly sound.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Daniel Barrow, ex-County Treasurer and one of the most
prominent citizens of Schuylkill county, died of congestion of the brain at Mahanoy City, Sunday
afternoon, after four days illness. He was about 53 years old and leaves a widow and four
children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. An explosion of fire damp occurred Friday afternoon at No. 4
colliery of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company's operations at Lost Creek. Thomas Williams and
Edward Hughes were hurled through the gallery by the force of the explosion. Williams was
burned so severely that the flesh came from his back in great masses. His death is certain. It is
doubtful whether Hughes can recover. He is also married, his wife and family having only
recently arrived from Wales.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Rachel Royer, widow of the late John Royer, who founded the
Allentown Demcrat, died of apoplexy last week at Spring City, Pa.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles Boyer, a carpet weaver of Weissport, died last Tuesday
morning. Mr. Boyer had been a soldier in the rebellion and was sixty one years of age at the
time of his death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Davis, of Shenandoah, was fatally injured on Tuesday
evening while firing a blast at No. 4 Packer Colliery, near Lost Creek. The breast closed in and
buried him beneath tons of coal and rock. It required four hours of work and a large force of
men to extricate him. When found he was alive, but with no chance of recovery. He has a wife
and four children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Mary Lynch, of Scranton, died last Thursday in her 110th
year. She was born in Sussex county, N. J., in March 1774. Her father was a revolutionary
soldier, and her husband, James Lynch, served in the war of 1812. She was the mother of eight
children, the youngest of whom is now seventy four years old. Mrs. Lynch enjoyed excellent
health through life, never wore glasses, although constantly sewing and knitting, and retained her
faculties to the last moment.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. One day last week a young man and his wife took a room at a
prominent hotel in Wilkesbarre. On the following morning the young man had decamped with
$300 dollars, the life savings of his bride. The young woman's name is Henrietta Vonburg. She
is only two years out from Germany. A few days ago she married William Hartman in New
York. The Wilkesbarre incident in the last she knows of him. His real name is Ferdinand
Schrieman and he is known in the district. The poor woman is without money or friends.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On last Friday morning an extra freight train rounded a curve at full
speed and dashed into a coal train of the Lehigh and Susquehanna division of the Philadelphia
and Reading Road, near Wilkesbarre. Herman Freeman, a brakeman on the coal train, who was
asleep was instantly killed. Hiram Seward, engineer of the freight, jumped from his engine just
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before the collission and sustained serious injuries. His fireman, who remained on the engine,
escaped with a few cuts and bruises. The caboose and five coal cars were wrecked and the
engine of the freight train badly damaged. Traffic was delayed for about two hours.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The remains of Mrs. John L. Bowman, who died at Mahanoy City
last week were interred in the Lehighton cemetery on last Monday. The funeral was largely
attended by relatives and friends of the deceased.
Lower Towamensing Squibs. A child of William Romig died last Saturday night, of what
malady we are unable to say.
Lower Towamensing Squibs. Mrs. Jacob Smith, one of the oldest persons in our township, was
buried in St. John's cemetery last Tuesday a week ago. She was 91 years old.
MARRIED. GEIGER-HOUGH--On the 12th inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, Edwin A. Geiger,
of Lehighton and Ellen V. Hough, of Weissport, Pa.
MARRIED. CHRISTMAN-SHINKE.--On May 12th, by Rev. J. E. Freeman, Martin
Christman and Mary Shinke, both of Pine Run.
MARRIED. HAHN-BUCK.--On May 31st by the same, Charles Hahn and Ella Buck, both of
North Weissport.
MARRIED. WHITEMAN-FISHER.--On June 16, by the same, Oliver Whiteman and Julia
Fisher, both of Long Run.
DIED. ECK.--In Packerton, on the 10th instant, of cholera morbus, Mamie May, child of Paul
and Susannah Eck, aged 1 year, 10 months and 6 days.
DIED. KUNTZMAN.--In Towamensing, May 5th, of consumption, Maria Kuntzman, aged 40
years, 10 months and 24 days.
DIED. BURGER.--In Towamensing, May 13th, of consumption, Harrison Burger, aged 24
years and 9 months.
DIED. SCHWAB--In East Mauch Chunk, May 21, Laura Esther, daughter of Lewis and Sabilla
Schwab aged about 3 years.
DIED. BEIDELMAN.--In Bowmansville, June 6, Walter, infant son of J H. and Elizabeth
Beidelman, aged about 10 months.
DIED. BEER.--In Towamensing, on June 29th, of cancer, Daniel Beer, aged 64 years, 10 mos.
and 29 days.
DIED. ARNER.--In Weissport, on the 6th ultimo, Franklin P., son of Oscar and Jane Arner,
aged 4 years and 5 months.
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DIED. GUTH.--In Lehighton, on the 6th ultimo, Pierce A., son of P. and Mary Guth, aged
about 10 years.
DIED. KUNKLE.--In Long Run, on the 2nd inst., Alvesta L, infant daughter of Duras and
Susan Kunkle, aged 10 months.
DIED. SMITH.--On the 3rd inst., in Towamensing, of dropsy of the heart, Catharine, wife of
Jacob Smith, aged 91 years and 14 days.
Volume 11, Number 40, Saturday, August 25, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Simpson Cook, of Shamokin, was killed by a fall of rock, at the
Cameron Colliery on Monday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. By a runaway accident Saturday morning at Allentown, the young
son of Wilson Dech was instantly killed and Mr. Dech slightly injured.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mary Lamb, an English woman, of Plainville, Luzerne county, died
last Saturday. Had she lived until September 7 she would have been 100 years old. Her husband
died recently at 90.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Aaron Enty, aged twenty-one, a colored man, was crushed to death
on Monday between two cars on the railroad between Shamokin and Sunbury. He lived at
Pottsville.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dennis Butler, aged thirty-five, of Mahanoy City, was crushed
beneath the wheels of a car on the Wilkesbarre and Kingston Railroad on Saturday night. He
died immediately.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Eli House, a miner, died last Saturday from injuries receied during
a "fall" of fire clay at the Peerless Colliery of Shamokin, where he had been working for some
time.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Lewis Ryan, a resident of Washington township, near White Horse
Station, on the S. and S. Railroad, committed suicide on Sunday night, at Pottsville, by cutting
his throat. The deceased was thirty-five years of age and leaves a wife and three children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While John Clifford, employed as a miner at the Plank Ridge
Colliery, near Shenandoah, was setting some timber in his working place on Friday a fall of top
coal struck him on the head and shoulders, killing him almost instantly. He was a married man,
and the accident so shocked his wife, who was in a delicate condition, that it is doubtful if she
will survive.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The Hazleton Plain Speaker is responsible for the statement that the
wife of a respectable south side painter gave birth to a girl baby on July 9, got up and attended to
her work until July 20, and then to the astonishment of the attending physician, the dismay of the
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father and the mystification of her lady neighbors, gave birth to another baby--this time a boy.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Rev. George Sandt, pastor of the Trinity Lutheran church at
Catasauvua, was married last Thursday to Miss Mattie J Kuntz, daughter of Mrs. Henry Kuntz,
of Slatington.
Lower Towamensing Items. A child of Lewis Lichtenwalter was buried last Sunday in
Kunkletown cemetery. The body was taken from Lehigh Gap to said place for interment.
Richard Lewis, sr., was killed, and Richard Lewis, jr., and George Reckert badly injured by the
premature explosion of a blast at Luke Fiddler's colliery, Shamokin, on Wednesday.
DIED. TRAINER.--In this borough, on the 19th inst., Clara, daughter of Charles and Mary
Trainer, aged eight months.
Volume 11, Number 41, Saturday, September 1, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Patrick Canney died on Friday at Shenandoah from effects of
injuries received in the William Penn colliery on Thursday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frank Crennan, a miner employed at Turkey Run Colliery, near
Shenandoah, was fatally injured Monday afternoon by a fall of top coal.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Daniel Starr disappeared from his home in Cressona, Schuylkill
county, on Saturday and was searched for in all directions. On Monday evening his mangled
body was found in a culvert under a railroad bridge on the Mine Hill branch of the Philadelphia
& Reading railroad. It is thought that he sat down there to rest while intoxicated and was struck
by a south bound coal train on Saturday night. He was twenty-two years of age and unmarried.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Ned Loftus, an old miner, sixty years of age, while searching for
the body of a woman in a burning house on Tuesday, at Mt. Laffe, two miles from Pottsville, fell
dead from heart disease.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Francis Harter, employed in the Lehigh Valley Railroad shops at
Wilkesbarre, while attempting to adjust a belt on a revolving shaft, on Monday, was caught in the
machinery and whirled around a number of times. Every bone in his body was broken, and he
was horribly mangled. He died in a few minutes.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The funeral of the infant daughter of W. J. Alexander, of
Bethlehem, had to be postponed from Sunday until Monday afternoon, owing to the negligence
of the telegraph officials at Scranton. The message was sent from Bethlehem at 5.50 p.m., on
Friday but was not delivered to the child's father at Scranton until 6.30 p. m., on Sunday. The
father will bring a suit for damages against the telegraph company.
A sensation was caused at Mt. Carmel on Sunday morning by news of the marriage of Arnold
Tretzgar, a Lutheran to Miss Catharine Rooney, the daughter of a prominent Catholic. The
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marriage took place on Saturday evening at the Lutheran parsonage. The bride's family are
highly indignant over the matter.
MARRIED. COOKSON-LAGER.--On the 24th ult., at Lansford, by J F. Werner, Esq., George
H. Cookson, of St. Clair, Schuylkill Co., and Deborah Lager, of Lansford, Pa.
Volume 11, Number 42, Saturday, September 8, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Stanton, a miner, employed at the Ellangowan Colliery, near
Shenandoah, was fatally injured by a fall of top coal on Friday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Lutz, a respectable young man of Pottsville, died suddenly,
Sunday morning, of heart disease. This was the second case of the kind in that city within
twenty-four hours.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Lewis Schloss, a newsboy, sixteen years of age, was cut in two on
Monday night at Mohrsville. He had gone to work on Saturday as newsboy on the Philadelphia
& Reading Railroad. Monday he made his second trip. As the train neared Mohrsville he started
with a bundle of papers to go back through the train, supposing that there was still another car
behind. It had been cut off at the station below. In the dark he stepped off the rear platform and
was so crippled by the fall that he was unable to crawl away and was cut in two by a down coal
train. The deceased, who lived in Hamburg, was a bright lad and much respected in the
community.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While Charles Kline, alias "Buster," was playing cards at Pottsville
on Monday night with Daniel Burns, the latter produced a long bladed knife and ripped up the
whole length of Kline's bowels so that the intenstines protruded. Kline died on Tuesday. Burns
has not yet been arrested.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A Polander, named Albert Chichochussky, was killed by a fall of
coal in No. 4, Tunnel mine, Nanticoke, on Saturday. He was 35 years old and leaves a widow.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The infant child of woman, who gave the name of Frances Barbon,
died in her mother's arms in a drug store at Freemansburg, Northampton county, on Monday.
The mother came from Prescott, Canada.
John C. Noonan, a principal teacher and late Superintendent of the schools of West Mahanoy
Township, was stuck by a freight train between Mahanoy Plane and Mahanoy City on Tuesday
night. The remains were shockingly mutilated and the head completely separated from the body.
Volume 11, Number 43, Saturday, September 15, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Tyke, aged thirteen, of Shenandoah, a driver at the Henry
Clay Colliery, was run over on Saturday and killed.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Saturday morning an explosion occurred at the Primrose
Colliery, Mahanoy City, by which William Bearnsliehl, aged 15, lost his life, and Patrick
Hanahan was seriously injured. They were employed as helpers to the firemen, and were
working near the boilers, when two of them exploded, of these, one weighing 800lbs. was hurled
about 80 yards, and crushed into a dwelling house end foremost.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jacob Rinderknecht, seventy years of age, was found dead in a
chair Tuesday morning at Mount Hope, two miles from Pottsville. The old man lived alone in
the house.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Rev. William Loubenstein, for several years pastor of the Lutheran
Church at Tamaqua, died at his father's residence at Minersville, on Tuesday night, from Bright's
disease. He was twenty-six years of age and graduated at Muhlenberg College. He leaves a wife
and two children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles Absalom, a young man, fifteen years old, brother of the late
Assistant Postmaster Absalom, of Nanticoke, was killed Tuesday in the mines near Wilkes Barre.
Mahoning Squibs. Ira, an eight year old son of Charles Fritz, sr., died last week from diphtheria.
Lower Towamensing Items. Milton Westen is the happiest recipient of a baby boy presented by
his better half.
Volume 11, Number 44, Saturday, September 22, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Wednesday of last week, Mrs. Frances Schadel, of Tomhicken,
near Shenandoah, gave birth to an infant weighing two pounds and a quarter. It is in good health
and of perfect proportion. The weight is less than that of two potatoes dug up by an Allentown
farmer.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A Polish boy named Poglitsky fell from a tree last Sunday and
dislocated his neck. He died next day. his friends live on Centre street, Shenandoah.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Thursday afternoon Patrick Hayes, a well-known citizen of
Hazleton Mines, while taking a stroll in the vicinity of Gravel Run Spring found the dead body
of man lying in the footpath. A coroner's jury failed to identify the dead man.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Friday morning Sarah Jackson, the colored servant of Rev.
Butler, of Easton, died suddenly of apoplexy. When her room was burst open, early in the
morning, she was found lying dead on the floor, face downward. Deceased was very corpulent
and since an attack of yellow fever, many years ago, had experienced considerable difficulty in
breathing.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Runyan, who was found dead at Jerseytown on Saturday,
was a brother of Milton Runyan, of Shenandoah, who has gone to the scene of the tragedy to
pursue an investigation. He is convinced that his brother and his brother's wife were murdered,
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and, as he is a gentleman of means and determination, he proposes to hunt the guilty parties
down, if possible.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Libich, 66 years of age, committed suicide on Tuesday at
Shenandoah by taking laudanum. His health was poor and this is assigned as the cause.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Colonel J. Augustus Page, a prominent and wealthy citizen, of
Milford, Pike county, a lawyer and politician, died yesterday, aged forty-nine years, from tumor
of the liver.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Smith, aged 38 years, a resident of Nanticoke, visited
Three Cornered Pond on Monday with a number of friends for the purpose of fishing. They
wero all more or less under the influence of liquor. Smith went out in a boat with a companion
and while throwing his line upset the boat and was drowned. His companion escaped.
The Oil Can Again. Mrs. Legimund Fisher, of Bethlehem, was fatally injured by burning on
Saturday evening. While pouring oil on the fire, the can exploded, setting fire to Mrs. Fisher's
clothes and burning her in a terrible manner. She ran out to the yard when neighbors came to her
assistance and succeeded in putting out the flames. The unfortunate woman lingered in an
unconscious state until one o'clock on Sunday morning when death relieved her sufferings. She
was literally roasted alive, being burned from head to foot. She leaves a husband and five
children of whom the oldest is 8 years and the youngest 8 months.
A Man of Family. A German rag picker, named Jno. Heffner, a resident of Reading, was killed
on the Pennsylvania railroad at Lancaster on Wednesday of last week. He was sixty-seven years
old, and was the father of forty-two children, which were all born in twenty-eight years. Heffner
had three wives. The first wife lived 8 years and bore seventeen children, seven times twins and
once triplets. The second wife became the mother of fifteen children, before she passed away.
Wife No. 3 was the mother of ten children, making in all forty-two. Only five children survive
him, two of the second wife and three of the third wife.
Two Men Crushed in a Mine. A miner named Flanagan came upon a ghastly spectacle on
Tuesday morning of last week, in the Cornell Colliery of Scranton. Having fired a blast he went
for refuge into an idle chamber of the mine where he stumbled across the bodies of two men.
Investigation showed that every bone in the bodies of the men was broken. As the miner who
found them said, "the bodies looked as if they had gone through a threshing machine." When
taken to the mouth of the shaft it was found that the remains were those of David G. Jones, of
Wilkesbarre, and Owen Coggins, of Carbondale, who had applied for work on Monday morning.
After they had been given lamps and guided to their place of work they had not been seen alive.
It is probably that the real cause of their death will never be known.
Both Dead in Bed. On Thursday afternoon as a party of farmers were passing the farm house of
William Runyan, near Jerseytown, Columbia county, they noticed that the shutters were drawn
and the house looked as if deserted. After some delay the door was broken in. Upon the bed in
an upper room lay the bodies of Farmer Runyan and his young wife, with their throats cut from
ear to ear. When the doctor arrived it was found that they had been dead over a week. Runyan
was twenty-five years of age and his wife about twenty. Both people were highly respected in
138
the community, and were connected by birth and marriage with the best people in Columbia
county. It is stated that the husband's family is tainted with insanity, and in a note pinned to the
murdered woman's dress the husband confessed his guilt in language which leaves no doubt of
his insanity. The matter has caused great excitement.
Generosity Rewarded. From Bethlehem comes news of another case of the usual gratitude. On
the afternoon of Sunday, September 2, Frances Barbon, a young woman, who claimed to be
from Prescott, Canada, went into the drug store of Dr. Gross, at Freemansburg, with a very sick
child in her arms. Before the mother left the store the child died. The citizens of the town
interested themselves in the case and gave the child a decent burial. Miss Barbon gave a short
history of her life, explaining how she had been led astray, etc. She was kindly cared for and in a
day or two was provided with a home in the family of David Beckett, Shimersville, whose wife
had died some six weeks previously She was installed as housekeeper. Some time during
Monday she left Mr. Beckett's house and took with her between thirty and forty dollars
belonging to that gentleman.
Hannah Froehlich, aged 12, daughter of Chas. Froehlich, of this place, died on Thursday
morning, of diphtheria.
Big Creek Items. On Sunday morning the funeral services of Aaron Solt, who died recently in
St. Louis, will be held at the Big Creek church by Rev. Freeman.
Parryville Items. Mr. Al. Walp mourns the loss of his only child. It had been complaining for
some days, but seemed better when retiring on Tuesday night; but when the parents awoke,
Wednesday morning, the child was dead.
DIED. BOWMAN.--On the 11th inst., at Kittatiny, of diphtheritic croup, Susan Belle, youngest
child of Mr. and Mrs. Ablert Bowman, aged 3 years, 9 months and 25 days.
DIED. BELTZNER.--On the 9th inst., at Johnstown, Cambria county, Pa., for many years
resident at Mauch Chunk, William Beltzner, aged 67 years, 3 months and 7 days.
Volume 11, Number 45, Saturday, September 29, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Greenage, aged 63 years, and a miner, died at Wilkesbarre
on Thursday from the effects of injuries received from an explosion of powder.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frank Spotts, a twelve year old breaker boy at the Palmer Vein
colliery, New Philadelphia, in starting a choked schute was smothered by several tons of dirt.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The parents of Miss Mary Coyle, of Newton, Luzerne county,
objected to her marrying Joseph Durking, of the same place, because of his dimunitive size. The
lovers had their way, and the marriage took place.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. Charles G. Hann, of this borough, and Miss Clara Larned, of
Centralia, were married at the residence of the bride's parents, on Tuesday, September 18th. The
139
ceremony was performed by the bride's father, Rev. G. M. Larned, and was witnessed by only
the immediate relatives of the happy pair.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. While George Buegg, Thomas Davis, Edward Phillips, Isaac
Bevan, Lewis Jones and Philip Parry were working on a platform, eighty feet from the bottom
of a mine shaft, five hundred feet deep, near Kingston, on Saturday, a heavy piece of timber,
from woodwork that was being removed, fell upon the platform. All the men except Jones and
Parry, who clung to some wood work until rescued, were precipitated to the bottom and killed.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Gyumber, the Hungarian of Allentown who has acquire a
national reputation as having slept at one time for four months at a stretch, was married on
Monday morning in the Catholic church at Allentown. The wedding wsa splendid. Six barrels
of beer were provided and the merry-making is to last for a week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Friday last Mr. John C. Froehlich lost another little girl, Hattie
Lydie, from diphtheria. This is the second child carried away from one family by this disease
within a fortnight.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Last Saturday week Charley Semmel, five years old, the son of Mr.
F. P. Semmel, of this place, was taken with a violent attack of croup. On Monday, to prevent
suffocation, it became necessary to perform the operation of tracheotomy. This was successfully
done by Dr. Joseph Bower, in presence of five other medical gentlemen. With great care and
attention the child was kept alive until Friday night, when, the throat passages having again
become completely blocked up, death necessarily ensued.
Suicide at Mauch Chunk. Last Saturday afternoon, James Sivage, an old resident of Mauch
Chunk, was found dead in an old car behind the N. J. Central Railroad office. His body was
extended on the seat with his legs hanging over and resting on the ground. Two small bottles that
had contained laudanum were found on the seat near his head, as also the razor with which he
had cut his throat. His clothes were smeared with blood, and thick clots had hardened on the
floor. The body, when found, was stiff and cold. Sivage took up his residence in Mauch Chunk
more than forty years ago. For a few years he did business as a groceryman, and made a fair
living but saved no money. Family troubles came upon him; he became shiftless and
despondent, and finally found refuge in the poor house, where he was kept for about two years.
Four years ago he left that institution and ever since has managed to exist at the old Trip
Hammer--a broken down building--keeping up the flicker of life by begging and the sale of rags.
He was about 60 years of age, and leaves a wife and children.
Lower Towamensing Items. Edwin Lichtenwalter was made happy recently by his better half
presenting him with a boy. And Levi Blose is happy because he has become the father of a girl.
Mahoning Squibs. The wife of Edwin Rex presented him with a bouncing boy baby last week.
The young fellow's first breath was given in a shout for Taggart and Powell.
MARRIED. KLINE-KELCHNER.--On the 23rd ult., by Rev. J. E. Freeman, A. H. Kline and
Kate Kelchner, both of Lehigh Gap.
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MARRIED. SEILA-BOETEGER.-On the 25th ult., by the same, Geo. M. Seila and Margaret
Boeteger, both of Packerton.
MARRIED. HONTZ-GAUMER.--On the 9th inst., by the same, Reuben A. Hontz and Mary
E. Gaumer, both of East Weissport.
MARRIED. SETZER-BLOSE.--On the 23rd inst., by the same, Calvin Setzer and Hattie E.
Blose, both of North Weisspot.
DIED. DREHER.--In Lehighton, on the 31st ult., Milton David, aged 2 years, 8 months and 7
days, and on the 15th inst., Laura Terina, aged 6 years, 2 months and 2 days, children of
Benneville and Lucy Dreher.
DIED. BOYER.--On the 4th ult., in Weissport, Mr. Charles Boyer, aged 55 years, 11 months
and 9 days.
DIED. FROEHLICH.--On the 20th inst., Hannah Alvina, and on the 21st inst., Hattie Lydia,
children of John C. and Maria A. Froehlich, aged respectively 12 years and 4 mos., and 6 years,
8 months and 1 day.
DIED. HUNSICKER.--In this borough, on the 17th inst., George Oliver, child of Milton H. and
Ella E. Hunsicker, aged 8 months and 2 days.
DIED. SEMMEL--On 21st inst., in this borough, Charlie D., son of Frank P. and Sallie J.
Semmel, aged 5 years, 6 mos. and 25 days.
DIED. STROHL--On the 18th ult, in Weissport, Susan Louisa, infant daughter of Joseph and
Effie Strohl, aged 2 mos. and 24 days.
DIED. SOLT--On the 15th inst, at St. Luke's hospital, St. Louis, Aaron, son of Reuben and Eliza
Solt, aged 23 years, 9 months and 15 days. Deceased fell 40 feet off a bridge, near St. Louis, and
fractured his skull. A funeral was held for him last Sabbath, Rev. J. E. Freeman officiated.
Volume 11, Number 46, Saturday, October 6, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The twin child of Jos. Drumbore died on Sunday morning last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. David Laury, ex-Associate Judge of Lehigh county, died at Easton
on Friday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frank Siegfried, a young man employed by H. R. & M. Hughes, of
Pittston, committed suicide on Monday, but cutting his throat from ear to ear.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A Pole named Molinsky stole an empty beer keg from a
neighboring Polish family. While being told how the law wound punish him for the theft he
jumped from his weat, screamed and fell dead.
141
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Edward S. Van Auken, of Hyde Park, died Saturday night from the
effects of a dose of laudanum administered by his wife, who claims to have given it to him to
quiet his nerves, he having been drinking excessively.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Cosgrove, aged 48, a miner, was killed at the Philadelphia
Coal Company's colliery, No. 3, on Thursday. He was in the act of walking down the breast
when an immense mass of top coal fell on him, crushing him to the floor of the chamber and
completely covering him up. He leaves a wife and a large family. About a year ago a son of Mr.
Cosgrove met his death in the same mine, and under similar circumstances.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Henry Kern and Mrs. Conrad Best, aged respecteively 78 and
75 years, were run over and instantly killed on the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, at
Lockport Monday evening, while walking on the track in the direction of their homes. Both
were widows.
Death of Judge Laury. David Laury one of Lehigh county's best known citizens and who filled
many positions of honor and responsibility, died late Friday night at his residence at Laury's
Station, on the line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He was seventy eight years of age. In 1846
he was nominated for the Legislature for the district then composed of Carbon and Lehigh
counties, but was defeated. In 1850 he was nominated and elected and served four years. In
1856 he was a Presidential elctor and voted for Buchanan. In 1853 he was appointed
Postmaster at Laurys and with the exception of one year held the office up to the time of his
death. In 1865 he was elected Justice of the Peace for North Whitehall and in 1867 was
appointed Revenue Collector for Lehigh and Northampton counties. He was elected Associate
Judge of Lehigh county in 1868 and served five years. In 1873 he was re-elected for another
term.
East Penn Dots. On Tuesday the only child of Nathan and Lydia Ebert, of Lehighton, was
buried in Ben Salem's cemetery. The funeral was attended by a large concourse of relatives and
friends. Mr. E. was formerly a resident of our township. They have the sympathy of the entire
community in their sad bereavement.
MARRIED. MOYER-HOFFMAN.--On the 15th ult., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Jonas I.
Moyer, of Mahoning, and Miss Maria S. Hoffman, of Weissport.
MARRIED. LOWER-REED.--On the 22nd ult., by the same, Tilghman Lower and Miss Mary
A. Reed, both of Lower Towamensing.
MARRIED. GRAVER-HOFFORD--On the 19th ult., by the same, Lafayette Graver and Miss
Emma Hofford, both of this borough.
DIED. HOUSER.--On the 2nd ult., in West Penn, John Burton, son of Charles and Emma
Houser, aged 1 year, 5 mos and 17 days.
DIED. HOBBES.--On the 4th ult., in West Penn, Elizabeth, wife of John Hobbes, aged 67 years
and 21 days.
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DIED. SCHELHAMER.--On the 11th ult., in West Penn, Henry Simon, son of William and
Harriet Schelhamer, aged 5 yrs and 16 dys.
DIED. DESHLER.--On the 26th ult., in Slatington, Rosa Ann, wife of Oliver Deshler, of
consumption, aged 29 years, 2 mos. and 2 days.
DIED. WINTERSTEEN.--At Summit Hill, on the 29th ult., Richard L., youngest son of Mary
T. Wintersteen, of Bethlehem, Pa.
Volume 11, Number 47, Saturday, October 13, 1883
Another Collision. Another terrible railroad collision occurred on Friday night, on the Delaware,
Lackawanna and Western Railroad, south of Cresco, on the Pocono. Three coal trains were
coming down the mountain, following each other closely. The rear train's brakes failed to hold,
and the train dashed into the other, piling up the coal cars promiscuously and throwing the engine
over on the south bound track, completely wrecking it. The engineer and fireman of the rear
train stuck to their engine and were fatally injured by the escaping steam. Thh fireman Archibald
Ford, died Saturday morning. He was literally roasted alive, the flesh coming off with the
clothes when removed. The engineer, John Dunn, of Scranton, cannot live. He has a wife and
family.
Murder in Luzerne. Franklin Munroe, a veterinary surgeon, shot and killed Samuel McNeal, a
blacksmith, on Tuesday, at Hunlock creek, a small village about 12 miles from Wilkesbarre.
McNeal was furious with liquor and fired stones at Munroe because he refused to give him
drink. Munroe went home. McNeal followed, and proceeded to bombard his house with
stones. Eventually Munroe came out with a gun and shot McNeal dead. Munroe immediately
gave himself up to the authorities.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Eugene T. Henry, one of the pioneers of the great iron industries at
Scranton, died at his home in Oxford, N. J, a few days ago.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On last Thursday, John Sheran, aged 16 years, employed at the
North Ashland colliery as a driver, was kicked in the stomach by a mule. The injury was thought
at the time to be trifling, but proved fatal, as he died on Sunday morning after suffering intense
pain.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Richard Clapper, a miner, and Anthony Curley, a driver, in the
White Oak mines, Scranton, were instantly killed by a fall of roof on Friday of last week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Quigly, an elderly woman, who resided near the water station,
Weatherly, was run over and instantly killed by a coal train at noon on Friday last. She was
trying to cross the track by crawling under the cars when the train began to move and the wheels
passed over her breast. The Coroner's jury decided that the death was purely accidental.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles W. Clenens, who was born in Germantown in 1809 and for
thirty years has been one of the most prominent business men in Pottsville, is dead.
143
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Ryan, aged 40, while walkingon the Philadelphia and Reading
Railroad near Gilberton, Saturday night, was struck by a train and fatally injured. Ryan and two
friends had just completed arrangements for a trip to Ireland. He has a wife and several children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frederick Dreher, at one time a resident of this place, but recently
of Tresckow, was accidentally killed near Jeansville, on Monday evening. He was driving a
wagon loaded with furniture, when he accientally fell from his seat, and the wheels of the wagon
passed over his body, causing almost instant death. He leaves a wife and family to mourn his
sudden taking off. The remains were brought to this borough for burial on Wednesday afternoon.
his family has the sympathy of our community in their bereavement.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Thomas Cooch who was terribly burned Thursday morning of
last week while boiling apple butter, died Tuesday evening after intense suffering. Just before
her death she requested her daughter, who was to have been married on the 25th instant to a
prominent young man of Pottsville, to have the ceremony performed at once. A clergyman was
sent for and the ceremony, which was solemn and impressive, was performed at the bedside of
the dying woman, who expired almost immediately after.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. Joseph H. Fuller, of Catasauqua, was married on Thursday of
last week to Miss Ella V. Kern, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Kern, of Slatington,
the ceremony being performed at the residence of the bride's parents by Rev. W. J. Peters, pastor
of the Reformed Church of that place.
Towamensing Items. Jacob Arnold, of Lehigh Gap, who was drowned on the 29th ult., was
buried Oct. 2d, in St. John's cemetery. A sad bereavement for his widowed mother, who
depended upon him for support.
Packerton Ripples. The Rev. F. Powell, of this place, returned a few days ago with his bride. It
should now be in order, since the church has been renovated, to secure a good parsonage.
Ministers as a general thing don't remain single longer than the average man.
Obituary. Mrs. F. L. Reber, after a protracted and painful illness, passed away about halfpast ten
o'clock on last Saturday night. The deceased had scores of warm friends in town, and her
premature death leaves a deep wound in many an aching heart that no ointment quickly or
effectually can heal. She was a devout member of the M. E Church and died in the full hope of a
rich inheritance in Heaven and with the expectation of meeting the loved ones left behind before
the throne of her Creator. The funeral took place on Wednesday and was largely attended, the
members of Sodi Lodge No. 80, K. of P., and of W. C., No. 179, P. O. S. of A., to which
organizations the husband of the deceased was attached, joining with the friends and relatives to
pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of the departed. Rev. E. T. Swartz, assisted by Revs.
Moffat and Masenheimer, conducted the ceremonies. Weatherly Herald, 6th inst.
Volume 11, Number 48, Saturday, October 20, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Kaufman, the ex-poor director, died suddenly of heart
disease at Schuylkill Haven on Wednesday.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. A young lady named Jennie Noon died in Shenandoah last week
from the effects of a shock resulting from the announcement of a friend who said she had heard
of Jennie's death. On hearing the story Miss Noon fainted and remained unconscious until her
death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Joseph Conniff and Edward Bradley, two young men, were
instantly killed Saturday morning while attempting to board the night expres going toward
Buffalo. Both had been hiding from the police since Thursday for a robbery committed, and it is
supposed they were trying to escape to the West.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Webb, a former superintendent of the Catawiisa railroad, is
dead.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A child belonging to a family named Miller, living in Tamaqua, fell
down a flight of stairs one day last week, and sustained such injuries that it has since died. The
family but recently moved to Tamaqua from Schuylkill Haven.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Our young friend Will Anthony was made happy on last Thursday
evening by being joined in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Sallie Derhamer, an estimable
young lady of this place. They left early Friday morning for Canada. We wish the young couple
much happiness.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A well educated young German, named Henry Yenger, fell dead in
the arms of the telegraph operator at North Ashland Colliery on Wednesday evening. He had
only been in the country eight days and the operator was the only friend he had in the region.
His death was the result of an apoplectic stroke.
Towamensing Items. Mrs. Arnold, of Lehigh Gap, prays the congregation to defray the
expenses of her sons funeral who was drowned in Lambertville and brought to this place for
burial.
MARRIED. BENNIG-GRUBB.--At the Presbyterian parsonage of Hokendauqua, Oct. 12,
1883, by the Rev. James Little, Miss Clara E. Grubb, of East Hokendauqua, and Henry W.
Bennig, of Whitehall.
DIED. DREHER--At Jeansville, Pa., October 8th 1883, Frederick Dreher, aged 41 years and 22
days.
Volume 11, Number 49, Saturday, October 27, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Welsh, a brakeman in the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western
Railroad Yard, at Scranton, was run over and killed last friday by a caboose.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Umbewuntz, of Wilkes Barre, was burned to death on
Wednesday afternoon. She was attending to a fire in the range and in some way set fire to her
clothing.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. William McMichael and Maria E. Dorney, two deaf mutes of
Allentown, were married the other day. This is supposed to be an illustration of unspeakable
bliss.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dr. D. J. Langdon, of Shenandoah, coroner of Schuylkill county,
was married on Tuesday to Miss Belle Scanlan, daughter of ex-Sheriff Scanlan.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The man who was killed Saturday night on the railroad near WilkesBarre was identified on Monday. His name is William Dickson, of Plains Station. He leaves a
wife and seven children.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Williams was fatally injured at Dodson colliery, WilkesBarre, on Saturday. He fell under a moving mine car, and was terribly mangled.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. An unknown man was killed by the Nanticoke train which had just
left the depot, starting up the track to switch off the main line on Saturday. He was struck right
on the temple and one of his legs horribly mangled. He died almost instantly aftering being
struck.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Saturday afternoon a bootmaker named Patrick Walsh was
found dead in front of a saloon in Wilkesbarre. He had been drinking heavily of late, and met his
death, it is thought, while intoxicated. Coroner Speyed decided that an inquest was unnecessary.
This is a remarkable decision.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Samuel Riehl, who is employed at Packerton, was run over by the
cars at that place Tuesday afternoon and instantly killed. His home is at Upper Mauch Chunk
where the body was immediately taken.
An Unfortunate Candy Peddler. Tuesday afternoon as Conductor Lawell's 4:39 train was
coming around a small curve near Stockton it struck an Italian, name unknown, and threw him
over some distance upon the siding. He was instantly killed. The Italian who is said to be a
candy peddler was walking on the railroad and had evidently stepped off one track to avoid a
freight train coming down, and had just got on the other track when he was struck. His arms
were broken, and his head horribly crushed.
Terrible Explosion Near Wilkesbarre. On Tuesday afternoon a terrible explosion took place at
the squib factory of Kingston, about two miles from Wilkesbarre. The building, which was
entirely destroyed, had been used for the making of Miners' Squibs and an accident might easily
happen at any time by means of the scattered straw and loose powder around the floor. The
causes of the explosion are not known, but the results are only too painfully apparent. Three
young people were killed and five fatally injured. The names of the dead ones are, John Evans,
aged 15; Hattie Norris, aged 19; Mattie James, aged 20. All three were burned to a complete
crisp. The injured--some without hopes of recorvery--are Lizzie Edwards, aged 19; Albert
James, aged 15; Mary Moss, aged 18; Lizzie Quinn, aged 16; James Steel, aged 15. The
factory had only been working about five months. This makes the second fatal accident in
Kingston within a month.
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A Sudden Death. James Stanton, of Canada, died very suddenly at the house of John Seip,
Mauch Chunk, on Wednesday morning of last week. Stanton and his wife came to Mauch
Chunk a few weeks since. He was taken ill while visiting his wife's relatives at Greenridge. On
Monday he was taken to Mauch Chunk, and on Tuesday night he was visited by Dr. Horn. On
Wednesday morning at six o'clock the doctor was called again, but saw no symptoms of danger.
A few minutes before eight o'clock Dr. Horn was called for the third time, but when he reached
the house Mr. Stanton was dead. The remains were interred at Wilkesbarre.
Packerton Dottings. The sad accident by which Samuel Reill, of Upper Mauch Chunk, lost his
life in the Packerton yard, was purely accidental and no blame can be attached to anyone.
Volume 11, Number 50, Saturday, November 3, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Wm. J. Ohl, of Easton, was killed at Freemansburg, last Friday
night by jumping off an express train.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Steel, the seventh victim of the recent terrible explosion at
Kingston, died on Saturday. Albert James, the only remaining victim, lies in a precarious
condition.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Miss Mary Heim died at her home near Orwigsburg Thursday of
last week. She was 83 years of age, had never traveled on a railroad car, and never left home
only to attend a neighboring church.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The father of the young man McCauley, recently shot at Audenried,
and for which crime William Harris was tried and acquitted, died suddenly at the breakfast table
on Saturday morning last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. George Moses, who died at Easton the other day, aged ninety two
years, was the last surviving Durham boatman but one. The Durham boats were rowed from
Easton to Philadelphia, and poled up stream on the upward trip.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frank Howard, a brakeman on the L. & S. Railroad, fell from a
coal car on Monday evening, at Walnutport, and was instantly killed. The body was taken to
Easton.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. George W. Snyder, wife of the founder of the Colliery Iron
Works at Pottsville, died on Monday night at the age of 68 years, after a year's illness. She was
the mother of a large family and was widely known and very highly respected.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Wednesday afternoon of last week Mr. Albert C. Vanaker was
united in wedlock to Miss Nettie, daughter of Abram Stroh, of West Broadway, Mauch Chunk,
by Rev. L. B. Hoffman, of the M. E. church.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Fred Burtman, inside foreman at Merrian colliery, Ashland, was
killed by a fall of top coal on Friday last.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. Hugh, a 17 year old son of Peter Robinson, of Stockton, received
injuries from a mule he was unhitching, on Thursday of last week, and died the same night.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Lewis Klinger, for a number of years resident on Mahoning street,
this borough, and who for some time has been lying very ill, died on Tuesday last, and was
buried on Friday forenoon. His family has the sympathy of the community in their sad
bereavement.
Sudden Death in Church Robert Nelson, an old resident of Bugtown, in the Panther Creek
Valley, aged about 67 years, died suddenly while attending morning prayer meeting in the Bull
Run Primitive Methodist church at 9 o'clock on Sunday morning, 21st ult. He was about to be
seated after kneeling in prayer when persons near by heard him making a peculiar gurgling noise.
They hastened to his assistance, but he died immediately. An inquest was held on Monday by
Deputy Coroner John Gallagher. After making an examination, Dr. C. F. Schirner decided that
Nelson died from apoplexy of the heart. His remains were interred int he Protestant cemetery at
Summit Hill on Wednesday of last week.
Riddled with Shot.
Jerry Greening lives in Rattlesnake, Dingman township, in the lower part of Pike county,
twelve miles from Milford. Ammie C. Cheever lived on the next farm to that of Greening. At
about 10 o'clock on Sunday morning Greening went over to Cheever's houce on an errand. He
did not find Cheever in the house, and when he began to look for him around the yard he
discovered his dead body lying face downward on a pile of wood, about half way from the house
to the hen coop, with a hole in the left breast just under the heart, the breast being riddled with
fine bird shot. There is no clue to the murderer, though suspicion points to several persons, who
will probably be arrested. Cheever went to Pike county form New York about three years ago
and settled on the farm where the murder was committed. He has had trouble with the
Greenings ever since over several boundary line fences. The troubles have been before the
courts in a series of cases, and one of them was decided adverse to the Greenings at the last term
of the court at Milford. The suits have caused enmity between the Cheevers and Greenings and
they have had many petty quarrels. This fact has led many to suspect that some one of the
Greenings was concerned in the murder. Dr. Emerson, after an examination of the wounds,
decided that Cheever was standing when the shots were fired, and it is believed that Cheever
was chopping wood when his assassin came up and shot him.
Later.--Coroner Thrall has no doubt that Ammie C. Cheever was foully murdered.
Cheever was a quiet, industrious man of good education. He was a member and Past Master of
Shakespeare Lodge 77 F. and A. M., of New York. His domestic relations were very unhappy,
and while he was away in New York one of the younger Greenings, a son of Jerry Greening,
was a frequent visitor, and caused much trouble between Cheever and his wife. When they
moved to the farm at Rattlesnake the troubles were soon renewed. Cheever suspecting
Greening of being on intimate terms with his wife. Since her departure Cheever has lived
alone.
At the last term of court at Milford a lawsuit was tried between Cheever and one of the
Greenings, in which the former won, and in retaliation one of the Greening boys swore that
Cheever tried to murder him but Judge Seeley decided that Greening not Cheever, was the
aggressor.
Cheever was killed by two charges from a double barrelled gun, one suitable for small
148
game and the other for deer. Coroner Thrall has been busy gathering the evidence, and it is said
he has made some important discoveries, though he refuses to talk. Cheever had in his pockets
when found $90 in bills, and there were several hundred dollars in the house. He had evidently
just prepared the stove for kindling a fire, and had gone out to the wood pile to get the fuel.
While he was standing there the assassin, who must have been lying in wait, sprang from behind
the wood pile and discharged the two fatal shots.
Cheever intended to return to New York being afraid to stay at his farm. He formerly
worked for the firm of F. S. Schoonmaker & Co., upholsterers, of New York, and expected to
engage with them when he returned to the city.
A Fatal Mine Gas Explosion. A terrible accident occurred at No. 7 shaft of the Pennsylvania
Coal Company, situated at Sebastopol, Luzerne county, at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon, by which
two men lost their lives and four others were seriously injured. The victims, headed by Thomas
and James Gallagher, brothers, entered an old abandoned mine for the purpose of erecting more
props. The Gallagher brothers entered first and the accumulated gas in the chamber resulted in a
terrific explosion, which hurled the men against the sides of the chambers and burned them in a
shocking manner. The report of the accident soon spread and a large crowd collected A rescuing
party was at once sent below and the dead and injured brought to the surface. The dead are
Thomas and James Gallagher, both miners, leaving large families. The others are Hugh Devers,
laborer; James Kelly, miner; Pat Joyce, laborer, and Joseph Kobinsan, miner.
Towamensing Items. A little girl arrived at O. O. Blose's and to all appearances it will remain.
Diphtheria at Allentown. Diphtheria is prevailing to some extent in Allentown, and several
families have been sadly bereaved in the last three weeks. Four weeks ago Mr. and Mrs. Jacob
M. Romig rejoiced in the possession of four handsome little children. Monday the last of the
four died. One died on the 6th of October, aged six years. Then followed Mabel, aged five
years. On Saturday an infant of seven months died, and Monday afternoon Reuben, aged two
years and nine months, breathed his last. The two last named were buried on Wednesday. The
parents are nearly distracted. Last week George Beisel lost two of his three children by the same
disease.
Volume 11, Number 51, Saturday, November 10, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. Sarah Bechtel, aged 80 years, died at her home in Tremont,
Schuylkill county, last Saturday morning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles McFadden, an old resident of High street, Mauch Chunk,
died from dropsy on Sunday morning last. He was about sixty years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dr. James R. Lewis, probably the oldest physician in Luzerne
county, died at his home in Truckville, last Saturday afternoon. He had been in continuous
practice since 1832.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Daniel Morgan, a resident of Plymouth, Luzerne county, while
returning from a pigeon shooting match on Saturday was drowned in the Susquehanna by the
149
upsetting of his boat.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Samuel D. Leib, who was Associate Judge in Schuylkill county
from 1838 to 1843, and afterwards held a position in the War Department under Secretary J. M.
Porter, ex-President Judge of Schuylkill, is dead, at the age of seventy-five years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dominick Boyle, a miner employed in Middle Colliery, in Luzerne
borough was crushed almost to a jelly Wednesday by a heavy fall of rock.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Last Saturday afternoon a portion of the Lehigh Valley railroad
tunnel at Vosburg caved in, burying three laborers beneath the ruins When the debris was
removed two of the unfortunate men were dead and the third one very severely hurt. He was
taken to St. Luke's hospital, at Bethlehem.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Gunner, a miner employed at the Diamond Colliery, hear
Wilkesbarre, was instantly killed Monday by a fall of coal. His head was smashed to a jelly.
Gunner saw the danger and ran to warn his laborers, but was crushed while uttering the words of
warning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A young man named Shoemaker, a brakeman on the Lehigh Valley
railroad, fell from a freight train while crossing the bridge at Glen Onoko, and had one of his legs
mashed, on Saturday last. He was taken to St. Luke's hospital, where the injured limb was
amputated, but the poor fellow died on Sunday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Samuel Fry, a brakeman on a freight train, was knocked from the
top of a house car while entering the Lehigh and Susquehanna tunnel, about a mile above
Tamaqua, Saturday night and instantly killed. He was about twenty five years old, a member of
the Odd Fellows and of the Railroaders' Union and leaves a wife and two children.
A Young Man Drowned. Milton Marsh, an empoyee of the Lehigh fire-brick works, of
Catasauqua, was drowned in the canal, at that place, Monday afternoon. While standing near the
canal, the wind lifted his hat and blew it into the water. He leaped into the canal and while
endeavoring to get the hat, which had drifted among some logs, he, in some manner, got under
the logs and was drowned ere assistance could reach him. His body was recovered in a short
time and removed to his boarding house. He was an orphan and about twenty four years of age.
The coroner held an inquest Friday morning and the jury rendered a verdict of accidental
drowning.--Allentown Telegram.
Mahoning Notes. Mr. David Miller was agreeably surprised by his many friends on Monday
evening, the occasion being the anniversary of his birthday. The number present was about 60.
The presents received were costly and many. After the congratulations were over the company
set down to a sumptuous feast. The company separated at a late hour wishing Mr. Miller many
more such happy birthdays.
Suicide Near Packerton. Considerable excitement was created in the vicinity of Packerton on
Saturday last by the finding of the body of a man hanging from a tree, in the woods near the road
running from Dolonsburg to Beaver Run. The body had evidently been hanging there for several
150
weeks, as decomposition was far advanced, the face especially being eaten away by maggots.
Upon investigation it proved that the deceased's name was Theodore Werknecht, that he had
worked at Rockport until October 6th, at which time he had been discharged. Alongside of the
body was a satchel containing clothing, etc., and a pass book, showing that he had been dealing
with M. John Donohue, of Rockport. Deceased, as appears from developments since made, has
three sons, one of whom left Rockport at the time the father did and went to Elk county to
engage in lumbering, and two others are said to reside at Pottstown, one being employed as an
engineer. Many conflicting rumors prevailed upon the discovery of the body, some inferring that
foul play had caused the death of the old man, and that the body had been hung up in the place
where it was found to throw off suspicion; an old wound on his head, which had nearly healed
over was the cause of the report.
Accident at Coal Pot. A serious accident befell a German by the name of Fuchs, at Coalport
Tuesday between three and four o'clock. He was on his knees fitting or nailing a plank when a
mule passed by him and pulled two coal cars over his left leg, which was laying across one of the
rails of the track. He was taken to his home in Upper Mauch Chunk where Dr. Leonard
amputated the leg twice, first above the ankle and then below the knee. He came to America last
May and having steady employment he saved enough money to pay for the passage of his wife
and three children to this country, who arrived at Upper Mauch Chunk last Saturday. They
commenced to keep house on Monday, Mr. Fuchs having boarded previous to that time. He was
thirty six years of age on the same day on which he met with the accident.--Mauch Chunk Times.
Another Old Soldier Dead. Willoughby Koons, died at his home in this borough, on Tuesday
about noon, very suddenly, although he had been sick for some time, sinking right down and
dying before he could be taken to his bed. Deceased was about 43 years of age, and leaves a
wife and six children to mourn his sudden death. Deceased was a member of Company G.
132nd regiment, Pa. Vols., and was wounded in the forearm at Antietam, on the 17th of
September, 1862, and discharged shortly afterwards. The funeral took place this (Friday)
morning, at 9 o'clock, proceeding to Beck's church, Mahoning twp., for interment.
At Easton, on Thursday of last week, Winfield Scott was fatally injured by a Lehigh Valley train.
Volume 11, Number 52, Saturday, November 17, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. John Shepherd, aged 77 years, of Huntington twp, Luzerne
county, died in great agony last Sunday night from a dose of poison taken in mistake for Jamaica
ginger.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. By a premature explosion of a blast at the West End Coal Co's
works, near Shickshinny, Luzerne county, on Monday morning, Michael Green was instantly
killed, and John Eckols and John Kohler were fatally injured.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Frederic K. Karl, a German tailor, aged 50 years, committed
suicide in Allentown, on Tuesday last, by swallowing sixteen grains of morphine.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Rev. Robert Boston, a prominent local preacher and mine official of
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the Hazleton region, died on Monday, aged 80 years.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Aldert G. Anderson, aged 30, of Bethlehem, who was on a vist to
Reading, was found dead in bed at the latter place on Saturday morning, having been suffocated
by gas. The wind through an open window had extinguished the light in the gas burner.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Our esteemed friend Dr. N. B. Reber, on Thursday morning left for
Reading on a visit to his aged mother. It was the Dr's fiftieth birthday, and he decided on this
visit as a pleasant means of celebrating the event. It is the wish of his many friends that he may
live to see his centennial birthday.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas West, miner, employed at the Lehigh Coal and Navigation
Company's No. 9 colliery, near Coaldale, was instantly killed Friday night by a fall of top coal.
West and his companion were working in their breast, when the latter went after some timber
and on his return was shocked to find that a heavy fall of coal had occurred. He immediately
gave the alarm and promptly a gang of men went to work to rescue West. So large was the mass
of coal that it took over six hours before he was found. His body was terribly mutilated and
death was instantaneous. The deceased was 45 years of age and married.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Robert Kennedy and Michael Kelly, miners, were instantly killed,
and Edward Keating, a door boy, was fatally injured by an explosion of sulphur in the Eagle Hill
Colliery, near Pottsville, on Wednesday last.
Lower Towamensing. A little boy arrived at George Ramaly's several weeks ago and probabily
it will remain as the winter is at hand.
Mahoning Squibs. Last Sunday, the 11th, Mr. A. Frantz married a lady from West Penn by the
name of Miss Breiner.
Terrible Fire at Shenandoah.
The town of Shenandoah, Schuylkill county, was swept by a terrible conflagration on
Monday afternoon last, rendering hundreds of people houseless, and many of them in want of
food and clothing. The telegraph offices, all the newspaper offices, the Academy of Music, in
fact all of the principal buildings, public and private, have been reduced to ashes. There have
been few if any lives lost, but the distress entailed is indescribable.
To add to the horror of of the situation, many of the victims escaped from their burning
homes clad in scanty garments, and as the wind was blowing a perfect hurricane, there is
suffering from the consequent exposure. Groups gathered about the smouldering embers,
endeavoring to extract some warmth from all that remains of their homes.
The Track of the Flames.
The flames originated between 12 and 1 o'clock in the United States Hotel, a building
built of frame on corner of Centre and Main Streets, a structure consisting of three stories and
capable of accommodating a large number of guests.
The alarm was promptly given and the firemen quickly responded, but at the very outset
they realized the uselessness of their efforts, the wind blowing at such a terrific rate that the
flames, sparkling and seething, jumped from window to window, and soon completely covered
the building. A great crowd gathered in front of the doomed hotel and impeded the work of the
152
volunteer fire department. Another drawback toward staying the flames was found in the men's
lack of training. In less than fifteen minutes the floors of the hotel were crackling and falling,
and the flames leaped across the street and communicated to the block opposite. There was no
possibility now of saving the business portion of the town, and the only question was whether
any portion of it could escape.
Buildings Destroyed.
The telegraph office having been the first to go, assistance was summoned by telephone
from Pottsville, Ashland, Tamaqua, Mahanoy City, and other small towns in the mining district.
The responses, while made as quickly as possible, were not effectual in stopping the work of
destruction. Among the principal buildings which rapidly gave way to the flames were the
Academy of Music, Odd Fellow's Hall, Herald newspaper offices row the Opera House and the
office of the Mining Herald and Saturday Evening News. Meanwhile the flying cinders had
reached the homes of hundreds of residents, and fires had started up in different parts of the
town. All work at the collieries had been suspended, and men and boys, begrimed with coaldust, were pouring buckets of water upon the inflammable roofings of their residences. As there
were only three buildings, either wholly or partly of brick, it is easy to picture the scene which
followed. Dwelling after dwelling succumbed, until several squares had been swept away. It is
impossible to correctly estimate the loss, but many place it at three quarters of a million dollars.
While several persons were slightly injured, there is no fatal casualty reported up to this hour,
save in the case of James Heaton, who, in attempting to board a train, fell under the wheels and
was run over. Both of his legs were cut off above the knees and he died the same evening. He
leaves a widow and four children.
An Appeal for Aid.
Monday night, Council having been summoned in special session, there was a large
meeting, at which all of the prominent citizens were present. After consideration and estimating
the number of people in distress, it was resolved to send out an appeal to the public. It was
drawn up as follows:
A terrible holocaust has swept the town. Two hundred and fifty families are homeless
and most of them have lost their all and are without provisions or change of clothing. The
weather is bitter cold and a strong North west gale is still blowing. Everything possible for their
immediate relief is being done, but we must have help. Who will aid us and give at once? A
relief committee, with John Leathers as treasurer, has been appointed, and will receive all
contributions of supplies, clothing or money a generous public may be charitable enough to send.
(signed) D. J. Williams, Chief Burgess, J. J. Powell, President of Council, John Cardin,
Secretary.
The School Board met at 8 o'clock Monday evening and threw open the school houses,
which were not burned, for the sufferers.
Description of the Town.
Shenandoah is a town of more than 12,000 inhabitants, situate in Mahanoy Valley,
Schuylkill county, about two and one half miles from Mahanoy City, and about twelve miles
North of Pottsville. It was founded about eighteen or twenty years ago, and a number of
valuable collieries lie in and around it, such as Indian Ridge, Kohinoor, and the colliery formerly
owned by Lee, Grant & Co., and now owned by the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron
Company.
The Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia and Reading Railroads both pass through
Shenandoah, the coal shipments from this point being greater than those from any other town in
Schuylkill county.
153
Main street is the principal business street, and is about three quarters of a mile long,
running up the hill on which the city is situated. There are about ten churches, some of them
handsomely built, representing all the Protestant denominations and the Greek, Roman and Irish
Catholics and Hebrews. The buildings of Shenandoah were nearly all of frame. The railroad
depots and a few business houses on Main Street, however, were of brick. The Merchant's Hotel
is at the head of Main Street, and it was recently leased and operated by H. G. Neuman. The fire
department of Shenandoah is a comparatively new organization, and is a volunteer one. It owns
two steam fire engines and a hook and ladder truck. The newspapers of Shenandoah are three,
the Mining Herald the Herald and the Saturday News, all weeklies.
Two Accidents in Lehigh County.
Zionsville, a mining village in the lower end of Lehigh county, was the scene of two
frightful accidents. The first happened Monday morning at Schoenly's mine. Just as Henry
Abbitz had stepped into a bucket to be lowered into the shaft the brake attached to the hoisting
machine broke and the man and bucket were precipitated to the bottom of the shaft, a distance of
about one hundred feet. Wonderful to relate no bones were broken, though Abbitz was badly
bruised and his system severely shocked. He received several bad cuts in his head. Except that
he complains of pain in his back he is doing well and will recover.
The other accident occurred Monday night at nine o'clock in Mehcling's shaft, only a
short distance away from Schoenly's mine. Two brothers, named Warren and Augustus Kneller,
sons of J. D. Kneller, of Zionsville, were working in a drift at a depth of one hundred and fifty
feet when suddenly a concussion took place and knocked Augustus down another slope of about
thirty feet and covered him under a mass of earth and rocks. His brother, with the aid of others,
promptly dug him out, but he was so badly injured that after three hours of agony he died at his
father's house.
A Cow Kills a Little Boy. A two year old son of John Marshall, of Bangor, Northampton
county, met with a terrible death at that place last week. A daughter of Mr. Marshall, aged about
13 years years has been in the habit of leading her father's Alderneycows to water with a strap.
Wednesday of last week she took her little brother with her and fastened one end of the cow's
strap to the child's arm. After they had gone some distance the animal became frightened and ran
away, dragging the little fellow over the ground after her, breaking one of his arms and otherwise
injuring him so badly that he died with in ten minutes after the occurrence. The cow must have
stepped on the boy, as the imprint of her hoof was on his breast.
Volume 12, Number 1, Saturday, November 24, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Albert Sinex, aged about 17 years, was caught in the belting at
Pardee's flour mill, Hazleton, on Friday last, and so severely injured that he died the same
evening.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The remains of Charles Wilson, a notorious character, were
discovered in a lime kiln in the northern part of Ashland Sunday morning. He had lain down
beside the kiln to sleep and it is thought was suffocated by sulphur. When found one side of his
body was horribly burned, his clothing having caught fire from the kiln.
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Our Neighborhood in Brief. William Surtees, of West Pittston, who had married a widow and
then deserted her, shot and fatally wounded Andrew Smith, the woman's son, at the Lee Driving
Park, in Wilkesbarre, on Thursday of last week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The golden wedding of Jacob Kohler and wife, who were married
at Pottsville, just fifty years ago, was celebrated Tuesday. A host of relatives and all their
children participated in a family reunion and witnessed the wedding of D. F. Kohler, the
youngest and only unmarried child of the aged couple, to Miss Mary Hurlman.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A daughter of Louis Billz, of Girardville, aged nine years, met with
a terrible accident on Sunday night. While carrying a pan of hot ashes through the yard her
clothing caught fire. The girl's screams brought assistance and the flames were soon
extinguished. She suffered intense agony during the night and died Monday morning.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Theodore Carhart, a painter, employed by the Lehigh Valley
Railroad Company, was struck by a passenger train Friday morning and received injuries which
produced death the same afternoon. He was working at a switch shanty and in stepping out of
the way of the train caught his foot in a frog, and being unable to extricate it in season was run
down. He leaves a wife and son.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Farley, a driver on the dirt bank at the Lehigh Coal and
Navigation Company's Dry Hollow colliery, near Coaldale, met with a terrible death Friday
evening. He was driving out the last trip of cars and in attempting to jump off the car to turn a
switch, slipped and fell under the wheels and was instantly killed. His limbs up to his thighs
were literally ground to pieces. His mangled remains were picked up and conveyed to Tamaqua,
where he resided. The deceased was 16 years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Samuel Laubach, of Laury's Station, Lehigh county, slipped from
an embankment to the Lehigh Valley Railroad track Tuesday and was run over by a passing train,
receiving injuries which have since caused death.
Blows His Brains Out. There was considerable excitement at Milford Pike county, Monday over
a tragedy in Dingman township Sunday evening. Lewis Bailey moved to his farm on Dingman
road about a year ago, coming from New York city on account of failing health. He had been
suffering from consumption, and on Saturday night he was thought to be dying. On Sunday he
was better. After supper he asked his seven-year old daughter to bring a shotgun to him from
down stairs. When she gave it to him he sent her on another errand. He then lay down on the
bed, placed the muzzle of the gun within a few inches of his face and drew the trigger with his
foot. The top of his head was blown to pieces. He was taken to New York for burial. He was 32
years old.
A Cowardly Brute's Crime.
Another horrible tragedy occurred in the borough of Luzerne, about seven miles from
Wilkesbarre Saturday night. John Clear, a breaker boss at Waddle's colliery was shot down and
fatally wounded by Dennis Keller. Particulars as to how the shooting occurred differ somewhat,
but as far as can be learned they are as follows: During the afternoon Keller and several
companions, among them a man named Rogan, were in a neighboring saloon, drinking, when
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they quarrelled. About nine o'clock the two men started to go home, Rogan preceeding Keller.
The former had not gone far until he was overtaken by Keller who commanded him to stop.
Rogan halted and Keller said: "Are you as good a man now as when you were in the saloon."
"Yes! ---- ---- you," quickly replied Rogan. But he had hardly uttered the words when Keller
whipped out a revolver and Rogan took to his heels. Just at this moment Clear, who is a onelegged man, came along, and Keller turned upon him, saying: "Walk faster, ---- you, or I will
shoot you." Clear replied: "Fire away," and Keller immediately fired four shots at the
defenseless cripple, every one of which took effect. He uttered one groan and fell to the ground,
apparently dead. He was picked up and conveyed to a drug store near by. Sunday morning he
was taken to the hospital in a dying condition. Keller, who apparently did not realize the extent
of his crime, stood coolly by, and in answer to a question as to whether he intended to kill Clear
replied: "Why, of course I did." Keller was taken to Wilkesbarre Sunday morning and lodged in
jail. He is about five feet in height and looks like a desperado. He arrived in Luzerne borough
from Clinton, Iowa, about six weeks ago. He said that he has was drunk at the time of the
shooting and he did not know what he was doing. Clear is is a resident of Plymouth and is a
married man.
MARRIED. BEER-KLEINTOP.--On the 3rd inst., by Rev. J. H. Hartman, Adam J. Beer and
Lucinda Kleintop, both of Towamensing township.
MARRIED. SHECKLER-REESER.--By the same, on the 18th inst, Wm. Sheckler, of
Lehighton, and Matilda J. Reeser, of New England, near Tamaqua.
DIED. REHRIG.--On the 16th inst., in Mahoning township, Amanda, child of Lafayette and
Eliza Rehrig, aged 5 years, 2 weeks and two days.
Volume 12, Number 2, Saturday, December 1, 1883
Attacked the Wrong Man. A despatch from Ashland, Schuylkill county, dated Nov. 22, gives the
following particulars of a shooting affair: For fifteen months past Ashland has been greatly
annoyed by the outrages of two gangs of young men known respectively as "Lynx" and "Soaks,"
who were rivals in the perpetration of all sorts of brutalities upon men they caught out alone late
at night. If the victim happened to be under the influence of liquor his treatment was much
worse, and he was frequently half drowned in a watering trough. At a late hour Wednesday night
John Steinhilbert, son of a boss at Taylor colliery, and himself an employee at that place, was
returning to his home in Oakland, a suburb, when he was suddenly assailed by four men, who
sprang on him from a dark alley. They grappled his arms behind his back and shouted, "Root!"
the signal of one of the gang, and three more men came from the alley. Steinhilbert wrestled
himself loose, drew a small revolver from his pocket and fired. The ball lodged in the brain of
Thomas Kerns, and he fell dead. Steinhilbert gave himself up, and was taken to jail in
Pottsville. He admits the shooting, but does not know who he shot. He only recognized the
voices of two of the men. He knew of no cause for their attack on him, except pure devilishness.
MARRIED. FRANTZ-BREINER.--On the 11th inst., by Rev. A. Bartholomew, Alvin Frantz,
of New Mahoning, and Miss Kate Breiner, of West Penn, Schuylkill county.
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MARRIED. ANDREAS-RUCH.--On the 11th inst., by the same, William H. Andreas and Miss
Susanna Ruch, both of East Penn, Carbon county.
DIED. KOONS.--On the 6th inst., in Lehighton, Willoughby, husband of Sarah Koons, aged 42
years, 7 months and 2 days.
DIED. BERG.--On the 11th inst., in East Brunswick twp., Mary A., daughter of Joel and Levina
Berg, aged 7 years, 9 months and 8 days.
DIED. SCHUMACHER.--On the 18th inst., in Lehighton, James A., son of Owen and Mary
Schumacher, aged 7 months and 27 days.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Miss Emma L. Cortright, daughter of N. O. Cortright of Mauch
Chunk, and Edwin F. Keen of Philadelphia were married Wednesday afternoon of last week, at
St. Paul's M. E. Church, Mauch Chunk. The church was filled with friends of the bride and
groom from Mauch Chunk, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, New York and other places.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Dr. Charles L. Martin, with one exception the oldest practicing
physician in Allentown, died Monday, aged sixty two years. On the 3d ult., he was stricken with
paralysis and lingered, perfectly helpless until death ensued Monday morning. He was a native
of Allentown, and for forty-two years was engaged in the practice of his profession. He
graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1841.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Robet Leh and Chester Graver, both aged nine years, were struck
and killed by a train Tuesday at Lower Catasauqua.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. On Wednesday afternoon of last week, Mr. R. Bulkeley Brundage,
of Wilkesbarre, was married to Miss Bessie daughter of John P. Rustling, of Lawrenceville, Pa.,
by the Rev. Percival Webber. The wedding was a very brilliant one and largely attended by
friends and relatives.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mr. A. A. Snyder, of Lindsay, Ohio, formerly of Parryville, this
county, is here on a visit to his old friends, accompanied by his wife, making it a "honeymoon"
trip, having been married on the 14th of November, to Miss Clara B. Engler. The happy pair
have our best wishes for a pleasant trip down the pathway of life.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Aaron Laub, of this borough, conductor on a Lehigh Valley freight
train, died about 6 o'clock on Saturday morning last, of consumption, aged about 35 years.
Deceased served in the army during the rebellion. He leaves a wife and three or four children to
mourn the death of a kind husband and affectionate father. His funeral took place on Tuesday,
the body being conveyed, per L. V. RR., to his former home at Catasauqua, for interment,
followed by a large number of sorrowing friends and relatives.
Packerton Ripples. Leopold Meyers, the obliging host of the Packerton Hotel, had a birthday
party a short time ago; dancing was indulged in and a supper, to which all did justice, made the
affair a pleasant and agreeable one.
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Volume 12, Number 3, Saturday, December 8, 1883
Mahoning Squibs. On Tuesday next Miss Emma Longacre is to be united in marriage with Mr.
Pierce Troxel, of West Penn. We wish them all the happiness possible on such occasions, and a
long life of wedded bliss.
William Kellog, Superintendent of Bridges on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, died at Easton
Saturday, aged 75 years. He had a wide reputation as a bridge builder, and had been connected
with the Lehigh Valley Company for nearly thirty years. He constructed the first railroad bridge
across the Delaware River at Easton.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Our young friend Will Anthony and wife, who were on a wedding
tour to Canada returned home last week.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Enoch Perry, a miner working at the North Mahanoy Colliery, was
instantly killed by a fall of coal Friday afternoon.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. James Patten, the oldest and one of the most respected citizens of
Branchdale, Schuylkill county, is dead, in the eighty-fourth year of his age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. A miner named J. Muldoon, unmarried, forty five years old, was
instantly killed by a fall of slate at the Ellangowan Colliery, Shenandoah, Friday. His body was
terribly disfigured.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Mrs. James Gillespie, of Foundryville, Schuylkill county, went to a
funeral leaving her sixteen-months-old child in charge of her other children. During the mother's
absence the babe put a small screw in her mouth and choked to death.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Daniel Werst, of Lower Saucon, Northampton county, aged sixty,
was found dead about three miles below Hellertown Friday morning. He had not been seen since
Wednesday, when he was in the vicinity of his nephew's house. He was found in the rear of a
house he formerly lived in. The Coroner's jury rendered a verdict of death from paralysis.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Wesley Ohl, a brother of the late Wm. F. Ohl, of Easton, who was
recently killed on the Lehigh Valley railroad, had his left ancle fractured and dislocated by a fall
at Cherryvile on 22nd ult.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The bucket used for lowering and hoisting the men at the Bridge
Coal Company's shaft, in Scranton, capsized on Friday night while descending with three men.
Michael Flood fell a distance of over 100 feet to the bottom and was terribly bruised and
mangled. He lived but a short time. The other two caught hold of the rope and held on till
released.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Jane Becker, of Landingville, Schuylkill county, committed suicide
Wednesday morning by hanging herself in a bed room. She had been an invalid for many years
and in a fit of despondency committed the deed.
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Packerton Ripples. Tuesday last being the anniversary of the birth of Jacob Hontz, a select party
were invited in the evening to celebrate the event at the home of his parents, on Park avenue. It
was an enjoyable evening; refreshments were served in good style, the party broke up at a late
hour, all wishing Jacob many happy returns.
Volume 12, Number 4, Saturday, December 15, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Robert Boys, a well known citizen of Monroe county, died of
apoplexy at his home last Friday evening.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Thomas Flynn, a young man, was run over Tuesday by a loaded car
in the Vosburg Tunnel of the Lehigh Valley railroad, near Tunkhannock, and was instantly killed.
His heart was cut in two.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Last Saturday morning Jacob F. Dolber, baggagemaster on the
Pottsville accommodation, was fatally injured at East Mahanoy Junction. He was standing at the
side opening of the car, when the door was struck by another car on a side track, crushing Mr.
Dolber and throwing him between the tracks.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. John Mitchell a respected citizen of Plains, Luzerne county, and a
prominent coal operator, died about 3 o'clock Friday afternoon of consumption. He was born in
Ayreshire, Scotland, in 1816, and came to the Wyoming Valley in 1849, where he has since
resided. He was a Presidential elector on the Republican ticket in 1880.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The bodies of two tramps were found alongside of Daniel Bastian's
lime kiln in South Whitehall township, about five miles west of Allentown, on Sunday. They
were seen the day before at a hotel near by. Both were well soaked by the rain and finding the
lime-kiln, they took off their shoes, laid down and never awakened from their nap.
Fatal Accident. Thursday of last week, a sad and fatal accident occurred at the moving of Mr.
John Kisselman, who removed from Catasauqua to Kresgeville where he bought a small farm.
Mr. Charles Fisher, of Kresgeville, was one of the persons who furnished a team. When within a
few miles of the latter place and while going down a steep hill, Fisher's horses became
frightened and ran down the hill at full speed. Fisher acccidentally fell off the wagon, the
wheels of which passed over his head killing him instantly. Mr. John Hunter, of Catasauqua,
who accompanied the moving was the first one to find the dead body of Fisher, as he was
leading the cow and could not move along as fast as the teams. Fisher was a married man and in
comfortable circumstances.--Valley Record.
Weissport Letter. Mrs. Emma Leuckel, nee Knerr, died very suddenly on Thursday night of last
week of pneumonia. Her remains were buried on Sunday morning. The remains were followed
by a large concourse of bereaved relatives and sorrowing friends. Her husband died a few years
ago in New Mexido. Rev. DeLong conducted the funeral services.
Weissport Letter. Mr. John H. Kromer passed his 40th year last Friday. His host of frinds
knowing this arranged for a surprise for him in the evening. Some thirty or forty couples
159
congregated at some friend's house, and bided their time, when they swooped down upon honest
John to his utter amazement and astonishment. The surprise was great, yet Kromer was equal to
the emergency. Of course his faithful spouse was in the secret, for if she had not been the
surprise would have been barren of success. The crowd after happily enjoying themselves served
a good supply of good things, known as refreshments. It was a late hour before the friends began
to "tread their (weary) way homeward."
Volume 12, Number 5, Saturday, December 22, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles A. Shandt, a prominent Democratic politician and a former
City Treasurer of Scranton, died Saturday morning in that city.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The dead body of Mrs. Minnie Ike, aged 19 years, was found in a
thicket near Stroudsburg on Friday. She had been melancholy for some time, and committed
suicide.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Maria Mott Ridgway, wife of Judge Thomas J. Ridgway, of
Lackawaxen, and sister of the late Henry S. Mott, ex-canal commissioner of Pennsylvania, died
at her home in Lackawaxen Monday. She was one of the oldest residents in the Upper Delaware
Valley.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Henry Swoyer, a carpenter employed on the hotel that is now being
constructed at Beaver Meadow, fell from the roof on Friday on his head. The man was picked up
and carried into a house and Dr. Allen was sent for. He was beyond medical assistance however,
and he died on Saturday. He remained unconscious from the time of his fall to his death. His
home was in Berks county, where he has a wife and several children.--Hazleton Plain Speaker
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Hiram Ehrgood and John Walsh, inmates of the Lackawanna
Hospital, Scranton, were suffocated by gas Tuesday night and were found dead in their room
Wednesday morning by one of the attendants.
Resolutions of Condolence.
Whereas, The Almighty, in his infinite wisdom, having crossed the threshold of
Lehighton Council, No. 370, R. A., and removed from our midst our worthy and esteemed
brother, Aaron Laub.
Resolved, That, while we bow in submission too the Divine will, we deeply deplore the
death of our brother, and tender our heartfelt sysmpathy to the family and friends in this the hour
of affliction and sorrow.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the Carbon Advocate and a copy given
to the bereaved family.
O. A. Clauss, C. T. Horn, A. C. Brodhead, Com.
Mahoning Twinklings. Mrs. John Lapp, of Beaver Run, died on Friday. Her body was interred
at St. John's church on Monday.
Lower Towamensing Items. Peter Blose was made happy by his wife presenting him with a girl
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baby.
Lower Towamensing Items. Maurice Bowman was made happy week before last by the
appearance of a little daughter in his family.
Lower Towamensing Items. A sad accident occurred at Lehigh Gap last Wednesday evening, on
the L. & S. R. R.; Stephen Snyder, lock-tender of guard lock, below chain bridge, was run over
and instantly killed by the seven o'clock north bound passenger train. As the water was
withdrawn from the canal, he after supper wanted to inspect the lock, he told his wife he would
soon be back. He cleared the track of a cattle train, and stepped on the other track, and was thus
knocked down and thrown into the water. He had one leg broken and his skull crushed in; he
was picked up and taken to the station at Lehigh Gap where he was recognized as Stephen
Snyder. Two persons immediately went to inform his wife of his sad fate. As they approached
the lock, she was there calling for him, she suspected something had hapened owing to the
stoppage of the train. She was suddenly overwhelmed with grief, which no one can express. his
funeral took place last Saturday.
Volume 12, Number 6, Saturday, December 29, 1883
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Charles H. Derr, of Mauch Chunk, a soldier of the late rebellion
and a member of Chapman Post, died in that borough on Friday evening last, aged 39 years. The
body was taken to Easton for interment on Monday last.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Christmas morning about one o'clock Emanuel Bolich, aged fifty
years, a wealthy farmer and horse dealer, residing at New Media, Columbia county, was found
dead at a hotel at the Lehigh Valley Depot at Mount Carmel, with his forehead and face
frightfully injured. It is the general opinion that he was murdered.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Peggy Gallagher was run over at Tamaqua Tuesday morning on the
Jersey Central Railroad by a north-bound passenger train and fatally injured. She peddled
notions from town to town. She was making her way to some of the mining towns, fell on the
track and, being intoxicated, was unable to get up. Her home, if she has any, is unknown. She
was forty-nine years of age.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. Miss Mary Hoppes, of Bethlehem, daughter of the late George
Hoppes, at one time proprietor of the Mansion House, Mauch Chunk, died in Bethlehem on
Christmas morning. She was shortly to be wedded to a Mr. G. W. Walker.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. David Lowry, a furnaceman in the employ of the Crane Iron
Company for a number of years, met with a sad accident, which resulted in his instant death
Wednesday noon. Lowry was on the top of No. 3 Furnace, and in taking hold of the rope to start
the hoist lost his balance and fell to the bottom, a distance of sixty feet, striking the ore barrows
with his head breaking his neck and fracturing his skull. The Coroner was summoned and a
verdict to the above effect was rendered.--Allentown Daily Critic.
Our Neighborhood in Brief. The wedding of John Gabert, of Upper Mauch Chunk, and Miss
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Carrie Leonard, of Shamokin, was solemnized on Saturday evening, at the residence of the
bride's sister, Mrs. P. Stahl, Upper Mauch Chunk, the Rev. J. Lindenstruth, pastor of the
Lutheran church, performing the ceremony.
Big Creek Items. Mrs. Louis Moyer died last week; the funeral was held on Monday last at the
St. Paul's church.
Big Creek Items. A child of Francis Moyer died last week and was buried in the St. Paul's
cemetery.
Big Creek Items. Mr. Jacob Hottenstein, of Pine Run, was married to Miss Mary Lovett, of
Wild Creek, last week.
Matrimony at Audenried. Christmas day turned out to be a matrimonial field day at St. Patrick's
church here. Mr. Thomas Herron and Miss Mary Ferry both of Yorktown, took a sleigh ride
into double harness; Mr. John Cannon, of Locust Gap, and Miss Bridget Earley, of Beaver
Meadow, joined hands for better or for worse; and Mr. John McHugh, of Ebervale, and Miss
Rose Shields, of Beaver Meadow, vowed to cherish, love and obey for the rest of their natural
lives. Rev. T. J. Marrow, with true clerical celerity, launched them forth into the sea of
expectant bliss whence no bachelor of either sex returneth. The woods around here are full of
similar game, wounded by Cupid's darts, and inspired by belief in the old adage, "Misery loves
company," they are "pairing off" to seek for the balm of Gilead. May the brave and fair
adventurers enjoy a Happy New Year and many returns of--not the occasion so much as the
season.--Plain Speaker.
MARRIED. VAUGHN-DOBBIE--On Tuesday afternoon, December 25, by Rev. J. A. Little, of
Hokendauqua, John Vaughn, of Fern Dale, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and Miss Christina
Dobbie, formerly of Hokendauqua.
Prepared by Tony Bennyhoff, July 7, 2010.
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