Town and Country Newspaper
Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA

These have been posted to the Pabucks mailing list by Deborah Hollowbush with permission to include on the Bucks Co Site. Many of these posting include people from the Bucks County area.

Ref: Town and Country

Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA

Saturday - April 16, 1904

FOOLISH WOMEN DUPED 

A clairvoyant giving her name as Madame BUCKLEN, who held forth in apartments at Ninth and Court Streets, Allentown, fleeced some dozens of women out of several thousand dollars worth of valuables and skipped. Her success is a sad commentary on the gullibility of women. It is said, at any rate, that Allentown is a good field for fortune tellers, as a great many women and some men are good customers. Madame BUCKLEN was the smartest of her ilk that ever blew into Allentown. She was good-looking and such a smooth talker. She let know her presence by means of invitations mailed to the ladies. She wasn't like those vulgar gypsies who take your hand and your coin right off and rattle off something nice about your future. She was dignified and delierate and didn't grab at quarters and halves. She never told fortunes right off; that wasn't the way to do, she explained. Her callers were advised to come at some date agreed upon, dressed in their best - silks, jewelry and all. Coming like a bride to the altar was the way to approach a clairvoyant, the madame said. The effect of it was to bring around the man wanted as a husband by the lady seeking to have her fortune told. Madame BUCKLEN wouldn't even then tell fortunes. She got her customers to deposit their jewelry with her. The jewelry she dusted with "love powder" - talc probably - and told the ladies to come around in a week or two after the charm had developed. When they came to have their fortunes told after these elaborate preliminaries they were invariably told that the charm hadn't worked yet. Some waited patiently others got suspicious. Among the madame's callers last Thursday were her sisters Lou and Retta, aged 20 and 16 respectively, of Red Hill. While they were there two young woman called who had left valuable worth a considerable amount, one a watch and the other a diamond ring. The young women got the old story that the charm hadn't worked, whereupon they demanded their valuable and a fuss ensued. Not getting their jewelry the young women reported to police headquarters. Several officers hurried out to arrest the clairvoyant, but by the time they got to the house she and her sisters had fled. The sisters were arrested at the Terminal station as they were about to take a train for Red Hill. They had a grip containing several hundred dollars worth of the valuables out of which the madame had swindled her dupes. In default of bail the sisters were committed to jail. They protested innocence, but sent several mysterious telegrams. The madame has not yet been apprehended. Chief EASTMAN, with three others visited the BUCKLEN home at Hoppenville, on Friday morning. They searched the house but failed to find Madame BUCKLEN. Sarah BUCKLEN, aged 72 years, the mother of the three girls, was arrested and taken to Allentown. Two charges were brought against the woman, that of receiving stolen goods and that of false pretense. The madame gave her name as REYNOLDS while operating in Allentown. The mother and daughters were placed in prison and on Monday were given a hearing there. The prisoners were represented by Hon. Harry G. STILES. The hearing was held by Alderman E.F. BERKEMEYER. The prisoners entered bail in the sum of $1200 furnished by Dr. Jesse HILLEGASS for a further hearing on April 21, on the charge of receiving stolen goods preferred by Chief EASTMAN. Upon the charge of false pretense preferred by Detective John F. HAINES, the prisoners were held under $1500 bail by Alderman FRY for a hearing on the same day at 2.30 o'clock in the afternoon. Under the charges brought by Detective HAINES they are held under the names of Madame, Jennie and Emily REYNOLDS. Under the latter charge they were held under $1500 bail which was also furnished by Dr. HILLEGASS. The prisoners left for Red Hill on the 9.45 Perkiomen Train on Wednesday morning. The BUCKLEN family purchased the CLAWSON farm near Hoppenville, several years ago and have been engaged in the horse business. During the summer months they roam through the county on the gypsy style, buy and trade horses wherever they can. 

COST OF MAINTAINING INSANE PATIENT 

The cost of maintaining each patient at the State Asylum for the Chronic Insane at Wernersville is $2.96 a week. 

ENGAGING SNAP SHOTS 

George FOLK, of near Rahn's station, visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin FOLK, of this borough on Saturday. Mr. FOLK is compelled to use crutches to get along on account of a sore leg. Clayton H. FRYER, of this borough, made a business trip to Philadelphia on Monday. Charles SCHOLL, of this borough, spent Monday in Philadelphia. N.B. KEELY and Oswin KLINE, of East Greenville, represented that borough at the Democratic County Convention on Tuesday. George FOLK, of this borough, is having a frame addition built to the rear of his house. Dr. W.H. HUNSBERGER, of this borough, made a business trip to Philadelphia on Monday. C.A. KNEULE, Sylvester ADAMS and Leo SECHLER represented Pennsburg borough at the Democratic County Convention at Norristown on Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Thos. E. MARSTELLER, of this borough on Saturday and Sunday visited relatives and friends at Egypt, Lehigh County. Eugene BISCHOFF, of Harrisburg, a former compositor in this office spent Sunday and Monday with friends in this borough. William J. SCHAEFFER, of this borough, on Wednesday moved to Royersford where he secured a position as clerk in a grocery store. Charles DIMMIG, D.J. SNYDER, Wm. MOLL, John HARING, all of Upper Hanover represented the township at the Democratic County Convention on Tuesday. Rev. William GOTTSHALL, of Schwenksville, spent several days in these boroughs this week. E.W. SCHOLL, of this borough, made a business trip to Philadelphia Thursday. A.G. CASSELBERRY, of Reading, Assistant Superintendent of the International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, made a business trip to these boroughs this week. The school has quite a number of students throughout this section. Frank DELONG, of East Greenville, was the lucky one to get the suit this week in the Focht, Oberly & Co. suit club, of Allentown. Mrs. A.E. KURTZ and Mrs. Charles DIMMIG, of East Greenville, spent Wednesday at Allentown. John U. HENDRICKS, proprietor of the Perkiomen Hotel, Schwenksville, was one of the appraisers of the stock at the Eagle Hotel. The appraisement was made this week. Alvin MOLL, of this borough, on Tuesday moved to Green Lane. He expects to open a barber shop in that town. 

HOLLAND SECURES A PLUM 

President ROOSEVELT on Wednesday decided to appoint United States District Attorney James B. HOLLAND to the additional United States Judgeship of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He has held his present office since July, 1900. He is a resident of Conshohocken and has been the chief leader of the Montgomery County Republicans since 1857. HOLLAND's first assistant, J. Whittaker THOMPSON, will act as District Attorney until a successor shall be appointed. State Senator John C. GRADY is mentioned for the District Attorneyship. 

WILL VOTE FOR A PASTOR 

The St. Mark's Lutheran congregation of Pennsburg, will on Sunday April 24th vote for a pastor. Rev. KISTLER, of Athol, will be extended a call in case the election should prove favorable. The election will be held immediately after the regular church services. 

DEATH WATCH IS AN EXPENSIVE ONE 

Berks county is paying $100 a month to two watchmen who watch Mrs. John EDWARDS and Samuel GREASON who have been convicted of the murder of John EDWARDS. The watch has cost the county over $4800 already. 

THIEVES STAY TO MILK THE COWS 

Not satisfied with securing immense lots of poultry grain and feed in a raid on the farm of Samuel L. KREIDER, of near Lebanon, daring thieves milked five of his cows and got away with 70 quarts of milk. 

150 CHICKS FROM 165 EGGS 

Frank HOFFMAN, a successful poultry man, of near Macungie, got 150 nice chicks from an incubator holding 165 eggs. This percentage is very seldom made.

TWO FAITHFUL AND INDUSTRIOUS YOUNG PEOPLE OF BERKS COUNTY 

A recent visit to the Bally pantaloon factory in the north eastern part of the thriving village of Bally, proved a surprise in many respects. The industry is located in a commodious two story building, heated by steam and lit by electricity. Three years ago George W. MELCHER, determined to open a factory at this place, and started the industry with ten hands under the superintendence of G. GREENBERG, of Philadelphia. The business has grown to such an extend that there are 64 persons employed in the factory and in addition to this, work is furnished to about 50 families. The factory proper is divided into two departments. The first floor is devoted to the fitting up of the work and placing into readiness for the machines, sewing on buttons, cleaning and examining work, and sending work to the families of the neighborhood. This floor is in charge of Mr. MELCHER's son, Charles (picture), who is not yet fifteen years of age. Charles, although young, shows a remarkable degree of executive ability in taking care of his department. He has entire charge of all the work from the time it comes from the machines till it is ready for pressing and examining. On a recent busy day this young captain of industry fitted up and sent out 532 pair of trousers, in addition to the other duties of his department. The second floor is devoted to machine work and basting. On this floor are to be found 36 machines of the latest improved patterns, including such noted manufactures as the Wheeler & Wilson and Singer stitching machines and Union Special, Zig Zag, Philadelphia, and Reece button hole machines. This department is in charge of Bertha (picture), the seventeen year old daughter of Mr. MELCHER. This factory claims the proud distinction of having the youngest and most industrious foreman and forelady in the eastern part of the State, if not in entire Pennsylvania. The factory building was entirely remodeled and very much improved during last summer and everything is conveniently arranged to make the amount of work with which it is constantly supplied by the well known firm of N.B. KIRSHBAUM, Philadelphia tailors. The employes present a cheerful, industrious and happy appearance and are all experts in their particular lines of work. Nearly all are paid by the piece and all of the employees make very fair wages. 

BOYS STEAL CHICKENS 

The sending of young James SLOUGH, of Norristown, to the House of Refuge revealed a gang of youthful bandits, his followers, whose specialty was chicken thievery. On Monday Burgess BEAN, of Norristown, gave Raymond ELLIOTT, 15 years old; Harry SCHRECK, 14 years; Edward DAVIS, 15 years; Raymond ECKHART, 14, and Isaac ECKERT, 13, a hearing, at the conclusion of which he held them all in heavy bail for court. It was testified that they worked in unison and heavily armed. They had planned as a warning cry: "Sheepy Run," which is the name of a game. They hoped to avoid detection by pretending to be playing this game. 

HOUSE NARROWLY ESCAPED DESTRUCTION 

The home of John BARNDT, of Argus, was found to be on fire on Tuesday, and was saved by the neighbors after considerable difficulty. Shortly after dinner Mrs. BARNDT detected the smell of smoke and after a search she found that the stove pipe and woodwork around it were burning. As she and the baby were alone in the house, she hurriedly ran to her neighbors for assistance. They quickly responded and with buckets of water extinguished the flames ere much damage was done. 

AGED PIANO TUNER A GOOD PEDESTRIAN 

Herr SCHMELTZER, of Scranton, an old piano tuner who has been tuning pianos at Schwenksville and around the vicinity of Delphi for the last 29 years, made his yearly calls again this week. He is now 77 years of age and walked from Coopersburg to East Greenville on Tuesday and from there to Schwenksville on Wednesday, a distance of about fourteen miles each day. He is hale and hearty and expects to come around again about the middle of next month. 

PURCHASED PENNSBURG BARBERSHOP 

Herbert KNEULE, of Pennsburg, this week purchased his father's, Charles A. KNEULE's barber shop. He has assisted his father in the business for the past year. Mr. KNEULE, Jr. has engaged the services of Wilford TARTRE, of Philadelphia, an experienced tonsorial artist who will assist him as soon as he takes full possession, which will be about May 2. 

SOLD A PENNSBURG PROPERTY 

J.S. RENNINGER, of Hillegass, this week sold the double dwelling house on Seminary street Pennsburg, to Harvey RAUDENBUSH of this borough. The price paid has not been made know. 

JANITOR HUNG HIMSELF 

William B. THOMAS, school janitor, aged 56 years, of Jenkintown, who has been missing from his home for one week, was found last Friday evening, dead, in the belfry of the public school building. He had committed suicide by hanging from the rafters in the bell tower. Since Saturday William THOMAS, a son has been doing the work about the school. After one week had elapsed he became suspicious as to the truth, and, climbing up into the dark tower, found the body of his father dangling from the rafters. THOMAS is survived by a widow and three sons. While children played, sang, studied and recited in the building the aged man's body had dangled from the rope in the attic above the school. 

F.K. WALT SEES UNUSUAL SIGHTS 

In a letter to Town and Country F.K. WALT, of Reading, a former resident of Pennsburg says that on Wednesday he was at Danfield, Pa. and there they had a snow storm of six inches. The next day he came through Lancaster and there saw farmers ploughing while the ground was covered with an inch of snow. He thinks this was the poor man's fertilizer. 

EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT IN PENNSBURG 

Martin SCHWEITZER, of Norristown, Local Manager of the International Corresponce Schools of Scranton, will hold an educational exhibition for ten days in Gilbert & Hevener's store, this borough. They extend a special invitation to all ambitious people to view this grand display and inquire into methods. John C. STANLEY is Mr. SCHWEITZER's clerk, and will have charge of the exhibit. 

A BUSY SIGN PAINTER 

J.S. RENNINGER, the artist and sign painter, of Hillegass, is very busy at this season of the year. During the past week he lettered two wagons for the Sweinhart & Heimbach Ice Co., of East Greenville, one for butcher E. WEISS, of East Greenville, and two for butcher J.K. SAYLOR, of Pennsburg. He also lettered a sign board for J.M. MILLER, proprietor of the Union House, Bally.

BASS TO GO TO FAIR 

A bass, believed to be the largest ever caught in toe inland waters of Pennsylvania, was sent this week to the State Building of the St. Louis Exposition. Dr. L.T. TRUMBOWER, of Norristown, caught the bass in the Perkiomen creek on September 2, of last year, using a catfish as a bait. It measures twenty-four and a half inches in length seventeen and a half inches in circumference back of the first fin and weighed six pounds and six ounces. Reese P. BALDWIN, of Lower Providence township, who was crossing Perkiomen bridge at the time, aided him in landing the bass. Dr. TRUMBOWER, in order to establish the veracity of his fish story, reported its size and weight to State Fish Commissioner MEEHAN. At Mr. MEEHAN's suggestion Dr. TRUMBOWER had it mounted on a plaque and sent to St. Louis. Commissioner MEEHAN says that it is the largest bass ever caught in the State according to the records of his department. 

LECTURE ON RADIUM AT THE SEMINARY 

The scientific lecture on radium will be held in the Seminary Chapel on Friday evening, April 22. Prof. KRIEBLE secured the lecturer William J. HAMMER under some difficulty and there is no doubt that the friends of the school will support his efforts. Radium truly is "the modern miracle" and the school and community can feel it a treat for having so rare a lecture close at hand. Mr. HAMMER will have exhibitions on the stage so that the eye as well as the ear will be attached. He will bring out by lantern slides and illustrations the practical and commercial use of the mystery, radium. Radium costs almost $3,000,000. Mr. HAMMER has more of the substance than any other man in the country. 

PURCHASED A NEWSPAPER PLANT 

Abel PRICE and H.D. HILDEBRAND, both of Harleysville, this week purchased the Harleysville News, from Isaiah R. HALDEMAN. The firm will be known as Price and Hildebrand and will continue to publish an up-to-date newspaper. The new firm is composed of two young, energetic and enterprising gentlemen and there is not doubt but that they will meet with success. Mr. HALDEMAN will engage in other work. 

BRIDE LEFT HUSBAND THE NEXT DAY 

Mrs. Amelia A. HARRIS, of Reading, instituted divorce suit against her husband, George HARRIS, who she alleges, is an actor, whom she married at Millville, N.J., in June, 1900. In her affidavit she declares that on the morning following the wedding she returned to Reading, and since then has seen her husband but twice when he visited her for a few hours. 

INSTALLED NEW SYSTEM OF DELIVERING MILK 

James TAGERT, Jr., of near East Greenville, the new milkman who started a route through these boroughs a few weeks ago has started the system of delivering milk in city style. He carries the lacteal fluid in bottles and serves it to the door. Many of the housewives are pleased with this system as it saves them the trouble of running out on the street with the pitcher. 

WAS APPOINTED AS RESIDENT PHYSICIAN 

Through a competitive examination among a number of applicants, Fred O. WAAGE, of Pennsburg, succeeded in getting the appointment as resident physician at the Methodist Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. He will graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in June. He is a son of Rev. and Mrs. O.F. WAAGE. 

SUPERINTENDENT YUNDT RESIGNS 

At the quarterly meeting of the Board of Managers of Bethany Orphans' Home, Womelsdorf, last Friday with Rev. Dr. Benj. BAUSMAN in the chair, Rev. Thomas M. YUNDT, the superintendent for the past eighteen years, tendered his resignation. The resignation was reluctantly accepted. He will serve until his successor is appointed. Rev. YUNDT will return to the pulpit. 

HORSE KICKS AND FRACTURES MAN'S ARM 

Charles HARING, of Hillegass, met with an accident on Monday afternoon while he and his brother John were driving to Pennsburg with a four horse team. One of the rear horses kicked and struck Mr. HARING on the left arm fracturing that member above the wrist. Dr. John G. HERSH, of East Greenville, was summoned who reduced the fracture. 

MONEY AND VALUABLES IN FIRE 

Over 100 acres of woodland at Shillington, Berks county, belonging to John WEIDNER, caught fire from burning brush. The flames spread, and many farm houses were threatened. Joseph ZINTZ, one of the fire brigade, took off his coat and vest and lay them on the ground. He forgot about them, and when he returned they were consumed together with a wallet containing a large sum of money in notes, valuable papers and his watch. 

SOMEBODY ROBBED ANIMALS' RACKS 

Alleging that persons in his employ had surreptiously removed hay from the racks of his six horses and 23 cows, until they became so lean he had to sell them at a sacrifice, John SPATZ, of Upper Tulpehocken, Berks County, has entered suit for damages against his neighbor, John BOLTZ. 

LEFT JOB ON BATTLESHIP MAINE 

Watson S. HERSH, of Plover, who has been serving on the battleship Maine for some time, left the boat at Pensacolo, Florida, and returned to his parents home at Plover. He was compelled to quit work on the boat on account of being afflicted with rheumatism. 

BURGLARS ENTER STORE THROUGH BRICK WALL 

The general store of SCHUBERT & FEGLEY, Longswamp, was robbed one night last week of over $500 worth of goods. The place was fully equipped with burglar alarms, but the thieves broke through a brick wall and took the goods out that way. 

A SUICIDE ON HIS SECOND ATTEMPT 

Widely known as a pharmacist, and until recently conducting a drug store at Bethlehem, John HORNING succeeded in ending his life on Tuesday night in the second attempt at suicide within ten hours, when he disemboweled himself with a butcher knife. 

ASSUMED CHARGE OF DILLINGERSVILLE HOTEL 

Herbert KERN, of West Coplay, has assumed the management of the Dillingersville hotel property, recently vacated by John M. HUNSBERGER, who moved to the Old Zionsville hotel. 

PUBLIC BEQUESTS 

By the will of James LLOYD, of Lansdale, $1000 is bequeathed to the trustees of the Lutheran Church of the borough of Lansdale, to be used for church purposes, and $1000 to the trustees of Christ Lutheran Church, Towamencin. 

LOANED PORTRAIT OF FIRST JUDGE OF COUNTY 

A portrait of F.A. MUHLENBERG, the first Judge of Montgomery, will be used for decoration purposes at the dedication of the new Court House at Norristown next month. The picture has been loaned for the occasion. 

NO ONE WANTED THE POST OFFICE 

Because no one wants the post office at Dillinger's, Lehigh County, it has been discontinued. E.L. HIGH, who has been the postmaster for fifteen years, recently resigned. 

ENTERED COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 

Mirian DYSON, of Red Hill, on Monday entered Schissler's College of Business, at Norristown, where she expects to take a business course.

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