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.

Saturday - January 23, 1904

IMPOSTOR ARRESTED

The citizens of our thriving boroughs of Pennsburg and East Greenville, were 
this week again imposed upon by a slick impostor who claimed her home at 
Catasauqua, Lehigh County. This deceiver was a woman and she gave her name as Mary 
RHYNE, at the hearing which she had before Justice of the Peace H.J. SMITH, on 
Wednesday afternoon. The woman spent Tuesday in East Greenville and collected 
$13.00 from the residents of that town. Her excuse for collecting alms was 
that her cousin Joseph KRAUSS, of Rockville, Lehigh county, was made penniless 
several weeks ago, when the house which he lived in, but belonged to a Mr. 
STECKEL, was destroyed by fire. She had a subscription book without a heading and 
in this she had many names of people who gave her money. On Tuesday evening 
she left for Allentown with the last train, evidently well pleased with her 
day's harvest. After a good night's rest at her home she decided to make another 
visit to the thriving Perkiomen Valley boroughs and as a consequence she put on 
a bold face and came to Pennsburg, at half past eleven o'clock, Wednesday 
forenoon, and immediately started to impose on the good graces of its residents. 
Here is where Mrs. RHYNE made her mistake, for when questioned where she lived 
and where the fire occurred she said Rockville, Lehigh County. This fact came 
before Burgess E.J. WIEDER, who had been a citizen of the township, in which 
this Rockville was to be located. He not having heard of such a town in Lehigh 
county, felt as though our citizens were being imposed upon and accordingly 
had the High Constable S.B. KEPLER, locate the woman and bring her before him 
for more information. Constable KEPLER found her in the lower end of the 
borough and took her before the Burgess. He asked her where Rockville was, and she 
said about two and one-half miles back of Macungie. He at once telephoned to 
Macungie, to find out whether a Joseph KRAUSS' house burned down at Rockville. 
They answered that there was no such place in Lehigh county, to their knowledge 
and positively not within twenty miles of Macungie. The woman was then made 
acquainted with this fact and she owned up to the truth. She then said her 
story was false. The Burgess then made a complaint against her for obtaining money 
under false pretense and gave the case into the hands of Squire SMITH. Mrs. 
RHYNE was given a hearing and when questioned as to her reason for doing this, 
she said that they were out of coal and necessaries of life and that she 
thought by concocting this scheme she could collect more money. He held her in $200 
bail for a further hearing on Monday, at his office, at 11 o'clock. She 
claimed she was married and had six children, but when asked what her husband's 
occupation was she said a laborer, but could not say what or for whom he worked. 
The amounts that the woman collected varied from four to fifty cents. From all 
appearances the woman has practiced this same game of deception in other 
sections for she seemed to be an adapt in the business of concocting lies.

FAMOUS BECHTEL CASE STILL ON

The famous BECHTEL murder case at Allentown is still in progress but it is 
expected that it will terminate today, and Mrs. BECHTEL will be acquitted. The 
main feature of the weeks trial was the testimony as to the blood stained 
articles found in the BECHTEL home. The expert testimony for both sides failed to 
make the jury understand the different blood tests.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTS OFFICERS

Grace United Evangelical Sunday School of Powder Valley held election for 
officers for the coming year, which resulted as follows:

Superintendent - A.S. MILLER
Assistant Superintendent - A.Y. MILLER
Treasurer - J.S. KRAUSS
Secretary - O.S. STAHL
Assistant Secretary - Thomas M. KRAUSS
Organist - Miss Elmelda MILLER
Assistant Organist - Sallie SCHOENLY
Chorister - H.C. SCHOENLY

FRACTURED BONE WHILE FEEDING CHICKENS

Mrs. John HUBER, of Kumry, Bucks county, had the misfortune on Saturday of 
fracturing her wrist. She was on her way to feed the chickens when she slipped 
and fell on the ice causing the fracture.

MONEY OR YOUR LIFE

A bold attempt to rob the railroad station at Perkasie was made Tuesday 
night, and it was only through the coolness of the station agent that the scheme 
was frustrated. Station agent George ARN, was attracted to a tapping at the 
window about 2 o'clock, and saw a man at the window who requested that he be 
allowed to enter and get warm. Agent ARN recognized the face as that of a young man 
who was about Perkasie last summer, but could not remember his name, and 
allowed him to enter. Agent ARN then went toward his desk, but was not feeling 
exactly comfortable, when he was accosted by his visitor with the demand to hand 
over all the money or forfeit his life. ARN's uneasiness had put him on his 
guard, and he quickly drew his revolver, which he had in his hand in his pocket, 
and ordered the man to get out. The young man then pitifully begged him to 
let up, as he was only joking, but ARN was determined and made him crawl out of 
the window, as the door was locked. When the unwelcome visitor got out on the 
platform Agent ARN fired his revolver, and it is thought the man was badly 
wounded, as there were blood tracks from the platform and across the railroad 
tracks on Wednesday morning. The railroad authorities were notified and an effort 
will be made to apprehend the would-be robber.

HORSE RUNS AWAY AND WRECKS SLEIGH

Albert SCHWENK, of Schwenksville, while returning home from a sleighing trip 
Sunday evening upset in front of Marple's hotel at Zieglerville and the 
occupants were thrown out of the sleigh. The horse ran away, hitting a hitching post 
in front of Dr. FAUST's residence in Zieglerville, when he split the cutter 
in two. He then ran as far as E.S. RENNINGER's place in the lower end of the 
town where he was caught. The occupants escaped unhurt but the sleigh was a 
total wreck. The team belonged to Spang's Livery at Schwenksville.

REV. ELMER BOYER ORDAINED BY CHICAGO SYNOD

Rev. Elmer D.S. BOYER, formerly of Vera Cruz, Lehigh county, who since last 
October took a post-graduate course in the Lutheran Theological Seminary at 
Chicago, was this week ordained for the Gospel Ministry by the Chicago Synod. The 
Mission Board appointed him as pastor of a Lutheran church in Lafayette, 
Indiana, which he has supplied so acceptably since he went west. Mr. BOYER's many 
friends in the East will rejoice with him in the success so well deserved.

SCHOOL TEACHER WAS HELD UP

Howard HARTZELL, of Sumneytown, principal of the Gratersford schools, was 
held up by two men when he left the school house on Thursday evening. They 
demanded his money but he pulled a bunch of keys from his pocket and threatened to 
fill them with lead and they fled.

BOILER AND ENGINE AT GOLD MINE

Calvin REED, of near Sumneytown, purchased a boiler and engine which he wants 
to use at his gold mine. This week H.A. KRIEBEL hauled them from Bally to the 
mines back of Sumneytown. Mr. REED thinks he will be better equipped now to 
reach the ore sooner than by the old process of mining.

THIEF FLED WITH BAG OF CHICKENS

Captured at the point of a revolver by Edward WALTERS, and with a bag full of 
chickens that he had stolen from the premises of Alien WICK, of Pottstown, a 
thief made his escape on Wednesday night while being taken to the station 
house.

BAR ASSOCIATION ELECTS OFFICERS

In the reorganization of the Montgomery County Bar Association James BOYD was 
elected president, and all the other former officers were continued except 
J.P. KNIPE, who declined to continue as treasurer, and George BRECHT became his 
successor.

ENTERED COLLEGE AT MECHANICSBURG

Miss Katie SHELLY, of Milford Square, left for Mechanicsburg, Cumberland 
County, Penna., where she entered Irving College. She will also take a course in 
music at the Conservatory of Music at that place.

PENNSBURG WOMAN A PRIVATE NURSE

Miss Ada V. WAAGE, formerly of this borough, now a private nurse in 
Philadelphia, is at present engaged in Germantown at the WISTER Mansion, which is of 
historical fame. This old Mansion figured prominently in the Revolutionary War. 
The British generals had their headquarters in this house, which has not been 
changed of any account since. Blood stains can still be seen in the floor. A 
prominent British general was brought to the house wounded and died in the 
parlor, during the battle of Germantown.

ANOTHER BUTCHER FOR PENNSBURG

Harry BREY, of Pennsburg, who recently purchased the real estate formerly 
owned by butcher E.K. SCHANKEL, will start the butchering business. He, this 
week, made preparations and on Monday will make his first trip through our 
boroughs. He will be assisted by Edwin KULP, of Pennsburg.

OLDEST SURVIVING STAGE DRIVER OF THE PERKIOMEN VALLEY

Daniel KEHS (picture), of Hereford, Berks County, is one of the oldest living 
stage drivers in this section.

COLORED WAITER DROPS DEAD

William H. THOMPSON, a waiter at the American Hotel, Allentown, was stricken 
with heart disease in Gehringer's saloon, in that city on Wednesday afternoon, 
and in a few minutes was a corpse. He had taken a seat in the waiting room 
and suddenly was noticed to throw his head back and gasp. He was placed in a 
more comfortable position and in a few moments was dead. The Coroner was notified 
but he deemed an inquest unnecessary.

ANOTHER WEATHER PROPHET AT VERA CRUZ

Charles H. SMITH, of Vera Cruz, Lehigh county, a unique young Lehigh county 
weather prognosticator says that as the brown or "burr caterpillar" (known as 
the Yankee Weather Prophet) has a longer yellow strip than usual between its 
two black extremities, the weather will continue cold all winter with possibly a 
few slight breaks. There will also be occasional furious gales with either 
snow or rain.

UPSET MILK INTO SNOW DRIFT

Henry F. GODSHALL, a farmer residing near Telford, on Sunday morning upset 
while taking his milk to the depot at Telford on a sleigh. One can containing 
about twenty-five quarts of the lacteal fluid was spilled. The staying on of the 
lids on the rest of the cans saved those from the same fate.

WOMAN STRICKEN BLIND

Suddenly, without a moment's warning, stricken totally blind, with but little 
hope of ever being able to see again, is the misfortune which has befallen 
Mrs. Frank FELTON, of Bridgeport. Sitting at the dinner table at her home, 
entertaining guests, and reading a paper, Mrs. Frank FELTON was suddenly overcome 
by a dimness of sight which horrified her. Dropping the paper she arose, placed 
her hands over her eyes in bewilderment exclaiming. "Something is the matter; 
I can't see!" A physician was summoned, who was unable at first to recount 
for the sudden loss of sight. Later the situation was attributed to a 
contraction of the optic nerve, following the rupture of a blood vessel. Mrs. FELTON, 
who is a prepossessing woman of 35 years, is distracted by her affliction.

STARTED ON AN EXTENDED TRIP

Frank DAUB, a traveling salesman of Boston, Mass., with his wife and son 
visited her parents, at Delphi. He left on an extended tour through the south and 
west and will probably go as far west as California on this trip. He went to 
Allentown on Wednesday, where he took the Black Diamond express for Buffalo 
where he will stop until Sunday then he will go to Chicago, Ill., thence to New 
Orleans, La., and through the southern states. He is traveling for a maple 
syrup house of Boston, Mass., and only stops at the larger cities. He expects to 
return from his trip about March. Meanwhile his wife will stay with her 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. John MILLER, of Delphi.

READING PASTOR WINS SUIT IN COURT

After three days' trial, Judge ENDLICH, of Berks county, on Wednesday 
afternoon ordered a verdict in favor of Rev. Dr. Samuel R. BRIDENBAUGH, of Reading, 
in the suit against him to set aside the will of Mrs. Seraphine DISSLER, who 
before her death transferred to him $13,000 in bank stock and real estate, made 
him a beneficiary in the will and executor. The contestants were the nephews 
and nieces, who alleged undue influence. He is pastor of Second Reformed 
church, of which President George F. BAER is a member.

REV. RITTER ELECTED PASTOR OF ST. MARKS

Rev. I.B. RITTER, of Emaus, was on Sunday elected as pastor of the St. Marks 
Lutheran congregation of Pennsburg by a vote of 57 for, and 4 against. The 
preceeding Sunday he was also elected as pastor of the St. John's Lutheran 
congregation near Spinnerstown by a vote of 49 for, and 22 against. These two 
congregation constitute a charge. A call by the congregations was extended to Rev. 
RITTER, but up to this time he has not said whether he will accept it or not.

CHILD SCALDED WITH HOT WATER

William, the five year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose HUBER, of Niantic, was 
painfully scalded on Monday. His mother was engaged in washing and the boy 
was playing near by when she carried a bucket of boiling water the little tot 
accidentally ran against it, causing the contents to be splashed on his face and 
arm. Dr. Curtis HEFFNER, of Sassamansville, was summoned who relieved the 
child of its sufferings.

LITTLE GIRL COASTED INTO BARBED WIRE FENCE

While coasting on Saturday evening, little May ROSENBERRY, daughter of W.C. 
ROSENBERRY, of Skippack, ran into a wire fence, breaking out three teeth, 
cutting the chin, and bruising the face otherwise. Dr. HUNSBERGER was called who 
dressed the wound.

LITTLE GIRL MAIMED IN ACCIDENT

With her limbs broken, and bruised and cut in face and body, 15-year-old 
Florence DEWALT, of Bethlehem, was carried to her widowed mother's home having 
been injured in a coasting accident. She may be crippled for life.

FRACTURED JAWBONE

Jonas DISE, a farmer residing near Delphi, met with a serious fall on 
Saturday evening while attending to his duties about the barn. He was about finished 
with his work when he slipped on the ice near the pump and fell. He sustained 
serious injuries about his head and upper part of his body. The striking of 
his head rendered him unconscious for a brief space of time. When he recovered 
consciousness he walked to the house and informed the family of his accident. A 
doctor was hastily summoned who found Mr. DISE suffering intense pain from 
his injuries. Closer examination revealed the fact that his lower jawbone was 
fractured, one of his shoulders so badly bruised that he was unable to move his 
arm, besides a bump on his head the size of a goose egg. The physician dressed 
his injuries and placed the man in as comfortable a condition as 
circumstances would permit.

OWNS 128 YEAR OLD BOTTLE

John RENNINGER, of Powder Valley, has in his possession a bottle 128 years 
old. The bottle was made by the Kensington glass works of Philadelphia and bears 
the date July 4, 1776, and besides the date there is the picture of General 
Washington and the American Eagle with its arrows and "E Pluribus Unum," and 
the names of Adams and Jefferson. The bottle is of a beautiful design and Mr. 
RENNINGER prizes it very highly.

SICK HORSE HAD TO BE KILLED

A horse belonging to James SNYDER, of Argus, was found sick in his stall on 
Sunday morning. The veterinary surgeon who was called pronounced it a case of 
cerebro-spinal meningitis and incurable. To relieve the animal of its 
sufferings it was killed on Tuesday.

VOICE CULTURE TEACHER INDISPOSED BY COLD

Mrs. C.B. WEIRICH who teaches voice culture at Perkiomen Seminary was unable 
to meet her students this week, on account of severe cold. She is considerably 
improved and will no doubt be able to meet her classes by Monday.

STABLE OF CATTLE TESTED

Dr. Jesse Z. HILLEGASS, of Red Hill, this week tested the cattle in the 
stables of William WOLFORD, of near Woxall. He found the entire herd all right with 
the exception of one cow and she died the same day the test was made.

HOTEL AT BALLY SOLD

David B. CLEMMER, of the Union House, Bally, this week sold the property to 
James MILLER. The sale was a private one. Mr. MILLER will take possession as 
soon as the license can be transferred.

WOMAN FELL ON ICE AND BROKE ARM

Mrs. John HUBER, of Finland, met with an accident while walking through her 
yard in which she broke her arm. She slipped on some ice which caused her to fall.

HOPPENVILLE MAN SOLD PHILADELPHIA HOTEL

W.L. PATTERSON, of Hoppenville, who owned a hotel in Philadelphia, this week 
sold it. He will now retire and spend his time on his farm at Hoppenville.

WERE GRANTED A MARRIAGE LICENSE

Harvey F. STAHLER, of Vera Cruz, was this week granted a license to wed Miss 
Amanda G. SCHULTZ, of Hosensack.

DOG TAKES CHARGE OF ROBBER

As a robber was attempting to enter the residence of Uriah CASSEL, in 
Bridgeport, on Monday night, he was pounced upon by the watch dog. The animal jumped 
on the robber's back, and a fierce fight ensued between man and beast, 
witnessed by a member of the family, who was disturbed from sleep by the noise. There 
was a trail of human blood from the house to the roadway the next morning.

Town and County Main Page

Use of information is for Personal Genealogical purposes only. 
Commercial publication of any such information is prohibited.
All text and images are copyright by said contributors.

Return to the Bucks County PaGenWeb Main Page or use your Back Button