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 -
DEATH OF WM. M. GEARY
In the death of William M. GEARY, the
superintendent of Blockley Insane
Asylum in
the
added lustre to its name but who always was
proud to refer to the Upper End as
his birthplace. Mr. GEARY, who was a member
of the Perkiomen family of GERY's
that has lived in the valley since before
the Revolutionary war, died in the
Episcopal Hospital in
26. Born on
lived in
father was a poor farmer. He was given
thirteen weeks' study in the Bucks
but 11 years old, took sides with the
Abolitionists. His parents were
pro-slavery, and the boy had to leave home
when he was 14 years old. He obtained
employment with Adam FREES, a farmer, at
Wissahickon Station, on the
Railroad. He resumed his studies under Mrs.
FREES, and for the two years he was
there he devoted himself to cultivating his
mind. Several times he attempted to
enlist, but his father, whose sympathies
were with the South, had him
discharged on the plea that he was a minor.
Before he reached his majority, he became
a brakeman on the North Penn railroad and,
in successive stages, rose to the
position of master of transportation. After
successfully holding that job
until 1892 he accepted the superintendency
of the
York Railroad, retaining it until January
1896 when, having been elected Recorder
of Deeds, of
political office of importance, though he
had been elected in 1889 to the City
Common Council and re-elected for several
successive terms. During the greater
part of his residence in
state politics and for nearly twenty-five
years was the Republican leader in
the nineteeth ward. In 1892 he was elected
president of the Anti-Cobden Club
which was a power in its time. After his
term of Register of Wills expired, Mr.
GEARY was appointed to the superintendency
of Blockley and was most successful.
He was compelled to resign a few years ago
on account of ill health. In March
1865, he married Miss L.A. KELLER, of
Sellersville. He was a member of the
New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church and a Knight Templar.
HEN HAS A RECORD OF LAYING LARGE EGGS
J.W. BUTZ, the feed dealer, at Palm, has a
hen which during last week laid
three eggs of the follwoing sizes: six and
three-fourths by seven and one-half
inches; six and one-half by seven and
one-half inches and seven and one-half by
eight and three-fourth inches.
OFFERED HER CHILD AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
The Quakertown Times says that at a public
sale at Zion Hill, last week, a
young woman from
either at public or private sale. She had no
offers upon either condition.
DONATED $100 TOWARDS A CHURCH ORGAN
The well known cigar manufacuring firm, of
Otto EISENLOHR and Bros., of
help pay the new church organ. One thousand
dollars will be paid by Andrew
CARNEGIE.
PERKASIE WOMAN HANGS HERSELF WITH BED SHEET
Mrs. Oliver CURTIS, of
with a sheet from the rafters of the house.
The third floor of the house being
too low to hang in, the woman utilized the
garret stairs. When the body was
discovered life was not yet extinct, but she
died soon afterward. This was her
second attempt at suicide. The day preceding
she had swallowed a lot of
landanum, but evidently took an overdose.
She remarked to some one that "This will
never do," and that she would finish
this thing up soon. The reason for the
suicide is not known, but is supposed to
have been caused by the financial
troubles of her husband. She was the wife of
Oliver CURTIS, who is employed as
bartender at the Trio House, Perkasie. The
couple only moved to Perkasie a few weeks
ago from New Galena, where they kept hotel,
until the Sheriff seized the
property. The woman was about 35 years old
and weighed about 200 pounds. The
family consisted of the husband, wife and
two children.
INJURED HORSE KILLED BY INSURANCE COMPANY
The horse belonging to Isaac HUBER, of New
Hanover, that was injured in the
runaway from the Town and Country office at
Pennsburg, several weeks ago was on
Sunday killed. The animal was stabled at
Haring's Hotel and in spite of the
careful veterinary attendance lockjaw
developed. The President of the insurance
company was notified of the condition and
after looking at the animal he
ordered it killed.
LANDLORD ENTERTAINS HIS NEIGHBORS AT DINNER
Nathan LEESER, the new landlord at the Palm
Hotel, extended an invitation to
his neighbors to take dinner with him on
Ascension Day. The invitation was
accepted by the neighbors and between forty
and fifty partook of the bounteous
collation which he had prepared. A general
good time was spent and the treat was
appreciated by all.
HOUSE WAS SAVED BY NEIGHBORS
The dwelling house of Adam BIERLY, of
Tylersport, narrowly escaped from being
burned down on Tuesday morning. But with the
aid of the neighbors the fire
was brought under control. A defective flue
was supposed to have been the cause
TEAMS COLLIDE IN
The teams of David HELMORE, of
collided on
was injured and only a few spokes were
broken out of the buggy of Dr. GERY.
WILL SPEND THE SUMMER IN
Mr. and Mrs. Hermann S. ROTH and daughter
Lizzie, of Pennsburg, will spend
the summer in
APPOINTED CONSTABLE OF
Samuel K. SLONAKER, of Perkiomenville, has
been appointed constable of
ENGAGING SNAP SHOTS
George GARR, of Pennsburg, on Tuesday moved from that town to East Greenville.
Harvey HAUCK, of this borough, on Tuesday moved to Pottstown where he has secured work.
William BREY, of this borough, left on Monday for Gettsburg where he attended
the Convocation of the Grant Commandery of the Knights of Malta. He represented the Perkiomen Commandery No. 338.
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver ERB, of Boyertown, spent Sunday with the formers parents Mr. and Mrs. Samuel ERB, of this borough.
John FREDERICK and daughter, of Allentown, formerly of Pennsburg, visited friends here on Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob B. HILLEGASS, of Norristown, spent Saturday and Sunday
with the formers parents Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. HILLEGASS, of this borough.
One of Liveryman John F. WEYAND's horses died on Monday.
Rev. W.U. KISTLER, of Athol, spent Monday, in this borough. The reverend
gentleman recently had a call extended him by the St. Marks Lutheran, of this town
and the St. John's Lutheran Churches, of near Spinnerstown.
Misses Ada and Naomi HUNSBERGER, of Blandon, Berks County, spent the week
with the family of their brother Dr. W.H. HUNSBERGER, of this borough.
F.D. SHOMO, a contractor, of Philadelphia spent Saturday and Sunday with the
family of William B. DIEHL, of this borough.
John M. KUHN, proprietor, of the Telford Hotel and Irvin EDELMAN, both, of
Telford, visited friends in this borough on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. John SCHULER and Mr. and Mrs. Horace SCHANTZ, of Vera Cruz, on
Sunday visited the family, of merchant J.S. HOTTLE, of this borough.
Rev. G.W. LUTZ, the newly elected pastor of the Pennsburg Reformed church
will preach at that church tomorrow forenoon at 9.30 o'clock and in the evening at 7 o'clock.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank MOYER, of Spinnerstown and Mr. and Mrs. Irvin MOYER, of
Quakertown, visited the family of Horace S. MOYER, of this borough.
Daniel KRAUSE, of East Greenville, has accepted the position as bar clerk at
the Pennsburg Hotel. He will enter upon his duties next week. He at present has a similar position at the Globe Hotel.
Henry B. FREED, of Souderton, a candidate for County Treasurer at the
Republican Convention on June 28, accompanied by Assemblyman Josiah M. LANDIS, of
Franconia, visited their friends in these boroughs on Saturday. The former placed
his political card in our columns. Mr. FREED is quite prominent among the
republicans in the county and there is no doubt but that he will be the nominee.
EXCITING RUNAWAY
One of the most exciting runaways ever seen in Perkasie, occurred on Friday
evening, and it was almost a miracle that no one was injured or maimed for life . A horse driven by Harry WOLFMEYER, of Perkasie, took fright as the driver
was helping his wife into the carriage at South Perkesie and ran away, throwing
Mrs. WOLFMEYER out. She grabbed hold of the carriage step and clung to it for
over a quarter of a mile, then fell from exhaustion and pain. She was able to
walk to the house, where it was found that she was but slightly injured. Her
clothing, however were torn to shreds, and she had to borrow a dress to go
home. When the horse started Mr. WOLFMEYER was knocked down by the wheel, but got
to his feet quickly and made a dash for the horse, but was knocked over again
and received a cut on the head. The horse ran up to Perkasie, and an unknown
man tried to stop him, but was unsuccessful, being knocked down, and runover by
the wagon. He was not much hurt. The horse continued on his way to his stable
where he stopped, and was found by Mr. WOLFMEYER a few minutes later. The
wagon was somewhat broken.
FOUND UNCONSCIOUS WITH A BROKEN LEG
An unconscious man with a broken leg was found by an officer on the outskirts
of Allentown. He recovered at the hospital. He said he was Daniel O'DONNELL,
of Reading. He followed the Forepaugh circus and fell from a trolley car. He
dragged himself 2 blocks with his broken leg, and then lapsed into
unconsciousness. He will recover.
FIFTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL LEFT FOR PARTS UNKNOWN
Miss Irley CHRISTMAN, 15 years old, formerly of Allentown, disappeared from
the home of her aunt, Mrs. Melvin FRICK, of Centre Valley, where she was at
home. The girl had nothing with her but the clothes she wore. Nothing has since
been heard of her.
CAUGHT A TEN POUND CARP
Lewis HEITZ and William SCHULER, of Finland, on Saturday, caught a monster
carp in the Swamp creek in that village. They had considerable trouble in
landing the fish. He measured twenty four inches and weighed ten pounds.
FATALLY SCALDED BY FALLING INTO HOT PIT
Emptying a new barrel of tar into a hot pit at the pipe works at Emaus on
Monday evening, Joseph BORCHEFTER fell in. He sank to his waist in the boiling
tar, and will probably die of his scalds, although he was speedily rescued.
EX-PROTHONOTARY KULP SERIOUSLY ILL
Ex-Prothonotary Michael S. KULP is seriously ill at his home in Telford. Some
time ago he fell from a pile of lumber, fracturing a rib. An internal abscess
formed, and an operation was performed on Monday.
ROBBERS STEAL REVOLVERS AND KNIVES
Several hundred dollars worth of revolvers and knives were stolen from the
store of Harvey S. BRANDT, of Norristown on Sunday night.
WAGON WITH FOUR STRUCK BY A TRAIN AT RAHN'S STATION
While the family of Frederick SELTZER, a tailor residing at No. 5244 Pine
street, Philadelphia, was driving over the turnpike grade crossing on the
Perkiomen Railroad near Rahn's station, on Saturday afternoon, the carriage was
struck by a train. Gertrude, the eight year old daughter, was instantly killed. Mr.
SELTZER's left leg was broken below the knee and he was badly cut and
bruised. Mrs. SELTZER was cut in the head and was suffering from shock. Marion, the
eighteen months old baby, was hurled up an embankment, but escaped with a few
bruises. When the engine struck the carriage Mrs. SELTZER was holding the
infant on her lap. The horse was killed and the carriage demolished. Mr. SELTZER
was driving at the time of the accident. He was not aware of the approaching
train until the pilot of the engine was within a few yards of the carriage. The
injured were placed on a train and taken to Bridgeport and later removed to
Charity Hospital. The body of Gertrude was taken in charge by Undertaker O'BRIEN.
An examination showed that her neck had been broken. The only external mark
was a slight cut on her forehead. Mrs. SELTZER and her infant were able to
leave the hospital on Sunday afternoon. Mr. SELTZER was about to spend several
days in the country with his family and was returning from a drive when the
accident occurred. The parents were not aware that their daughter had been killed
until several hours after the accident. Mr. SELTZER's place of business is No.
3260 Chestnut street, Philadelphia. The train was in charge of Engineer RADER
and Conductor Warren KOONS, of Allentown.
HORSES RUNAWAY WITH A LAND ROLLER
John B. HUNSBERGER, a well-known farmer of near Gratersford, and his son
Irvin had an exciting experience on Monday. The former was standing in front of a
land roller and was oiling it when the pole flew up and scared the horses
which started to run away. The roller passed over the former and the young man was
caught and crushed against a tree. The former escaped with slight bruises but
the latter had his right forearm bent so that it may remain slightly crooked.
That it was not broken is strange. He also sustained bruises all over his
body and suffered much pain. Dr. J.M. MARKLEY attended to the injuries.
REV. G.W. LUTZ RECEIVES A PRIZE
The faculty of the Reformed Theological Seminary at Lancaster made these
awards of prizes in connection with the seminary commencement: Schaff prize in
church history, $100, divided between G.W. LUTZ and J.J. SCHAEFFER; Dietz prize
of $60 and $40, Henry G.L. KIEFFER and Charles E. ROTH; second rhetoric prize,
$20 to H.K.L. KIEFFER.
LEARNING TO HANDLE AUTOMOBILE
Dr. Wm. H. HUNSBERGER, of Pennsburg, this week accompanied W.L. PATTERSON, of
Hoppenville, in the latter's automobile. The doctor took his first lesson in
automobiling and when he feels capable of being able to operate one he will
use his own machine which he purchased from an Allentown party last fall.
A CURIOSITY IN SHAPE OF HENS EGG
Henry G. SCHWEINHART, of near Gilbertsville, has a hen's egg which is a
curiosity, being double shelled and one egg within the other, the outer egg
measuring 7 1/2 by 1 inches in circumference, and is soft shelled; but the inner one is hard shelled and normal size.
WROTE NEW MUSIC
The first composition of Claude HARLEY (picture), the pianist of Pennsburg,
has been received from the hands of the printer and is ready for the public.
The title of the composition is "Sinfonia Waltzes," and is dedicated to the
Sinfonia Fraternity of America, the only secret musical fraternity in America and
of which he is a member. This has been pronounced by those who profess to be
able critics, a master piece and bids fair to place our genial young townsman
on the ladder of fame. The work must be heard to be appreciated. The lovers of
music of this vicinity will be given an opportunity to hear and judge the
composition this evening as the Douglas Concert Company will present it for the
first time to the public at the concert in Odd Fellow's Hall. Mr. HARLEY started
lessons on the piano at the age of eight years and one year later he was the
regular organist in the Methodist Sunday School at Zieglerville. At the age of
thirteen he was elected organist of the Heidelberg Reformed Chruch, at
Schwenksville, and held that position for nearly five years. After resigning there
he served two years in a similar capacity at the St. James Reformed Church at
Limerick. He is a graduate of the class of '99 of the Schwenksville High
School. He took music lessons on the piano from Professors Howard FREED, of Lansdale
and H.K. BECHTEL, of Pennsburg and later entered the Broad Street
Conservatory of music in Philadelphia, where he studied piano with Preston OREM, Mus.
Bac., and Composition with U.A. CLARKE Mus. Doc. He graduated in composition with
the class of 1902, after which he studied the piano with Gilbert R. COMBS,
the Director of the Broad Street Conservatory. About three years ago Mr. HARLEY
started to teach music and he at present has a large number of students
scattered throughout this upper section of the Perkiomen Valley.
SLEEPING FISHERMAN CAUGHT BIG CARP
David NEIMAN, a Pottstown fisherman on Tuesday caught a twenty-seven and
one-half inch carp while he was asleep. He has been in the habit of throwing a
line from his bedroom window into a pond by the side of his house, and becoming
drowsy while thus fishing, he wound the line around his big toe and fell
asleep. He was soon awakened by a mighty pull, which caused the line to cut deep in
his flesh. He however succeeded in catching a big German carp.
WILL ASSIST IN CONCERT AT NORRISTOWN
Claude HARLEY, the pianist of Pennsburg, has been engaged to assist at a
concert in the Trinity Reformed church at Norristown, on Tuesday evening. The
concert will be for the benefit of the church and the concert company is made up
of Philadelphia and Norristown talent.
THREE YEAR OLD BOY DROWNS
The three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry GOOD, of Hamburg Berks County,
strayed from the parents yard on Sunday afternoon and fell into a creek and was drowned.
STRAY BULLET HITS WOMAN IN ARM
While standing in her yard, at Kennett Square, Mrs. Michael FLAHERTY was shot in the arm by a stray ball from a rifle.
BAKER WILL GO TO NIAGARA FALLS
Frank ROTHENBERGER, of Pennsburg, baker in the employ of Thomas E.
MARSTELLER, tendered his resignation, in order to accept a position as baker and pastry
cook at a summer hotel at Niagara Falls. He has been at this same hotel during
the summer months, but for the past six months he was the head baker with Mr.
MARSTELLER. He will enter upon his duties on Monday, May 23.
BAND CONCERT WELL ATTENDED
The concert given by the Citizens' band of East Greenville on Saturday
evening in the K. of P. Hall in that borough was well attended. Miss HUNSBERGER who
was to render several vocal selections was incapacitated and Mrs. Charles B.
WEIRICH, of Perkiomen Seminary, rendered several beautiful selections.
WILL PREACH BACCALAUREATE SERMON
Rev. C.C. BOYER, of Kutztown, will preach a Baccalaureate sermon to the
graduating class of the Pennsburg High school tomorrow evening in the St. Mark's
Lutheran church. Services will begin at 7 o'clock.
EMAUS HOTEL AGAIN CHANGES HANDS
W.J. BIEBER, of the Emaus Hotel, formerly of Lebanon, who bought out Sicher
Bros., again sold the property to F.H. CRAMMER, of Haddonfield, N.J.
FOUND IDEAL WIFE
Rev. George W. BROWNBACK, of Reading, has at last found his ideal. For over
two years he has gone up and down the country in search of a wife, has
corresponded with many candidates for his hand and has visited others. Two years ago
he inserted an advertisement in a matrimonial paper, and then issued an address
on the subject, declaring the woman must possess the following qualities:
"She must be good looking and stop her tongue a-wagging. She must be a lady in
the kitchen as well as in the parlor, and must know how to bake pies, cakes,
bread, cook a good meal, sew and have every accomplishment of a good housewife.
She must not bother her neighbors nor partake in any idle gossip and must be
civil, courteous and pleasant at all times. Some women are street angels and
house devils. Such women I have no use for. They must be the same at all times.
Until I find such a wife I shall forever remain single." Mr. BROWNBACK on
Monday announced that he had been married on April 29, to Miss Blanche DECON, of
Newark, N.J. She is 30 years of age and the clergyman is five years older.
MILL WRECKED WITH DYNAMITE
The hosiery factory of HIESTER & HIRST at Womelsford was demolished by
dynamite on Saturday night. The machinery in the building was wrecked, and parts of
the engine were hurled a block. This is the second time efforts to destroy the
factory have been made in a month. About four weeks ago incendiaries fired
the building, and it was damaged slightly. Since then it has been idle, and part
of the machinery had been taken out for repairs. Noise of the explosion
aroused all the town's inhabitants, but investigation failed to reveal the
wreckers, although a man was seen running from the mill soon after the mill was
wrecked. Members of the firm say they did not know they had an enemy who would be guilty of such an outrage.
FINAL EXAMINATION OF HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS
County Superintendent J. Horace LANDIS examined the pupils of our High School
last Friday. The senior class is composed of the following who passed with
the averages following their names: Charlotte E. HERSH 85 6-14, Elsie S. BAUMAN
80 1-14, Blanche M. SCHWARTZ 76 5-7. The following Juniors were examined at
the same time and all passed successfully: Mamie HEVENER, Florence TRUMBORE,
Elsie DIEHL, Alice YOUNG, Leroy HILLEGASS, Howard SCHANTZ, Horace ESHBACH, Oscar
MARSTELLAR and Clarence SUMMERS.
SUED THE BOROUGH OF BOYERTOWN
The case of Albert S. LEIDY, of Boyertown, against the borough of Boyertown
this week was on trial before Judge ERMENTROUT, of Berks county. By the opening
of Walnut street in the borough, certain lands of the plaintiff were
condemned and two small buildings thereon. Viewers allowed the plaintiff $2100 damages
from which the borough appealed and the award was lowered to $1050. The
plantiff considers himself entitled to a greater amount of damages and asked for a
jury trial. The premises in Boyertown were viewed by the jury.
LITTLE BOY'S DEATH-LIKE WHIRL
Standing close to an upright shaft in his father's mill, little Walter
KRAMER, of Hartz's Store, Berks County was caught by the shaft, whirled till he was
unconscious and only saved alive by his father stopping the machinery.
PAID $235 FOR PENNY OF 1793
A penny of 1793 was sold in Philadelphia on Friday for $235. Other pennies were sold from $75 to $170 a piece.
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