Martic News
4/22/2011
The Columbia Spy
April 19, 1832
DIED
At his father’s residence, in Martic township, Lancaster County, 1st inst., Mr. David Eshleman, aged 29, and on 3d inst., Mr. Martin Eshleman, father of the above named David, aged 63.
The Columbia Spy
July 30th, 1832
MARRIED
In Martic township, on Tuesday the 9th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Patten, Mr. Joseph Mifflin, of Columbia, to Miss Julia D., youngest daughter of the late Dr. Alexander Stewart, of Shippensburg, Pa.
The Columbia Spy
March 29, 1834
SHEEP KILLED BY CATS
The last Lancaster Examiner says: -”Incredible as this may sound, we have good authority for saying the deed has actually been perpetrated in this county. Several cats, of the common species, with their progeny, have for three or four years past made an old stone quarry in Martic township their abiding place, and in that time it would seem have relapsed to the wild state and acquired the ferocious and predatory habits natural to their tribe. A short time ago some of them were seen in pursuit of a full-grown sheep belonging to the flock of Mr. Martin Herr of that vicinity. They soon overtook it, dragged it to the ground, and before the person who witnessed the scene could reach the spot, they succeeded in so lacerating the poor animal’s throat that it bled to death in a short time. It required considerable exertion to drive them off. A dog, subsequently sent in pursuit of them, caught one, but would probably have been himself worsted in the conflict that ensued, had not the owner come to his rescue. It is said they also pursued a small boy some time ago, and followed him a considerable distance, as is now supposedly with deadly intent.
The Columbia Spy
April 27, 1850
TOWN AND COUNTY MATTERS
Mr. Thomas Johnson, of Martic township, who disappeared very mysteriously a few weeks since, has been in Baltimore, Md., whence he has written home to his family. Wonder how the persons feel who in such a great hurry, administered on his estate ?
Saturday Express
November 19, 1853
DIED
HUBER - November 12th, in Martic twp., Lancaster co., Maria Huber, aged 82 years.
Saturday Express
November 26, 1853
MARRIED
EICHLEBERGER-OVERLANDER November 15th by Rev. Wm. Bishop, Henry F. Eichleberger of Martic and Sarah Overlander of Safe Harbor, Lancaster co.
Saturday Express
December 24, 1853
MARRIED
KIRKWOOD-HART December 15th, by Rev. J. Edwards, Thomas C. Kirkwood to Susan Hart, both of Martic township, Lancaster county.
Saturday Express
January 14, 1854
MARRIED
HUBER-MILLER December 29th, by Rev. J. J. Strine, Joseph Huber to Fanny Miller, both of Martic, Lancaster Co.
Examiner & Herald
May 21, 1856
DEATHS
On the 21st ult., near Chillicothe, Ohio, John C. McCreary, eldest son of James M. and Mary R. McCreary, late of Martic township, Lan. co., in the 17th year of his age.
Examiner & Herald
July 16, 1856
DEATHS
At McCall's Ferry, on Sunday last, the 6th inst., Ann Eliza Donohoe, wife of Michael Donohoe, aged 32 years.
Examiner & Herald
July 18, 1856
FRATRACIDE - On Friday last, a young colored man, named William Green, was committed to the county prison on a charge of killing his brother Abraham Green, a young lad about ten years of age. The parties reside in Martic township with their mother, who lives separate from her husband. It appears that William Green had been in the habit of beating his younger brother in the most severe and brutal manner. On the 3rd inst., he beat him, as he says, by request of the mother, so badly that he died in about an hour and a half. The family had him buried rather privately refusing all efforts of assistance made by the neighbors. This led to the suspicion that something was wrong and Coroner Hebble being informed of the fact had the body exhumed on Thursday last, and a post mortem examination made. The examination proved that the back of the boy had been broken and that he had sustained other injuries sufficient to produce death. - The verdict of the Coroner's jury was to the effect that the deceased came to his death at the hands of his brother, William Green. Green was subsequently arrested and taken before John Rawlins, Esq., of Rawlinsville, who after a hearing committed him to prison on the charge of murder.
The prisoner, who is but 17 years of age, does not deny that he beat his brother and that he died shortly after. The only reasons for his whipping him is, that he sent him on an errand for water, and that he did not come immediately, but stayed at a place called Barclays. Green since his incarceration, seems perfectly careless and indifferent to his fate. He appears to suffer no remorse for his unnatural crime.
The Columbia Spy
March 28, 1857
THREE MEN DROWNED IN THE SUSQUAHANNA AT MC CALL’S FERRY - A most melancholy accident occurred in the Susquehanna, near McCall’s ferry, which resulted in
the death of three men and the narrow escape of the fourth who was in the party. The facts are substantially these:
Four men named Abner Reese, William Patton, Henry Shultz and Horatio Dunkle, having discovered the whereabouts of one of the cables of the York
Furnace bridge, which was swept away by the late freshet, started up the river in a small boat for the purpose of securing it. They succeeded in
landing the cable in the boat, which being very heavy made the managing of the boat a somewhat difficult matter. They succeeded, however in descending
the stream in safety, until they came off-piste Idal’s Island, when the boat struck a breaker, capsized, filled and instantly sunk. Reese, Patton and
Shultz were drowned, but their companion, being a good swimmer, succeeded in reaching the Lancaster shore in safety.
Abner Reese, who resides in Providence twp., leaves a wife and family to mourn his untimely loss. He was highly esteemed as a citizen in the
neighborhood where he resided, and general surprised is expressed, by all who knew him, that he should have risked his life in such an expedition.
Henry Shultz resided in Martic twp., and had no family, having separated from his wife some years since.
Wm. Patton was a single man and a laborer or special jobber about the river.
The cable which they had in the boat when the fatal occurrence took place was very valuable, and had been used in the construction of the false-works of the bridge.
The Columbia Spy
April 25, 1857
YORK FURNACE BRIDGE - At a late meeting of the stockholders of the York Furnace Bridge Company, it was determined not to reconstruct it, but to abandon it to the contractors, Messrs. Huber & Black, who are principal creditors of the company. - We understand that it is the purpose of those gentlemen to rebuild the bridge, if sufficient encouragement is extended them to justify the outlay.
Lancaster Examiner and Herald
April 14, 1858
MARRIAGES
On the 8th inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, Clarkson Laird to Nancy O'Niel, both of Martic.
The Columbia Spy
September 14, 1861
Maris Hoopes, Esq., of Martic township, and W. M. Wiley, Esq. Of Lancaster, have been appointed Pay-masters, and Nathaniel Ellmaker, Jr., Esq. Of Salisbury township, Brigade Quarter-master in the U.S. Army.
Examiner
May 21, 1863
MARTIC UNION LEAGUE : The Union League of Martic twp., will hold their second meeting at Marticville on Saturday afternoon next. The meeting will be addressed by J. B. Amwake, Edward Reilly, Esq., and Henry Pinkerton. All favorable to the objects of the meeting are invited to attend.
Express
May 29, 1863
UNION LEAGUE AT MARTICVILLE: On Saturday evening last the Union League of Marticville held its second meeting, and was very largely attended by the citizens of the village and neighborhood. The following gentlemen were elected permanent officers of the League. President, Henry Huber; Vice Presidents, John J. Good, David McElhenny, Jacob Eshleman and Henry B. Hagens; Recording Secretary Samuel Eshleman; Corresponding Secretary, M. Harnish Jr.; Treasurer, John Sensenig. The following gentlemen compose the Executive Committee; Earnest Weidlich, Samuel Bookman, Daniel Good, jr., John G. Herr and Christian Warfel.
After the business of the league was transacted Edward Reilly, esq., of Lancaster was introduced and addressed the meeting at some length in a forcible and eloquent manner. Mr. R. was followed by J. B. Amwake, esq., also of Lancaster, and delivered a spirited and telling speech. Much enthusiasm prevailed during the speeches, and both gentlemen were frequently interrupted by loud applause. The meeting adjourned with rousing cheers for the Union, "Fighting Joe Hooker, " and the Union League of Marticville.
Examiner & Herald
August 2, 1865
MARRIAGES
By the same, (Rev. J. J. Strine) WILLIAM H. BRUBAKER, to ADALINE FISHER, both of Martic twp.
The Columbia Spy
June 15, 1867
MATTERS ON THE OTHER SIDE
(Items from the York True Democrat:
Joseph M. Keen, aged 24 years, residing in Lancaster county, Pa., was drowned near McCall's ferry on Sunday, while dipping for shad.
The Columbia Spy
April 19, 1869
Marriages
March 11th, at the Methodist Episcopal Parsonage in Millersville, by Rev. J. E. Hessler, Geo. A. Tripple, of Marticville, Lancaster county, to Lizzie L. Fry, of Lancaster township.
The Columbia Spy
Sept 4, 1869
Local Briefs
The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Mt. Nebo, held a festival last week, and realized over $800.
The Columbia Spy
October 2, 1869
MARTICVILLE - We paid a visit to this beautiful village some time ago. There is every indication, of prosperity and happiness in this quite country place. merchants are busy, farmers have gathered their crops and are preparing for the approaching winter.
D. H. Huber, merchant, has just opened out a stock of fall goods, and expects to increase his business largely. The farmers will soon be able to lay in their stock of groceries and dry goods, and merchants will be busy.
The Columbia Spy
January 2, 1870
MARRIAGES
On the 13th, by the Rev. J. J. Strine, at his residence, James B. Dunkle to Merietta Graham, both of Martic.
This story was filed by the Safe Harbor correspondent but concerns Martic Township Originally the Treasurer Seekers were searching Safe Harbor for buried Indian gold. See Conestoga and the date February 5, 1870 for details.
The Columbia Spy
March 4, 1871
FROM SAFE HARBOR
The Treasure Seekers Again at Work - Startling Developments
A correspondent of the Lancaster Intelligencer writes to that paper as follows:
The gang of Safe Harbor treasure-seekers is again at work. - While their previous exploits were performed in the most secret manner possible, and under the cover of darkness, this time they are working publicly and in day time, as well as at night. As soon as we learn that they were again at work in this neighborhood, and that they did not try to conceal their actions as they had previously done, we concluded to visit the scene of their operations, for our own satisfaction, on the first day that our business would permit, but before we could do so we were informed that the owners of the properties on which their operations are carried on had put up public notices, forbidding all persons trespassing on their properties, and especially on the part where the treasure seekers are engaged. As we were informed that no permits were given to go on the grounds we concluded not to tramp through four miles of mud on a wild goose-chase. The following particulars are as nearly correct as they can be given after the most diligent inquiries. On Monday last, three persons from Columbia, a man and two women, arrived in the village of Marticville, and immediately proceeded to begin operations. The man who is nearly sixty years of age, and a mason by trade, but at present, we believed, engaged in some of the Iron Works at Columbia, is a native, and was for many years a resident of Conestoga Centre and later Safe Harbor, from whence he removed to Columbia, where he resides at present. He has for a number of years been connected with the mysterious Safe Harbor treasure-seekers, and since the death of their leader, a few years ago, has probably been the leading spirit among them. Of the previous career of the women we cannot speak with certainty, but they are probably the same parties who acted in the same capacity for the deceased leader of these treasure-seekers, when living. Mention has been made of them in an article previously published. - They have been described to us - the one as a German woman, well advanced in years, the other as a young woman, probably a girl. They pretended to be able to see hidden treasures by looking into a glass.
On a certain part of the farm of Mr. Eli Eshleman, near to, or on the line of Mr. Huber’s farm, in Martic township, adjoining the village of Marticville, is the spot pointed out by these women as the place where a subterranean cavern is located, in which is hidden an immense amount of silver coin, amounting to about four millions of dollars ($4,000,000). We have not heard that they attempted to explain where this immense about of silver - weighing about 125 tons - came from, or how, or by whom put into this subterranean cavern, without any visible opening or mouth, still these treasure-seekers and Mr. Eshleman, the owner of the farm, seem to have implicit confidence in their statements. Two men living in the neighborhood, have been engaged to assist in the digging, each of who is to have a farm for his services when the treasure is obtained. Another party who has also b3een connected with the gang of Safe Harbor treasure seekers for many years, and who is also a native of this village, where he resided for many years, and lives at present in its immediate vicinity, is also engaged in this scheme. He and the party from Columbia superintend the excavation, and report regularly to the females the progress made. They change about, on having charge during the day, the other during the night, and not for a moment are both absent at the same time. The place is so near to the line of Mr. Joseph Huber’s farm, that it is necessary to excavate on his property also, to which he has given his consent, although he is not as credulous as Mr. Eshleman, being rather doubtless of success. Mr. Eshleman boards the party, and the woman also engage in the telling the fortunes of all who desire to be accommodated in that line.
Great excitement prevails in the neighborhood, and many persons went to view the scene of operations , but that has ceased as the owners of the land have put up notices that all persons who enter upon the grounds will be prosecuted for trespassing. A week of unceasing labor has been spent, but the treasure has not been reached. The woman say that over 500 spirits - or little devils as the young woman terms them - guard the treasure, and she says she would not like to be present when the money is reached.
As we have detailed those proceedings as fully as necessary, we submit them to the readers of the Intelligencer without comment, leaving them to form their own opinion on the subject, only vouching for the truth of our statements - incredible as they seem - and promising to report further developments, and the result of the final termination of the affair. We could give the names of all parties concerned - except of the women - but refrain from doing so at present, but may hereafter, if they persist in their folly.
U.S.
The Columbia Spy
April 8, 1871
FROM SAFE HARBOR
The Treasure Diggers at Work - Seventy Million Treasures (not) Found
A correspondent of the Intelligencer from Safe Harbor writes as follows:
Having promised to report further development of the treasure-seeking operations near Marticville, we will now proceed to fulfill our promise. We had intended to wait until the final termination of his absurdity, and then give the results thereof, but as that, from present indications, is not likely to occur soon, will not defer any longer an account of the operations up to the present time. In our former article we stated that we had not visited the scene of operations, but had gleaned our account from the many rumors afloat. We had, however, obtained the particulars from the reliable source, and they were in the main correct. Our only errors were that we stated the amount of treasure buried in the cave as reported at four millions of dollars ($4,000,000), and that instead of two women there is but one, an old hag, about sixty years old. This old imposter has been telling persons that she would like "to talk" to us, intimidating that she would give us the length of her tongue (which no doubt is considerable) for exposing this ridiculous treasure-seeking. We would not, under any circumstances, willfully misrepresent any one, nor would we unnecessarily bring any one before the public through the newspapers, but we claim the right and we ought to exercise it, to expose all such preposterous proceeding as these money hunting operations.
Accompanied by Dr. _____ _____, in whose presence the principal dupe of this woman - her superintendent - had, among other orally extravagant declarations, said that they have struck a vein of silver six feet in thickness, and that three feet below that - as can be seen by this woman’s "glass", or rather bottle - is one still richer, we visited the scene of their operations lately. Near the south bank of the Pequea Creek, on the line of the farms of Eli Eshleman and Joseph Humber, are twelve to fifteen holes dug into the side of the hill. Some are but small, while others extend from ten to twenty feet into the hill. A large quantity of lime-stone has been taken out, which will no doubt form Mr. Eshleman’s sixth of the treasure. Mr. Eshleman and Mr. Huber were to have one third of the money, to be divided between them, the other parties retaining two-thirds. As Mr. E. has a limekiln near the place, he will, probably, (after he gets his eyes open) but the stones into lime, to compensate him partly for boarding these parties. These holes were dug for the purpose of finding the mouth of the cave said to contain this immense treasure. When they first commenced digging they said they would have the gold before evening; but when evening had arrived and the gold not being reached, they were sure of getting it before morning, and they worked all night, and have not been working six weeks, with the same result. The "old woman" as she is called in the neighborhood - says that when she is at a distance, as at her home, she can see the cave and money very distinctly, but that the "devils having charge of it, have so much power in this vicinity, that they are able to deceive her, when she is near them.
As Mr. Huber has the good sense not to allow them to dig any longer on his property, the woman is now very positive that the cave is on his premises. A few weeks ago, in digging at one of the holes, they came upon some soft rotten rocks, of a yellowish color, which they took to be gold dust; since which time they have been searching for the cave, and for gold and silver ore. She offers a reward of $20,000 for the discovery of the cave. Near the place of these excavations, on Mr. E;s side, is a board nailed against a tree, on which is written with a pencil the following:
"Notis" -"No person is a loud to Com on this property under the penalty of the law."
About three-eights of a mile distant, near the other end of Mr. Eshleman’s farm, and adjoining the village of Marticville, they have also dug some six or seven holes. At this place, they are as they say in search of a very valuable silver mine. Some years ago an opening was made into the side of this hill, and a slight trace of the same kind of ore was discovered, that was obtained north of the creek, in Pequea township, on what is known as the "silver-mine farm". This ore which was obtained in small quantities when the mines were worked, consists principally of lead, but contains a small percentage of silver. As Mr. E’s hill is an extension of the ridge containing the "silver-mines", it probably contains small quantities of this ore, as do several other places in that vicinity, but not in sufficient quantities to pay for mining it. The Superintendent being absent at the time of our visit, we were unable to find that "vein of pure silver, six feet thick," that he had spoken of to the gentleman accompanying us, and we came away without being convinced" of its being the richest silver-mine in the world.
The Columbia Spy
January 4th, 1873
A correspondent to the Lancaster Inquirer, from Martic township, gives an account of a dream which happened to a young married woman in that township, a short time since. Imagination will do a great deal, you know; but read what the correspondent says: -"A married lady, residing in an adjoining township, who has been afflicted for two years with cancer, and had been treated by eminent physicians without obtaining relief, dreamed that a stranger came to the house, and gave her some medicine, with directions, which he said would effectually cure her. Next day, on going to the door and looking out, she saw the identical man of her dream approaching the house. He offered her a bottle of medicine to cure her cancer. She took it and followed his directions, and is now nearly well.
Examiner & Herald
December 29, 1875
MARRIAGES
BARTON-PEGAN - December 23, 1875, at the home of the bride, by the Rev. Samuel Keneagy, Isaac Barton, to Sallie M. Pagan, both of Martic township, Lancaster county, Pa.
Examiner & Herald
January 5, 1876
MARRIAGES
MCFALLS - GROFF - Dec. 30, by Rev. J. V. Eckert, at the Exchange Hotel, Lancaster, Amos McFalls, of Providence twp., to Annie Groff, of Rawlinsville.
Examiner & Herald
January 19, 1876
Robbed of $700. - On Monday a man named E. J. Connelly, of Rawlinsville came to Lancaster and drew $700 from a bank. He fell in company with two young men named William Gilgore and John Smith, of this city, and they had a "high old time" in general. When Mr. Connelly brought up at the Cross Keys Hotel, last night, he was minus his $700. The above named persons were arrested by Officer Erisman, this morning, on suspicion of having committed the theft and this morning they were committed in default of $400 for a hearing.
MARRIAGES
CULLEY-ALEXANDER - Jan. 11, 1876, at the parsonage, No. 44 E. Orange street, by Rev. Dr. Kremer, William E. Culley to Emiline Alexander, both of Martic township.
Examiner and Herald
January 26, 1876
Revival at Mount Nebo - A correspondent sends us the following:
Mr. Editor I am glad to record one of the most precious revivals of religion that w have ever had at the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Nebo.
The spirit of God was poured out upon us at our communion on last Sabbath, and at the evening service there was a most refreshing time. Six were converted , many ore were openly impressed and any of the old members shouted for joy. Meetings were continued on Monday and Tuesday evening and the glorious work of grace still continued. Some twelve or fourteen were converted in all and the church membership will doubtless be increased by about thirty.
Convert
Examiner and Herald
February 9, 1876
MARRIAGES
SIGMAN-JONES - Jan. 27, 1876, at the Duke Street M. E. parsonage, by Rev. Dr. Dobbins, A. Sigman, of Pequea, to Mary A. Jones of Martic township.
The Columbia Spy
July 7, 1877
County Items of all Sorts
"York Furnace" is the name of a new station on the Columbia & Port Deposit Railroad.
McCall's Ferry, on the Port Deposit R. R. seems rapidly growing in favor as a fishing ground. Almost daily, parties from Columbia and Lancaster make excursions to that point with good success. A trip down the new road is said to be a grand one, the scenery being very picturesque - Examiner.
The Columbia Spy
January 12, 1878
County Items
Mr. C. Laird, a plucky elder of the Presbyterian church at Mt. Nebo, Lancaster county, had been making some repairs at the church edifice, and returned home in the evening without closing the shutter. At midnight that night he awoke up, and hearing the wind blowing very strong, though the shutters. Fearing some damage, he got up, walked to the church, a mile and a quarter distant, through the darkness and rain and closed the shutters.
The Columbia Spy
May 25, 1878
A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT MARTICVILLE - On Tuesday evening Mr. Jacob Good, residing in Pequea township, set his little grandson, Jeremiah Heiney, to the store at Marticville for the purpose of purchasing some goods. On leaving the store, being on horseback, a young son of Mr. Martin Eshleman, who resides near Marticville, concluded to have a ride with young Heiney. They both mounted the horse and proceeded very quietly until they reached the Marticville church, in the upper end of Marticville, when the horse became frightened at the rattling of nails, which Heiney had in a basket, ran off, and both boys were thrown. Heiney struck the bank along the road, breaking is nose, cutting his head in a terrible manner, and being otherwise injured. It is feared he has received some severe internal injuries. Young Eshleman, in his fall, struck the wheel of Mr. Aaron Good’s wagon, which was passing at the time, tearing the "calf" nearly off his left leg and otherwise injuring him.
The Columbia Spy
October 17, 1878
MARTIC SCHOOL CLOSED - From the New Era, we learn that the Marticville graded school, taught by U.S. Clark, Marticville Primary, taught by Miss Lillie Raub, and the Red Hill school, taught by Miss Annie Miller, have closed for two weeks in consequence of the prevalence of diphtheria. On Thursday, 3d inst., the number of scholars at the Marticville graded school was seventy-four. On Friday, 11th inst., the number was reduced to fifteen. The schools will resume operations again on Monday, 28th inst.
"There is a reaper whose name is Death,
And with his sickle keen,
He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,
And the flowers that grow between."
The Columbia Spy
November 16, 1878
DEATH OF MAJOR MARIS HOOPES - Maj. Maris Hoopes, one of the most prominent citizens of this county, died at his residence, near Mt. Nebo, on Tuesday evening about 8 o’clock, in the 77th year of his age. He had been in ill health for some time. The deceased was for many years closely identified with iron interests, and was at one time agent for the Colemans. He served as paymaster in the army, during the war, and was faithful to that, as well as as well as every other trust confided to him. His private as well as his public life was worthy of emulation, and he died beloved and respected. His funeral took place on Thursday afternoon at one o’clock, from his late residence near Mount Nebo.
He was one of Col. Kauffman’s associates in the organization of the Columbia & Port Deposit Railroad, and was at the time of his death, one of the directors of the road.
The funeral was largely attended, there being numbers present from Columbia and Lancaster. Rev. J. McCoy preached his funeral sermon.
The Columbia Spy
July 26, 1879
GOING TO YORK FURNACE -The Lancaster Philharmonic Society have resolved to hold a pic-nic at York Furnace Springs, on Saturday, August 1st. The members of the Society will take them instruments along and give two concerts, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. As the pic-nic is intended as a pleasure excursion for the members and their families, only a limited number of tickets will be sold to outside friends.
The Columbia Spy
August 16, 1879
County Items
James Creamer, of Marticville has the champion tall corn so far as heard from. The average height is fifteen feet.
The Columbia Spy
November 8, 1879
OPERATING A LANCASTER CO. FORGE - Edward S. Davis, Esq., of Pottstown, who recently purchased the Colemanville Forge property in Martic township, this county, has since put the iron works in successful operation, and is turning out iron to the full capacity thereof. The purchase was med of Edmund Smith, Esq., Vice President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the property is an extensive one, including 910 acres of land - of which 600 acres are timber land - the forge, nineteen or twenty dwellings, water power, the personal property including teams, cattle, farming utensils, large lot of charcoal, &c. Mr. Davies is at present shipping his blooms to Coatesville via the Pennsylvania Railroad. His large timber tract will furnish charcoal for the forge for a great many years.
The Columbia Spy
December 6, 1879
County Items
There is an old lady, named Miss Mary Clark, residing with Mr. James Clark, secretary of the Martic School board, who has turned her eighty-fifth year, and who has never yet seen a train or cars or a railroad, though she resides within a mile and a half of the Columbia & Port Deposit road. She has also lived within a mile of the village of Mt. Nebo and has not been in the village for the past forty years.
New Era
January 15, 1880
MARTIC ITEMS
An Unfortunate Family
We regret to announce this week another accident to a member of the family of Mr. John J. Good. His little daughter, Clara, whilst jumping from a chair on Monday, 5th inst., had the misfortune to sustain a fracture of the patella, or knee pan. Dr. J. C. Gatchell attended to her injuries. At last accounts she was doing as well as could be expected.
Large Porkers
Mr. D. B. Eshleman killed a hog this week the weight of which was fiver hundred and sixty-eight pounds. H. S. Brooks also killed tow, the aggregate weight being seven hundred and seventy-two pounds.
Larceny of Turkeys
On Sunday evening some thief or thieves invaded the premises of Mr. David Fehl, near Marticville, and stole therefore two fine turkeys. The thieves had in their possession a horse and wagon, which they used to convey their ill-gotten goods. The numerous stealings which seem to indicate an organized gang of thieves, who make stealing a regular business.
Complimentary
Several daily papers come to the office at Marticville, but for reliable local and general news, THE NEW ERA heads the list. Long may it occupy the front rank. A lady school teacher informed us one day last week, that she would rather have THE NEW ERA, as a newspaper than any other paper published in Lancaster. It is growing in interest every day. We expect to see it, at no distant day, not only in every family in Marticville, but in every family in the township.
New Era
February 9, 1880
A VERY, VERY OLD NEGRESS
On Saturday, Constable Shenk, of Martic township, brought to the county hospital, Ruth Wilson, an old colored woman, who had lived all her life in the neighborhood Mount Nebo, and who asserts that she is 115 years old. Being advanced in years and feeble, she was unable to longer support herself, and was taken to this charitable institution to end her days. Mrs. Wilson was a slave in the days when even Lancaster county could not say that every person within her borders was free and equal. She was the property of a man named Clark, who owned what is still known as Clark’s farm at Mount Nebo. How many descendants she has we don’t know, but she is the mother of a son, himself a tottery, gray haired old negro, who has been well known for many years in the neighborhood of Shenk’s Ferry, by the rather suggestive title of “Ground-Hog Charlie.
The Columbia Spy
February 28, 1880
AN OLD HORSE - Mr. James Gable, of Marticville, has a horse which has outlived the allotted period of horse life. He has reached the almost unprecedented age of 32 years, and, from his vigorous appearance, bids fair to stand the toils of life for several years longer.
The Columbia Spy
June 5, 1880
ACCIDENT TO PRISON INSPECTOR HAGEN - Mr. Albert Hagen, of Mount Nebo, was kicked by a horse, which he was leading to water. The animal jumped and playfully kicked, striking Mr. H. on the arm and on the side of his head, knocking him senseless for a few minutes. The stroke ws a passing one, or it would have been serious, and he soon recovered. Mr. Hagen, it will be remembered, was chosen as one of the Prison Inspectors at the later primary election. He was in town on Thursday evening.
The Columbia Spy
June 12, 1880
UNFORTUNATE - Benj. Aston, of Martic township, this county, the boy who was bitten by a snake a week or so ago, met with another misfortune the other day. His father was engaged in preparing tobacco ground, and the boy was leading the horse when he tramped upon the broken neck of a bottle, nearly severing the great toe of his right foot. The boy lost about a quart of blood, and his father was compelled to carry him home. - New Era.
Daily New Era
Thursday, July 20, 1880
Martic Items
Plant Club to be Organized.
It is the intention of the Martic correspondent of The New Era to organize a plant club, in connection with the school at Mount Nebo, for the purpose of studying the flora of this section of the county. The first meeting of the club will be held at the school house at Mount Nebo on Saturday evening, September 11th. Instructions in botany and the analysis of plants will be given to the class every alternate Saturday afternoon during the fall and winter. All friends of education are cordially invited to be present and give the enterprise their countenance and support.
A Dissatisfied Township
Martic township is very much dissatisfied at the action of the Board of Return Judges, at their recent meeting in which they voted to sustain the majority report of the investigating committee, and numbers of good Republicans express their determination to give practical expression to their dissatisfaction. The gentleman who secured the nomination, (whether by fair means or foul, we not pretend to say), will be very fortunate if he carries Martic township at the ensuing general election. The indications appear to point to the fact that the citizens of this district do not intend to abide by the decision of the Return Judges at their recent meeting, but so far as they are concerned they will make an effort and we think a strong one, to give their votes to a candidate who is worthy the confidence of an intelligent community. Bulldozing does not go in Martic, and it is to be distinctly understood that the people of his township in no way intend stultifying their own intelligence.
A Flourishing Sunday-school
It was our pleasure to attend the Sunday school held at the Mt. Nebo M.E. church on Sunday, the 25th inst. This school is one of the largest in this section of the county, numbering about seventy scholars, and under the superintendency of Mr. John A. Alexander is making rapid progress in the study of the sacred scriptures. The school has adopted the Berean lessons, and for thoroughness of drill and strict attention to the subject mater of the lesson the school stands equal to any in this section of the county. Illustrative lessons are given every Sunday upon the blackboard, the illustrations being drawn in colored crayon by Mr. Jacob B. Shank, of Mount Nebo, who is an expert in this kind of drawing, and from the interest manifested by the scholars, both large and small, we think before the close of the school that some of them, at least, will secure a good knowledge of the scriptures. All friends of the school, particularly parents of the children, are cordially invited to be present, and give the school their countenance and support.
Stricken with Paralysis
Mrs. Elizabeth Warfel, mother of Mr. William Warfel, stonemason, at Mr. Nebo, was prostrated on Monday of last week by a stroke of palsy. As this is the third stroke with which Mrs. Warfel has been afflicted, and taking into consideration her great age, 91 years, small hopes are entertained for her recovery.
An Old tortoise
Mr. Thomas C. Moss, Mt. Nebo, found a few days ago, upon the property of the Misses Gibson, which his father farms, a tortoise, which had his grand father's name, Thomas Clark, and the date 1825 cut upon the shell. According to the date, the old fellow is over fifty-four years old.
Sunday-school Celebration
The Sunday-school at Marticville will hold their annual celebration on Saturday, August 7th. The school has a reputation for geting up first-class entertainment of this kind, and a good time is anticipated.
New Era
August 25, 1880
Cut His Leg
Mr. John Barton, son of Mr. William Barton, of Red Hill, Martic township, while engaged upon work at a tobacco shed, which he and his father were erecting upon the premises of Mr. Tobias Shank, near Red Hill, had the misfortune to cut himself in the leg with a foot-adze. The cut was a severe one, being about three inches long and penetration to the bone. Mr. Barton has thus been disabled from work for a season.
Laudanum contains Opium but it wasn't a controlled substance in 1880, taking it didn't require a prescription and possession of it wasn't illegal.
The New Era
Thursday, September 30th, 1880
Martic Items
Mr. S. C. Stevenson, of Mount Nebo, in raising his potatoes one day last week, bought to light the following specimen of Martic's ability in the potato line: Potato No. 1, two pounds two ounces; potato 2, two pounds six ounces; potato No. 3, two pounds eight ounces; potato No. 4, two pounds ten ounces. The aggregate weight of these four monsters is nine pounds, 10 ounces.
Mrs. William Henry Galen, of the same place, planted last spring one potato "Later Rose" variety, and in gathering her crop this fall obtained from this one potato a half bushel, heaped full, Martic ahead. Next!
Death of Mr. Thomas Stewart
Mr. Thomas Stewart, who was hurt two weeks ago by a fall from his horse noticed of which appeared in THE NEW ERA at the time, died from the effects of the fall on Thursday, September 23. Through the politeness of ex-County Commissioner John Armstrong we were permitted to be present at the interment, which took place at the Mount Nebo Presbyterian church on Saturday, September 25. He was buried according to the beautiful ceremony of the order of Odd Fellows, of which order the deceased was a member. An elequent sermon, appropriate to the occasion, was preached by Rev. Mr. Hayen, of the Strasburg Presbyterian church, of which the deceased was a member, from the text, "He that believeth upon the Son hath everlasting life, but he that believeth not, the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth upon him forever" - John 3 Mr. Stewart died at the advanced age of seventy-four years, eight months and twenty-two days. He leaves a wife and four children-three sons and one daughter-to mourn his loss.
Discussing the Temperance Question
Rev. J. Hervey Dubbs, of Harrisburg, who had been advertised to lecture upon the suject of temperance in the M.E. church at Mt. Nebo on Sunday evening, September 20, having failed to put in an appearance, his place was very effectively filled by Rev. Thomas Montgomery, who preached an eloquent sermon upon the same subject from the text "Let not sin reign in your mortal bodies" - Romans, 16:12.
Will Have to Buy a Pair of New Boots
A young man residing in the neighborhood of Bethesda, who , it seems, was somewhat addicted to his cups, got some what mellow a few days ago and entering the store at Bethesda in that condition, called for a bottle of laudanum, representing that he wanted it for another party. Upon receiving the laudanum he immediately swallowed nearly the entire contents. The proprietor, fearing the result, proceeded very deliberately to kick the merry young gentleman out of his store. He was not hurt by the kicking to any considerable extent, but the proprietor entirely ruined, a pair of new boots in the process. Moral: In kicking a drunken man encase your feet in cow-skin instead of French calf-skin.
The Columbia Spy
June 5, 1880
ACCIDENT TO PRISON INSPECTOR HAGEN - Mr. Albert Hagen, of Mount Nebo, was kicked by a horse, which he was leading to water. The animal jumped and playfully kicked, striking Mr. H. on the arm and on the side of his head, knocking him senseless for a few minutes. The stroke was a passing one, or it would have been serious, and he soon recovered. Mr. Hagen, it will be remembered, was chosen as one of the Prison Inspectors at the late primary election. He was in town on Thursday evening.
The Columbia Spy
February 5, 1881
A STAGE DRIVERS TROUBLE - Mr. William Stansbury, the driver of the Rawlinsville stage, had great difficulty in getting to Lancaster on Thursday morning. Several times he was compelled to get off his stage and shovel the snow from the road, it being drifted in some places to a height of fifteen feet.
The Columbia Spy
February 21, 1881
MARRIED
February 19th by Rev. J. V. Eckert at his residence 722 Locust street, Columbia, Amos B. Null and Mary E. Pennell, both of Martic township, Lancaster county.
Local and General
Mr. Christ Armstrong and Miss McMullen, two lovers of Martic township, were driving towards the minister’s to get married. They met the minister on the road, driving away from home to fulfill an engagement. Neither party would turn back, and right then and there in the middle of the road the two lovers were made man and wife.
Local Brevities
Mr. D. W. Barr has been appointed post master at Mount Nebo, and Mr. W. L. Myers received the same appointment for Wheatland Mills, this county.
The use of opium wasn't illegal at this time and people often became addicted through the use of "patent" medicines, which included opium
The Columbia Spy
March 11, 1881
OPIUM KILLED HIM - On Tuesday morning Cyrus Harmon, aged about 45, died suddenly at the residence of Elias Aument, in Drumore township, this county. The man is a tailor by trade, and formerly lived at Rawlinsville. He has been addicted to the use of laudanum and opium for considerable time. On Tuesday morning he came down stairs, and complaining of feeling cold, he took a seat by the stove. He soon feel from the chair, and was carried up stairs to bed, where he died in a few minutes, the result of too much laudanum.
The Columbia Spy
June 11, 1881
Local Brevities
On Wednesday morning about 20 of the Sophomore class of Franklin and Marshall college, accompanied by Prof. J. S. Stahr, passed through Columbia for York Furnace, where they will camp until Friday or Saturday. Botanizing and fishing will occupy their time during their stay. A considerable portion of their time on Thursday was spent in trying to keep out of the wet, during the furious rain storms.
The Columbia Spy
June 18, 1881
SOMETHING UNUSUAL - Mr. James Moss, Supervisor of Martic township, reports a large quantity of ice upon the banks of the Susquehanna, in the neighborhood of what is known as the “House Rock”. Mr. Moss reports the ice as existing there yet in considerable quantities, and says that with the present state of the weather the ice is in sufficient quantities to last until the 4th of July. It was upon the 6th of June, Whit-Monday, that the ice was seen. This is probably the first time in the history of the State that ice lay exposed for such a length of time, in this latitude.
The Columbia Spy
July 9, 1881
Personal Items
The Tucquan Club, of Lancaster, at their meeting on Friday evening, decided to go into encampment at York Furnace on July 11, to remain five days.
The Columbia Spy
July 16, 1881
The Tucquan PARTY - The members of the Tucquan fishing club passed through Columbia at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, for York Furnace, on the C&P.R.R., where hey will spend several days fishing. The following are the gentlemen who compose the party:
J.P. Wickersham, Lewis Haldy, Prof. S. S. Rathvon, Major A. C. Reinoehl, Prof. J. b. Kevinski, Wm. L. Gill, Hiram Stamm, P. D. Baker, G. M. Zahm, E. J. Zahm, Dr. M. L. Herr, H. R. Breneman, John Bair, Luther Richards, Alfred Hubley, Capt. W. D. Stauffer, H. C. Demuth, Prof. John S. Stahr, Marjor Jere Rohrer, Edw. R. Zahm, John H. Baumgardner, A. H. Fritchey, George Be. Willson.
The Columbia Spy
December 7, 1881
POSTSCRIPT
The Martic hills were white with snow on Thursday morning, and at Quarryville two or three inches of snow fell. The cars of the R. & C. R. R. were covered with it, as was also the top of the New Holland stage.
New Era
January 23, 1882
MARTIC FORGE
A Pennsylvania Enterprise in the Last Century
Bulletin of the Iron and Steel Association
The following advertisement for the sale of Martic furnace an Forge, in Lancaster county, Pa., was published in 1769. We republish it to show the extent and character of the possessions which at that early day pertained to a representative Pennsylvania iron enterprise:
By virtue of a writ to me directed, will be exposed to sale, by public vendue, on the 30th day of January inst., at 10 o’clock in the morning, at Martick Furnace, in Lancaster county, the said furnace and forge, together with upwards of 3, 400 acres of land, thereunto belonging. The improvements at both furnace and forge are very good, viz, ”At the furnace, a good dwelling house, stores and compting house, a large coal house, with eight dwelling houses for the laborers, a good grist mill, smith’s and carpenter’s shops, six good log stables, with four bays for hay, a number of pot patterns, and some flasks for ditto, stove moulds, etc.; a good mine bank, abounding with plenty of ore, so convenient that one team can haul three loads a day;’ about fifteen acres of good watered meadow, and as much adjoining may be made. The forge is about four miles distant, now in good order with four fires, two hammers and very good wooden bellows, a dwelling house, store and compting house, with six dwelling houses for the laborers, two very good coal houses, large enough to contain six months stock, three stables, smith’s and carpenter’s shops, two acres of meadow made, and about 1,500 cords of wood cut in the woods at both places; there is plenty of water at said works in the driest seasons, and they are situated in a plentiful part of the country, where they can be supplied with necessaries on the lowest terms. And to be sold the same day a very good plantation, containing 200 acres of patent land, clear of quit-rent, adjoining the lands of Benjamin Ashleman, the widow Halman and others in Conestoga township. Also two slaves - one a mulatto man, a good forge man, the other a negro man- and three teams of horses with wagons and gears, etc. All the late property of James Wallace and James Fulton; seized and taken in execution and to be sold by
James Webb, Sheriff
New Era
October 19, 1882
OUT OF TOWN
Notes by our Rural Paragraphers
A Scribe Lost on Martic Hills-Narrow Escape from Death on the Railroad. Pleasant Family Reunion-Almost a Centenarian
The learned young gentleman who writes the delectable local tit-bits for the Lancaster Examiner had a thrilling experience on Sunday ni8ght of last week. From all the information that we could gather upon the subject, it appears that he accompanied Re v. R. C. Wood to the evening services at Rawlinsville. At the close of the meeting he attempted to retrace his way to his boarding-place (he teaches school in Martic), when, not paying very strict attention to the road, he suddenly found himself in a very unknown region of country, near McCall’s Ferry. Taking his bearings as well as he could in the darkness, he struck off at right angles, and after wandering a considerable time he came out she where, but his bewildered mind would not inform him where he was. He felt almost like “Campbell’s Last Man” as his piercing eye sought to penetrate the darkness that surrounded him. Gathering together his remaining strength, he made another frantic effort to find himself, and after repeated failures he ran plump up against a house, which proved to be the residence of a gentleman who had known him in his boyhood days. He was taken in, his wants speedily attended to, himself kindly provided with a bed for the night, and the next morning he was sent on his way to the school house, with his heart filled with joy.
Martic Township Honesty
Martic township can not only boast of the largest development of the vegetable kingdom to be found anywhere in the State, but here was developed in this township, a few days ago, one of the most remarkable examples of conscientious honesty that has probably occurred in the history of this State. The facts in the case are substantially as follows: Not far from the village of Rawlinsville resided an old farmer, recently deceased. His name was Samuel Martin. He was possessed of considerable means, among his personal effects being the sum of four thousand dollars on interest. Some time before his death he made a will, and among the bequests was this sum of four thousand dollars, which he gave to one of his sons, John Martin, by name, as a part of his share of the property. When a settlement was made, Mr. John Martin refused to accept the four thousand dollars. His reason for doing so was that at the time his father made the will he was laboring under a mistake as to the legal status of money on interest, and did not mean what he said in his will. He therefore refused to accept more than his hare of the four thousand dollars; that is, what he would receive if his father had not made a will. Such a conscientious example has, probably, never occurred before in the history of this State.
Protracted Meeting
Through the politeness of Rev. R. C. Wood, we were permitted to be present at the protracted meeting at Colemanville Methodist Episcopal church, one day last week. Quite an interest is manifest in the revival services at that place, and several conversions are reported. Upon the conclusion of the protracted effort at that place, Rev. Wood intends holding a series of protracted services at the Methodist Episcopal church at Clearfield.
He Got Spliced
Some few evening ago, when Rev. R. C. Wood descended from the pulpit at Colemanville, a young man stepped up to him and propounded the question, “Are you going home?” Upon being answered in the affirmative, the young man replied, “Well, I want to get spliced.” He accompanied the preacher home, and was made happy by being spliced to the maiden of his heart’s choice. May the splice be broken only in death.
Organization of a Lyceum
The Mount Nebo Lyceum Association met on Tuesday evening of last week, in the public school house at Mount Nebo, and organized the Mount Nebo Lyceum for the coming winter. After nomination a list of candidates for the different offices, and adopting a short program of exercises for the next meeting, the Lyceum adjourned to meet on the evening of the first Friday in November.
Accident to a Brick Team
Mr. John A. Alexander, while hauling brick from D. S. McElhaney’s brick yard, on Saturday of last week, had the misfortune to break an axle of his wagon, while he had on a load of fifteen hundred bricks. The accident occurred near the Methodist parsonage. The only difficulty experienced was, that instead of reaching his destination with fifteen hundred brick at one load, he was compelled to make several.
Quarterly Meeting
The quarterly meeting for the Mount Nebo circuit will be held in the M.E. church at Rawlinsville, on Sunday, 29th inst. The sermon will be preached by Rev. Colam, of St. Paul’s. Lancaster.
Commenced the New Church
The bricklayers commenced building the walls of the new M.E. church, at Mount Nebo, on Monday, 16th inst. The church will now be pushed to a speedy completion.
New Era
November 7, 1883
MARTIC MATTERS
Large Crane Shot - More Minerals - Extraordinary Gunning Experience.
Reuben Herr shot on Tuesday of last week a crane (Grus America) which measured in the extent of wing six feet, two inches, and from the tip of its toes to the point of its beak fifty-two inches, or four feet, four inches. This is the largest of the kind shot in this section for some time.
More Minerals
The Martic correspondent was the recipient last week of the following miners: 1 specimen of lead ore from Galena, Illinois, weight four pounds. 2 Specimen of hornblende from Southern Martic township, weight two and one half pounds. 3. Specimen of cyanite - from Southern Martic , weight two pounds. 4. Specimen of native copper from the Lake Superior region, weight eight ounces. 5. Specimen of mica schist, weight eight ounces . 6 Specimen of bronzite, weight one and a half pounds. 7. Specimen of iron pyrites upon magnetic iron, weight three pounds. 8. Specimen of copper ore form Cornwall, weight one and a half pounds. 9. Quartz crystal, weight one and a half pounds. 10. Shell rock from Massachusetts, weight six ounces. Anyone wishing to exchange minerals can communicate with the correspondent, by7 addressing U.S. Clark, Marticville, Lancaster county, Pa. Minerals and plants exchanged for minerals and plants. We have also on hand twenty-eight hundred specimens of the flora of Martic township and Southern Lancaster county, some of which we will exchange with botanists in other parts of the State. We desire to correspond with botanists and mineralogists in all parts of the State.
Good Attendance at School.
During the first month of school at Marticville, there were seventy-seven scholars in attendance - thirty-two girls and forty-five boys. Of this number twenty-one of the girls and thirty-four of the boys were present every day of the month. During the second month, the whole number of pupils in attendance was 85- 35 girls and 50 boys. Of this number 30 girls and 45 boys were present every day of the month. If any other school in the county can show a better record, we would be pleased to hear from them.
A Logical Sermon
It was our pleasure to listen, on Tuesday evening of last week, to another sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Amthor, at the M.E. Church, at Marticville, from the test, If the righteous scarcely are sand where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?
From Conestoga - Finger Crushed
Mr. Urias Warfel, whilst working upon the Columbia and Port Deposit railroad, had the misfortune to let a railroad tie fall upon his hand, crushing it considerable. Mr. A. A. Pegan, of Conestoga, reports an ear of corn which measured eighteen inches in length. Also a beet, which weighted eleven pounds. Pretty good specimens of the vegetable kingdom.
.Extraordinary Gunning Experience
Two young men of Marticville, noted as crack sportsmen, went gunning one day last week. The object of their expedition was to put an end to the innocent gambols of several representatives of the Lepus Sylviticus, commonly called rabbit, whose haunts they knew. Arriving at the place, they carefully quartered the ground, when a whispered “hush” from the lips of the crack shot of the party called a silent halt. In the vicinity of a stone pile he pointed out the dim outlines of a rabbit, raised his gun, took deliberate air and pulled the trigger. Swiftly flew the leaden death, and the young gentleman, almost frantic with his success, rushed forward to secure the coveted prize,. Imagine his disappointment - “disgust” would be a better word -when his rabbit turned out to be a peculiarly shaped gray stone,, known in common parlance as “niggerhead.” It is almost as much as a man’s life is worth to say “rabbits” in his presence. Out of pity to his family and sympathy of his wounded feelings we without his name.
A Singular Freak of Nature
Mr. Jacob Clark, of Bridge Valley, husked upon the farm of Mr. Joseph Miller, of Marticville, an ear of corn which presents a close resemblance to the human hand. The ear is about ten inches long and its apex is expanded into five projections, which closely resemble the fingers of a hand. This anomaly of the vegetable kingdom may be see at the store of Mr. A. F. Bruce, in Marticville.
New Era
November 13, 1883
DEATHS WORK
A Young Lady Found Dead on Her Bedroom Floor - An Aged Citizen’s Demise
A sudden death, that of Miss Elizabeth Young, daughter of Mr. Samuel Young, of Baumgardner’s mill, Pequea township, occurred in Marticville, Martic township, some time last night or this morning. The deceased was living with her brother, Sam’l Young, jr., who resides at Marticville. Miss Young was laboring for some time with an affection of the lungs, and it is the opinion of Dr. L.M. Bryson, who was called in, that in a fit of coughing she ruptured a blood-vessel, and bled to death before assistance could be called. She was found upon the floor of her bed-room, quite dead, and surrounded by a pool of blood. An inquest was held upon the remains, this morning, by Deputy Coroner Jacob F. Herr, who summoned the following jurors: James Creamer, Alexander Hemperly, Albert Guiles, John Shank, Walter Albright and Benj. Herr. Dr. L.M. Bryson attended as Coroner’s physician. The verdict of the jury was that Miss Young came to her death from hemorrhage produced by the rupture of a blood vessel, brought about by a violent cough. The funeral will take place from the residence of her brother, Samuel Young, Jr. The remains will be interred at Byerlin Old Mennonite church. Miss Young was in the forty-third year of her age.
DEATH OF JOSEPH SMITH
Mr. Joseph Smith, formerly a citizen of Martic township, but more recently residing in Providence township, departed this life last week. Mr. Smith was a farmer in Martic for a number of years, and was considered an exemplary man. He leaves three sons namely, John F. Smith, formerly of the Cross Keys Hotel, Lancaster, David Smith, of Rawlinsville, on of the school directors of Martic township, Joseph Smith, of Providence township; and two daughters, Mrs. John Galen and Mrs. Creamer, of Rawlinsville.
New Era
November 21, 1883
Marticville Matters
A Bad Practice - Large School Attendance - Brevities
There is a practice among the young men and boys at Marticville, which we thing would be better honored in the breach than in the observance. We refer to the custom of playing ball on Sunday afternoon while people are on their way to church. It should be borne in mind that one of the highest characteristics of a gentlemen is respect for the feelings of others, and this should be remembered by those who are addicted to this practice.
A Large Attendance
Upon the roll of the public school at Marticville there are eighty-five pupils. Of this number, eighty-four were present on the Monday after the close of Institute week. Of the forty-nine boys upon the list, forty-six have been present every day since they started to school though they did not all start at the same time. How many other schools in this county can make as good a showing ?
Good
Johnny Rhinier, a little son of H.C. Rhinier, Marticville, has, in two months, made his way from the alphabet class, where he commenced upon starting to school, to the second reader. During the Institute week, he was one of the few who paid attention to his lesson, reading this book through without assistance from anyone. He is between seven and eight years of age. This is not written as a boast, but with a view of stimulating others.
Brevities
We are informed that the diphtheria is prevailing to some extend in Bethesda, Martic township.
Mr. Daniel Good, of Marticville, is spending this week in Lancaster as a juryman.
Mill Lillie McGuigan, teacher of the Mount Nebo school, who had closed her school for some weeks on account of sickness, resumed her vocation on last Monday, having fully from her indisposition.
Mr. George Yingling has sold his house and lot in Marticville, to Mr. Albert Guiles, wheelwright. Mr. Guiles will take possession of his property on April 1, 1884, and this will necessitate the building of another house in Marticville for the accommodation of Mr. A. F. Bruce.
The Columbia Spy
December 8, 1883
Local Items About Town and Country
Mr. Jacob McGrabb, of Marticville, has an old English coin bearing the date 1619. It is the oldest piece of money in that section of the county.
The Martic correspondent of the New Era was the recipient of several fine specimens of asbestos, recently sent to him by Mr. Haines Brown, of Fulton township. This particular species of rock was known to the ancients. It was made into napkins which, when soiled, were thrown into the fire, and burned clean and white in a few minutes. The Greenlanders use it for lamp wicks, and it was anciently used to keep the perpetual fires burning in the temples.
New Era
December 11, 1883
MARTIC MATTERS
Mr. Howard Senft has recently erected for himself a dwelling house in Martic, near Red Hill, which for pleasantness of location, and neatness of appearance, can not be excelled by any other residence of the same size in the township. It was painted by Mr. Murphy, one of the employees upon the farm of Mr. George M. Steinman, and we are safe in saying no more tasty job of the kind can be found in the township in which the building is erected. Several new houses have been erected in the vicinity of Red Hill, during the past summer, and it is becoming quite a thickly-inhabited place. If our enterprising school directors would erect a new school house in that neighborhood, it would greatly improve its appearance. It is be hoped that the day is not far distant when they may be inclined to do so.
Two Large Porkers
Mr. John Herr, of Conestoga township, slaughtered two hogs last week, which upon being weighted, tipped the beam at seven hundred and ninety-five pounds aggregate. These are not bad specimens.
Some More Good Spelling
Misses Emma Brooks, Mary Heiney, and Orello Groff have each completed another month in school at the Marticville graded, and during that time they have not missed a single word in spelling. The same is true of Master Henry Eshleman, Irvin Shank, and Miss Hettie Good.
Another feature in our cap is, that of the eighty odd pupils who attend this school, sixty-four have been present every day since they started to school. We think this is a grand record.
Fair for the Benefit of Red Men
The ladies and gentlemen of Conestoga Centre, Conestoga township, will hold a fair for the benefit of the Kishacoquillas Tribe of Red Men, of Conestoga Centre. The fair will be held in the interval between Christmas and New Year’s day, and promises to be a very clever affair. Among the attractions which are promised is a gold watch to be voted for. We wish them success in their efforts.
Will be a Candidate
Mr. C. A. Derrick of Rawlinsville, Martic township, will be a candidate for the office of county commissioner at the spring primaries. Martic promises to put several candidates in the field in the spring.
Another Large Porker
We are informed that Mr. John Andreas, of Good’s Mill, Martic township, killed a hog on Monday of this week, the estimated weight of which was six hundred and fifty pounds. If this be true, and we have no reason to doubt its truth, it is the largest porker killed in this section for a period of ten years.
Brevities.
Many of our farmers are engaged in fall plowing. Old men say that they never saw weather equal to that which has lately prevailed.
Some of our young men still persist in hunting for the festive rabbit with dog and gun, but thus far without success.
Miss Barbara Hammond, of Dixon, Illinois, is on a visit to friends in Martic township. She is, at present, the guest of Mrs. H. C. Rhinier
New Era
December 12, 1883
MARTIC MATTERS
Material Improvements-Division of a School, A Wild Cat - December Dandelions
Mr. Francis B. Groff, proprietor of the Marticvllle Hotel, is making preparations for the erection of a new brick house in Marticville, for the accommodation of Mr. A. F. Bence. The house, when finished, will be quite a handsome one. It is to be of the following dimensions; Length, twenty-seven feet; breadth, eighteen feet; height of square, sixteen feet. A brick kitchen, fourteen by eighteen feet will be attached. All the material for the purpose of building will be gotten together during the winter, and the work of erecting the building will commence early in the spring.
A Divided School.
The school at Marticville, which numbered eighty-nine pupils, was divided on Monday, Miss Zella Wentz, daughter of Mr. Joseph Wentz, of Drumore township, taking charge of the primary department. This gives the scholars a better chance than by the old method. County Superintendent Brecht examined Miss Wentz one day this week, and we are informed that she passed a very creditable examination for one so young.
A Wild Cat
There is a report in circulation that the traditional wild cat has again made its appearance upon the hills of Martic. Several persons are reported as having seen the animal. It is to be hoped that some of our Nimrods, who are playing such sad havoc among the foxes of the Martic hills, may run afoul of his catship, and by a well directed shot prove conclusively that there is such an animal haunting the Martic hills and affrighting belated pedestrians.
Health Notes
Several cases of sickness prevail in this section. Mrs. Fehl, wife of Jr. Jacob Fehl, is lying seriously ill from a complication of diseases, the serious trouble being heart disease. Small hopes are entertained for her recovery.
Miss Annie Heiney, one of the pupils of the Marticville public school,, has been ill for the last week. Grave fears are entertained at first that her sickness might develop into a case of typhoid fever, but at this writing she is on a fair way to recover. Several other cases of sickness are reported in the neighborhood.
The Butchering Season
The groan of he dying porker now fills the air. Blood is slowing, hogs are dying, and the inhabitants of the rural district are reveling in fresh sausage, roasted sparerib, sauer kraut, and all the luxuries incident to this season of the year. For good living we recommend the country districts during the butchering season.
Protracted meeting
A protracted meeting has been in progress at the new M.E. church, at Mount Nebo, for a number of weeks, and it still continues. A very interesting time is being had, and quite a number of conversations have been reported. It is rumored that a protracted effort will be started at the M. E. church, at Colemanville, in the near future. The services thus far have been conduced by Rev. R. C. Wood.
Dandelions in Bloom
The Martic correspondent, on his way to school on Thursday morning of last week, plucked the flower of a dandelion in full bloom. Though this is a very hardy plant, it is something very unusual to see it in bloom at this season of the year.
A Drover’s Return
Mr. Calvin Eshleman has returned to his native heath after a protracted tour in droving during the summer and fall months. He was engaged with Mr. McLane, of Lancaster, in that business, his operations extending over the Southern part of Lancaster county, through York and Harford counties, and upon the Easter Shore of Maryland. We are informed that his sales of cattle during the year, amounted to nearly twelve hundred head.
The Columbia Spy
December 8, 1883
Local Items about Town and County
The Martic correspondent of the New Era was the recipient of several fine specimens of asbestos, recently sent to him by Mr. Haines Brown, of Fulton township. This particular species of rock was known to the ancients. It was made into napkins which, when soiled, were thrown into the fire, and burned clean and white in a few minutes. The Greenlanders use it for lamp wicks, and it was anciently used to keep the perpetual fires burning in the temples.
Examiner & Herald
January 16th, 1884
Mount Nebo
Death of a Worthy Man - The Lyceum
Death has recently taken away one of Mount Nebo's most aged and worthy citizens. Mr. Henry Galen, who was nearly 76 years old when he died. For a number of years Mr. Galen lived on a farm; which he most assiduously cultivated. He had drawn to himself a circle of friends that embraced all his acquaintances. His disposition was always genial, his fidelity to his principles unshaken; his fondness for little children was on of his characteristics, and charity was woven in his nature, and controlled all his actions. For a number of years he was a member of the M. E. church, and until enfeebled by age, was a regular attendant to its means of grace. To his host of weeping friends there remains this consolation, that, though his body is consigned to the grave, his soul is gone to a place of eternal rest.
Notwithstanding the protracted inclemency of the weather, the Mt. Nebo Lyceum maintains a lively existence. At its last meeting the superiority of the newspapers over books as a means of deriving practical information, was discussed.
Lancaster Inquirer
February 9, 1884
BERNARD SHORT'S BURIAL
The Coroner's Jury says he was Murdered
Who committed the deed ?
Who killed Barney Short ? is a question that may never be solved. That he was killed by the murderous assault of someone is as certain as any fact not capable of absolute proof can be. Ever since his mangled remains were found lying in the road between Rawlinsville and his home, on the morning of Friday, February 1st, rumor has been rife concerning the guilt of certain parties who were known to have been at enmity with Barney. That view was strengthened by the fact that the killing could not have been done for robbery, for the disappearance of the $22 with which he left home in the morning and the $65 which he drew at the Farmer's Bank in this city, have been accounted for by a payment he made that day. But nevertheless the circumstantial evidence that points to the guilt of certain parties is very, very frail, and certainly not sufficient to warrant their arrest. And so the mystery of the death of this well known citizen of Martic township, promises to remain a mystery, although the $300 reward offered by the County Commissioners for the apprehension of the perpetrator of the bloody deed may help to bring the murderer to justice.
Barney Short's Funeral
The burial of the mutilated remains of the murdered man took place at Safe Harbor on Monday. Funeral services were held at the residence of the deceased in Martic, and were attended by an immense throng of people. The interment was made at the Safe Harbor Catholic Church because two of Mr. Short's children rest there, and because he had worshipped there before the Catholic Church near Quarryville had been erected.
The Coroner's Inquest
The jury summoned by Deputy Coroner Armstrong, returned the following verdict-
That the said Bernard Short came to his death by being struck on the head one or more blows with a dull heavy instrument, similar to the pole of an axe, by some persons or persons unknown to the jury.
The testimony heard by the jury was as follows:
Dr. Wm. J. Wentz, affirmed: I found the parietal bone of the left side of the head fractured into small pieces, as well as the mastoid portion of the temporal bone fractured and the occipital bone broken and removed from its place, which I consider produced the wound on the scalp, which was irregular. From the wound the brain protruded, and as the jury saw portions were scattered on the snow for some distance. The injury could not, in my opinion, have been produced by the horse but must have been by some heavy instrument, and with considerable force. The injury caused his death. The cheek bone was fractured but such fracture would not necessarily cause death. The wound did not look as if produced by the same instrument as that causing the scalp wound. It may have been brought about by a fall against the sleigh or ground or ice, but I consider it was by a blow. I believe there was only one blow on the back of the head, but there may have been more. We could not find any other injury on the body.
Dr. L. M. Brysin corroborated the above statements, as did also Dr. Deaver.
The testimony of Miss Ollie Robinson, who found the body, agreed substantially with what has been published.
Clinton Miller affirmed: I left Rawlinsville on the evening of the 31st of January and when pretty close to the chestnut tree that stands about 100 yards above where Short lay dead when found, I saw two men walking close together, and it seemed to me as though they had walked out from the tree. One was tall and stoutly built, the other was small and slim about 5' 3 or 4 inches in height; I spoke to them, but got no answer. Benj. Miller corroborated the above.
Dan'l Good sworn; On the 26th of January I came home about 11 o'clock and saw a horse and sleigh; the horse was tied close to the chestnut tree that Mr. Miller spoke of and two men were near by.
Mrs. Short affirmed; The last works of the deceased were: "If I ain't at home by eleven o'clock you need not wait any longer, but I would sooner that you would stay up until 11 o'clock." He had twenty dollars when he left home. I knew he had enemies, and further he has told me that he was afraid to be out at night, but did not tell me his reasons.
Samuel Hart, sworn" I got the team at Thompson's cross roads on the state road coming towards home. The blankets in the sleigh were pressed down; I was one of the first who saw Short's body.
Samuel Miller, affirmed; When I first saw the body of deceased I went to notify H. Armstrong, justice of the peace, of the occurrence; I saw the team at the end of Robinson's lane coming towards home.
Hugh Armstrong, affirmed; I saw nothing of the team down about my place.
John Breneman, affirmed; I saw Bernard Short go through Rawlinsville about 7 o'clock the same evening toward home; the horse was on a slow trot.
Three Hundred Dollars Reward Offered
The County Commissioners offer a reward of $300 for the arrest and conviction of the party or parties who murdered Bernard Short near Rawlinsville on the night of Thursday, January 31, 1884.
Lancaster Inquirer
Feb. 16, 1884
WHO KILLED BARNEY SHORT !
Thomas and Adam Baney, Father and Son, Citizens of Martic, Arrested on Suspicion
The two suspected murderers of Barney Short were lodged in the Lancaster jail on Monday night by Constable Shenk by virtue of a warrant issued by 'Squire Engle', of Mount Nebo. The parties under arrest are Thomas Baney, aged 45, and his son, Adam, aged 20. They will be given a hearing before "Squire Engle', at Mount Nebo, on Thursday afternoon next.
The suspicious circumstances that led to the arrest of the Baneys are:
First, the evidence of Clinton Miller and Benj. Miller at the Coroner's inquest that on the evening of the murder "when pretty close to the chestnut tree that stands about 100 yards above where Short lay dead when found, "they saw "two men walking close together; one was tall and stoutly built, the other was small and slim, about 5' 3 or 4 inches in height." This description is said to tally with the appearance of the Baney’s.
Second, it is said that the deceased and the elder Baney had a quarrel about a horse some time ago. Short is alleged to have sold the horse to Baney for $135, guaranteed him to be sound and took as collateral deed for Baney's property, a rocky piece of ground on the C. & P. D. railroad, besides a sweeping judgment note. The horse turned out badly, and Baney, after vainly demanding the return of his deed and note, turned him loose. The animal was picked up as an stray by a man, who advertised him and disposed of him, according to law. Short buying him for $3. The first of the year Short is said to have warned Baney out of the property, which he occupies. The latter became very angry, and it is said that he then made threats against Short, and said he would get even with him if he had to hang for it.
The Baneys are Germans who came to this county from some other portion of the sate five or six years ago. They live about six miles from the place where Short was killed, along the Susquehanna river, below York Furnace. They bear an unsavory reputation.
Inquirer
February 23, 1884
DADDY DID IT
Adam Baney Confesses That His Father Murdered Barney Shortte - A Sad Scene
Lancaster journalism has never recorded a sadder and more distressing scene than that witnessed down among the hills of Martic township on Thursday afternoon, the occasion of the hearing of Thomas and Adam Baney, the alleged murders of Barny Short. The hundreds of people who journeyed miles over the rough and muddy roads to the little village store in Mount Nebo, where Mr. Joseph Engle has officiated as Justice of the Peace for over seventeen years, little dreamed of the startling developments about to be made. But the mysterious movements of Constable Shenk soon start the report, and the whispered word of counsel for the Commonwealth confirmed it, that the son had
Confessed the Guilt of his Father
Promptly at one o'clock the prisoners were seated in the Squire's office. District Attorney Eberly, Thos. Whitson and J.M. Walker, esqs., appeared for the commonwealth. The prisoners had no counsel. These, with the The Inquirer and the Lancaster daily reporters, and the witnesses, uncomfortable filled the little room, while great crowds thrust their anxious faces against the window panes, partly obscuring the light in their eagerness to see and hear. Baney, Sr., as he ensconced himself in the comfortable rocking chair, declared it was "something I didn't set in for a long time," and smiled feebly. Throughout the hearing, and the exciting scene that followed it, he maintained a perfect self-possession, displayed no external signs of excitement wenve when the boy reiterated, in the presence of all, that the father had done the bloody deed, save a slight twitching of the muscles of the face and hands.
Father and Mother Reproach Their Boy
When the hearing which lasted one hour and a-half had concluded in the remanding of the prisoners to jail to await their trail, and the constable advanced to adjust the handcuffs on the boy's wrists, he stood up and cried out:
"Now, men, won't you give me clear ? "
But the manacles clicking tightly was the only answer the poor boy received, and he burst into a paroxysm of sobbing, only to be upbraided by the still more agonizing sobs of the poor woman whose husband had just been declared a murderer by her oldest son, and whose fond anticipations of the quick return of them had thus been so rudely dissipated. "You know you were at home all that evening, " she screamed time and again; "you want to bring your father to the gallows." Adam almost fainted away while standing in front of his mother, and was supported by a man on either side. "I swear to Heaven, "cried Mrs. Baney in her agony, "that they were both at home all that night;" and "I want to say before I leave this room, "said her husband, "that I hope God will strike me dead this instant if I had anything to do with this crime." The boy again asseverated that what he had said was true, and the old man protested his innocence, as they both were led away enroute back to the Lancaster county jail there to await an arraignment for the murder of Barney Shortte.
Poor Mrs. Baney.
Mrs. Baney, mentally prostrated and apparently physically wrecked, and in anguish such that made one's blood run cold to look upon, continued to cry out ant that both Thomas and Adam were at home throughout the entire evening on which the murder occurred. "I can swear to it", she shrieked as she stepped into the carriage of a neighbor who offered to take her home, and then she fell into a dead faint in the bottom of the vehicle. Kind and sympathetic hands carried her back to the house, where Dr. Bryson soon restored her to consciousness. It was a scene not likely to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The shrieks and anguish of the grief stricken wife of the probably murderer, the tears o the murdered man's widow who were present with her oldest son, the stolid indifference of the father around whose neck the noose seemed already to be tightening, and the sad faces of Adam and his little brother, portray but dimly how distressingly said a sight it was.
The Confession
When the oath was administered to Constable Shenk, he said that he was the constable of Martic township; that on the Sunday following the tragedy he and Al Hagen discovered tracks leading from the chestnut tree, near where Barney Shortte's body was found, across the cornfield, which had evidently been made while running as the strides were long; these tracks lead across the field, through the wood, westerly, in the direction of Raney's home; in the wood he could trace the tracks no further, but afterwards found them a considerable distance further on, and not far from the home of the prisoners. The tracks were those of two persons running side by side, and accompanied by a dog. The Baneys own a dog.
When I entered the prison cell of Adam this morning," continued the constable, "he was crying. I said to him; 'Adam, if you have anything to say, say it now, before I take you out.' He said:
"I didn't do it."
"'Were you not along when the crime was committed ?'
"'I was along; but I didn't have anything to do with killing him. I didn't touch him.'
"'Who struck the blows ?'
"'Daddy did it.'
"'Did he do it with the small ax ?'
"'Of course; he struck him twice.'"
Adam Sticks to His Story
Here the father broke in with,
"Did you say such a thing, Adam ?"
"Yes sir, " said the boy between his sobs.
"Well, were you along ?" asked the father.
"We were both down," Adam replied.
Constable Shenk then resumed his testimony. He said after reaching Mount Nebo with the prisoners he had taken Adam into 'Squire Engle's woodshed and there had another talk with him. Adam said that he wanted to get clear of the crime. He said that he and his father left home at dark, walked though Mount Nebo and then took a road he didn't know and got to "that place where my father struck Barney Shortte twice with the ax." Mr. Sweigart was also present in the woodshed during the greater part of this second confession of Adam's.
Thomas Baney Questions the Constable.
Here the father again interrupted. He said to the constable:
"Sr. Shenk, didn't you scare Adam into this ?"
The constable declared that he had not and Adam added:
"I have told the truth."
The father said: "No, sir."
The son repeated: "yes, sir."
The father shook his head despairingly and said:
"Well then go ahead; you know we were at home; that I can prove."
As Thomas Baney thus delivered himself to his accusing son he fell back apparently exhausted into his chair, whispered to himself almost inaudibly" oh, oh, oh," and then leaning forward, said to his son:
"For what reason you like that way Adam ?"
I ain't lying, and I don't want to be hung."
"Neither did I, "concluded the old man.
In the cars on the way back to Lancaster Baney in a whisper entreated his son to take back what he had said. The boy, as Constable Shenk reports, refused, saying that he had told the truth.
The Other Evidence Taken
Elmer Breneman, of Rawlinsville, testified substantially as previously reported, to the effect that he saw Shortte passing through Rawlinsville on the evening of Jan. 31, 1884, at about 7:30 o'clock, and that on the next say he saw his body lying in the road just below John Martin's. When Mr. Breneman, who was the first witness, had finished, Baney was informed that he might ask the witnesses any question. He replied:
I have nothing to ask; I don't know where the place is or nothing about it."
Miss Olive Robinson, the schoolmistress who first found the murdered man's dead body while enroute to her school on Friday Morning, Feb. 1, 1884, testified that the body lay in the wheel track on the right side of the road; the head lay toward Rawlinsville; blood and brains were thickly strewn about; she went back to Rawlinsville, gave the alarm, returned with Sam Miller, examined the body and found it was that of Barney Shortte. The snow was unbroken all around.
Dr. L. M. Bryson testified to the nature of the wounds as previously reported. He didn't think the wounds there accidental; they looked as if produced by a heavy instrument.
Deputy Coroner Armstrong, of Providence, who conducted the autopsy, swore that on the other side of the fence in the field he found two pieces of brain and one piece of bone.
Clinton Miller, who lives two miles below Rawlinsville, was driving home with his brother on the evening of Jan. 31, 1884, at about 7:30 o'clock. They passed two men, fifteen or twenty yards below the chestnut tree, but received no response to their salutation. One of the men was large and the other was small. "Did they resemble these men in size ?" asked the District Attorney, and the two prisoners stood up side by side. "Somewhat near their size, " the witness replied.
Benj. D. Miller, brother of the preceding witness corroborated his brother's testimony.
Daniel Good, of Marticville, had seen a horse and square box sleigh standing below this chestnut tree on the Saturday night preceding the murder. He did not know whose team it was. The older prisoner ask the witness:
"What for horse had he?"
"It was a dark horse," the witness answered.
John Charles, who lives at York Furnace not one-half mile from the Baneys, testified that Baney had expressed great indignation to him about the horse trade with Shortte (fully detailed in last week’s Inquirer) and said that he was so mad that he "could knock his brains out." Witness was first told of the killing of Shortte by Thomas Baney, on Friday, where upon the witness said to Baney, "What your wished for has come true." Baney only murmured assent and went home. In the afternoon of Jan. 31, they were chopping wood for the witness. Baney never said he "would knock Shortte's brains out," he only declared that he was so mad that he "could knock his brains out."
Albert Hagen testified to accompanying Constable Shenk on Friday and Sunday after the killing, and to finding tracks across the corn field that corresponded with those at the chestnut tree.
The Baney Family.
Thomas Baney, the father of the family, is probably 45 years old. His son Adam is aged about 20. Both are married. Thomas has eight children, Adam, being the oldest. Adam was married about three months ago to a daughter of Harry Wales who now lives in this city. He works at John Charles', near York Furnace. The report that Adam is a "weak-minded boy" is, in the general acceptation of that term, incorrect. That he is an unsophisticated boy with little intelligence and less capability is doubtless true.
The Columbia Spy
August 30, 1884
ACQUITTED - Thomas Behney, who was indicted and tried for the murder of Barney Short, was on Tuesday acquitted of the charge. At first the jury stood three for conviction and nine for acquittal. One juryman stated that he was convinced every member of the jury believed Thomas Bahney guilty fo the murder of Barney Short, but the links of evidence of his guilt had been so poorly fastened together by the prosection, that they could not bring in a verdict of guilty. Another stated that he believed the jury could have brought in a verdict of acquittal without leaving their seats. He was of the opinion that those who voted for conviction did so with the intention of afterwards changing their votes. The jury had no evidence presented by the prosecution which could bring Thomas Behney nearer than seven miles to the scene of the murder.
The announcement of the jury’s verdict was followed by great applause in the Court room, which was promptly suppressed. This ends the Behney-Short trial.
New Era
November 5, 1884
Martic and Pequea
Seriously Ill -Some Removals-Minor Topics of Interest,
We learn, through Mr. Lindley R. McClune, that Miss Zella Wentz, teacher of the Sunnyside school, Martic township, is lying seriously ill at the residence of her uncle Mr. George Reinhart, of Rawlinsville. We did not learn the nature of Miss Wentz's particular ailment, just understood that she is lying in a very precarious condition. It is to be hoped that she may be blessed with a speedy recovery.
Removals
Mr. Jacob Weller, long a farmer upon the property of Mr. Henry Good, near Marticville, has rented the property of Mr. John Crawford, near Bridge Valley, Martic township, to which he will remove in the spring. Mr. Well will farm Mr Crawford's place on the shares.
We understand that Mr. O. Groff will take possession of the hotel property of Mr. Frank Breneman, at Rawlinsville. The property is now occupied by Mr. Amos McFalls. The property now occupied by Mr. Groff will be discontinued as a hotel in the spring.
The New Era,
November 21, 1884
MARTIC AND PEQUEA
Attacked by a Tramp - Rented his Hotel, Abandoned his Profession
Last week, while Miss Ida Hambleton, of Mount Nebo, and Miss Hensel were driving from Fairmount, in Britain township, to Quarryville, and wile midway between the two places, they were suddenly attacked by a tramp, who seized their horse by the head and made an attempt to stop him. Miss Hambleton, by a vigorous application of the whip, succeeded in making the tramp release the horse, and they made good time to Quarryville. Both ladies were terribly frightened, but beyond this suffered no injury. What the object of the attack was, we did not learn.
WILL ORGANIZE A LYCEUM
The lyceum at Mount Nebo, Martic township, which has been in successful operation for the last three or four winters, will be opened on Friday evening of the present week. This lyceum has heretofore been one of the most successful in this end of the county, and we hope that the session about to convene will not fall below its former fame.
PEQUEA
Not that the farmers of Pequea township have succeeded in husking their crop of corn, they are anxiously waiting for the weather to assume such a condition as will enable them to prepare their tobacco crop for the market. There are many first-class crops in this vicinity, and it is to be hoped that the farmers will have as much success in selling their crops as they have had in raising them. It will be to the interest of those who contemplate buying this staple to visit this neighborhood.
RENTED HIS HOTEL
Mr. Benjamin Charles, hotel keeper at Pequea Valley, has rented his hotel stand to his brother, Mr. Aaron Charles, who will take possession of the premises in the spring. Mr. Charles has had some experience in the matter of managing a hotel, having been formerly engaged in this business at the Buck, this county, and is one of those men who know how a good hotel ought to be kept, and who have the ability and moral stamina to keep it as the law requires. We bespeak for him an abundant share of success in his business. The present proprietor, we apprehend, will take charge of his farm in this vicinity.
We are informed, through a reliable source, that Prof. James Andrews, who for many years taught a select school at Union, Colerain township, has abandoned the profession of teaching, and that the house in which he formerly taught is now for rent. This is a good opening for some live teachers who desires to teach a select school.
GOT HER CERTIFICATE.
On Thursday of last week, Miss Dora McGuigon, one of the teachers of Martic township, succeeded in securing a permanent certificate, not, however, to teach school, but from a minister to take charge of the house and home of one of Martic’s enterprising young men. The fortunate groom is Mr. Oscar D. Brubaker, son of Mr. Rolandus Brubaker, of Martic township. We wish them a prosperous voyage, fair sailing and a safe anchor when the voyage of life is ended.
New Era
November 28, 1884
MARRIED
HERR-WALTER November 27th, 1884, at the residence of the bride by P. C. Hiller, Justice of the Peace, John K. Herr, of Marticville, Lancaster county, Pa., and Ida K. Walter, of Conestoga, Lancaster county, Pa.
Lancaster New Era
December 2, 1884
Martic and Pequea
Broke His Arm-Protracted Meeting - Good Attendance
We are informed that Mr. Jacob Hart, residing near the village of Mount Nebo, Martic township, met with an accident a short time ago by which his arm was broken. We were not informed as to how the accident happened, but simply of the fact.
Protracted Meeting
A protracted meeting is in progress, and has been for some time, at "Boehm's Chapel," Pequea township. Several conversions are reported. The meeting is under the charge of Rev. Smith, of the Safe Harbor Circuit.
Good Attendance
Ever since the adjournment of the Teacher's Institute, every male pupil upon the list in the school at Pequea Valley, has been in attendance every day. The following pupils have not missed a day since school commenced.
Misses Ida Hess, Nora Stoke, Ida Shank, Bertha Mylin, and Lizzie Ulmer. Upon the part of the boys, the following have been in attendance every day. Master Frank Hershenk, John Mylin, Walter Mylin, and Jacob Stoke. We hope that this good attendance will continue during the term.
Fall of a Blain Pole
Messrs. Samuel Charles and Thomas Walkingshaw, the former a son and the latter a hired man of Mr. Benjamin Charles, on Wednesday morning of last week, dug out the Blain and Logan pole, which Mr. Charles had erected during the Presidential campaign. Just as the correspondent was passing the hotel on his way to school upon the morning above indicated, the pole fell from its lofty height, and lay prostrate upon the ground, but fortunately no one was hurt.
Paying an Election Bet
The following bet was made between Mr. O. F. Groff, proprietor of one of the hotels at Rawlinsville, Martic township, and Mr. T. J. Shirk, of Providence. If Blain was elected, Mr. Shirk was to wheel Mr. Groff through the village of Rawlinsville. If Cleveland was elected Mr. Groff was to perform the same office for Mr. Shirk. At 6:30 on Saturday evening of last week, Groff wheeled Shirk and his thirty-five cent drum through the village. Ahead of them was about a half a dozen boys with torches given to them by Republicans. There was one single hurrah sounded, and that by a telegraph operator, measuring six feet, three inches, who does not have a vote.
Lancaster New Era
Dec. 6, 1884
Martic And Pequea
Lost of a Valuable Cow - Sale of a Hotel Property-Purchase of a Farm
Mr. Aaron Charles, of Pequea Valley, suffered quite a serious loss on Saturday of last week. He had a very valuable cow, which, as we understand, he had refused sixty dollars for. A few days ago, she was attacked with a running sore in the leg, gangrene supervened, and on the morning above indicated he was compelled to shoot her. As Mr. Charles is a comparatively poor man, the loss is severely felt by him.
Sale of Real Estate
The hotel property at Marticville, owned formerly by Mr. David Huber, and subsequently by Mr. Frances B. Groff, deceased, was sold at public sale on Saturday of last week, Mr. Amos Groff, of Lancaster, being the purchaser. The sum for which the property was sold was $4,000. Mr. Charles Miller, son-in-law of Mr. Amos Groff, will take charge of the hotel in the spring. The personal property attached to the hotel was not, so far as we could ascertain, offered for sale. It will probably be disposed of at a later period in the season.
Meeting of the School Board
The Board of School Directors of Pequea township met at the public house of Mr. John Martin, West Willow, on Saturday afternoon of last week, for the purpose of taking into consideration the wants of the schools of this district. They did not forget to make glad the hearts of some of their teachers, also, by giving them vouchers for a months salary. Not the least interesting part of the program was a magnificent supper of roast turkey, furnished to the Board and the teachers who remained to supper. Mrs. Martin, the genial wife of mine host, understands well how to cater to the appetites of her guests.
Purchase a Farm
Mr. Benjamin Charles, proprietor of the Pequea Valley Hotel, recently purchased the farm known as the Burgis property in Providence township. Mr. Charles has a son married the present fall, and it is his intention to put his son upon the farm in this spring.
Obituary
Death has again visited this district, the victim being a little daughter of Mr. Jos. Charles, aged four months. The particular disease of which she died was not known, but the attendant physician pronounced it some affection of the heart. The interment was made in the burying ground attached to Boehm's Chapel. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Smith, of the Safe Harbor Circuit.
The Weed
Some of the farmers in this section have already commenced to strip their tobacco, and others are only waiting for the weather to assume a favorable condition that they may push their work to a conclusion. We hear of some few complaints of white-veined tobacco, but none to warrant any serious fears upon that score. All the farmers were very successful to curing their crops, and the present is said to be the most successful that has been grown in this vicinity for a number of years. If the farmers are as fortunate in disposing of as they were in raising their crops, their labor will not have been in vain.
Brevities
Miss Lizzie Breneman, daughter of Mr. Frank Breneman, merchant at Rawlinsville, and teachers of one of the schools of Eden township, paid a visit to the school at Pequea Valley, one day last week.
The correspondent of the The New Era will open a school at Rawlinsville during the coming spring. The school will be devoted especially to the training of teachers, particularly those who are not able, financially, to take a session at the Normal. Special attention will be given to the theory of teaching, and the terms will be reasonable. Mr. Clark's postoffice is Refton.
Lancaster New Era
Dec. 24, 1884
Pequea Items
All About a Turkey - A Tribute to a Worthy Man
The theory advanced by a correspondent that the turkey which we reported as having been stolen from Mrs. Catherine Witmer, while on her way to market, was not stolen, but had escaped from the wagon, has since proved to be correct. The turkey was found by Mr. Abraham Brenneman, upon the road leading from the valley to Lancaster. As Mr. Brenneman could not discover for some time to whom the turkey belonged, he killed and we presume made a dinner of it, as we have not heard of its being returned to the owner.
The correspondent, who boards with Mrs. Witmer, has not had the pleasure of feasting upon it, and , and this fact leads us to suppose that it has long since been incorporated into the muscular fiber of Mr. Brenneman and his family. Mrs. Witmer must learn to fasten her turkeys more securely the next time she has occasion to visit market with this particular kind of fowl.
A Tribute to a Worthy Man
Mr. John S. Ewing, an old and respected citizen of Martic township, departed this life, as his residence near Mt. Nebo, as has already been mentioned in these columns, on Thursday of last week. Deceased was for a long time well and favorably known in the community in which he lived. During his younger years he worked as a hand in the forge, known as Martic Forge, near Marticville. He subsequently bought a small farm near Mt. Nebo, on which he resided at the time of his death. He was married to a sister of Mr. D. S. McElhany, the well-known brickmaker of Marticville. From this union resulted 10 children - William, Jas. A., John, Mary E., Sarah, George, Harry, Amanda, Samuel and Rettie, all of whom are living. William lives in Kansas, and is clerk of Lyon County Court, James in Ohio, John in Ohio, George is an editor of a newspaper in one of the Western States, Harry a clerk in a store in Lyon county, Kansas, Mary E. is the wife of Mr. Lofian, a noted mechanic of Philadelphia, Sarah is the wife of Mr. L. R. Hasting, of Drumore township, Amanda is the wife of Mr. Erastus Ritchie, of the same township, while Samuel and Rettie are still at home with their mother. Mr. Ewing was a good citizen, a Republican in politics, having held several offices of trust and profit in the township of Martic, a great friend of common school education, and a sincere and earnest Christian. He was connected with the Methodist church almost from his boyhood. In the death of Mr. Ewing the township has lost a good citizen, the cause of education an active and earnest supporter, the church an active and consistent member, his wife a loving husband, and his sons and daughters a kind and affectionate father. His death warns us all to prepare for the same great change. The writer of this article can truly bear testimony to the sterling worth of Mr. Ewing, having known him since the year 1862. When as a boy the writer came to Martic township for the purpose of teaching school, the friendship between him and the subject of this sketch began and has continued ever since, growing and strengthening as the years advanced. Green be the turf above the grave of our valued friend, and may we live so as to meet him in a better land, where the parting word is not said, the parting tear is not shed, and forgotten is a forbidden word.
The Columbia Spy
Feb. 13, 1885
Barney Short's Ghost
An Apparition that Follows the Murdered Farmer's Sleigh.
The Reading Eagle, the organ of the ghosts and spooks, publishes the following. It is entertaining, if not very reliable:
A ghost story that is told with considerable earnestness, and which is being widely talked about in the lower section of Lancaster county, relates to the spirit of the late Barney Short, who was murdered, and whose murderer has not yet been punished for the wicked crime. Short was murdered in his sleigh, going home from a visit to Lancaster. The sleigh was sold at public venue last spring to a neighboring farmer. Parties have borrowed and used the sleigh this winter, and from one of the parties, it is learned, that in returning from Quarryville one night recently, they saw a strange and unusual sight standing in the middle of the road. It had long, outstretched arms, and its face wore a deathly pallor. The driver did not know Short, but his description tallies to that given by an intimate acquaintance of the murdered man. As the sleigh approached the apparition, a voice was heard saying" "Its mine; I want it; I must have it." The horse at this moment threw back his ears, and quite frightened, suddenly started forward, but slightly shied to one side. The horse could not be held, and ran very rapidly; and just as the sleigh reached the spot where the alleged ghost stood, the spirit vanished. It was dressed in heavy dark clothing, a dark red wool comfort was about the neck, and it wore a cap. The driver says he don't know whether the ghost wanted the sleigh or justice. Many think that Short demanded justice and not the old sleigh. The story is considerably talked about. The "ghost" was seen some distance away from the scene of the murder.
The Columbia Spy
March 14, 1885
THEY WANT TO SEE BIG DAMAGES - A gentleman residing near McCall's Ferry, on the Susquehanna, stated to a reporter of the New Era on Monday morning, that not less than 500 idle men could be found along the river between Columbia and the lower waters of the river, some of whom are in desperate circumstances and unable to procure work. Many of these are hoping that the expected break-up of the ice on the river will cause such damage to the Columbia & Port Deposit railroad that the labors of a large force of men to repair the road will be required.
The Columbia Spy
June 27, 1885
HERE AND THERE
It is a little surprising that with all the beauty and fascination of Susquehanna scenery, not a single park has not been developed along the line of the Columbia & Port Deposit Railroad. The nearest approach is that at York Furnace station, belonging to Mr. John Bear, but it is not desirable for children. For grown people, who need no watching, it is regarded as safe. And yet it was there that the late Major R. W. Shenk was overcome by illness, fell down an embankment, and soon afterwards died.
The Columbia Spy
August 5, 1885
A TRIPLE AFFLICTION - A Mr. Stott, living at McCall’s Ferry, was the subject of a severe affliction last week. His wife died with consumption, and scarcely had the undertaker at Mount Nebo completed the casket that was to contain the mortal remains of the wife and mother, when word was brought him to prepare a burial case for the little child of Mr. Stott, who died the next day after the death of the mother, of cholera infant. They were both buried at Marietta last Thursday. Mr. Stott has the sympathy of the community in his deep affliction.
The Columbia Spy
January 9, 1886
MILTON WIKE AS SURETY
John F. Smith, the defaulting tax collector of Martic township, whose case has been before the Courts in several shapes already, is once more landed in jail on a warrant issued on Monday by Alderman Fordney, Smith, when he settled with the county, failed to turn in a balance of nearly $600, which had been paid to him for taxes during the year 1884. On Monday, his bondsmen, Milton Wike and C. A. Derrick, made a settlement with the county, Mr. Wike paying into the treasury his share of the indebtedness, and Mr. Derrick agreeing to make good his share in a short time. They then went before Alderman Fordney and brought suit against Smith for embezzlement. He was arrested on Monday evening, and in default of bail was committed to jail for a hearing. -Examiner.
The Columbia Spy
April 24, 1886
A Cannon Found at McCall's Ferry
While workmen were digging out the old foundation of a garden wall, at the hotel at McCall's Ferry, the early part of this week, they discovered a small cannon about two feet below the surface of the earth. It was in good condition, though it had evidently been where found a long time. Nobody about the ferry knows anything about the gun. >br? Lancaster New Era
Probably it's a relic of the Wrightsville campaign of 1863
Columbia Spy
The Columbia Spy
September 25, 1886
A FEW LOCAL POINTS
There were 2,000 vehicles and 8,000 people at the Rawlinsville campmeeting on last Sunday. The converts numbered 50 - one in every 160.
The Columbia Spy
December 4th, 1886
PUBLIC SALE OF IRON WORKS, WOOLAND AND FARM LAND
Will be offered at public sale, by the undersigned.
ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 27TH, 1886,
At 2 o’clock p. m. at the “Stevens House” in the city of Lancaster, Pa. The Martic Forge property situated in Martic township, Lancaster county, Pa., two and a half miles from Pequea Station, on the Columbia & Port Deposit Railroad, containing three tracts, as follows.
NO. 1 - The Martic Forge place, consisting of 148 acres and 140 perches of land, 80 acres of which are farm land of superior quality, and 70 acres of woodland of twenty-seven years growth, together with Manson House, fountain of ever-running pure spring water in the yard, forge with four fires complete, run out, coal house built of stone and with slate roof, carpenter and blacksmith shops, carters’ stable with room for twelve horses, twelve workmen’s houses and one of the finest water powers in the country.
NO. 2 - Known as the “Coleman Tract” containing 301 acres and 72 perches of land, 150 acres of wood, mostly chestnut rail timber, fit to cut. 70 acres of chestnut sprout land of about seven years growth, and the balance of about 80 acres being chestnut and pine timber, and farm land.
NO. 3 - The Tucquan Tract” consisting of 514 acres and 37 perches, 164 acres of which is chestnut rail timber, of superior quality, and now fit to cut; 280 acres of chestnut sprout land, from sixteen to twenty-six years growth; and about 79 acres of oak, hickory, maple, &c. now ready for market.
From surface indications, there are large elements of Iron ore and granite rock on the property, and forge cinder estimated at from 1,000 and 2,000 tons, and worth at the blast furnaces over $5.00 per ton.
The property will be offered as a whole and also in tracts.
Persons desiring to view the property will please call upon Hugh Armstrong, Esq., residing on the premises.
Terms and conditions made known on the day of sale.
Davies & Potts
Pottstown, Pa.
Intelligencer
January 4, 1887
NEW YEAR IN RAWLINSVILLE
It Inspires Correspondent to a Fine Imaginative Burst
Rawlinsville, Pa. Jan. 4. The new year opened up a vision of rare beauty in the country. The sunlight shining against the trees, which are coated with beautiful icicles, and their grotesque shadows on the ground beneath changing their form and soon renewing tier attractiveness, as the tree tops are swayed by a cool west winds. Flocks of English sparrows hopping and chirping over the frozen bed of white together with the merry clatter of the bells of the tastefully painted cutters, in which are seated rosy cheeked girls and jolly faced men, certainly making an attractive sight.
As usual young America was abroad shooting off the old year. We hear of a party in Drumore who shot as many loads out of one of Uncle Sam’s old muskets as he says as there will be majority of Democratic electors for Cleveland in 1888, namely 52.
Mr. Silverthorn, of Rawlinsville, had three head of horses sent him by railway by a party in Philadelphia on Dec. 31st. On Jan. 1st, he received word that two of the horses had been killed by an accident on the road at Perryville, and the other so badly injured that he presumably will have to be killed.