The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-08-26

JoHNsrowN. Ane. aa. 1890.

JoHNsTowN, Aug. %, 1859.
Dear Freeman-Much of our history as
people is already lost. We do not now
know why this State was called Penusylya-
MIA, or why our town was called Johnstow n.
In 1851 Wm. Penn wrote to Robert Turner,
that Penn is the Welsh for head, and might
refer to the hilly country OF head-land, as
Pennanmoire IN Wales and Penrith in Cum
berland. Some think Pen nsylvania was
called for VIM. Penn, and some that it was
called for his father. The facts are not clear,
why it was called Pennsylvania.
JohnstowH may be called after Joseph
Johns, or Yons, but there is just as strong a
reason to suppose that it would have been
called Johnstown if the proprietor's name
had been Hans. It was Shawanestown, or
Shawnesetown, long before Mr.. Johns
bought it-a tribe of Indians of that name
having lived here for many years before any
white men saw it. But as there were two
Shananesetowns, Zone down the Ohio river,
called Lower Shawnesetown, the fact is not
generally known that the Shawanese Indi-
ans lived here. This, Mr.. Editor, is not
drawing very fine sight on local, but il is
as pointed as any ] can find. Besides,
have precedent for it.
The main building of the steel rail mill
was finished some time since. but now the
wing, which is to contain the engine and
boilers. is going up. The works will not be
ready for operation before next spring. The
capacity will be eighty tons per day. The
building is located between the rolling mill
and the iron railroad bridge over Conenlaugh
river.
Farmers often think that rocks are not of
much use. Not so with the people bere.-
The Cambria Iron Company has mill built
expressly for crushing and grinding sa nd
stone into fine sand. Rocks as large as a
half bushel are thrown into the hoppAr,
where they sink down and are first crushed
into pieces, and then ground between mill
stones into sand. This sand is mixed with
river sand before being used.
The Forrest Dramatic Association said q
piece on last Saturday night. in the Union
Hall, for the benefit of the kickenepawling
B. B. Club. The weather was warm, and
as we were not there by invitation or voli-
tion, we do not know anything about the
result.
The weather has been very dry and warm
for the last two weeks and the streams of
water are drying up rapidly, except wild
cat, which is as good as ever. In Philadel-
phia the people are alarmed about the nee
essary supply of water.
'TEe man in grey,' or a spirit rapper, or
- II
But to the point. A few nights ago. when
we were sound asleep. couple of loud raps
at the bedstead awoke us. This was fol-
lowed by two more terrible raps and a shake
of the bed. We were not scared, still we
felt little queer. Presently down came
the whole bed, the head board of the cottage
bedstead hitting US "whop" on the head +,
and we found ourselves in the attitude Of
Milton's angel when be was sliding down .
sunbeam from heaven to earth. We sprang
up, struck light. and took look at the
situation. We couldn't see any old spirits,
but the sheets were covered with young
spirits, flying in all directions. We set the
lamp down and got club, but when we got
back to the scene of action they had all dis
appeared. The bed must be reconstructed,
and "Amat' must try and keep "the man
in grey" at home.
Berries ere very plentiful in town, also
green corn, cucumbers, watermelons, sweet
potatoes, tomatoes, and, above all peaches.
Thousands of boxes of this luscious fruit have
arrived here this season, as well as some de-
licious and mellow apples. If men have
money they can live sumptuously here every
day, but the sight makes poor mans lips
water.
The Republicans held their primary cleo
of "somuambuism" was manifested, as the
voters knew the labor was in vain. Still q
kind Of delegation was mustered up and q
ticket will have oeen made before you print
this-to be defeated. of course. While the
primary elections were being held, the milk
in every crock in town turned sour. AS
there was thunder storm at the same hour,
we not know whether it was the electie or
the electric current that soureG the milk.
DIR. William Fields, an old Johnstowner,
has invented a new method of making iron
and steel. The New York Tribune speaks
hopefully of success in the matter.
The new iron bridge over Stony Creek has
just received the finishing coat of paint, and
it looks much better in its new dress.
The Disciplet Church is holding presby-
tery, synod, conference. quarterly meeting,
or meeting of some kind, here. large
number of strangers are present and some
good speakers.
The peaceful quietude of last Sabbath day
was disturbed here by the announcement
that case of infanticide had occurred at
Whisky Springs, about a mile out of town,
on the Somerset road. Great numbers went
out during the day to satisfy their natural
curiosity in the matter. and the rumor
proved true. A child, apparently full de-
veioped, was found in carpet sack, at the
far corner of the fence that surrounds the
Whisky Springs building, to the right of
the road going out. 1t had been concealed
there several days and decomposition had
begun. The Coroner, Mr.. Harold, proceed
ed to the place on Sunday evening, with a
jury, and after a post mortem examination, {,
a verdict was rendered in accordance with
the facts. No suspicion as yet attaches to
any one here, but no doubt the inhuman
mother will be ferreted out and punished
according to her deserts.
Politics is on the stand still here. There
is but ono person that we know of in this
city that expresses any degree of opposition
to Mr.. Pershing. He is just Eve feet high
and weighs hundred pounds, (net.) He
objects to Mr.. Pershing for Supreme Judge
because he is SO little. ROB Roy.
CARRoLLTowN, August %, 1869.