Middletown transcript., 1876-05-20
struck by Lsshtning.

during the tnun0er STORM last rloay niSn
the lightning struck chimney on the kitchel
part of Mr.. Smiths restaurant at the depo
and tore il pretty badly. The electric fluit
then passed on to the telegraph wires and rar
down into the Office, demolishing one Of th'
instruments and bursting the box containing
the batteries beneath the table. Fortunately
for him, Mr.. Gears, the operator, had just lef
the office, or he might have felt somewhat
shocked at such a brilliant occurrence and
this item been made more interesting.
Curious Church Collection.
1t is reported in Middletown that on last
Sunday evening about dozen couple Of
young people went to Warwick church to
attend the usual service. They got tired Of
waiting when half an hour over the usual
time had gone by, and in the absence of the
pastor or any of the church members, took
up collection. In the basket were found
shrubs and other flowers and few coin.
That is the way they worshipped, because it
was the nearest approach TO il that sinners
could make.
Annual Visit Commenced.
Those inevitable and outrageous pests,
potato bugs, made their appearance in Mid
dletown nearly two weeks ago, and at present
their numbers are increasing fast. They seem
stunned by the cool weather, but are able to
sit over row of newly planted potatoes and
wait for the first shoot Of q vine that they
may pounce upon it. 1t has been said by
Middletown philosopher that the heart of an
agriculturist will seek no war except with a
potato bug and his gsng Of pirates Seriously,
though, we have just cause to believe that
this year will witness even more devastation
from this insect than last, and the only ad-
vantage that growers can have of the invader
is TO purchase their Paris green while it is
cheap.
A New Enterprise.
Messrs. R. M. 4 w. T. johnson have COM
menced the manufacture of shoes by machin-
cry in the rear of their store in the Town
Hall, and have all the appurtenances Of
good factory with which TO start. At
present six hands are employed, three males
and three females, but when operations are
fully opened twelve will be necessary. To
carry on the business, the firm have three
different sewing machines, in the fitting de-
partment; one roller, one splitter, one chan
MEIER, one Mickey sewing machine, one coun-
ter skiver, punches. jacks, eyeletters, etc., in
the bottom department, and large number
of new and improved lasts. The Messrs.
johnson have had considerable experience in
the shoe business in the towns Of Milford,
Smyrna aud Miadletown, which enables them
to adopt successful rule, and this they have
done by offering durable shoe direct from
the factory that fits perfect, without the addi-
tional commission of middle men to be paid
by the purchaser. L.
In HIemoriam.
At recent meeting Of the Board of Trus-
tees of the Forest Presbyterian Church, of
Middletown, held in the library room of the
Church, to take action with reference to the
death of John Cochran, member of the
Board, the following resolutions were unani-
mously adopted:
Inasmuch as it has pleased the Divine
Ruler of the Universe to remove from our
midst our friend and associate, John Cochran,
therefore be it
Resolued, That, while giving expression to
our sorrow and regret at his early demise,
we still retain an enduring and consoling re-
collection Of his high character and of the
many excellent traits of his generous nature.
Resolved That, though lamenting his un-
timely death. we thank God that his friends
mourn not as those who have no hope, but
well assured that be had chosen in life that
good part which could not be taken from
him, we humbly trust that he has entered
into that rest prepared for the people Of God.
RESOLVED, That in his death the church has
lost an ardent supporter, this Board valued
member and the community worthy and
respected citizen.
Resolved, That we tender to the family of
the deceased our deepest sympathy and con-
dolence in their affection and our fervent
prayers that they may 80 live that when the
summons comes to call them from time into
eternity they, too, may receive crown OF
life.
Resolved, That, as a mark Of respect q copy
of these resolutions be presented to the family
of the deceased, and that they be Transcribed
upon the minutes of the Board and published
in the MIDDLETowN TRANSCRIPT and Smyrna
Times.
Bank Matters. H -
The new Bank project in this town has pro-
gressed beyond the expectations Of the most
sanguine friends The subscription list was
opened last Tuesday, and up to latest accounts
over $50, $50 600 had been subscribed to the cap
itaI stock. 500, ,oCO is now proposed as the
starting capital. The dissatisfaction in the
old Banks election has given the new enter
prise its send of, and put it under whip and
spur towards hasty contamination. Over
eighty persons have subscribed. meeting,
looking to preliminary organization, will
probably be held this week. A project to
start a national bank has been on the tapis
here for several years, but it has been impos-
sible to get it on it's feet until now.
The new National Bank scheme at Milford
is also meeting with success. Five individ-
uals there have subscribed $4,000 each, viz:
Geo. Russell, b. B. Fiddeman, G. 8. Watson,
Robt. Davis and James r. Lodand The new.
bank question has also been nooted there for
years, but the old Smyrna Branch had such
popular bold upon the people that it never
met with sufficient encouragement until now.
The withdrawal of Col. Fiddeman from The
Dictatorship of the old Bank, with which be
had been identified for nearly twenty years,
and associating himself with the new Bank
party has given the latter decided strength.
Three of the directors Of the Bank of Smyrna
have sent in their designations, viz: Messrs.
Fiddeman, Massey and Williams This leaves
but one of the old members John e. Collins)
besides the President now in the board Of di-
rection. We suppose these vacancies will be
filled tomorrow, at the weekly melting
Smyrna Times.