davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
JONATHAN KooNrz DEAD.
Claimed to Have Fad Personal Interview
With "0ld MEX"

Jonathan ko0ntz died at eleven o'clock
Sunday night at his home on the top of
,..sial bill, ore and one-half miles south
e:ss: OF town. The deceased's exact age
: net known to the writer. but he had
been "A pilgrim here bcloyy'' f,r Mt least
eighty years. lie j. survived iFy his aged
wife, and 10y oae son. William, " hose
property adioins his fathers.
For many years "Yony'' Koontz, as he
was familiarly known, was one of the
best known characters about Somerset.
In addition 10 cultivating n patch IF
several acres OF ground he pe.ldled kind
ling wood at ali seasons. His rickety
one horse wagon and superannuaied steed
always attracted the attention of strang-
ers, bat not more so than did the driver,
who was rarely seen without a heavy
whip in his hand aud who kept up rup-
ming volley of words at the beast urging
him g. increased efforts.
''Youy's'' head was no: oyerstoclzed
with grey matter. bat The lack OF this
! desirable substance did not prevent him
! from becoming intensely religious. As a
usual thing he could be found, when at
home, either on his front porch or at
window, with an open bible in his hands.
He always claimed to have been gifted
with rare musical talent but was prevent
ed from cultivating it 10y reason of q per-
sonal interview he held with the devil.
When a lad he played the violin and his
services were in great demsnd to fiddle
! for the dances held nightly a; the various
taverns along The pike. Upon one oc-
| casion when four prominent wagoners
were doing French four To the music
oc - Yony's'' bow for the diversion Of
bar-room crowd, his Satanic Majesty ap-
pearcG before the musician and com-
manded bin not 20 play another note.
"Yony' said that he Immediately drop
! ped his Instrument and fed from The
house and from that day forward never
touched violin agaia. His description
Of "old Nick rs he appeared before
him with cloven feet, long horns, forked
tongue and .bris,ling tail, was very
graphic. and impressed the hoarer tiiat
the speaker really believed all he was
| saying.
Mr.. Koontz had many friends and no
! known enemies.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
The Pay Of Assessors.

Judge Endlich, at Reading, has just
rendered an opinion which is of interest
to assessors ali over the state. 1t was in
the suit of Edward Marquett W. The
county of Berks. Ii was submitted to
Judge Endlich upon the testimony of the
plaintiff, who stated that he was elected
assessor of the Twelfth ward, Reading,
in the spring of 1893, and in the fall Of
1894 he made the triennial assessment;
that he began work on September ),
and was employed l3l days; that on
December the county commissioners
issued their preoept 10 him, and that he
worked 50 days after receiving it, hav-
ing made IS days up TO December 4. He
explained that the preliminary work was
done in September, October, and NOvem-
ber, such as measuring properties, ascer-
tanning changes in the ownership and OF
residents, and making calculations.
Judge Endlich decides that assessors
can not he paid for more than thirty
days under the law, from the time they
obtain the book. Mr.. Marqueit worked
53 days after obtaining his book, and the
opinion decides that he is only entitled
10 pay for that number of days, and
awarded him Sl3250. The opinion says
that all work done before obtaining tie
book was done in order that he might
perform his duties more thoroughly, Iut
he can not recover.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
Death Of Mrs. Joseph B. critchfeld.


The announcement in last weeks IER-
AID of the death of Mrs. Joseph B.
CTitchfield was q shock that was severe
" felt 10y the unusually large circle OF
friends who enjoyed her acquaintance.
The deceased was daughter of Samuel
King. who came from Montgomery coun-
~ to Somerset county before the year
1890. She was one of twelve children,
having had three sisters and eight broth
ers, of whom but two brothers, Henry
King, Of Fayette county, and jeremiah
King, of Bucyrus, Ohio, are still living.
Mrs. Critchfield was born i'll Milford
township on September -, 1872, and was
therefore eighty four years of age at the
time of her death, which occurred on
Monday, February Sd. She was blessed
with an unusually strong constitution
aud was quite active until her last i'll
ness, which lasted but twenty-fOur hours.
At the age OF eighteen years Harriet
King. her maiden name, who had re-
ceived the advantages of the private and
public schools of that carly day, and the
careful attention of her pious parents,
was married, in lS29, to Joseph b.
Critchfield. Five children were born To
them, the youngest of whom died i'll 1862
at the age of sixteen years The eldest
daughter married Moses Barron, of Mid
dlecrcek township, and died about four
years ago. The second daughter, at
whose home Mrs. Critchfield expired, is
married 10 Mr.. William Hanna, of Addi-
son township, and the third daughter
and youngest living is married to Mr..
Joseph Il. Coder, of Ursina. She is also
survived by her only son, Hon. Nor
man Il. Critchfield, of Jenner township.
The deceased was laid 10 rest by the
side of her husband, who passed away
ten or twelve years ago, on Thursday,
9th inst, in the cemetery al Barron's
Church, in Middlecreek township.
Mrs. Critchtield WAS woman of supe-
rior aitainments, both mental and social.
She WAS familiar with all Of the standard
authors and the current literature of the
day early in life she cultivated the art
of making herself entertaining in any
circle, which can only be accomplished
by discussing subjects in which the first
party is interested, and az result her
society was always eagerly sought after.
| Her circle OF friends was very large and
she was always sure Of a sincere welcome
wherever she went. she was close
student of the scriptures and faithful
| follower ofthe teachings of the Disciples.
Her life was practical exemplidcation
OF the principles Of christianity and her
memory will not soon he forgotten.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
pzr CCriam.

The senseles3 attempt of Assistant
Clerk To the Coanty Commissioners, T..
II. Werner to have his name placed on
the Republican ticket to be voted next
Tuesday in this borough instead of the
duly nominated candidate for Justice OF
the Peace, Noah Casebee-, Esq. was
laughed out OF c-,ur; at the first hearing
before Associate Judge Horner, but was
not finally decided until "Wednesday
from Bedford, whittier he had gone Mon
day morning. There was not much spec
ulation as to what the opinion of the
Court would be and only few persons
were present when Mr.. Horner reconVen-
ed the hearing Eat chambers" The con-
testant WAS conspicuous by his absence
and il Is rumored that he knew his
goose was cooked when Judge Hor-
ner impaired the information 10 him
that il would be unnecessary for him to
have his witnesses present.
Before reading the opinion of the Court
Judge Horner remarked that he had
a little business 10 transact in Cumber-
land, Md, and that he took advantage of
the opportunity To run mp 10 Bedford,
where, it is presumed, he consulted with
Judge Longenecker. Mr.. Horner might
as well have continued his trip TO Nene-
zuela, since in the opinion filed il IL set
forth-as forecast in last weeks HERALD
that the courts have no jurisdiction in
contests arising from primary elections,
and that aggrieved candidates have their
remedy only under the rules governing
the party organization.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

Last Tuesday evening q surprise party
was held nj the home Of Mr.. and Mrs. ;.
{. Fox. OF Pleasant Hill, in honor of their
danshter-Miss Annie-who returned
that day afleT having spent several
months in Pittsburg.
4 party Of about fifteen of the popular
yoang people Of the neighborhood gath
cred at the Fox mansion and took pos
session of the parlor, short time before
Miss Annie reached home. and when she
opened the parlor door and found 50 many
Of her friends awaiting her arrival she
was almost overcome. Amer greetings
were exchanged an elegant repast was
served and the intervening hours until
midnight we're devoted 20 playing games.
The occasion WAS one of the most de
Iighthnl ever celebrated on Pleasant Hill.
Y. Y.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
= eaes;ion Of xorals. Eo. Of Politics.

Cur criticism last week on the action
of the Associate Judges in overruling
President Judge Longenec!Ser in the
matter of imposing sentence upon a
criminal has met with emphatic approval
in all quarters, regardless of political
affiliations. The only defender OF Asso-
ciate Judge Horner, who was censared
most severely and was called upon to
either resign from the bench or withdraw
from the Republican ticket on which he
i candidate for reelection rs School
Director, i an anonymoGS correspond
ent, and even that cowardly creata .e does
not attempt TO defend Mr. Horner's ac-
lion in ou:raging justice. If the anOny-
nous friend % Mr.. H0rner desires him
u pose as the protector Of = bawd. whose
shameless conJGct III returning TO the
home of her aceomplice, in face OF the
veTdic. of the jury, aud remaining there
until the very hour she was summoned
before the bar Of justice for sentence-all
of which was made known to the Court
the public has a right to know it. This Is
question Of morals. not of politics, and
as such we submit it TO the people OF this
community.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
Election Officers.

The question raised as to the right OF
two inspectors Of the same political party
to serve at the general election as sach,
was argued in Philadelphia Common
Pleas Court, Saturday.
The petitioners attorneys argued that
under the law regulating the choosing OF
election officers il is provided that the
voters in each division shall east their
ballots for bat one inspector, although
two are To be elected. This was intended
to give the minority party an opportu-
nifty TO be represented on the inside at
the polling places by an inspector, but in
a large number of divisions i'm this city
the Republican voters 80 far outnumber
those ofthe Democratic and other parties
that for years past they have been en-
abled by dividing the vote of the division
TO elect both the majority and minority
inspectors. which condition of affairs, il
was contended, was in violation of the
acts of Assembly bearing on that subject.
In opposition TO this it was contended
that the act of Assembly had been nuili-
fled by the constitutional provision as
contained in section II of article 5, and as
it was a special act for Philadelphia
alone. it was, as Mr.. Buckalew said in
the Constitutional Convention, null;fied.
Judge Thayer decided that the act was
abrogated by the Eew Constitution and
discharged the rule. This decision
means that in the election of election Of
ficers party is not recognized and where
in any division the number of one par
tvs voters is more than double that OF
the minority party's, that the election of
election officers may result in the choice
of officers of one political party TO the
exclusion of all others. The only RENE
dy. according to this ruling, is the secur-
ing of the appointment of overseers OF
election. which appointment is provided
| for in the State Constitution.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

Disbursements during 1895.

Received on assessments. Si,.E9 -
Received for membership ~ %
Borrowed money.-.-...-.....---. t.G o. siSgs -
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
another Successful Somerset Countian.

From the Piitsburs CIrUnicie-Tciogriph
An object with every school board is to
get the best instructors that can be pro-
cured, and that IS why Prof. Charles f.
Dickey was elected principal of the
Avalon public school two years ago, and
is now serving his third term. Prot.
Dickey came to Avalon highly recon-
mended and his ability rs a teacher was
shown last summer, when he graduated
the high school class from the Avalon
scho i. the first in the history of that in
stitution. The subject of this sketch was
born September y, $50. in Somerset
county. and i the son of the Rev. l.. L.
Dickey, of New Lexington, who, prior
to the time he commenced to preach the
Gospel. was a farmer. Young Dickey
was. therefore. born on a farm. and was
educated 1t the Pleasantville Academy,
in Somerset county. and the State Nor
mai School in California, Pa. Prior To
graduating at the State Normal School he
had much experience as teacher, and
was principal OF the Salisbury school .or
two wears. He left that school to accept
a position as teacher Of grammar and
arithmetic at the State Normal School.
II was while teaching at California that
he attracted the attention OF the Avalon
board. His election some time afterward
f1llowed, and he has given satisfaction to
all. Prof Dickey was for two years a
member of the permanent certificate
committee Of the Somerset County In
s.iiute. and at the last session of the Al
legheuy County Institute, WAS chairman
OF the Board of Resolutions. He l. gift
ei with a rich bass voice. and i = men,
her of the Bellevue Glee Club, an organi-
zttion of much promise. lie Is ofa genial
disposition. commands the respect of all
the scholars IN the school, and makes
friends wherever be goes.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
An Odd Guest.

tel Vannear, on Friday, Feb. 2Ist. and
evory4 weeks thereafter on same day.
Consultation and Examination free.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
oaaliaioa.ioas Of Republican Voters.

Republican voters in different districts
of the county have requested the HERALD
to publish from the adopted rules govern
ing Republican primary elections in SOM
erset county, the section applying to the
qualifications of voters. Rule II reads "a
follows, and every committeeman is
sworn - observe il:
"It shall be the duty of the Election
Board 10 organize as directed in Rule :,
and shall keep the polls open till seven
o'clock p. u. They shal! hold and conduct
the election with fairness and honesty, PEI
mit.ing all Republicans to vote no NOt-
ed the Republican ticket at the last pre-
ceding general election and claiming Ia
he Republicans, and Republicans who
we're prevented from voting by reason OF
absence from home or sickness, or who
have arrived al the age of twenty-one
years since tie last election, or minors
who are known % be Republicans and
will be of age before the next general
election. DepriVing no one whom they
know 10 be a Republican of the privilege
Of voting. but allowing none whom they
know or have reason 90 believe are not
Republicans, % Vote.N
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

Some time since the HERALD an
noupeed that Mr.. George II. Parker, so
long and favorably known as a success
fnl merchant OF this place, had deternln-
ed TO dispose f mis- interest IN tAe nrin oi
Parker & Parker. At that time MI
parker WAS in delicate health and his
decision TO retire from active business
was prompted by that reason alone. The
announcement referred to brought num-
berless prospective purchasers but with
a return of health he decided to continue
in Business and declined several very
aat,ering offers for his interest in the
firm
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
The Personal Side of Washington.

General \. w. Greely, of Arctic fame.
begins, in the March LADIES' Home Jour
nai, his articles on George Washington,
which are expected TO create considerable
discussion. General Greedy has read
over 2eo of Washington's private letters,
and he writes in frank, unbiased way
OF the personal side of Washington. His
first article will deal with the loves and
courtships of Washington and his final
Greely's articles are not likely to con-
firm the estimate of those who regard
Washington in an ideal way. But they
are truthful and admirably portray the
man a. he was,-in reality.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
Until February 18th.

The low prices for Dry Goods
now current at my Clearance Sale
will continue until February 18th.
1t will pay to take advantage OF this
opportunity to buy good goods
cheap. A full line of Wool and
Cotton Carpet Chain on hand
Case new style coats for ladies
and children cheap.
Mrs. 4. E. UHL.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

Notwithstanding the fact that tax col
lectors are elected to serve for a period of
three years the law requires them to re-
new their bonds to the county annually,
when they must be approved 10y the
Court and filed in the office of the Pro-
thonotary.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
Terms .

One-third Of purchase money. after pay
mcnt Of all debts and legal expenses. To ~
main a lien on tine land IN lieu OF dover 10
the widow OF said decd. and balance in three
payments: One-jhirJi ON confirmation Of sale.
One-third Ia six months and Ouc-thiri IN one
year. with interest Ten Per cent OF purch-
ase money 10 be paid on day of sale. De-
fcrTed payments 90 be SECURED by bond and
mortgage ol the premises
TILiIE CRITCHFIEI y.
Geo. Il. Scull. Administrators.
Atty.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
Horses Wanted.

Farmers having horses - sell should
not fail to bring them % Somerset on Fri
day and saturday, February l4th and
18th, during the Farners's Institute.
Several horse-bay ers have asked as to
make mention that they will be here on
those days for the purpose Of buying
horses to be shipped to the eastern par;
of the State.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
NOTICE.

Estate Of Charles Miller. Late Of Somerset
township, decd
Letters testamentary on the above
estate having been granted IA the under
signed by the proper authority, notice i
hereby given To all persons indebted To
said estate 10 make immediate pay
ment. and those having claims against
said estate will present them duly authentl-
Gated for settlement, ON saturday, Feb. -
l-lsi. at the Office OF the Executor, in somerset
borough.
l.. VI. HICKS,
Executor.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
Settle Up.

Our books of accounts we will do away
with entirely from date of April l, 1896.
We therefore notify all persons indebted
10 us to call promptly and settle either
by cash or note, as by the above date we
want all accounts q lsed,
FERNER Bros.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

Word comes from Meyersdale that eN-
Senator Fred Grof is critically i'll with
Bright's disease and that only faint hopes
are entertained for his recovery. The
Senator had been at the Markleton Sana-
torium for treatment bat was removed 10
his home Monday morning.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
Until February 18th.

The low prices for Dry Goods
now current at my Clearance Sale
will continue until February 18th.
1t will pay to take advantage OF
this opportunity to buy good goods
cheap. A full line of Wool and
Cotton Carpet Chain on hand.
Case new style coats for ladies
q cheap.
Mrs. A. E. UHL.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

James b. Holderbaum is untiring in
his efforts TO supply the wants of agricul-
turists. Every few days he adds some
new labor-saving farming machinery 10
his immense stock of goods. This week
he adyertises two or three articles Of great
merit
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
Cab Shne Srnrs.

From date Of April !, ls95, we viii do =
strictly cash business. Believing it to be
70 the best interest Of our customers and
ourselves, to buy and sell for cash, there
by enabling Us to reduce prices and in
crease our already extensive trade,
FERNEG Bios.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

Somerset is afflicted with Jack the
Hugger," who catches women in his en-
brace when they are passing dark places
in isolated parts of the town. He would
be fit subject for a coronsr's jury
Bedford Gazette
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

A New Baltimore correspondent OF the
B ,rlin Record writes as follows; We are
assured of the erection in the near future
of a new telephone line from New Balti-
more 70 somerset. Four miles of the line
are under contract. ] was informed by q
reliable party that the line viii be com
pleted by spring, the route to connect
New Baltimore with Boone, shanksVilie'
Listie and Somerset. That Will give d
direct line from Somerset TO Bedioru'
All the names OF the projectors can not be
learned at this time, but | am informed
that il is wealthy company. Eiias
Sobrie has the contract for three hundred
noles. He is working on them now.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

The Auditors of Fulton county con-
cluded their labors a few days ago.
They surcharged the county commits
sioners with s94L95, the greater part OF
which was for drafts drawn in their own
favor for salary and expenses during
JSQ1
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

The following named gentlemen nave
bs,ome stockholders in the Cnioh
Provision Company, OF this place; H. -
Beerits. c. J. Harrison, W. i. hooser'
James McKelvey, and NJ. J. Prilts. other
stockholders are George III. Love, \. ".
EneDper and Edward VI. Love. Messrs.
George Love, A. w. Knepper and H. -
Beerits constitute the Board of Directors
A appears above the Union Provision
Company has ample capital and business
cap lci,y back of it to insure ITS perina-
nent success. The Union Provision Com
pany is one of Somersets most promising
industries.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12
.OLUNTARY ASSIGNMENT.

Wm. J. Fritz and vile. % S:onycrecS town
ship. somerset couury. Pa. having made n
deed of voluntary Assignment Co Tle OF Sil
the rgal and pe-sHaIl prcP@riy of said WuD-
J. Fritz. FOR The benefit 90 iii> creditors no
tice j. hereby given % ail is'-~''ns indebted 10
said a>>iguoT % make tm.n alrtt- payment to
me. and tho~,- hsvin-- -i.fttIt> a--tiaSc him 10
present them daiy authentic tt-i for settle
mcnt. 10 n1y s.fi e.. in SON .rset. Pa. Ol Thurs
lay. Zebra lry d, =. u .>si
NAI.FN, FINE HAY,
Jan. l. 10 Assignee
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

The general jumble in the courts All
over the State i'm the Interpretation OF the
liouor-liceuse laws took another twist or
two on Thursday in decision renaeIe"
by Judge John Stewart, OF Franklin
Comfy. A petition from citizens oi
Nercersbnrg asked that the Court, ln
granting license. require saloon-keePers
% close their bars at 1899 +. NJ Jadse
Stewart held that the Al Of Assembly
vests no arbitrary power in the Court in
connection with license, and, therefore,
he had no authority to make an order
closing saloons at specified time; he
e,uld not enforce such an order if It were
nade-.JoAnStoicH TriJEAe.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

\ pleasant little party gathered at the
home of Mr.. Washington Countryman,
in Iavansville, on Monday, Sd inst,
that being the anniversary of his birth.
Those present were Mr.. and Mrs. Joseph
Yoman, MIR. George 4. Cable and mother,
Mr.. and Mrs. John Deitz. of. Lavansyiile,
and Mr.. and Mrs. William Marteeny, Of
Somerset.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

The late Squire Werner grimly says:
Judge Horner got astride of my contest
proceeding and rode it until he got about
$50 ont of it when he jumped off''
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-02-12

BY posters printed at this Office, John
Biesecker, of Jenner township, advertises
all of his farming implements, horses
and cattle, and household goods TO be
sold at public sale on Tuesday, March I'd
The sale will be one of the largest held
this spring. and the Biesecker farm will
be the Mecca of candidates for county
office on that day.