The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-05-04
PITTSTON NEWS


1t is some time since our people
were so shocked as when the news
came from the West Side that George
w. Brown. one of the oldest employees
of the Lehigh Valley railroad, had sud
denly expired. He attended to his ac-
customed duties as night agent at the
depot up to Tuesday last and even
on Wednesday morning was upon the
street with his accustomed cheerful
countenance. During the day he COM
plained of pain in the region of the
heart and DR.. Hutchins was sum-
moned, who at once was aware of his
situation. After prescribing, his pa
tient improved and yesterday he ven-
tured about the yard and was SEEM
ingly recovering. In the afternoon he
had relapse ana went to his room
and to bed and at o'clock he peacn-
fully passed away. surrounded by his
faithful wife and the children who
happened to be at home. George
Brown was born 5S years ago in Ouch
ess county. New York and when but
yet boy the family moved to this
vicinity. When 20 years old he enlisted
for three years in the one Hundred
and Forty-seventh Illinois infantry and
served his country throughout the re-
Dellion and was sergeant when mus
tered out in 1866 after receiving an
honorable discharge. He was a char
ter member of the Eagle Hose COM
pany and an ex-foreman: also, a MEM
Der of the Independent Order of Red
men. For many years he was EN-
ployed as a detective for the Lehigh
Valley company; was also chief of
police of this city when yet bor-
ough, and has a record for being one
of the bravest officers who ever wore
star and one who never knew what
fear was when duty required his ser
vices. He is survived by q wife, who
was formerly Miss Mary T.. Brenton,
and the following children: Willis,
Eva, Richard, Norman and Willie.
There are also several sisters and
brothers. The deceased has left be-
hind him a record of unblemished rep
utation and many noble traits of char
acter will live long after the clods
will have become aged upon his silent
tomb. The arrangements for the fun
eral were not completed last night, but
will be announced tomorrow.
Yesterday afternoon at 1.30 o'clock
an alarm of fire was sounded for the
West End" and In less than two min
utes the Eagles went down Main
street at a rafting pace, and had a
stream Of water on the building, which
is located on Oak street, before the
flames had burst out. The Niagaras
were late arriving, owing to their team
being half a mile from the engine
house when the alarm sounded, but
they were on the scene for good SER
vice, and this they accomplished. The
fire was the most stubborn that the
boys have had to contend with for
some time. The building was an old
one, and the shingles had been covered
with a tin roofing, so that it was diff
cult to get water on the flames, which
were confined to the upper story. The
battle was to save much valuable prop
erty in the block, and the boys of
both companies We're successful, al
though several times hampered by the
bursting of rotten hose. The property
was owned by Peter Burke, and occu-
pied by his family and that of James
Davis. The loss is covered by insur-
ance as far as the building is con-
cerned, but the occupants will suffer
the loss of what household effects could
not be removed.
"ScOtty" NTurdock, formerly with
Morris 4: Co., has accepted the posi-
tion of coachman. and yesterday was
the envy of others when he pulled the
ribbons upon O'Boyle's tally-ho.
a horse belonging to Max Ludwig
broke loose from the wagon yesterday
morning on North Main street, and
came tearing down the avenue with
the cross piece of the shafts striking
his heels at every bound. An ice man
saw the runaway, and at the risk of
his life, succeeded in stopping the
frenZied animal in front of Baum &
Bernstein's. A team belonging to Car
pentcr the florist, which was standing
there, took fright and made off, and
the plucky man also succeeded in
stopping what would have made a
first-class runaway.
A meeting of the United States Coal
and Iron company was held yesterday
afternoon in the First National bank,
and some very important business
touching upon the future of that COM
pany, which has been so successful,
holders Were present President Charles
T.. Terry, of Tunkhannock: Secretary
and Treasurer John w. Howarth, OF
Scranton; w. l.. Watres and Senator
Johnston, of Waverly. n. Y; w. C,
Foss, of Carrolton, Ohio; Thomas Ford,
A. B. Brown and others of this city.
The cOmpany's interests are located in
West Virginia, and are extensively
operated.
John w. Howell, of the West Side,
who has been i'm poor health for some
time, was in such a condition yester-
day as to alarm his many friends. His
wife is also quite i'll.
The members Of the poor board hav1
reorganized for the ensuing year and
elected the following officers: Presi-
dent, DR.. G. B. Seamans; treasurer
Louis Seiblt; secretary, Paul Bohan
Cormac Francis Bohan was reelected
attorney as usual. The members made
tour Of the institution and found
everything in and about the premises
in good condition. The present super
intendent was re-engaged, and he and
his wife provided a Croker" dinner
for the members when the business for
which they had met was completed.
Company II will hold a preliminary
inspection in their armory on South
Main street this evening, and tomorrow
night the company will be inspected by
Major Millar and the other officers OF
the Ninth regiment.