davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
PNEUMONIA
claims VICTIM

Francis j. Riffel, an old and esteem
ed resident of Riverside, departed this
life Monday. after brief illness.
One week ago last Sunday the de-
ceased was seized with a congestive
chill, which developed into pneumonia.
On Thursday his condition became
very serious. He grew gradually worse
until Monday afternoon at 40
O'Clock. when he passed away.
The deceased was in his seventieth
year. He was born near Danville and
spent his entire life in this section.
He was one of the first settlers in
Riverside and built house there in
1870, which he occupied at the time of
his death.
For thirty-eight years the deceased
was in the employ of the Pennsylvania
Railroad company. During the last two
years he acted as gateman at the South
Danville crossing Previous to that
time he was employed as a section
hand.
He was reliable, industrious man,
a good citizen, kind neighbor and a
self sacrificing and devoted parent.
The deceased was widower His
wife, who also died of pneumonia, de-
parted this life four years ago. He is
survived by the following sons and
daughters: Arthur Riffel, of Philadel-
phia, and John and Charles Riffel, of
Riverside; Hannah Mrs. e. M. Arm
old) of Harrisburg; Miss Ella Riffel,
of Philadelphia, and Misses Minerva
and Blanche Riffel, who reside at
home. The deceased is also survived
by two brothers-James, of Danville,
and William, of Harrisburg-and two
sisters. Mrs. William Pancoast, of
Danville, and Mrs. Charles Pancoast,
of Tanning, Mo.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Death of Goosebone Prophet.

Elias HarGz, the famous gOosebone
weather prophet, of Reading died Sat
urday at the Friends asylum, near
Philadelphia Hartz was known all
over the country on account of his
peculiar weather representations.
Mr.. Hartz was ninety two years of age
and he foretold the weather as indi-
Gated by the markings of the goose
bone for nearly seventy years. Some
months ago he was taken to the
Friends asylum because of infirmities
incident to old age.
Mr.. Hartz always declared that the
art of reading the goosebone correctly
was science, and he became an
adept. For the last forty years his
forecasts have been eagerly looked
forward to by the people of Pennsyl.
vania and neighboring States.
1t was his custom to select goose
born in the spring of the year. This
he would carefully raise and watch
until the following Thanksgiving
Day. when he would enjoy the fowl
for his dinner. On this date he would
be besieged by neighbors, friends and
newspaper men to give them his read
ing of the goosebone. No one ever
questioned his accuracy, and if he
predicted billiards.. severe cold wealth
er and heavy SHOWS, it was taken as a
fact that that would be the state of
the weather for the ensuing winter.
In January he would give supple
mental reading of the goosebone. Mr..
Hartz never despised the lowly ground
hog and admitted upon all occasions
that it was valuable adjunct in deter
mining that state of the weather.
He claimed that in his long career
he only made one mistake, and that
was when wag palmed off ON him
the bone of a gander. After that he
carefully looked after the goose from
whose bone he made his forecasts.
Farmers, particularly believed in his
predictions and they frequently CON
suited him as to putting out their crop
in spring.
About ten years ago the country en-
joyed mild fall, and during the
Thanksgiving season Mr. Hartz issued
his famous warning, Fill your coal
bins, at the same time issuing a por-
tend of disastrous winter. Many
laughed at Hartz. Hundreds took his
advice. 1t was the severest winter in
a generation, and Hartz's reputation
was more firmly established than ever.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
VIII Be Tried on 1urder Charge.

Judge savidge has issued the fol-
lowing order in connection with the
Fisher case so as TO become a matter
of record to show what disposition
was made of the case. The order is as
follows: cit is so ordered that the de-
fendant be not discharged from the
asylum for the insane at Danville, to
which he has been recently committed
by the court, in the event he at any
time RECEIVERS from his mental sick
ness, but in such event the court be
informed of his condition so that pro-
per officers may return him to the
Northumberland county Jail to which
it is ordered he be returned in the
event he RECEIVERS his reason.
Prothonotary Lawler was instructed
to have copy of the order sent to the
authorities at the Danville hospital.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Contractors Setting Curb.

7. L. Evans Sons yesterday began
the setting of curbing ON North Mill
street, preparatory to beginning the
work of paving. The greater part of
the stone was delivered Oh the ground
last week. Only few men were en-
ployed yesterday, but fair beginning
of the work was made.
1t is gratifying that after so much
delay ground has at last been broken.
1t was thought that reconstruction of
the street, embracing all branches of
work, would be we'll under way by
this time. The delay has caused dis
appointment and led many people to
fear that the greater part of summer
will be permitted to pass before the
work will be begun.
The street is very important one
and as it is in notoriously bad con-
dition it can not be reconstructed too
soon.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Class DAY WILL
BE Observed

The school board went on record Mon
night as insisting upon a commence
ment this year that embodies no de-
partures from what has been customary
in the past.
This action followed as the result of
short conference with a committee
of the graduating class, which was
present at the meeting. The commit
tee explained that the class was divid-
ed on the question of whether or not
the exercises of class day should be
abolished, which would imply that
commencement exercises should con-
sist of salutatory, valedictory, address
to class and presentation of diplomas
only. The class, the committee said,
had voted on the proposition and decid-
ed that commencement should 20 on
as usual carrying out the full pro-
gram. Nevertheless, it was explained
there are those in the class who are
loath to abandon the ideaI of cutting
out class day exercises and are not en-
tering on the work of preparati on
with the right spirit and enthusiasm.
The class, it was explained, is some
what discouraged by the uncertainty
whether or not the court house can be
secured for commencement. 1t was
suggested that it might have a good
effect if the board would define it's
position iii the matter and make it
clear to the class that, if commence
ment, with class exercises, were decid-
ed upon, suitable place, in spite of
all odds, would be provided in which
to hold the exercises.
Superintendent Gordy being called
upon stated that the principal of the
high school had been waited upon by
a delegation of the graduating class
and asked to abolish class day exer-
cises. There is lethargy in the class,
which, the superintendent said, would
have to be overcome if commencement
exercises are to come up to the stand
ard of previous years. He thought it
would be good thing for the school
board to decide whether the class go
ahead and prepare for commencement
as held previous years or abolish class
day exercises.
On motion of Dr. Harpel it was ord
cred that the board insist upon COM
mencement-emb class day-as
ON previous years and that the teach
ers having charge of the exercises will
be held responsible for results. They
are to see to il that there is no shirk-
ing on the part of any members of the
class.
Mr.. Orth reported that he had wait
ed upon Ralph Kisner. Esq. and ac-
quainted him with the school board S
action in inviting him to address the
graduating class this year and that
the gentleman at later date consent
ed to deliver the address.
The following members were pres
ent Burns, Orth, Harpel, Swarts, Pur-
sci, Fish, Foulke, Fischer, Heiss and
Redding.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
CANDIDATES
PEnT|ONED FOR

Saturday, the last day for filing petit
primary law. developed an unusual
amount of activity in political circles.
The principal offices to be filled next
fall are prothonotary and county trea-
surer. Up TO Saturday there was only
one petition filed by the Democrats for
candidate for prothonotary and that
related to the present incumbent of
the office. During several days preced-
ing the air was full of rumors of pros
pective candidates, for prothonotary
where petitions would be in before Sat
urday night. Friday there was much
activity in different circles and it was
known that the rumors were not Who'll
ly unfounded. As Saturday night ap-
preached curiosity ran high to see
what opposition to Thomas G. Vim
cent would develop among the Demo
Gratis.
1t transpired, however, that while
petitions from Democrats relating to
other offices came in during the day
there was none for the prothonotary.
Mr. Vincent's rival on the Republican
ticket will be,William Vastine of West
Market street, son of former Council
man Amos Vastine, petition for
whom was presented ON Saturday, and
for whose nomination there is no op-
position.
For nomination as county treasurer
A. J. Steinman, of Liberty towuhsip,
and A. L. Heddens, of Washington
vile, are the rival candidates, petit
tions for both being filed prior to
Saturday. The Republican candidate
for county treasurer will be A. H.
Grone, for whom petition was filed
Saturday. J. f. Hendriokson, of Val
ley township. is the Prohibition can
didate for county treasurer.
For county chairman the Republi-
cans filed a petition for John E. Rob
erts and the Democrats for John G..
Waite on Saturday.
Delegates to the State convention
are petitioned for as follows Repubh
can, T. W. Bedea Democrat, George
NJ. Leighow Prohibition, Rev. L. W.
Walter and George r. Bernhard.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Herbert HI. Lee Among Injured.

Herbert II. Lee of Orwigsburg, nep-
hew of our townsman, l. @. Lee, was
one of the victims of the great train
wreck that occurred in California Sat
urday night. He escaped with his life,
but was very seriously injured. His
leg was broken, IN addition to which
the ligaments were torn loose at the
hip and it is feared that he is hurt in
ternally.
Herbert is wellknown in Danville,
where he has frequently visited his
uncle, Mr.. Lee. He is about 20 years
of age. For several years past he has
filled the position of mail agent be-
tween Reading and Williamsport. A
few days ago he left Reading with the
Shriners, fifteen of whom lost their
lives in the dreadful wreck.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
raising SIXTY
FOOT smoke STACK

The sixty-foot steel smoke stack was
raised at the plant of the Haney Fraz-
ier Milling company at South Dan
Vile Yesterday. The work was in
charge of John A. Mowrey of this
city. who raised the heavy steel flag
pole on the hospital grounds last sum-
mer
The new boiler is already in posi-
tion. The base of the smoke stack
is adjusted on the top of the boiler,
which in effect gives the stack a
height of seventy feet. The work of
raising the latter was attended with
much difficulty, and that it was sue
cessfully accomplished speaks we'll for
the skill and experience of the con-
tractor.
Today work will begin on the con-
struetion of the steel storage tank,
which will be a distinctive feature
of the remodelled plant The work
will be in charge of James Irwin, rep
resenting the Warren co. Boiler
works He will be assisted by w.
Scouler, of Peoria. ILL.,, who arrived
yesterday.
The concrete fou ndation, six feet
deep. was finished several days ago.
The tank will be twenty five feet. two
inches high and its diameter will be
of about the same dimensions. The
amount of riveting required will be
enormous. 1t is estimated that it
will require nineteen men five weeks
to erect the storage tank.
The storage tank is the only one in
stalled anywhere in this section of the
State. 1t will prove a most valuable
appendage to the FIGURING mill. facili
tating the handling of grain and enab-
ling the company to carry a large stock
without incurring any risk from fire.
The capacity of the tank will be 10,
900 bushels of grain, quantity equal
to ten car loads.
Much of the machinery, all new and
modern, has arrived at the mill and
will be installed as rapidly as possible
BY midsummer the mill will be in
operation.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Becomes q Nuisance.

The distribution of circulars in Dan
Vile as carried on, has become a great
nuisance, one that has provoked gen
eral protest.
1t would seem that no effort is made
to get the circulars into the houses.
The distribution in many instances
seems to be in the hands of irresponsi-
BILE persons, who leave the circulars on
the door steps, where they are blown
about in every direction.
During the last few days several of
our streets have presented an insight
ly appearance. Here and there in spots
circulars belonging to one lot could be
counted by the score, indicating that
they had been thrown down by the
handful. This is bad enough, but when
several sets of circulars in one day are
dumped upon the streets in the same
way, the effect can easily be in agin-
ed.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
DEATH Of
NONACENAR|AN

Mrs. Elizabeth Gething, one of the
oldest residents of Montour county,
died yesterday morning at the home
of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann
Cashner. in West Hemlock township.
The deceased was aged 81 years, 3
months and l day
Mrs. Gething was remarkable old
lady. She retained the use of all her
faculties until her death. Her last
illness was of about six weeks dura-
tion. death being the result of the in
firmities of old age. Until she was in
capacitated by her illness Mrs. Gething
was bright and active. Even while
confined to her bed she impatiently
anticipated recovery, as she was anx-
ious to dig her garden. -
The deceased was the widow of
Jesse Gething. who died in 1894 She
was a native of Staffordshire. Eng
land. and came to America in 1854.
The remainder of her life was spent
in this immediate vicinity.
Mrs Gething is survived by three
sons and one daughter: William and
Thomas, OF West Hemlock township;
Samuel of Danville and Mrs Mary
Ann Cashner, of West HemIock town
ship.
The funeral will take place Friday
afternoon, meeting at the home of
William Gething at o'clock. Ser
vices will be conducted in Straub's
church
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
A Fine Program.

The Sunday school classes of Rev.
and Mrs. Fritsch will give a literary
and musical entertainment at st.
Johns German Lutheran church, on
Friday evening, at O'Clock. The pro-
gram has been well prepared by the
young people, and the selections care
fully chosen so that the public is sure
to have good treat Admission 20
cents. The program follows:
Music by Ladies Mandolin Club
Vocal Solo-And little child shall
lead them. Katherine Bruder
Recitation Barbara Fritchie,
Emma Moulter.
Piano Duo-Misses Cloud and Slider.
Mandolin Solo-Miss Slider.
Recitation-Miss Russell
Solo-Miss Helen Chestnut
Scenic dialogue-Goddess of Liberty.
Piano Solo-Miss Gearhart
Recitation-Mary Won Blohn.
Vocal Solo-Marion Gearhart.
Recitation-Emlly Kehl.
Vocal Solo-May Sidler
Selection-Ladies' Mandolin club.
March and Drill-Twelve Girls.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Death of Bdward Young.

Edward Young. a former resident of
this city, departed this life at Sunbury
Monday and was consigned to the
grave at that place yesterday after
noon.
The deceased is survived by his wife
and mother, Mrs. Mary Jane Houtz,
of this city. For number of years
past he resided in Sunbury where he
was well-known and highly esteemed.
During his illness, which covered a
period of a year or more, he spent sew
eral months in Danville.
His funeral yesterday afternoon was
attended by number of people from
Danville, among whom were his moth
er, Mrs. Houtz, Mrs. Hattie r. Clark,
Mr.. and Mrs. Charles Snyder, Mrs.
Ellen Snyder and daughter, Miss
Myrtle Snyder.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Quarterly Meeting.

Pomona grange No. 81. of Montour
and Northumberland counties, will
hold sessions on Wednesday of next
week May 22nd, at the grange hall,
Strawberry Ridge.
Representative William Nesbit, of
Northumberland county, will deliver
an address.
A question box will be maintained
and the good roads question and other
questions of the day will be discussed.
Now that the early crops are planted
the farmers will no doubt be able to
take day off for educational i'm
provement and social enjoyment be-
fore taking up the summers work.
Grange No. "a will furnish meals at
the usual rate.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Funeral of hrs. kearns.

Mrs. Henry Kearns, whose death oc-
Cured on Friday, was consigned to
the grave in the cemetery connected
with the Reformed church Tuesday
afternoon. The funeral took place at 2
o'clock from the family residence, Mill
street.
The services were conducted by the
Rev. Edward Haughton. The pail
bearers were Fred Jacobs, John f.
Tooley, Harry Ellenbogen, Elias Maier.
Charles Lyon and o. f. Young.
The following persons attended the
funeral: Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Sweis-
fort. New York: Mr.. and Mrs. Albert
Smith, of Wyoming; and Mrs r. G.
Whitman, of Milton
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Welded at Riverside.

Miss Anna McCloughan, daughter of
Mr.. and Mrs. J. T. McCloughan, Riv
erside, and Marvin Lowenstein. form
erly of this city, but at present of
Lewistown, were united in the holy
bonds of matrimony yesterday fore
noon. The ceremony was performed at
the home of the BRIDES parents at II
O'Clock, the Rev. John G. Grimes,
pastor of st. Peters NJ E. church,
officiating. TheEbeautiful ring cere-
mony was employed. Only the BRIDES
immediate family was present.
The newly welded couple left on
the II 10 train for trip.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Resignation of School Principal.

J. H. Shaw, principal of the third
ward grammar school, has rendered his
resignation ard left for his home at
Orange, LuzeIne county. The third
ward principalship from now until
the end of the term will be filled by
Miss Boudman, who has been brought
up from the second grade of the third
ward schools. Miss Boudman school
is in the hands of pupil teacher
Mr. Shaw was teaching his second
term as principal of the third ward
schools when he rendered his resigna-
tion. He had the reputation of being
very good teacher.
His resignation as principal leaves
an important vacancy to be filled next
term,
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Two Attempted Burglaries.

Two attempted burglaries have oc-
Cured in East Danville during few
nights past.
On Sunday night an attempt was
made TO break into the residence of
William Diehl, the well ll-known truck
man and dairyman. The thieves had
already removed pane of glass from
one of the windows on the first floor
when they were frightened away
On Monday night an attempt was
made TO burglarize the residence of
Willim Maus, who lives near the DiehI
farm. The burglars here were discov-
cred by Mr. Maus, who fired several
shots after them, but did not succeed
in winging any of the intruders
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Camping Site Chosen.

Orders have been received in Sun
bury from the third brigade head
quarters to choose advance details of
soldiers who will be sent to Mt.
Gretna on July 3, to make prepara.
tions for the annual national guard
encampment, which will open there
on July &.
Among local members of the nation
al guard, this order is taken to mean
that the proposed trip to Jamestown
has been definitely abandoned Most
of the men are greatly disappointed.
The third brigade has been going to
Mt. Gretna for the past fourteen years
ana every man who has been in the
service any length of time hoped for a
change of scene this year. They are
especially bitter on the subject because
they believe that Mt. Gretna is always
chosen, less ON account of its natural
advantages, than because one of it's
promoters as a summer resort exercises
undue influence in the councils of the
national guard of Pennsylvania.
For this reason company command
ers throughout the third brigade find
great difficulty in enlisting men The
talk of going to jamestown was the
means of bringing in many recruits,
but now that this scheme has apparent
ly fallen through the gaps in the rank
and file remain as wide as ever.
1t is generally believed that a few
trips such as the proposed one 10 the
Jamestown exposition would go far to
wards building up the numerical
strength of the national guard.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Officiated at Funeral.

Rev, John @. Grimes, pastor of st.
Peters M. E. church, Riverside, yes
tarday returned home from Mcdonnell
isburg, where he was called to officiate
at the funeral of Professor Charles E.
Barton, perintendent of the schools
of Fulton county, and formerly an in
struotor in the State Normal school.
The deceased and the Rev. John G.
Grimes were warm personal friends
for many years, Death occurred Sun
day and the funeral followed Tuesday
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Entertained Friends,

Lewis Robinson entertained num-
Der of his high school friends at his
home Tuesday evening Those present
were: Misses Lois Williams, Pearl
Transformation, Edna Dyer, Ethel
Shannon, Elsie Gulick, Leah Waite,
Mae Paugh, Rhea Hoffman, Isabella
Wetzel. Messrs, Edward Price, Frank
Cooper, Carl Murray, Scott Helm, Guy
Williams, Ralph Still, Edwin jenkins,
Roy Shultz.
The party was chaperoned by the
Misses Hattie Adams and Jennie
Waite.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Successful Operator.

Miss Nellie Conser, who learned
telegraphing at the South Danville
station, last winter. is one of the few
women ever set aE work on the block
signal of the Pennsylvania railroad
She is stationed at Shindel, Snyder
county, and upwards of forty freight
trains and four express trains pass the
tower daily.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
BIG Slate Deal.

The largest slate deal that has ever
been made in Pennsylvania took place
at Tamaqua on Thursday when a COM
bine of interests was affected wh'eh
will be capitalized at $500, 600 ]
interests embrace some half da9ru
firms operating a number of a
covering an extent of 240 acres o, .e
finest beds of slate in the State.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Death of an Infant.

Harry, the son of Mr.. and Mrs. John
H. Kriner, Second street, departed this
life at O'Clock Saturday afternoon,
aged year, Z months and days. The
funeral will be held at 10 a. m. tomor-
row Interment in the Odd Fellows,
cemetery.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
Coolest Place In State.

Tobyhanna, on the Pocono noun
tains in Monroe county. was about the
ooldest point in the State on Saturday
morning, the mercury being down to
28 degrees and the earth completely
covered with snow.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1907-05-16
~ SIIULTZ, NJ.

425 MILL ST., DANVILLE, PA.
Diseases Of the Stomach and nJes.ines
D.. -peciaiiy
The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1907-04-03
baby BORN ON
IMMIGRANT TRAIN
ENGINEER TRIED TO HURRY OVER
BORDER TO MAKE CHILD A
U. S. CITIZEN.

DETROIT, Mich, April ".-Whlle q
Michigan Central Immigrant train was
speeding on IT. way 10 Windsor, a baby
hoy Was born TO Mrs. Mary RoscN
bloom, a, Russian..Iewish Immigrant,
on her way to the United Suites.
The aroud mother vas anxious thar
the CHILD be horn In the United States
the land Of her adoption. AMI the eli
gincer put on full speed at her re
quest, but the stGrk touk matters IN
his OWE hands, and the youngest mem
Der Of the itosenhioom fasniiy viii
have 10 claim the Dominion Of Cana
da as tie land OF hts Hatlrity, though
h. missed hcing horn under the Stars
and Stripes by only a few hours. TIL.
little mite Of humanity came into ex
istence near Tilbury. Ont.
One Of the Michigan Central sur
geons had been notified in advance
and remained with the mother and her
child until the train arrived at Who'd
Sor