YOL. 20 BLOOMS1SU11G. PA., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 0, 1891. NO. C BENTON. That we have been silent for some time past does not imply that we have been idle ; our town is booming right along. The riaining Mill Co. are doing a hustling business, having attached a saw mill to their establishment, mak ing a convenient and valuab e addi tion. Alfred Rantz expects to leave Ben ton this Spring. The Shirt Factory was started last week and will soon dc under full headway. We see our commissioner B. F. Ed gar in town occasionally looking after the county affairs. He says that his distillery is now in operation, but ow ing to the scarcity of rye, they have been compelled to use part corn. The M. E. church has been hand somely refurnished and remodelled. Dedication services will bo held Feb. 15th; We have had good sleighing here the greater part of the winter. There are days when the town is nearly flooded with R. R. ties, lumber, shingles, &c. Benton is the largest shipping point along the line of the B. & S. The latest is that "Ingalls has caught a peck of pickled peppers.'' Rev. Boone held services in the school house last Sunday. He is meeting with great success in a pro tracted meeting at Waller. The local institute held here last Saturday was a decided success, not withstanding the unfavorable weather. These educational institutes are sus ceptible of a great deal of good if properly conducted and a due amount of interest be taken. ' I'rof. Johnson's laiK on "Keacling and Hunting was appropriate and well delivered; and it is but just to add well received. After attending one of Supt. Johnson's rducational meetings, there can no doubt exist as to his proficiency and ability to perform the duties incurred by his high position. Occasional. EAST BENTON. Not long since Judge Krickbaum Kineu a nog mat weignea 525 ids. It was currently reported last week. that Judge Derr of Jackson died sud denly, falling from his chair dead. Judge Krickbaum went on last Friday to attend his funeral, but when he ar rived it was the funeral of another person, which. Judge . Derr attended, well and hearty and in . good spirits. It was an erronous report May Judge Derr live and'enjoy many pleas ant days in his old age is the wish of his many friends.' Many seem to boast and are elated over the rise in grain as an indication of better times. There is nothing in this to warrant such an assumption Grain in these days is never high ex cept when the farmers are obliged to buy, and that is another set back to the average farmer, but it will benefit the farmers of certain localities who experienced no failures. But how about the others ? The continual thawing has spoiled our sleighing. Whoever has faith in "ground hog day" will now prognosticate the weath er. Alonzo Albertson runs his saw mill day and night at Cambra. It is reported that Prof. Robbins advocated at the Benton Local Teach ers Institute last Saturday, the carpet ing of school houses, and ornamenting the walls with pictures, and the culti vation of flower beds. If Prof. Rob bins will foot the bill the farmers have no objections. Farmers are neither fed nor salaried, and they are prepar ed to call a hall in the building of air castles, as heretofore promulgated by the fine spun theories of Professors at the expense of the farmers. A BIG LAWSUIT. Judge Ikeler was engaged in the trial of a very important lawsuit at Danville last week and part of this week. It was a fight between the Johnson Manufacturing Company, and the North Branch Iron & Steel Com pany. For the Johnson Company the law yers were James II. Heverin Philad elphia, Mayor William Rose, of Johns town, where the Johnson Company is located, and Henry M. Palmer, ex Attorney General! William J. Baldy and Mr. Savage, Sunbury. The prosecution had District At torney Graham, of Philadelphia and Judge Hinckley and James Scarlet, of Montour county. The parties effected a settlement on Monday and the trial ended. Several persons attending court have congratulated The Columbian on the great improvements ia its ap pearance and contents. TEACHERS INSTITUTE. The local institute for Benton, Jack son and Sugarloaf was called to order by Supt. Johnston in the Christian church, at Benton, at 10, A. M. on Saturday Jan. 31, after which Rev. S. P. Boone of the M. L. Church con ducted the devotional exercises. The house was well filled and Supt. John ston proceeded with the organization. A. S. Fritz was elected chairman and J. P. Yorks secretary. 1 he first period was taken up with a talk on Technical Grammar and Busy Work," by J. Preston Yorks, W. B. Sutliff then gave an instruct ive address 011 Business Education on which he gave the teachers a great many good ideas that should be taught in all our schools. Recitations by Carleton Cole and Jessie Richman of the Jamison city schools. Prof. J. F. Hark ins then gave an excellent talk on the Teachers work. The mind is indivisible, but has differ ent powers called faculties of the mind arid it is necessary to captivate the chrtds mind to get his attention. Re straint will not secure genuine atten tion. Address, Moral Culture, Rev. S. P. Boone. The work of teaching is so near like my work, I can hardly see the difference. Teachers are apt to put too much attention on one subject, Morals should be taught from other lessons by anecdotes etc., and the teacher should practice what lie teaches. To make well rounded men they should be taught physically, men tally and morally. After singing a hymn adjourned un til 1:15 p. m. When the chairman called the insti tute to order in the afternoon all the available space in the church was occupied. The seats were not only full but all the standing room was fill ed and remained densely crowded all the afternoon. Supt. Johnston, pleased to see such a large attendance, occupied the fir.it period in a talk on Educational work. We should make the local equal to the County institute. Teachers should take the lead ia making improvements read more and think more, but should also have time for recitation. They should read at least, one educational book and carefully read one educa tional paper every year. Teachers should devote some time every day to reading and should not be content with the mere possession of books and papers. No small part of a teachers compensation is in knowing that he is doing some good. Reserve your in dividuality. Music, "Harvest Time," choir. Recitations, Bennie McIIenry and Ortis Chapin of the Benton Schools. Essay, School Management, Alice Rrckle. Attention pertains to the mind, most children are reading in books far above where they are in tended. Corporal punishment is bet ter than scolding. . Prof.C. H. Albert gave an excellent talk on school management. He says teachers lack in discipline through lack of intelligence, not of book knowledge sojmuch as individuality. Teachers cannot cowhide a boy into submission Whenever we chastise children with a rod we show that we are weaker than they. We must have a keen insight into the childs nature before we at tempt to govern him. If we would spend a little more of our money on school houses we would need less for court houses, jails and prisons. Music, Beautiful Days, choir., Position in the School-room and Hygiene" was the subject of Dr. T. C. Mcllenry's'well chosen remarks. The position that a child assumes on the seat affects his health. Sit erect and you will keep in that position in walk ing. Poisonous air in the school house makes children drowsy, should be ven tilated from the floor. Cleanliness is one of the most important hygienic principles. Attention to higiene would give doctors less practice but I am willing to devote my time to teaching if need be. Recitations Olge Clark and Jennie Ruckle. Addres, Dr. I. L. Edwards. This crowded house must mean an interest in our public schools. Nothing is so important as the teacher. Directors should be as careful in getting teach ers as they are in their own office or business employ. Teachers should give their whole time to their schools and should take a Normal course to better fit them for the work. Although the taxes are high I would rather pay twice as much as I now do if it were necessary in order to have good schools. Music, "Mountain Home" choir. Penmanship was ably discussed by C. W. Young. He says it is much neglected and in some of our schools not taught at all as a seperate branch. I prefer the Spencerian system and think it should be taught the same as any other branch. A great mistake is made in not procuring the best paper, for even the best penman cannot write good on poor paper. Recitations, Iva Kitchen, and Or- ville Savage. The chairman next called on J. J. McIIenry, but as he was absent, Lena Parks recited "Curfew must not ring to night." Dialogue, The Widows mistake K. P. McIIenry Estella Savage and Maud Savage Recitation. "Nothing and Someth ing." Mary E. McIIenry. Address. A. S. Fritz. The smaller children do not receive enough atten tion in our public schools. They should have more recitations and be kept doing something useful and then idleness and vice will have no place in their minds. Music. Beautiful Dew Drops, choir. John Winley moved that a vote of thanks be given the choir for their ex cellent music and the trustees for the use of the church, which after being seconded was unanimously tendered by the large audienc. . Supt. Johnston may well feel pleas ed with the educational sentiment he is arousing in this part of the county, for this institute is counted by all, the best ever held in this place. . J. P. Y. Sec. JER5EYT0WN. Miss Kate B. Fruit who has been visiting friends at 1 Iazleton returned home on Tuesday last. Mrs. Elmer McBride returned home on Wednesday, after visiting friends here. Mr. Robert Butler from Mont gomery came home to attend the funeral ofNathanial Brittian. Miss Martha Girton who has been visiting John J. Kreamer for the past two weeks returned home on Sunday. Dr. Y. L. Swisher who has been seriously ill. We learn is no better. Mrs. John J. Kreamer is visiting her father mathias Girton near Buck horn this week.' 1 Rev A. W. Decker is holding pro tracted meeting this week and next. Mrs. Sheep of Bloomsburg was seen on our streets Sunday last. - Quite a number of our young folks here expects to attend a hop in Welli ver's Hall at Eyer's Grove on Thursday night. Mr. H. H. Stout from Washington ville. Spent Monday in town. Mr. Chas. Creasy took a flying trip to Bloomsburg last week. Mr, John Hendershot and Frank Derr from Mordansville was seen in our village on Sunday Eve. PEEA3 BROWN. About three weeks ago Mr. Freas Brown was seized with a chill, and was confined to the house most of the time, and continued to grow worse until last Friday at 1 o'clock when he died. The immediate cause of his death was neuralgia of the heart. He was bora in Mifflin township, April ai, 1827, and was aged 63 years, 9 month and 9 days. He lived at different times at Mifflinville, New Columbus and Bloomsburg, coming here in 1 860. For seventeen years past he has resid ed at the Exchange Hotel. He .was married October ai, 1847, to Sarah John, of Main township, who survives him. He also leaves a half brother, H. H. Brown of Lightstreet, and two half sisters, Mrs. H. B. Freas who re sides in Illinois, and Mrs. Wm. Hill of Berwick. He was an active and con sistent member of the M. E. Church. The funeral was held on Monday afternoon, and was attended by a very large number of people. The services were conducted by Rev. J. Donahue, Rev. S. W. Sears, and Rev. D. S. Monroe, 1). D. of Altoona. Rev. Dr. Frost, Rev. F. B. Riddle, Rev. W. R. Whitney, Rev. W. Moses, and Prof. Curran were also present. Mr. Brown has conducted a large insurance busi ness here for many years, and enjoyed the confidence of all who had business relations with him. The remains were buried in Rosemont Cemetery. Mrs. Wesley Ruckle of Espy, drop, ped dead on the street in front o Richard Edward's house on Wednes day morning. She was accompanied by her grandson Harvey Rice, and they came to town to take the Read ing train for Williarnsport, where they were going to attend a wedding. The County Commissioners will offer at public sale at the County Jail on Saturday Feb. 7 th, 1891 a lot of radi ators, gas and steam pipe taken out of Jail. Also a lot of old Brick, and Iron fence taken down from Court house yard. at. Jan. 29th, 1891. Harvey Long and family have gone to California to reside. THE HOMICIDE CASE. The case of Michael McMenamin who was charged with the killing of John Currigan at Centralia on Sep tember 29, 1890, began in court on Tuesday afternoon. District Attor ney Chrisman and C. G. Barkley, Esq. represented the Commonwealth, and W. H Rhawn, and J. H. Maize Esq., the defendant John McHugh was also indicted for the same offense, but as he did not appear, his recogni zance was forfeited. Michael Mc Menamin being arraigned pleaded not guilty. Jurors were called one at the time and those who were accepted were sworn in. They were the follow ing : H. J. Edwards, Louis Beish line. John Moore, Silas Young, Sam uel H. Sitler, William Swartz, G. P. Hunsinger, E. B. Guie, Jonathan Loreman, John H. Wolf, B. W. Hess and Daniel Baylor Hon. J. J. Metzger of Williams port presided on the bench. An hour was occupied in selecting the jury, and then Mr. Chrisman opened the case with a plain and con cise statement of facts as alleged by the commonwealth. John Tigue was the first witness, lie found Currigan lying in the gutter on Locust Avenue, Centralia, on the night of September 29, 1S90. His head was cut, and bloody. Witness assisted him home, and on the way Currigan said that he had been fight ing with McMenamin and McHugh. Currigan lay with his head against the curb stone. Did not know that his head was cut until they reached home. Dr. R. M. Lashell testified that he was called in to see Currigan, made no examination, gave a prescription for neuralgia. Dr. W. T. Hamilton of Ashland, was the next witness. He was called to see Currigan. Found an indenta tion on the right side of head ; could not see hole but could feel it. Skull was fractured. Was unconscious Post mortem was held, and found skull fractured, and an abscess, which were the cause of death. It would require a violent blow on the head to produce the fracture. It is possible it might have been made by a fall. Dr. J. M. Gwinner was next sworn. Saw Currigan about two hours before he died. He was unconscious, high fever, rapid pulse Found indenta tion on right side of head, and a slight abrasion of skin. Made post mortem with Dr. Hamilton, and found frac ture extending down side of skull ; fracture caused abscess, and abscess caused death. Fracture could have been caused by a blow or a fall. Bernard J. Darrah assisted to take Currigan home; does not remember seeing any blood. Found him lying in the gutter. Couldn't get up and they lifteil him up. H. J. Hughes testified that he saw McMenamin and McHugh, were walking down the street and Currigan met them and there was a scuffle be tween them. Currigan fell down in the gutter, and told me to go for a doctor as he had broke his head on the curb stone. Currigan put his arm around McMenamin's neck and struck him. After they got loose Currigan went towards fence and fell down. McMenamin went and kicked him two or three times about the gs, then Currigan got up, and went over and fell in the gutter. After McMen amin kicked him Patrick McKean came, up and said that was enough, and McMenamin stopped and Curri gan got up and said he would kill him. (The testimony of this witness was evidently unexpected by the Commonwealth.) Joseph McGuire on his way home he saw Currigan put his arm aiound McMenamin's neck and strike him ; when he got loose he went towards fence, and defendant went up and kicked him. After McMenamin went away, Currigan got up and said he would kill defendant, he went to mid dle of street, staggered and fell back in the gutter. Went up to him but didn't see anything wrong with his head; took him home. Currigan was drunk A stone was found near the fence, don't know how it got there. Currigan told him he fell in the gutter and hurt his head, wanted a doctor. Patrick McIIale saw Currigan the night he was hurt ; was with him when he met McMenamin and Mc Hugh, he wanted a drink and asked McMenamin for a bottle j they had a wrangle. Saw defendant kick Curri gan, told him to stop, and led him away. They went down the street. Patrick Murphy went to see Curri gan after he was hurt. He said he got in a fight with McMenamin and McHugh, and they had hold of each other, and he (Currigan) didn't know anything else. Daniel Michael saw part of the fight. Was up stairs at home : heard noise and went to window and saw McMenamin striking somebody. Then the man lay there a little while, then got up and fell down again, laid there a bit, got up and came down to my place and fell in the gutter. John Currigan said he was the father of the dead man. He died a week from the day he was struck. I talked with him after he was hurt. He said "my work is done, McMena min and McHugh has killed me. At six o'clock court adjourned. On Wednesday morning court com menced at 9 o'clock and Ilonora Cur rigan, the mother of the deceased was the first witness. The substance of her testimony was that the deceased told her that he was going to die, and that the defendant and McHugh had done h m up. Mary Ellen Currigan, widow of the deceased, swore that she had conver sation with her husband after he was hurt. On Sunday he was conscious, and he said he was going to die, and McMenamin and McHugh had killed him. His mother said she would send for the priest, and he said, "I don't care, he will read an office for me anyhow.'' Owen Cain was called, and counsel stated that the witness could not understand English very well, and an elTort was made to secure an interpre ter of the Irish language, but no one in the audience could do it. The witness became excited and was dis missed without being examined. William Dunlevy took charge of the body after dea'h. Found a black mark on his left side. Had seen the same kind of spots on other corpses of persons who did not die violent deaths. The prosecution closed, and Mr. Rhawn stated that as the evidence of the commonwealth would not sus tain a verdict of guilty, he would not offer any testimony on behalf of the defendant, and claimed the right to the closing argument. Speeches were made by Mr. Barkley and Mr. Rhawn and Judge Metzger charged the jury. At 4:20 on Wednesday afternoon the jury brought in a verdict of not guilty. JACOB H. FBITZ DEAD- Columbia county loses a valued citizen in the person of Jacob H. Fritz of Sugarloaf township who died on Sunday January 25th 1891. Funeral services were held at St. Gabriels church on the following Thursday. Mr, Fritz had for some time been a great sufferer from Brights disease. His illness was long and severe and it has been known for some time that death was near. He was seventy one years of age. Enjoying the confidence of his fellow citizen in the highest de gree his township always kept him in some position of honor and trust and he was more or less connected with public affairs during his whole life, At the age of twenty one he receieved his first office and with the exception of a very few years the voters of his township never allowed him to be without some position He was school director for more than twenty years nearly all of which time he acted as secretary of the Board. He was when young lieutenant of malitia, coroner and jury commissioner of the county. For half a century he has been an active member of the Episcopal church and for thirty Ave years has guided the destinies of the church Sunday school as its superintendant. He has . been the leading active spirit of St. Gabriel's church and to his efforts that churcn ows much of its prsoperity. He was a son of Henry H. Fritz who lived on Chestnut street Philad elphia and came to northern Colum bia county when quite young. He was a brother of Jessie Fritz a notice of whose death appeared in these col umns in November last. One brother Rev. George Fritz and three sisters survive him. The deceased was mar ried to Amanda Laubach. Eleven children and their mother are left to mourn his loss, eight sons and three daughters. Four of the sons and one daughter are living in Michigan and the others are residents of this state. Five of his sons were for some time teachers in our public schools. Vicinity of Taurus. Daniel Lutz has been on the sick list for a few days past. K. Laubach is busy cutting logs which he will saw on his own mill. David Bogart of Register, who late ly broke his leg, is gradually gaining strength. The Methodists of Harveyville Cir cuit, held their lourth quarterly con ference on last Saturday. The people on this circuit seem to be very ener getic. They have built two new churches this year. The ice and snow is fast disappear ing on the sunny side of the hills, which makes the sleighing very thin in places. G. A. Kline has been holding stere opticon exhibitions in this neighborhood. PERSONAL A. K. Smith, the genial landlord of Jerseytown, was in town on last Mon day. Dr. J. M. Gwinner of Centralia, was in attendance at court as a wit ness on the homicide case. Miss Annie Hagenbuch of 'Atlantic Heights, New Jersey, is the guest of Mrs. Geo. W. Bertsch. Rev. J. V. Bodine of Tallman's, N. Y. has been visiting relatives in this section during the past week. Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Wells returned home last Friday They visited Philadelphia, Washington and Balti more. Mrs. C. C. Evans, of Berwick, spent several days in town this week, while Mr. Evans was in attendance at court. Mr. Frank Ikeler and Miss May Kuhn attended a party at the home of Senator Wolverton on Tuesday even ing of last week. Senator Herring is on the ro!liow ing committees 1 Mines and mining, Municipal Affairs, Canals and Inland Navigation, Judicial Apportionments, accounts. II. P. Chamberlain has moved to Reading, where he will go to house keeping. He has the agency for the, Fidelity Mutual Insurance Company, and will continue to visit Bloomsburg on business. J. Simpson Kline was sworn in as an attorney at law on Monday morn ing, the Board of Examiners having reported that he had passed a thor ough examination. He pursued his studies in the office of Charles G. Barkley Esq. Mr. Kline is a young man of ability, and his first case in court resulted in the acquittal of the parties whom he was appointed to de fend. H. A. McKillip was admitted to the bar on Monday morning, having completed his course and passed a highly creditable examination. He read law in the office of L. S. Winter steen, Esq. Mr. McKillip is a gentle man of more than ordinaiy attain ments, of keen intellect ' and a ready speaker. He will practice law in this county, and will be an ornament to the profession. We wish him abund ant success. Lent begins next Wednesday. Five o'clock teas are growing popu lar among the ladies. A decided fall in the themometer took place on Tuesday night. Two hundred dollars were taken in by the ladies of the Reformed church at their suppers last week. . Last Monday was coon day. He saw his shadow. This means six weeks of cold weather yet. Hon. E. M. Tewksbury will please accept our thanks for copies of the legislative Jiecord. J. L. Girton has placed a fine nick el cash register in the office of the St. Elmo. The election by the stockholders of the School Furnishing Co. last Friday resulted in the selection of the old board. Col. A. D. Seeley of Berwick has been appointed an aide on the staff of Gov. Pattison. The Governor could not have made a better selection. The property of Clotworthy Fisher deceased, was purchased by H. W, and M. J. Hess last Saturday for $2300. I. W. McKelvy has sold the prop erty on Seventh street now occupied by the family of the late U, H. Ent, to I nomas Sullivan. Tohn Chamberlain died at his home in Dunmore last Friday. He was a son of the late J. M. Chamberlin, Esq. We begin a new feature this week. A series of articles from the writings of Artemus Ward, the great humorist, have been secured and will appear weekly. The Board of Directors of the Farmers' National Bank have elected Frank A. Ikeler as Cashier. Mr, Ikeler is in every way fitted for the position, being a graduate of Lafayette and a young man of excellent ability. Traffc, both passenger and freight, is increasing on the B. & S. Last Satuiday, though it was a stormy day, the cars were full almost to the end of the line, Heavy freight trains are hauled every day.
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