VOL. 33 A BRIEf HISTORY OP THE JUDI OIARY OF THIS DISTRIOT The following facts concerning the Judges who have presided in the courts of Columbia County since its organization, are gleaned from Freeze's History of Columbia County, and other sources, and may prove of interest at this time. When this county was formed out of part of Northumberland in 1813, Seth Chapman became the President Judge. He had been appointed Judge of the Northumberland district in 1811, and was a resideut of Bucks county when appointed. At that time, and up to 1851. the Judges were appointed by the Governor. While Chapman had not the brilliant talents of many attorneys at the Nor thumberland bar, "he was a better Judge than many others we had in Pennsylvania." He continued in office for 20 years, until 1833. Ellis Lewis of Lewisburg, Union county, was appointed Judge of the Eighth Judicial District comprising the counties of Columbia, Northum berland, Lycoming and Union, in iB 33> by Governor Wolfe. He had held the offices of Deputy Attorney General for Lycoming county, mem ber of the legislature, and Attorney General of the state. He was a man of great ability and was selected for the office of President Judge because of this ability, which he had exhibited in numerous ways prior to his eleva tion to the bench. In 1843 be was appointed Judge of Lancaster county, outside of his district, and in 1851 was elected Justice of the Supreme Court, becoming Chief Justice in 1855. When he came to the bench of this county he was as much a stranger here as though he had come from outside the district, and having had no practice in this county, he was able to preside in nil cases himseif, without calliug on another Judge to sit for him. In 1843, when Judge Lewis was re moved to Lancaster county, Charles G. Donnel was appointed to fill the place, and continued in office for fourteen months, when he died. He resided in Northumberland county, a part of the district. But little seems to be kViown of him except that he was a lawer of ability, and presided with great dignity. He too came up on the bench of this county with noth ing to prevent him from performing all the duties of his office. At the death of Judge Donnel, in 1844, Governor Porter appointed Joseph B. Anthony of Williamsport, President Judge of the Eighth district, still composed of the tour counties above named. Prior to his appoint ment he was a distinguished lawyer, and had held the office of State Sena tor one term, congressman two terms, and Judge of the court for the ad justment of the Nicholson claims, all of which he filled with honor to him self, and with satisfaction to the peo ple. He probably never tried a case in this county before he went on the bench. In 1830 James Pollock was ap pointed Judge of the Eighth District, then consisting of Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Lycoming and Sullivan. He resided in Milton. He had held the office of District At torney, congressman three terms, and was a graduate of Princeton College with the highest honors of his class. He held the office of Judge until 1851, when the amendment to the constitu tion requiring the election of Judges by the people, came into operation. He declined a nomination, and re sumed law practice. In 1854 he was elected Governor and served one term. In iB6O he was appointed by Gover ner Curtin a member of the Peace Congress, and in 1861 was appointed by Piesident Lincoln, Director of the U. S. Mint at Philadelphia. In 1857 the Eleventh district was formed, and consisted of the counties ot Luzerne, Columbia, Wyoming and Sullivan. In October of that year John N. Conyngham of Luzerne coun ty was elected President Judge of the district. He had been President Judge of the Luzerne district since 1839, and when that district was changed, and Columbia, Wyoming and Sullivan adde.., he was continued in office by the people because he was one of the best Judges the State ever had. So far as this county was con cerned it was the same as it it had gone outside of the district, for it got a Judge who had already been upon the bench for twelve years, an upright and able man, and one who had had no practice in this county to prevent him from presiding over all cases in court; and one who had no political affiliat ons or friendships or other in fluenc to bias his judgment. He Cxtltimbtiin. did not seek the office ; it sought him. He presided here, but lived at Wilkes- Barre, until 1856, when the district was again changed, and became the 26th, consisting of Columbia, Wyom ing and Sullivan. Upon the formation of the 26th district, Warren J. Woodward was appointed Judge in June 1856, and in October of the same year was elec ted for a term of ten years. He re sided in Luzerne County, outside the district, when he was brought here as Judge, and was elected without op position. In October 1861, Judge Woodward was elected President Judge of Berks county, and resigned that office in this district. At the end of ten years he was re-elected, and in 1874 he was elected to the Supreme bench. Of his distinguished ability it is unnecessary to speak here. In 1861 A. K. Peckham of Wyom ing county was appointed by Gover nor Curtin to serve until the next election. In 1862 William Elwell, then re siding in Towanda, Bradford county, was requested by a committee of the bar of this county to allow the use of his name as a candidate for Judge. He consented, and Mr. Peckham re fused to run and Judge Elwell was elected without opposition. In 1872 and again in 1882 he was re-elected without opposition. What his admin istration was for twenty-six years, it is unnecessary to tell the people of this district. Neither Conyngham nor Woodward nor Elwell were office seekers. The office sought them, and under their administrations the people of the dis trict knew that even handed justice would be dealt out in the courts. As to whether any of those before them who held the office from within the district, sought the office and got it by political wire-pulling, we cannot say, for we do not know. Conyng ham, Woodward and Elwell were the successive President Judges of this district during a period of thirty-six years prior to 1888. Not one of them sought the office. How they presided is a matter of history, and a matter of pride to the State of Pennsylvania. Prior to 1851 the Judges were ap pointed by the Governor. From that time they have been elected by the people, and for thirty-six years the Judges of this district were selected on the recommendation of the members of the bar, and it was by the action of the leaders of the bar of those days, M. E. Jackson, Joshua Comley, Ed ward Baldy, Robert F. Clark, C. R. Buckalew, Col. J. G. Freeze, and other noted lawyers, that the services of dis tinguished jurists from outside the di n trict were secured for the the bench. The memory of those who have passed away needs no vindication tor such ac tion at this late day. It is to their credit that they stifled any personal ambition that any of them may have entertained for judicial honors, for the best interests of the people. The foregoing are the plain, straight, indisputable facts. Apply them as you willl 7 O'clook Closing- We the undersigned merchants of Bloomsburg will close our places of business at 7 o'clock du.ing the month of August except Monday and Saturday nights. H. J. Clark & Son, L. T. Sharpless Co. L't'd, S. R. Bidleman, I. W. Hartman & Son, Mifflin & Terwilliger L't'd, J. W. Eyer, John K. Pensyl, Thomas Hickey, D. Brobst, G. W. Hippensteel, The Leader Co. L't'd, C. H. Sharpless & Co., Farmers' Produce Exchange, John F. Hidlay, R. R. Hartman, A. J.-George, N. W. Barton, J. D. Armstrong, F. M. Keiner, P. K. Vanatta, W. H. Moore, H. R. Snyder, The Broadway, Hess Bros., J. F. Corser, D. Lowenberg Clothing Store, W. C. McKinney, Louis Gross, Bloomsburg Store Co., L't'd, W. H. Brower, Gidding & Co., J. R. Townsend, W. C. Richart, D. A. Creasy, F. P. Pursel, S. F. Peacock, J. R. Schuyler, J. E. Roys. BLOOMSBURG, PA., THURSDAY, JULY 28 % 1898. SPAIN WANTS PEACE. The Spanish Government has sued for peace, not indirectly through the great powers of Europe, but by a direct appeal to President McKinley. The proposition was formally submitted to the President at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by the French Ambassador, M. Jules Cambon, who had received instruc tions from the Foreign Office at Paris to deliver to the United States Government the tender of peace formulated by the Spanish Ministry. At the conclusion of the confer ence between the President and the French Ambassador the following official statement was issued from the White House : OFFICIAL STATEMENT. "The French Ambassador, on behalf of the government of Spain, and by direction of the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, present ed to the President this afternoon at the White House a message from the Spanish Government looking to the termination of the war and a settlement of terms of peace.'' This was the only official state ment made public, but it sufficed to put at rest all conjecture and to make clear and definite that at last Spain had taken the initiative to ward peace. Although peace rumors have been current almost daily hereto fore since the war began not one of them had the shadow of foundation, and until the french Ambassador received instructions from Paris no overtures of any kind had been re ceived. Court Proceedings. A session of court was held Mon day morning, with the two Associate Judges on the bench. Nelson C. Hartman vs. Nancy Boone, with notice toFrank W.Boone, Garnishee. Petition of Garnishee to strike off judgment. Rule granted to show cause why judgment shall not be stricken off. In re-account of F.lias Krebs, Com. of Levina Dewitt. Petition to modify order. Rule granted as prayed for. Returnable August 8, 1898. x Escaped the Spanish Fire, bat Contracted Malaria Fever- The following article is taken from a Williamsport paper : "Lieut. Edgar F. Collius, who has been with Shafter's army at Santiago, arrived in the city (Will iamsport) Sunday night, in com pany with his brother, Hon. Emer son Collins, and was seen on the streets this morning. Lieutenant Collins came from Santiago to New York on board the United States transport Seneca, as a sufferer from malaria fever, but has so improved as to be able to be about. In an interview Mr. Collins recited many interesting incidents of army life in the West Indies. He was in the whole day's fight at El Caney together with some of the minor battles and skirmishes of the cam paign and escaped without the slightest injury from the Spanish fire. Lieutenant Collins will remain at home until he has completely re coveted when he will again join his old comrades of the Eighth United States Infantry. He is at present at the home of Hon. Emerson Col lius on West Fourth street." The P. O. S. of A. excursion to Glen Onoko on Saturday was a suc cess in every way and all who accom panied it had a royal good time. The first train left Bloomsburg at 6:45 and reached its destination at 10:30. The train started for home about seven o'clock and arrived here at 9:30. The only disagreeable feature of the whole trip was a fist fight between two young fellows from Bloomsburg who had been selling chewing gum. It occurred on the train while returning home. It appears the one was sell ing his gum for cost price. This great ly aggravated the other fellow who stepped up and dealt his opposition a stinging blow in the face. The occu pants of the car were nearly all ladies, and the disgraceful spectacle went on uninterrupted until the one fellow gave up. His face gives evidence of the terrible bombarding it received. But no one pities him, and he got just what he deserved. Rev. J. M. Martyn of Orange ville, preached in the Bloomsburg Presbyterian Church, Sunday even ing, and Rev. G. H. Hemingway in the church at Orangeville. Columbia County Fair. THURSPAY, OCTOBER 13, 1898. 2.37 Class, Trotting Purse $3OO 2.18 Class, Pacing " 300 2.40 Class, Pacing " 300 3.00 Class, Trot or Pace. Horses owned in County by farmers, at least 30 days " 150 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1898. 2.20 Class, Trotting Purse $3OO 2.24 Class, Pacing " 300 2.29 Class, Trotting " 300 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1898. Free tor all, Trotting or Pacing Purse $4OO 2.30 Class, Pacing " 300 2.24 Class, Trotting " 300 $5O purse added to the horse mak ing the best time under the present track record 2.14^. National Trotting Association Rules to govern except where noted. All entries must be put in writing. They must correctly show the name and residence of the nominator, also the name of the owner, the color, sex and name of the horse, and give pedi gree so far as known. Kn trance Fee 5 per cent, of purse, with 5 per cent, added to all purse winners. Division of money, 50, 25, 15, and 10 per cent. Five to enter and four to start. A horse distancing the field or any part thereof, will*teceive but one pre mium. All races in harness, mile heats, best 3 in 5. Records made on and after Septem ber 20, 1898, shall not be a bar. Hay, staw and good stabling will be furnished free during the meeting to horses actually entered in races. This right is reserved to change the order of program. Entries close Saturday, October 8, 1898 at 11 p. ni. A LITTLE TOO MUOH- Calithumpian bands are things that may be tolerated when kept within reasonable limits, but in this town the business of "serenading" newly mar ried couples in this way hai come to be very much overdone. It is the custom to keep up the racket for an hour, or until the groom comes out and buys them off. While the boys are having fun with the .bride and groom, everybody else in the vicinity is compelled to suffer from the annoy ance. We cannot see why this sort of disorderly conduct should be over looked by the police any more than any other kind, and they ought to be instructed not to permit it, at least not longer than ten or fifteen minutes. There is reason in all things, and if there is anybody in existence who is not satisfied with ten minutes of a Calithumpian band, that person will never know when he has enough. John Fowler, son of Elmer Fow ler, of Riverside, met with a shock ing and fatal accident Monday morning. He had climbed to the top of a cherry tree to procure a tew dried cherries that were still hang ing fast to the limbs. Directly un der the tree was an old harrow, with its teeth protruding about two inches above the beams. The lad was at the top of the tree and was reaching out for the fruit when he fell, his head striking one of the harrow teeth just above the right ear, the steel penetrating his head to the depth of five inches, shoving his right eye' from its socket. Doc tors were speedily summoned but could render little or no help. He never regained consciousness, but lingered until about five o'clock when death relieved his terrible suffering. The Mountain Grove Camp meet ing begins this year August 2. Al ready young people are on the grounds occupying tents. The Grove has been improved and is unusually beautiful and attractive. Special trains will carry passengers as usual; tickets being honored via Nescopeck or Catawissa. The management promise an interesting meeting, which will be in charge of Dr. W. W. Evans. Davy Dunkel, the base ball player who pitched such phenomenal ball for Sunbury last season, and who went from there to join the "Phillies" has been farmed out to the W ilkes-Barre Club of the Eastern League. It was his fine work against Bloomsburg and the other towns of the Central League last season, that brought him to the notice of the big league. He was the most promising young twirler on the Phillies list, but it appears that he is ineffective this y ear. Take Advantage OF THIS *►OPPORTUNITY<* WHILE IT IS HERE. YOU MIGHT REGRET IT LATER. Hundreds of Suits for Men and Boys. Hundreds of pairs of Fine Shoes for Men, Boys, Women and Children. Hundreds of Hats are here and must be sold out complete ly, and at ABSOLUTE COST. $5, 6, and 7.50 boys Men's Suits that cost from $2 to $4. more at any other store. $l-50 and $1.98 Buys Boys Suits worth from 75c. to $l.OO more. 98c. and $1.98 buys Men's or Women's Fine Shoes, retailing from 50c. to $1 more at any other store. 50c. buys $1 Percale Shirts, attached collars. 25c. buys 50c. Straw Hats. Single pants to match up coats and vests, beautiful kinds at $1.50 and up. CIDDING & CO. THE WAR SITUATION- Since the war began two months ago, Spain has lost Montijo's fleet at Manila, Cervara's fleet at Santia go, 25,000 troops have surrendered at Santiago, Gen. Miles has landed at Porto Rico with a large force, and Commodore Watson is ready to sail for Spanish waters with his fleet. The Spaniards have been defeated at every point. A large army has been transported to the Philippines, and it is daily expected that the Americans will be in full possession of those islands. No wonder that Spain sues for peace. The remarkable thing is that she didn't do it long ago. A Barber Gives Notice He Is a Soldier. A Weatherly barber closed his shop a few days ago and posted the following original notice : " To the Public : This barber shop will be closed for a brief period as the pro prietor has gone to help a few of Uncle Sam's barbers (better known as soldiers) scrape the face of the Western hemisphere clear of an ob noxious growth of whiskers com monly called Spaniards. I shall not be gone long as Dewey and Samp son are applying the lather and everything points to a quick job and a clean one. I wish to thank the public for the past patronage and on my return hope to have a share also." m ' Girls in this State are subject to parents until twenty-one years of age. That is at least the legal status of the case, but as a matter of fact many of the young misses frequently seen on the streets seem to have escaped parental restraint at a much earlier period. Prohibition candidate for Judge addressed a large assemblage of voters at Danville last Saturday evening. Friday evening of this week he will speak on the Y. M. C. A. lawn at Berwick. He will speak also at the following places on the dates mentioned : Catawissa Aug. 12th ; Millville, Aug. 19th ; Benton, Aug. 26th ; Orangeville, Sept. 2d. These meetings we un derstand will all be held in the open air. NO. 30 JUDGE IKELER ILL- Early Monday morning Judge E- R. Ikeler was seized with sudden illness, and for a time his recovery seemed doubtful, but we are glad to announce this morning that he is much better. His trouble is con gestion of the lungs caused by weak action of the heart. The attending physicians are Dr. H. V. Hower of Mifflinville, and Drs. Bruner and Brown. Wandering Willie's Oirous Oatob "Wandering Willie" Setley, the man with the herky jerky moves in the box, and who is known all over the United States and especially in Sunbury, is now twirling fine ball for the Utica, N. Y., club. In a recent game Setley was playing centre field and the bases were filled with two out and the score tied in the thirteenth inning when a high fly was hit to centre field ; Willie walked leisurely under the fly, gracefully doffed his cap to the crowd, turned and caught the ball with his hand behind his back, just to give the spectators an idea of his accomplishments. An old trick of his ; he has done the same trick in this city many a time. Of course, he accomplished his feat eas ily, but he gave the crowd a chill, likewise his manager, and Willie's salary was minus a ten spot on pay day. His only reply to the manager was "This team is too slow to catch a cold in an ice house.—Sunbury Daily. Willie is also we'!-':nown in burg and when playing on our team it was a common occurrence for him to catch a ball in the above described fashion at a critical point in the game. iiutheran Reunion. Island Park, Sunbury Thursday August 4th, 1898. For the accommodation of persons desiring to attend the Lutheran Reunion at Island Park, between Sunbury and Northumberland, Thursday August 4th, the Penn sylvahia Railroad Company will sell Excursion Tickets from Lock Haven, Bellefonte, Wilkesbarre, Mt. Carmel, Lykens, Harrisburg and intermediate stations, to Sun bury and return, good on day of issue, at Single Fare for the Round Trip.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers