VOLUME II McCONNELLSBURG, PA., MARCH 3, 1910. NUMBER 21 DANGEROUS FORD. J. U. Martin, of Bethel Township, Had Thrilling Experience Wednesday oi Last Week. WHY NOT QIVE THEM A BRIDQE? Od Wednesday of last week Mr. J. U. Martin left his home, near Franklin Mills, to visit Car nell's store at Dott, and in so do ing had to cross Tonoloway creek near the above named postoffice. The creek at this time was about its normal condition; and while he could not cross at the fording, he crossed a short distance be low in safety, went on to the store, made a few purchases, and start ed at once to return home. But when he reached the fording he found conditions very much changed, as the creek by this time had become a raging torrent, made so by the melting of the snow. Mr. Martin hardly knew what to do. It was almost dark; and if he could not cross et that fording, he would be compelled to drive at least eight miles in order to reach his home, which was little more than a mile from the creek. After some consulta tion with Mr. Weise, Mr.' Harry Mann, Mr. Oliver Mann, and your scribe, he decided to try if pos sible to cross; but when the mule he was driving entered the creek, it soon became evident that it was going to be very dangerous and he paused. After more parley, he decided to try to back out, but even with help to pull the buggy back the mule was unable to back out; as the bank was steep and icy. Mr. Martin had gotten out of the buggy, was holding the lines, and pondering what to do, when the mule, tired of standing in the icy waters, started for ward jerking the lines from Mr. Martin's grasp. The mule at once started down stream, but by obeying Mr. Martin's com mands, started to cross to the other side. When within twelve or fifteen feet of the opposite bank the buggy upset throwing the mule and then began the roll down stream for life or death, death plainly having the ad vantage. After rolling for over 100 yards, the buggy and mute became separated, and the mule floated out upon the bank of the creek on the same side from which he entered, but buggy, robes, and store goods continued down stream. The mule was taken to the home of Mr. Wm. Downs' where it was cared for for the night, and Mr. Martin made his way home on foot. Mr. Martin is like most of ns a man of only ordinary means, and the loss is not easily made good. This is not the only accident near this ford, as a horse was drowned a few years ago just where this accident occurred; and only this winter, Mr. James Blayman came very near losing "& horse at the Franklin Mills ford, by breaking through the ice, and Dr. Remsburg-vhas fre quently been compelled to make his professional visits in that vi cinity on foot because of the im passably condition of the ford. It was only two or three years ago that a traveling salesman lost his "grip" containing about $50, and never recovered it, and, about the same time, two ladies from Franklin county, came very near ly being drowned, and almost ruined a sult-case-ful of good clothes, ' These are only a few of the many accidents that have occur red, to say nothing of the cruelty to animals, and the inconvenience to the public. The writer was compelled to drive eight miles out of bis way, to reach borne, the same day that Mr. Martin's acci dent occurred; and, after a team has hauled a heavy load to Han cock, and returned within a mile &nd a tulf of home, and then to oe compelled to go eight miles farther, UU calculated to make a un have wicked thoughts. These circumstances are all the MORE STATE HIGH WAY IN FRANKLIN. Will Give New Outlet fcr Path Valley at Loudon Longest State Road. THE SIPES ALLIGATOR. Unless something occurs to hinder says the Chambersburg Valley Spirit, it is altogether like ly that Path Valley will be given a new outlet at Fort Loudon, and this in the form of a state road. This announcement was made but recently and it is stated that supervisors of that township will at an early date, petition the coun ty commissioners. The road will be four miles in length and goes through a thick ly inhabited district For thi9 reason, H. B. Ganoe, of Chambers burg, who makes many trips through that section has started a subscription list and it is stated that it already amounts to more than $000. The road will start at Rich mond Furnace, the terminal of the South Penn branch of the Cumberland Valley railroad, and end at Fort Loudon, where the road will join the Chambersburg and Bedford turnpike. At Rich mond Furnace it will connect with the new state road known as the Metal road and will make a continuous state highway of al most ten miles. Another portion is to be added to the road recent ly built above Metal and when these different stretches are com pleted it will be the longest con tinuous state road in Franklin county. Thanks to the wisdom of the County Commissioners of Fulton county, that county forfeited to the State some $65,000 appro priated for Highway construc tion in Fulton county. When it is considered that Bedford coun ty, Huntingdon county, Franklin county all Fulton's neighbors grasp with eagerness for every dollar the State is willing to give, it would seem that all the fool highway people reside outside of Fulton county. In a letter enclosing the "long green" to advance his subscrip tion to the News well into the year 1911, Mr. C. A. Foster, formerly of this county, writes: "Weliave lived in Pittsburg four years, and are always glad to get the uews from old Fulton. I am a conductor for the Pittsburg Railway , Co., and like the work very much. It is rather cold work in winter, but In summer it is very pleasant" more aggravating in the face of the fact that the court granted a bridge at this ford about four or five years ago; but up to this time it has received no attention from the "Powers that Be. " For what reason I am unable to say, but will allow the public to make their own deductions. 1 feel certain that if all the tax payers in the county could see one team cross this ford when the water Is low, they would have no desire . to. see ene cross when it is high;' and they would not be willing to allow another summer season to pass without seeing a bridge at this ' most needed of places. lean assure yon, fellow tax payers of the County, that if your influence Is used to get a bridge at this place, and if in the future there is one needed in your com, munity, you shall have the hearty co-operation of this part of the County. If It were not for the kindness of Mr. Golden in per mitting the public to drive through his fields, there would Pe days and days, that this road would not be open to travel Hoping this may have the effect of helping to enlighten the public as to the great necessity of a bridge at this ford, I remain an advocate of good roads and good bridges. Ira V. Mellott, i ; r.. -.. .v i.;V"--':frK-.f-.: J!, 4-. . i 7.-.&Xa.V A&JU.s iijsKiiriiive' v---r:n v;U-";""v - .... ...... -.J The above is an excellent like ness of the pet alligator belong ing to Mrs. James Sipes, of this place, who, on Friday, rounds out his twen'y-fifth year in his pres ent home. On March 4, 1885, Mrs. Sipes and son Harvey, who had spent the winter VB Florida, and were homeward t und by way of New Orleans and tie World's Cotton Exposition, vere spending the morning in one of the many bird stores of the City. There birds of all kinds are on sale, and alli gators from three inches to seven feet in length, may be purchased. As the little 'gators proved very interesting, Harvey and his moth er bought a small one, about eight een inches long, paying two dol lars for it; had it placed in a small wooden box, and brought it along home to show to their northern friends. After their return, the little reptile was viewed by scores of people, as it was generally be lieved that he would live only a short time. That was twenty-five years ago To-day. the eighteen-inch baby alligator lacks one inch of being five feet in length, and measures two feet, two inches around his body. His summer home is in the rear of the Sipes residence, where he is provided with a good-sized yard in which is a small house contain mg a tank, which is always tilled with fresh water. On warm days he is out in theard, but if it be cloudy, he remains all day in the water, and lies every night bur ied in the sand in the bottom of the tank. In winter, Mr. 'Gator i is placed in a large box in the eel lar of the house, covered with rugs and left to himself. His diet consists of fish, mice, sparrows, and fresh meat spar rows preferred; bat these luxur ies he enjoys, for only four months of the year from May toSepjem ber the rest of the time he Jives solely on water. A large tank is kept in the cellar, and every two weeks during the winter, this is filled with water, and he takes a drink and a swim. The alligator begins eating, tak ing one bite a day, and gradually increasing the quantity of food as the weather becomes warmer, and decreasing by degrees as soon as cool weather comes. For about three months June, July and August he eats from six to eight sparrows a day. He does not chew them just gives one snap and they are gone. In the spring, on warm days, before go ing into summer quarters, he fre quently goes about the yard at h'a will; and when evening comes he goes leisurely into the house and under the stove, where he re mains until morning, the family paying no more attention to him than if he were the cat. During the last few years, be has escaped several times from I his enclosure, once getting as far away as -Mr. J as. Henry's, where be was discovered and made to return home.' At that time it was reported be had escaped into the Cove creek and the boys im mediately lost all desire to go "swimmin"' In the old "Blue Hole." All these years, the "Old Ga tor," as the folks call him, has been the special care of Mrs. Sipes, and be knows her well, as she carries him in her arms, or holds him on her lap, as one would a child, and he is always quiet and docile. Recently, however, because of his size and weight, Mrs. Sipes gave him into the care of her son, Harvey. On a warm summer day, any one who calls at Mr. Sipes' resi dence, may see the 'gator stretch ed on a log in the warm sun shine, blissfully content, dream ing no doubt, of his old home, and his wild mates in the swamps and marshes of Louisiana. A MEAT STORY. How Farmer John S. Nelson, of Tod, Lost a Bunch of His Winter'a Bacon. STEPS WHICH LED TO ITS RECOVERY. Ex-County Commissioner S.A. Nesbit owns, and lives in, the Brady Seylar property on the northeast corner of Walnut and Second streets, this city, but he owns a farm in Tod township, known to the older people as the Kittle property. John S. Nelson owns and resides on a farm ad joining the Nesbit farm, on the south, the two sets of farm build ings being not over a quarter of a mile distant from each other. Now, if there is anything that Farmer John Nelson likes better than another, it is ham, and in providing for his winter supplies of food, the larder always receiv es especial attention. Then, too, John has a reputation for know ing how to cure his bacon, and when you sit down to his table and face a big plate of big brown slices, you at once get an appe tite like a steam sawmill. Not withstanding the high price of hogs, John, last fall, put away an unusually nice lot of meat cur ing it by the saltpetre-molasses method, and placing it in an out building to dry and cure. Samuel A. Nesbit has (or had) a tenant living in his farmhouse, one Grover Cleveland Disbong. With Mr. and Mrs. Dishong, the latter's brothers, Kissler Cooper aged about 12, and George Coop er aged about 10, lived occasion ally. On Thursday morning, the 17th ult, as Mrs. Nelson was prepar ing breakfast she took the carv ing knife and a big plate and went out to the meat house to cut meat for breakfast As she entered, her eye was quick to discover that seven of the eighteen pieces had disappeared during the night two hams and five shoulders. Mr. Nelson's attention was called to the matter, and upon examina tion, tracks showed that two per sons bad approached the house in which the meat was kept, dur ing the night and that the same two persons had left going toward the Ridge. The tracks were easily followed until a wood chop ing was reached, when they were lost John believing that "all things cometh to him that waiteth," made no information before aa officer probably because he lacked information and just bid ed his time. On last Friday evening, and on Saturday, word was brought to town that little George Cooper had confided the information that the meat might be found under the floor of the kitchen ot the Nesbit farmhouse. So, on Satur day afternoon, S. A. Nesbit, ao-, companied by Sheriff Harris, went out to Mr. Nesbit's farm, entered the kitchen, (the Dishong people were not at home), took up the carpet, found that one or more boards in the floor were loose. They cautiously raised the boards, peered down, and there was meat ! There is no eel lar under the kitchen, and it was an "awful" handy place to keep meat. Mr. Nesbit and the Sheriff re placed the boards and the carpet, went over to Nelson's, and report ed the result of their investiga tions. Mr. Nelson came to town, went betore Justice Conrad, pro cured the necessary "papers" gavo them to Constable Charlie Steach, who deputized Ex-Sher-iff Alexander, and the officers with Mr. Nelson, returned to the Dishong home, looked down un der the kitchen floor, and found the meat, which was promptly identified by Mr. Nelson four pieces, three of the missing piec es having disappeared. The meat was taken by Mr. Nelson to his home, and the officers waited for the return of the Dishong family. Toward evening, Mrs. Dishong and her brother Kissler Cooper returned. They were taken into custody, brought to town, and committed to iail. Up to this time Cleveland has not appeared to file any objections to the intrusion of the officers in to his home, or to the carrying away of his family. RECORD OF DEATHS. TO BE REPEATED. The Thalian Club Will Qlve Their Play Again, Friday Evening. H'a Worth the Money. On the evening of the "22nd," the Thalian Club gave, in the Pub lie School Building, a play entit led "A Kentucky Belle." The writer of this article has heard every play given by the Club since its organization years ago, and does not hesitate to say that this is the best effort ever put forth by the club. This state ment is endorsed by scores of others who have spoken in highly commendatory terms about the play. Owing to the fact that many of those who beard the play have brought to bear upon the Club such great pressure for its repeti tion, the Club has decided to re peat it in the auditorium of the School Building, on Friday even ing, March 4th. Very many of those who heard it on the 22nd, want to hear it again, and those who have not heard it will miss a rare opportunity to hear a good thing if they do not take advan tage of this second chance. Admission Reserved seats, 85 cents; general, 25 cents; chil dren, 10 cents. Doors open at 7 o'clock. Entertainment begins at 7:80. Tickets will be on Bale at Trout's Drug store, on Thurs day, March 3rd, at . 9 a. m.; also at the School Building, on the ev ening of the entertainment C. P. Car mack and family mov ed back to this place from Mer cer sburg last week, and are now comfortably fixed in Senator Al exander's tenant house on West Water street Mr. Car mack came back to tae his former place as driver of one of the hacks on the Sheets stage line. Persons Well Known to Many of Our Readers, Who Have Answered Final Summons. ALL SEASONS ARE THINE, 0 DEATH. Walters. On Thursday, February 24, 1910, the death angel visited the home of W. H. Walters, at Akers ville, Pa., and removed from their midst the loving wife and moth er, after an illness of several months. The deceased was a daughter of the late Joel and Julian Barton, and was born near Crystal Springs, Oct 7, 1846, and died Feb. 24, 1910 She was therefore aged 63 years, 3 months and 17 days. Her entire life was spent within a few miles of her birth place. She was a good Christian worn an, a member of the M. E. church for 50 years, and died triumphant in the faith. She had a host of friends and was loved and esteem edbyall who knew her. Her kindness and influence will be missed by many, especially by the sorrowing family and rela tives. In March, 1864, she was united in marriage to W. H. Walters To this union 9 children, 7 boys and 2 girls were born. The youngest preceded her to the Spirit world. Besides the aged husband, she is survived by the following children: J. B. and Mrs C. W. Thomas, of Six Mile Run, Pa.; Ehsha L., of Flemmington, Pa.; W. Calvin, of Altoona, Pa.; Mrs. Wilson Connor; R. H. and S. E., of Akersville, andT. Haslet at home; also by one brother, T. H. Barton, of Coatsville, Pa. She was laid to rest in the cemetery at Akersville, on Sun day Feb. 27th. Funeral services conducted by her pastor Rev. C. F. Weise. Garland. Lemuel Garland, a well known citizen ol Belfast township, died at his home near Needmore, last Saturday. The funeral took place on Monday, and interment was made in the cemetery at Hill's Chapel, the sermon being preached by Elder C. L. Funk. Besides his wife, who was a daughter of the late Asa Truax, of Belfast township, he is sur vived by three daughters and three sons, namely, Jane, wife of Nathan Mellott, in Whips Cove; Alice, wife of Oliver Plessinger, near Needmore, and Mrs. Saman tha Morgrct, residing at Boswell, Indiana; David A., Joseph, and Aaron P., also residing in Belfast township. In politics, Mr. Garland was an ardent Democrat of the Old School; and, until his health be gan to fail on account of advanc ing years, he took an active in terestin local politics. He served the County as Commissioner dur ing the years 1885 6 7, he being elected with W. U. Spangler of Wells, and W. H. Charlton, of Bethel. Mr. Spangler resigning in the spring of 1886 to go to North Dakota, John A. Wishart was appointed to fill the unexired term of Mr. Spangler. Mr. Garland was a pleasant affable gentlemen; and the conscientious manner in which he discharged the duties of his office, won to him a host of friends all over the County. Mr. Garland was aged about 72 years, 6 months. Motter. Mrs. Mary E. Motter, widow of the late Cyrus Motte"r, de ceased, died at the home of hor son in law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Tnomas, near Back Run in Ayr township, on Thurs day of last weel aged 80 years 2 months, and 10 days. Mrs. Motter had been an In valid for several years, and bed fast during the past two years. She was a consistent member of the German "Baptist church, and ber funeral was conducted by ABOUT PEOPLE YOU KNOW Snapshots at Their Comings and Goings Here for a Vacation, or Away for a Restful Outing. NAMES OF VISITORS AND VISITED Mrs. Helen F. Peck and Miss Marguerite Stiver retarned to Meyersdale, Monday. Ex-Commissioner W. L. Cun ningham, of Wells, was a business visitor at the County Seat Tues day and Wednesday. Ex-Prothonotary, James P. Waltz, of Thompson, spent Tues day night in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert llarr in Tod town ship. Miss Maye McEldowney whe was hare attending the funeral of her grand-mother, Mrs. Mary Motter last Sunday, returned to Hagerstown, Monday. Rev. J. C. Garland on last Sun day, interment oeing made in the cemetery at the Lutheran church near Big Cove Tannery. She is survived by two sons, Henry U. residing in Clearfield county, Pa.; and Jacob L., near McConnells burg, Pa., and by six daughters, namely, Mrs. Elizabeth McEl downey, Gem, Pa.; Maggie, wife ofE. M. Rodgers, McKeesport, Pa.; Mattie, wife of U. G. Boyer, also residing at McKeesport; Re becca, wife of George Thomas, and Ida, wife of William Thomas, near McConnellsburg, and Ella, wife of William StClair residing in Franklin county. She is sur vived, also, by 39 grand children, and 15 great-grand-children. i Mrs. Motter's maUen name was Washabaugh, a sister of the late Henry AVashabaugh, of Ayr township. Horton. Abner Horton an aged and re spected citizen died at his resi dence in Saltillo, Pa., February 22, 1910, aged 04 years, 5 months, and 5 days. He leaves to survive him his widow, four sons and one brother Wm. H., of Chicago; Abner E., of Pittsburg; Edward S. and David H., of Saltillo, and his brother Abram, of Cassville, Pa, Mr. Horton was born near Broad Top City, and lived twenty-seven years near llustontown, and removed to Saltillo several years ago. Mr. Horton was a good citizen and respected by all who knew him. Funeral servi ces were conducted at New Gran ada by his pastor at 10:30 a. m., on the 24th, and interment was made in Hill View cemetery. Miis. Cornelius Doyle. Mm. Mary Doyle, wife ot Cor nelius Doyle, died at their home in Harrisbnrg, last Sunday night aged about 54 years. The funer al services were held yesterday afternoon from her late residence and were in charge of Rev. Dr. J. A. Lyter, pastor of the Derry Street, United Brethren Church. Interment in the Paxtang ceme tery. Mrs. Doyle had been in failing health for several months, suf fering from a complication of diseases. She had many friends in McConnellsburg, who will long remember her generous hospit ality, and the many other good qualities of mind and heart Hill. Minnie C, wife of James K. Hill, of Belfast township, died at her lato home last Friday, aged , 26 years, 8 months, and 21 days. The funeral conducted by her pastor, Kev. A. G, B. Powers, as sisted by Eld. C. L. Funk, took place on Sunday, and interment was made at the cemetery at Hills Chapel. The large number of sorrow ing people that assembled to pay a parting tribute to the deceased, shows the high esteem in which she was held in the community ' in which she had lived. Four years ago, she united with the Christian church and was an exemplary member to the time of her death. , ' She leaves to mourn their loss a husband, two children, two sisters, and ber mother.
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