I have processed thousands of pages of German Baptist Brethren newspapers of the 1880s. While at times they may discuss items of interest outside of church news, this is seldom with most of the articles being either religious in nature or concerning congregations. While the reading is interesting from a secular standpoint it often leaves one pondering what else was going on in the world. At present, as I previously stated, I am processing a newspaper volume of the German Reformed church from the mid-1840s. I am extracting the marriages and obituaries for publication. Yes, it also contains religious material, but at this early date (1846) it also contains many, many articles of interest to us, readers of over a 150 years later. Following is approximately a column and a half of this six column newspapers. Cordially, Wayne Webb Curious Information.-Steamboats.-In the last four numbers, the progress of steamboats, both in this country and Europe, has been reviewed, showing conclusively the advance of mechanical knowledge in both countries. This is a subject always interesting; but there is one page in history, which, though short, is dark and gloomy. To this page we now turn, in a short notice, of the accidents that have occurred to steamboats, since their introduction in this country. The first steamboat accident in this country happened in 1818 to the Washington, on the Ohio river. According to a letter to Congress by the Secretary of the Treasury, written in 1838, the whole number of steam engines of every kind that were them in use in the United States, was 3010; of that number 800 were in steamboats, 350 in locomotives, and 1860 in manufactories of different kinds. The number of accidents to steam engines up to that time, causing loss of life was 261, of which number, 230 were in steamboats. The greatest loss of life by steamboat accident was by the collision, and sinking of the Monmouth in 1837 on the Mississippi; the number of lives lost was 300. The greatest loss of life by the explosion of a steamboat was in 1838, in the case of the Oronoke on the same; the number of lives lost was 139. The boilers of the steamboat Moselle blew up at Cincinnati, Ohio, destroying 120 persons. The greatest loss of life, by snagging, was in the case of the steamboat St. Louis on the Mississippi in 1834, when there were 13 lives lost. The greatest loss of life by shipwreck, was in the case of the Home in 1837, on the coast of N. Carolina, when 100 persons were lost. The greatest loss of life, by the burning of a steamboat up to that time, was in the case of the Ben Sherhord on the Mississippi, in 1837. [Note from Wayne: Should have been Ben Sherrod.] The number of steamboats lost up to 1823 was 23.-During the year 1837 no less than 80 steamboats were lost on the Western waters. During the ten years, from 1830 to 1840, eighty steam boats were lost by explosion, in the United States, by which means 780 persons were killed outright, and 296 wounded badly, of which number 254 died from the injuries received. On the 14th of June, 1837, the steamboat Pulaski was destroyed by the explosion of one of her boilers while on the passage from Charleston to Baltimore, and 132 persons perished. About the same time a similar accident occurred to the steamer Washington on Lake Erie, by which 40 lives were lost. One hundred and seventy lives were lost, by the destruction of the Lexington in 1840. The particulars of this sad disaster are familiar to every New Yorker, and therefore it would be worse than useless to repeat them. The burning of the "Erie" on Lake Erie in August, 1841, sent to their untimely graves 175 persons-and it is but a short time since our sympathies were aroused by the destruction of the ill-fated Swallow. Accidents to steamboats are alarmingly frequent and scarce a newspaper reaches us from the South or West, but chronicles the destruction of one or more. As these accidents in nine cases out of ten happen through gross carelessness, the persons responsible should be punished as the sacrifice of human life requires. This method I think, would soon put a stop to them.-N. Y. Evening Gaz. The lands in the turpentine region of North Carolina have rapidly increased in value within a short time; and the profitableness of labor there has led to very heavy investments. A gentleman who recently sold his turpentine at Wilmington for $1,900, remarked that that sum was the produce of the labor of four hands. There are now in constant operation at Wilmington twelve distilleries with thirty stills, Three more distilleries with seven stills are in course of construction. It is calculated that when the whole fifteen are in operation they will use 1,500 barrels of turpentine daily, and turn out 200 barrels of spirits besides the rosin and pitch,-A large number of distilleries in the neighboring counties send all their products to Wilmington for sale and shipment. With this flourishing section of country, it gives us, pleasure to add, Baltimore has now established a regular packet-line of communication.-Balt. Am. Importance of Insects to Commerce.-The importance of insects to commerce is scarcely ever treated of, at the present rate; Great Britain does not pay less than a million of dollars annually for the dried carcasses of a tiny insect-the Cochineal. Gum Shellac, another insect product from India, is of scarcely less pecuniary value. A million and a half of human beings derive their sole support from the culture and manufacture of silk, and the silk worn alone creates an annual circulating medium of between one hundred and fifty and two hundred millions of dollars. Half a million of dollars is annually spent in England alone for foreign honey; 10,000 hundred weight of wax is imported into that country each year. Then there are the gall nuts of commerce, used for dyeing, and in the manufacture of ink, &c. The Cantharides, or Spanish fly, is an important insect to the medical practitioner. Laying aside the purposes insects perform in the schemes of nature, they are economically not the insignificant and unimportant creatures which the uninformed mind is but too apt to regard them. Mrs. L. A. Caldwell, of New Orleans, recently purchased a fire engine in Philadelphia, for which she paid $1800, and which, she presented to the Phoenix Company of New Orleans. Letter From Mexico The U. S. brig Somers, Commander Ingraham, arrived at Pensacola on the 28th ult., having sailed from Vera Cruz on the 22d ult. The Pensacola Democrat says, We are indebted to a citizen of this city for the following extract of a letter from an officer on board the Somers, which embraces all the most important items of news.-Balt. Am. On the 19th Mr. Dimond was informed by a letter from Mr Parrot of the U. S. Legation that Mr. Slidell had demanded his passports, having been refused reception as Minister, although the Mexican Cabinet expressed a perfect willingness to treat with a Commissioner on the Texas question. He also wrote that Mr. Slidell would be in Vera Cruz in the course of a week and would immediately take passage therefrom for the U. S. The St. Mary's was in readiness for his accommodation when we left. On the 18th Com. Conner received a letter from Mr. Black, our Consul in Mexico. He appeared to be somewhat exhilerated by the cheering intelligence brought from England by the Cambria, which he had just received. Mr. Slidell would have been received, and throws out a suggestion that our mission may be accepted at the latest moment. Although Mr. Black's location should give him many advantages for forming accurate opinions, I do not think we have much reason for hoping that his hopes will be realized, although most any thing may be expected from the unstable councils of Mexico. Mr. Slidell has certainly demanded his passports at a fortunate moment when the news from England and the state of the country, and more especially the fears our squadron are conspiring to act on the irresolution of Mexico. The people of Vera Cruz are awfully frightened, and are, as will be seen by the newspapers, moving out of the city. The Mexican navy been taken in tow of the steamers to a place of absolute safety, far up one of the neighboring rivers. The people of Vera Cruz wish to see the question between us settled, and having never been very warmly attached to the revolutionary government, threaten a pro-nunciamente, unless their wishes are regarded. Upon the whole I have never seen the sentiment of the people so favorable to us as at present. The discussion of the monarchy question has, I am persuaded, done much for us. Nine tenths of the people of Mexico are ardent Republicans; it is only a few of the high class and aristocracy who support the views of the Royal party. There is an interesting article on this subject in the last papers. The British Minister, writing to the English Commander on the station, says that he cannot persuade these people that England will not co-operate with them against the United States-they have the greatest confidence that England is going to interfere to prevent their being bullied by us; that he has unequivocally intimated that their hopes would not he realized. In the last papers will be found a notice of the flagrant attack by Gen'l Paredes on the freedom of the Press, and the persons of the editors and printers. This is a dangerous proceeding on the part of the President, and must arouse strong resentment and tearful opposition. A large part of the troops under Gen'l Ampudia have mutined. We have received reports from Jalapa that the Northern Provinces are about to recede from the confedercy. Another account says- Gen'l Ampodia's army which had been ordered to the frontier of Texas had revolted and about 1,000 refused to march any further in that direction, and the remainder, about 2,000, not being very desirous to proceed themselves, would not force the others; so they came to a halt. [Note from Wayne: I find this to be an informative article in that it discusses activities, in the first person, leading up to the Mexican War later in the year. Just imagine, we could have, according to this article, gone to war with England once again. Not less than fifteen iron steam vessels are in course of construction in the port of Liverpool. Two, of 700 tons each, were recently launched from the same yard on the same day. The first iron steamer, built in the Mersey in 1829, is said to be still in sound and servicable condition. A Peruvian botanist asserts that the delicate seeds of American plants may he sent to Europe, or to other parts of the world, in the highest stale of preservation, by enveloping them in the kind of raw sugar which retains its humidity. When the seeds are sown it is only necessary to immerse them in lukewarm water which will take off the sugar.

>From the Pittsburgh Gazette - 30 Oct. 1857 "The Presbyterian Church in Hollidaysburg took fire on Sunday last, but was saved after slight damages.....There is a revival in the Methodist Chruch in Altoona." _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/

Hello List, I have these articles from the Pittsburgh Gazette: PITTSBURGH GAZETTEThursday morning, March 12, 1857 MAN KILLED - We are informed by a gentleman who resides at Braddock's Fields, that a serious accident occurred at that place on Sunday evening, by which a life was lost. Our informant states that on a Sunday evening 8th last. about 4 o'clock, a man who was walking on the Railroad, Eastward, fell through the open rail road bridge at Braddock's Fields, and died about four o'clock on Monday, from the injuries received. He is described as being about 45 years of age, small in stature, was clean shaved, and supposed to be an Englishman. The body was interred at Braddock's Field. His clothing may be seen at the Station House, at Braddock's Fields, and other particulares ascertained which might lead to his indendtification. NO INQUEST - We are informed that the man who was killed, as it is supposed, by having fallen through an open bridge on the Pennsylvania Railway near Braddock's Field, a notion of which appears in another place, was buried without an inquest. Is not that a somewhat strange proceeding on the face of it? We have not observed any notice of the accident in any of our city papers higherto, although two days have elasped since occurrence. My g g grandfather, Henry Andrew Lewis was drowned in Pittsburgh around this time. The body was never returned to Hollidaysburg for burial, although somehow the family eventually figured out how he died. As I look through the list of papers on microfilm at the BCGS, the Altoona and Hollidaysburg papers don't have any dates that would cover March 1857. Can someone suggest another are paper that may have had this news, if indeed the drowned man turned out to be from Hollidaysburg? Thank you, Tomi _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/

Dick, The image is "fuzzy" because the text in the original has bled over the years. We are talking about publications anywhere from 100 to 180 years old. This can be remedied by sharpening the image after scanner acquisition. However, sharpening for archival materials is subjective to each item. In essence, because each item fades at a different rate than the next item, the amounts used to sharpen image one in all likelihood will not apply to the next image. This is generally not a problem when dealing with a photograph. But when digitizing a periodical (books, newspapers, etc.) wherein you are customarily dealing with hundreds of pages this does not apply. It is a question of labor with each page needing individual attention. Yes, the task can be automated, but then you run into what works for this page does not necessarily apply to a page further into the work. The short of it is that for periodicals you do not sharpen. Finally the amount to sharpen an image, photograph or periodical, is subjective to the person's eyes with no one person agreeing to the proper amount to sharpen an image. The image could have been OCRed with no problem but that also raises two items of discussion. To get better OCR results you would like the image to be in color and at least 600 pixels per inch. For an item as large as what I presented the file would have been somewhere around 250 megabytes for an item that was just for show and tell. Not the PDF, though that would have been large as well, but the TIF image I used to create the PDF. I purchase my hard drives out of my meager budget so I decide. At present I have somewhere around 16 drives with another 4 waiting to be used. The short of it is that I have settled on a resolution of 400ppi as a good balance of quality vs. quantity. And before you ask, But don't you have DVD backups?, let me state that yes I do, for select records sets. I will let you count how many DVDs you need for 4+ terabytes. Using one of my German Baptist Brethren newspapers as an example let me say this. If I scanned it at 600ppi for all the 800+ pages I would be buying a hard drive after three or four sets, roughly. And since for failsafe I have all my drives RAID mirrored that means two drives would be utilized. But by settling on 400ppi I am able to get much, much more on one hard drive. I get decent OCR results with the 440ppi resolution so I am satisfied with the quality vs. quantity equation. There are two other reasons I did not OCR the image and then post the text. The resultant posting would have been extremely large is the first reason. The second is that the time required to OCR and then check the results was more than I was willing to spend. If it had been a financial situation or for my own personal research that would have been a different situation. Wayne Webb P.S. In another issue of the "Weekly Messenger" there was a one and a three-quarter page letter written from President James K. Polk to the citizens of the United States. The letter was discussing there wherefores and whereto of the Mexican War and was in, roughly, set with a point size of 4. It is a highly interesting article, at least to me, but there was no way I was going to process a 4,000 or so word article. Again, if for something other than generally dissemination it would have been a different matter. And the PDF file would have been somewhere around 40 megabytes or so with the TIF files likely being over 300 megabytes in size. > -----Original Message----- > > WAYNE > The PDF opened just fine for me. ?The image is a bit fuzzy and since it > has some very small type I can see why you chose not to OCR the thing. > ?Maybe someday the technology will be up to this job ... > Thanks for posting these. > DICK FOLKERTHDallas

Afternoon, This posting will be somewhat different from my previous offerings. In the past it has been my habit and wont to take the time to OCR, check for accuracy and then post those items I was submitting for your perusal. However, this item would have presented several hurdles that, to be blunt, I was just not willing to tackle. Chief amongst these was that the quality of the text on the nearly 164 year old newspaper was not conducive to my OCR program. Thus you will be getting it as is. In my large collection of materials I have many items that are not German Baptist Brethren related. This includes many items of the German Reformed Church of which the primary collection is some 40 or so volumes of their various newspapers. The years covered begin in the early 1830s and extend up into the 1880s with some being in the German language. To acquire this extensive collection of original material required two trips of around 500 miles each because of the dimensional sizes of the material. The two trips were needed for the simple fact that they would not fit in our trunk and back seat. Many of the volumes measure somewhere in the neighborhood of 18” X 25” with some exceeding this size. The deal made was such that I was required to go through and extract the obituaries in the various volumes. It was either this or the individual was going to take scissors to the pages to get what they wanted. I just could not stand to see this happen. Originally my plan was to get the funds to purchase a scanner, and remember the size as stated above, and then begin scanning the pages. Obviously no opportunities have presented themselves for this to have happened. So if anyone has access to a very large color scanner and would be willing to loan it on a semi-permanent basis to get this archival project going, please contact me. I will not be holding my breath. <grin> Now to today’s posting. While going through a volume I happened to notice something that interested me, generally I avoid scanning the pages with my eyes, and thought you might be interested as well. This clipping, click <http://brethrenarchives.com/newspapers/12-2-2295.pdf> here to view it, discusses the proposed railroad from the Mississippi River to the state of Oregon. Please do not quote me but I believe this would have been the beginning of the Union Pacific Rail Road. Not being a railway historian I cannot be sure of this but it seems to fit with information at Wikipedia concerning Asa Whitney and the Union Pacific Railroad. Perhaps there is a person on the list more familiar with this aspect of our national history. The clipping also contains an article concerning the recent, as of 1846, formation of the states of Iowa and Wisconsin. This “clipping” is two scans stitched together and represents about one-quarter of the overall page. Even cropped this clipping measures 5½” X 22¾” so this gives you somewhat of an idea of what the entire page would measure. In case the PDF does not open at a good resolution for you to read I leave it to you to figure that aspect on your own. <g> Regards, Wayne Webb

EDITORIAL NOTES. The clerks of our District meetings will much oblige us by sending us a copy of their Minutes. Bro. Eshelman and his family have moved from Mt. Morris to Cherry Grove, four miles north of Lanark. Brother Stephen Studebaker, of Lawrence, Kansas, had $50 in gold stolen from him while at church a few Sundays ago. Bro. Jesse Heckler, of Kansas is now on a visit to Eastern Pa. We will be pleased to have a call from brother Heckler at Huntingdon. Matters in our tewn are moving nicely-many new houses are being built, and the spirit of improvement seems to be noticeable everywhere. Instead of four meeting houses in the Middle Creek church, Pa , as we had it last week, there are seven. A mistake of the compositor. The subject of feetwashing has been agitated in Lanark this winter. The Disciple and Advent ministers preached sermons on it and finally brother Evans tried to show them the way of the Lord more perfectly. This morning the sun shines clear and warm, the birds are here with their songs, and the maples are in bloom indicating that spring is upon us again. As we feel the genial rays of the sun, and hear the glad notes of the birds, in some way we are inspired to greater praise and thankfulness to the creator of all existence. Don't worry about the date of our paper. The contents are just as fresh as if we were ahead of time, and we are sending it out regularly each week. Sickness is a common lot to us all and we are doing the best we can under existing circumstances. We hope that the sickness in our foreman's family will soon change for the better, when we will soon be on time again. As the time is here that Sunday-schools will open, we wish to inform our brethren that we have made arrangements to supply schools with everything that will be needed to carry them on successfully. The Young Disciple is especially adapted for Sunday school purposes and add greatly to the interest of schools. We will be pleased to receive orders or send samples. Brother Archy Van Dyke has been quite ill for some time but is now better again. In a recent letter to us he says they are having a dust storm which seems to be somewhat oppressive. Their house although weather-boarded and plastored inside is not sufficient to protect them from the dust during one of these storms. Their son brother John Van Dyke was married on the 16th inst. to sister Ida Dell, daughter of brother Isaac Dell, a minister of the South Beatrice church. Correspondence. >From Newton Church, Ohio. Dear Primitive: Our quarterly council was held March 16th. Elder Samuel Mohler (our elder) and Elder Samuel Coppock present. Meeting generally pleasant and trust acceptable with the great I Am. But sorry to say that one young brother walked so unworthily that it was the church's painful duty to disfellowship him. But while our hearts were made to bleed for him another worthy young man came forward, desired to be buried in Christ to rise in newness of life which caused truly a contrast in the hearts of God's people. No queries sent to District. >From Pine Creek Church, Ind. Dear Primitive: Brother Jacob Snell commenced a series of meetings at the West meeting house, on the 18th ult., continuing them over a week. His labors were earnest and much appreciated. One received by baptism. From here he went to the Center meeting house and held several meetings. After Bro. Snell left Bro. Thurston Miller came and preached a few sermons. Two more were received by baptism. The church met in regular council March 18th. All passed off in a pleasant manner. One fallen member reclaimed. March 22rd. David Clem. >From South English, Iowa. Dear Primitive: Our series of meetings closed the 12th inst. Bro. John Flory from Virginia, was with us several weeks and labored faithfully. Had a very interesting meeting and good order, our greatest difficulty being rain and muddy roads. Our brethren and sisters were much encouraged in the cause of our Master. Ten were added to the fold by baptism, mostly young persons, whom we hope will realize the enjoyment of early piety. Yours in the hope of eternal life, March 20th. Lizzie M. Brower. >From Perry County, Ohio. Dear Primitive: The members of the Jonathan Creek church met in council on March 4th and decided to request a minister to come and locate in their church. Any one desiring to do so will please address the undersigned at Glenford, Perry co., Ohio. March 23rd. Samuel Deffenbaugh. (G. P. and B A. W please copy.) The High Water. Better news comes from the flooded regions of the Mississippi. While the destruction of property is immense and the loss of cattle, fences, buildings, etc., very extensive, the reports have been somewhat exaggerated. The waters are now slowly subsiding, relief is afforded by the Government agents and by private charity, and in a short time it is hoped the people will be able to resume their occupations and provide for themselves. A report from New Orleans of last Saturday that some of the smaller streams in Arkansas are still rising. The loss of stock along the black and Tensas river, where the overflow extends for thirty-five miles, is now estimated at $50,000 and of fences, $100,000. In Tensas parish the overflow extends from the Tensas river and Bayou Macon to the Mississippi river, a distance of thirty miles, in Franklin parish from Tensas went to the Ouachita river, a distance of ten miles; in Madison parish from from Bayou Macon to the Mississippi river a distance of thirty-five miles. >From the Monticello Church, Indiana Dear Primitive: Brother Samuel Ulery of the Fairview came to us on the 7th, and remained until the 18th, preaching at the Shafer school-house Our brother labored faithfully and preached the Gospel in its original purity.-One precious soul was made willing to come out on the Lord's side. Others, we think, were almost persuaded. Oh, may they become fully persuaded and accept the offered terms of mercy offered them before it is too late. We had a church meeting last Saturday, and two brethren were chosen to the ministry, viz., J. A. Weaver and Franklin Fisher. Traveling ministers will please remember us for we would be glad to have any one to come to us at any time, for the "harvest is great but the laborers few." Your unworthy sister in Christ. Amanda Dilling. March 18. Information Wanted. Christian Moyer (or Myers) and brother Stern moved from Lancaster Co., Pa , to Morrison's Cove, about sixty years ago, and about thirty-five years ago he moved to a place in Ohio called Owl Creek. The last we heard of him he was blind and lived with a son. If living, he is nearly one hundred years old. Among the papers of one of his brothers a letter was found, addressed to him, written by Christian Myers, headed Finlay, Ohio, Oct. 24, 1859, in which the writer says, "My father is well, he is now at Henry Fellers. My sister," showing that at that time the old man was yet living. If he or his descendants can prove their identity they will learn something to their interest. As the said Christian Myers Sr., is said to have been a member of our church, and the father of a numerous family, and some in straitened circumstances, and likely some members of the church, a notice in our periodicals may be the means of learning where they are, as all private efforts thus far have failed. Will all our periodicals please give this notice one insertion, and assist that the rightful owners of several legacies may get them. Any person wishing to communicate information will please address the undersigned at Mastersonville, Lancaster Co., Pa. S. R. Zug. NOTICES. DISTRICT MEETINGS. The members of the Wabash church, Wabash Co., Indiana, intend holding a commun-meeting June 17th, '82, commencing at 4 o'clock. The usual invitation is given. N. W . Crumrine. The Lewistown Church intends, the Lord willing, to hold their communion meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, 23rd and 24th of May, in the Dry Valley meeting house, commencing at 3 o'clock, p. m. The usual invitation extended, By order of the church. Wm. Howe. The District Meeting of Western Maryland will be held April 13th in the Welsh Run meeting-house, Franklin Co., Pa. Those coming by rail should come the day before and stop off at Hagerstown, Md. Nicholas Martin. The Panther Creek church, Woodford Co., Ill., will hold a communion meeting on the 26th of May, '82, commencing at 10 o'clock. The usual invitation extended to the brethren and sisters. By order of the church. J. B. Tauzer. The meeting of the Second District of Virginia will be held on the 13th and 14th of April, 1882, at the new meeting house on Hoxbill, Page Co. Those who come on the Shenandoah Valley R R from the north get tickets to Luray. Those coming from the south get tickets to Marksville. Arrangements will be made to enable brethren to stop off between the two places, about half a mile from the place of meeting. Conveyance for those unable to walk that distance. Jacob Miller. The District Meeting for Nebraska will be held in the Bethel congregation April 14th and 15th. The several churches are requested to bring or send, if possible, their quota to said meeting for defraying expenses of delegates to A. M. If necessary, J. J. Hoover, an elder, can be addressed at Carlton, Thayer Co., Nebraska, Levi Hoffert. The District Meeting of Northwestern Ohio will be held on Friday, April 28th, 1882 at the Hickory Grove meeting house, in the Silver Creek church. Those coming on B. and O. R. R. will change cars at Auburn Junction to the Detroit and Butler road. Stop off at Alvorelton. Those coming on the air line will change cars at Butler to Detroit and Butler road. Stop off at Alvorelton. Teams will be there to carry brethren to place of meeting. Missionary meeting day before at same place. By order of the church. Jacob Shaneour.

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES. Programme of the Fourth Annual Commencement of the High School. On Wednesday evening next the fourth annual commencement of the Altoona High School will be held in the Opera House. On that occasion eleven young ladies and gentlemen will deliver the exercises which conclude their school life in Altoona. The following programme has been prepared: Prayer; music b the orchestra; Salutatory by Miss Gertrude A. Woodcock, "Beyond the Alps Lies Italy;" Chorus, "The Sunbeams are Glancing;" Oration, D. Clare Good, "Independence Day;" Essay, "Music," by Miss Emma Davis; Oration, "Chance," by George Wichum; Duet, "Moonlight and Starlight," Misses Maggie and Hattie Strasser; Essay, "Our Country," by Miss Sadie M. Row, Recitation, "Bernardo del Carpio," by James E. Good; Oration, "Thought," by J. B. Hileman, Jr.; Duet and Chorus, "Cantilena;" Essay, "Prophesies of the Class," by Miss Clara M. Hazzard; Oration, "Paddle Your Own Canoe," George B. Daugherty; Recitation, "Maclaine's Child," Miss Minerva E. Poffenberger; Piano Solo, "Home, Sweet Home," Miss Agnes Cherry; Presentation of Diplomas; Valedictory, "Earth's Battlefields," J. A. Coleman Clarkson; Duet, "In the Starlight," Misses Mazie Ake and Lizzie Mann; Address by Rev. M. N. Cornelius; Chorus, "Further On." Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Saturday, June 5, 1880

If you would like a scanned copy of the following obituaries please contact me directly. In your request please include the year, volume, and page number. Thanks Frank Archie Claar Obituary Collection, 1942, vol 31, page 78 Sipes, Harriet Daisy, d/o Mason L. and Catherine (Moore) Sipes; b: 24 Sep 1884, Fulton Cnty; sib: Barton Sipes, Howard Sipes, Dolly Sipes, Mrs. Elmira Wagoner, Mrs. Louisa O'Neal, and Mrs. Amy Ott; d: Oct 1942, State College; bur: Everett Cemetery. Stake, Ralph Adolphus, s/o Isaac Newton and Emma (Watkins) Stake; b: 30 Mar 1905, Robertsdale; m: Lillian Fazenbaker; ch: Donald Gene Stake and Lois Ann Stake; sib: Mrs. Walter Keller, Edgar Stake, Ned Stake, and Mrs. Anna Peters; d: 22 Oct 1942, Mount Union; bur: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Mount Union. Swope, Arlene Pearl, d/o Elmer Neta (Breon) Swope; b: 10 Jun 1928; sib: Mrs. Paul Uber, Clifford Swope, Mrs. James Lucas, Harry Swope, and George Swope; d: Oct 1942, Jacksonville; bur: Reformed Cemetery, Jacksonville. Soyster, Mary E., d/o John W. and Nanny (Rohn) Cramer; b: 12 May 1895, Altoona; m: John A. Soyster; ch: James L Soyster; sib: Leo Cramer, Elwood Cramer, and Glenn Cramer; d: Oct 1942; bur: Rose Hill Cemetery.

If you would like a scanned copy of the following obituaries please contact me directly. In your request please include the year, volume, and page number. Thanks Frank Archie Claar Obituary Collection, 1942, vol 31, page 77 Stevens, Mary Frances, d/o Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Powell; b: 20 Mar 1863, McAlevys Fort; m: Jacob C. Stevens (dec’d); ch: Mrs. Minnie McCafferty and Mrs. Nora Burd; ½ sib: Mrs. Luther Sunday, John Bressler, Scott Bressler, and Michael Bressler; d: 27 Oct 1942; bur: Cedar Grove Cemetery, Petersburg. Sipes, Harriet Daisy, d/o Mason L. and Catherine (Moore) Sipes; b: 24 Sep 1884, Fulton Cnty; sib: Barton Sipes, Howard Sipes, Dolly Sipes, Mrs. Elmira Wagoner, Mrs. Louisa O’Neal, and Mrs. Amy Ott; d: Oct 1942, State College; bur: Everett Cemetery. Smith, Albert, s/o Jacob and Hannah (Imler) Smith; b: abt 1879 (calc), Roaring Springs; m: Mary M Hesley; ch: Mrs. Emma Wise and William Smith; sib: Mrs. Myrtle Murtiff, Emmanuel Smith, Mrs. George Young, Mrs. John Anders, William Smith, and Fred Smith; d: Oct 1942, Bellwood; bur: Burkett Cemetery, Warriors Mark. Sumper, John, d/o Leonard and Mary (Ricker) Sumper; b: 28 Apr 1901; sib: Joseph Sumper, Leonard Sumper, Mrs. Mary Mislevy, Mrs. Josephine Kirtley, and Mrs. Rosanna Cotton; d: Oct 1942, Detroit; bur: Patton. Schutte, Harry J.; b: abt 1889 (calc); sib: Mary Schutte, Monica Shutte, John J. Shutte, and Joseph B. Shutte; d: Oct 1942, Pittsburgh; bur: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Geistown. Yuhas, Mary; b: abt 1910 (calc); d: Oct 1942, Ebensburg. Steele, George Edward, s/o Samuel G. and Catherine (Champino) Steele; b: 20 Feb 1856, Duncansville; m: Louise Steele; sib: Mrs. Elizabeth Dreese, Mrs. Bryan Roland, Mrs. George Hauch, Mrs. George Rhodes, and Samuel Steel; d: Oct 1942, Juniate; bur: Fairview Cemetery.

If you would like a scanned copy of the following obituaries please contact me directly. In your request please include the year, volume and page number. Thanks Frank Archie Claar Obituary Collection, 1942, Vol 31, Page 76 Stewart, Anna, d/o Joseph and Rose (Seabolt) Maxwell; b: abt 1895 (calc), Lilly; m: Charles Stewart; ch: Mrs. Catherine Biss; d: Oct 1942, Glen Campbell; bur: Rowley Cemetery. Stoy, Ann, d/o Peter U. and Jennie (Litzinger) Stoy; b: 11 Dec 1869; d: Oct 1942, Ashville; bur: St. Michael's Catholic Church Cemetery, Loretto. Shaughnessy, Sarah, d/o Moses and Mary (Owens) Wayne; b: 21 May 1871, England; m: John Shaughnessy (dec'd); ch: Mrs. Anna Hogue, James Shaughnessy, Frances Shaughnessy, and Kathryn Shaughnessy; sib: John Wayne, Mrs. Mary Meehan, Michael Wayne (dec'd), and Samuel Wayne (dec'd); d: Oct 1942, Johnstown; bur: St. John Gualbert's Catholic Church Cemetery. Stanchik, Julia; b: abt 1870 (calc); m: John Stanchik; d: Oct 1942; bur; St Mary's Church Cemetery, Windber. Seigler, John L., d/o John and Johana (Albright) Seigler; b: 11 Nov 1881, Budapest, Hungary; m: Pauline Gebhart; ch: Oscar Seigler, Charles Seigler, John Seigler, Mrs. Irene Moyer, Mrs. Anna Thomas, Mrs. Mary Morse, Mrs. Margaret McGraw, Mrs. Helen Haulman, Pauline Seigler, and Martha Seigler; d: Oct 1942; bur: Oak Ridge Cemetery. Scull, Edward Blaine, s/o Edward and Louise (Ogle) Scull; b: abt 1853 (calc); Somerset Cnty; m: Edmona Coffroth (dec'd); sib: Robert S. Scull and Mrs. John D. Hitchman; d: Oct 1942, Pittsburgh. Spidle, Florence, d/o Willilam and Ada (Longstreet) Parker; b: 21 Jan 1900, New Jersey; m: John M. Spidle; ch: John M. Spidle; Virginia F. Spidle, Gertrude D. Spidle; sib: Mrs. Gertrude Buck, Howard Parker, Charles Parker, Claude Parker, Mrs. Maeline Stromenger, and Helen Parker; d: Oct 1942; bur; Alto Rest Burial Park.

If you would like a scanned copy of the following obituaries please contact me directly. In your request please include the year, volume, and page number. Thanks Frank Archie Claar Obituary Collection, 1942, Vol 31, Page 75 Sherlock, Frank, b: 19 Sep 1866, Dudley; d: 19 Oct 1942, Shirleysburg. Schenk, Valentine P., s/o Henry and Agnes (Bishop) Schenk; b: abt 1887 (calc), Allegheny Twp.; ch: Brother Demetrius; Charles Schenk, Bernard Schenk, Anna Schenk, Marie Schenk, Joseph Schenk, Faber Schenk, Mary Elizabeth Schenk, and John F. Schenk; sib: Vincent Schenk, William Schenk, Mrs. Andrew Herschel, and Emma Schenk; d: Oct 1942, Loretto; bur: St. Michael's Cemetery. Shane, John P., b: abt 1860 (calc), McDonald; ch: Mrs. Mabel Jordan; d: Oct 1942, McDonald. Shetler, Jay Frederick, s/o Paul and Myrtle (Gamble) Shetler; b: abt 1922 (calc); d: Oct 1942, Bolivar; bur: Bethel Cemetery. Smith, Albert, s/o Jacob and Hannah (Imler) Smith; b: abt 1879 (calc), Roaring Spring; m: Mary M. Hesley; ch: Mrs. Emma Wise and William Smith; sib: Mrs. Myrtle Murtiff, Emanuel Smith, Mrs. George Young, Mrs. John Anders, William Smith, and Fred Smith; d: 28 Oct 1942, Bellwood. Showalter, Henry D.; b: 10 Jun 1879; m: Sara Ellen Showalter; sib: Mrs. Hettie Kyle; d: 16 Oct 1942, Shaffersville, Morris Twp; bur: Shelly Cemetery, Williamsburg. Springer, Victor Leo, s/o Ernest Springer; b: abt 1901 (calc), Johnstown; m: Marie Donahue; ch: Victor Springer and Mary Springer; sib: Ernest Springer, Frank Springer and Margaret Springer; d: Oct 1942; bur: St. Joseph's Cemetery. Stewart, Anna, d/o Mrs. Rose Maxwell; b: abt 1895 (calc); m: Charles Stewart; ch: Mrs. Catherine Biss; sib: Earl Maxwell, Emerson Maxwell, Raymond Maxwell, Lester Maxwell, Mrs. Mary Adder, Mrs. Pearl Wertz, and Thelma Maxwell; d: Oct 1942, Glen Campbell; bur: Rowley Cemetery.

If you would like a scanned copy of the following obituaries please contact me directly. In your request please include the year, volume, and page number. Thanks Frank Archie Claar Obituary Collection, 1942, Vol 31, Page 74 Stadtmiller, Frank M., s/o Martin and Ann (Fyock) Stadtmiller, b: 10 Jun 17 1870, Indiana Cnty; ch: Ralph Stadtmiller, Francis Stadtmiller, Albert Stadtmiller, Mrs. Edison Doty, and Mrs. Harry Helman; sib: William Stadtmiller, Oliver Stadtmiller, Allen Stadtmiller, Ralph Stadtmiller, and Mrs. Elsie Case; d: Oct 1942, Cherryhill Twp., Indiana Cnty; bur: St. Bernard's Cemetery. Seidel, Amalia, d/o John and Amalia (Schwab) Koenig; b: 22 May 1862, Austria; m: Charles A. Seidel (dec'd); ch; Rudolph W. Seidel, Raymond J. Seidel; Sister M. Carissa, Margaret Seidel, and Helen M. Seidel; d: Oct 1942; bur: St. Mary's Cemetery. Seibt, William; b: abt 1899 (calc); d: Oct 1942, Altoona; bur: McKeesport. Shreve, Esther, d/o Joseph and Mary (Lipincott) Kille; b: 21 Aug 1869, Masonville, NJ; m: Joseph E. Shreve; ch: B. Andews Shreve and Joseph E. Shreve (dec'd); d: Oct 1942, Johnstown; bur: Grandview Cemetery. Sintz, Michael Joseph, s/o George and Shirley (Endress) Sintz; b: 14 Oct 1942, sib: Michelle Sinzt, George Sintz, Georgiana Sintz, and Caryl Sintz; d: Oct 1942; bur: Calvary Cemetery. Sintz, Michelle, d/o George and Shirley (Endress) Sintz; b: 14 Oct 1942, sib: Michael Joseph Sinzt (dec'd), George Sintz, Georgiana Sintz, and Caryl Sintz; d: Oct 1942; bur: Calvary Cemetery. Smith, Martin Ralph, s/o Martin L. and Anna (Plummer) Smith; b: 10 Sep 1888; m: Ethel J. Smith; stpch: Mrs. Ruth Brinkley, J. Lewis Wicker, and Mr.s Marcena Edwards; sib: Elmer G. Smith, Ben Smith, and Lee Smith; d: Oct 1942; bur: Rose Hill Cemetery. Shafer, Minnie, d/o John and Ann (Jenkins) Andrew; b: Wales; m: Robert J. Shafer; sib: Mrs. Elizabeth Davis; d: Oct 1942. Schenk, Valentine P., s/o Henry and Agnes (Bishop) Schenk; b: abt 1887 (calc), Allegheny Twp.; ch: Brother Demetrius; Charles Schenk, Bernard Schenk, Anna Schenk, Marie Schenk, Joseph Schenk, Faber Schenk, Mary Elizabeth Schenk, and John F. Schenk; sib: Vincent Schenk, William Schenk, Mrs. Andrew Herschel, and Emma Schenk; d: Oct 1942, Loretto.

Terri, I noticed on the Findagrave entry for Lt. William C. Williams, the picture of the tombstone is for David Smith and was wondering if you have the one for William. As I recall, it was very difficult to read. Thanks! Kathy

Hi David, Thanks for the info! someone else also pointed out about the footstones, something I was unaware of before, nice to learn something new! Terri

CORRESPONDENCE. >From Bachelor's Run Church, Ind. Bro. J. H. Miller held some very interesting meetings for us. His preaching was well received, and we think much good was done. Come again, Bro. Miller. A few of those who came to the church when we had so many accessions, have gone out from us. We hope the dear brethren who are gathering so many into the fold of Christ, will be careful that all who come are converted to the truth, otherwise they bring trouble into the church, and in the end go to other organizations. Bro. David Neff was at our quarterly meeting; everything passed off pleasantly, and the best of feeling prevailed. With a very small exception, the church is in a healthy condition, as far as we are able to judge. As there was some important work before the church, we thought it proper to call Bro. Neff to our assistance, as he is well established in the order of the general Brotherhood. Just such a person should be on hand when there is important work in the church to do. Bro. David Niccum was ordained as an elder; and brethren Sanford Seawright and Riley Montgomery were advanced to the second degree of the ministry. This work was done almost by the unanimous consent of the church. May they prove faithful in their calling! Hiel Hamilton. [Note from Wayne: For you historians out there please make note of the ministerial and eldership information in this item.] >From Sugar Ridge Church, Mich. We were encouraged on our Christian journey by Bro. Samuel Weimer, of Harbor Springs, Mich. The people ask, "Will he come again?" Such preaching we like to hear. I wonder when our ministering brethren, living in the different counties in Michigan, south of us, will do as Bro. Weimer did? People will accept the truth here as well as elsewhere. Brethren, can't you give us some help as you pass into well-established churches? Don't you believe we need help to build up our little flock here? Don't get alarmed about the lake, for we live twelve miles from it. I see some brethren spent a great deal of time in Indiana, where there are plenty of able speakers. Who will come and hold a series of meetings for us? Wm. H. Kree. Custer, Mich. >From Mondovi, Lincoln Co., W. T. I am thinking of the many brethren and sisters who are this Lord's Day enjoying the blessed privilege of attending public worship. We have lived here five years, and but once in that time have we enjoyed the privilege of receiving of the pure water of life fresh from the living fountain. Dear brethren and sisters, you who have not tried it know nothing of the trials of living isolated. We have many temptations to contend with. Satan comes up on every side, throwing out inducements, and, as a way-worn traveler, the weary feet sometimes step aside the narrow path. Thanks be to God, that, by his help, we are trying to keep the path as best we can, through all opposition. It almost seems useless to call for help, as there are many calls in the G. M. that seemingly go unheeded. We, as a great many more, are in limited circumstances, and have not the means with which to pay a minister to come and preach for us. Have we no general mission fund? If the funds would be used for hunting up isolated members, and building up churches where the gospel in its true light has not yet been heard, I think the purse strings would be loosed, and all would give more cheerfully; many poor hearts would be made to rejoice. Brethren and sisters, pray for us in our isolated condition, that we may hear the gospel sound as well as you. Grant, oh Heavenly Father, that the eyes of thy dear children every-where may be opened wider, that they may more fully understand the importance of missionary work, and act accordingly. Nettie E. Flory. >From Crooked Creek Church, Washington Co., Ia. On March 5, we held our quarterly conference; business passed off pleasantly. We gave some letters of membership to some who moved away from us. We wish them success in their new homes, and hope we may always be united in the Master's cause. In the evening Bro. A. Wolf preached for us, from the words, "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear"? During the winter we have had but little preaching. Our elder, John Thomas, was sick, and Bro. A. Senger was absent on a visit in Virginia. We were glad to meet together for worship again. We will gladly welcome any of our ministers who will come and encourage us on our way Zionward. D. P. Miller. >From Decatur County, Iowa. By request of the Brethren of Locust Grove, Wayne Co., Ind., wife and I left Garden Grove, Iowa, Jan. 20; commenced meeting on the evening of the 22nd. Had sixteen evening meetings; also a number of day meetings. Eld. J. C. Caylor assisted a few days. On account of bad weather and roads, the attendance was not large, but it was all that could be expected, under the circumstances. We hope the church was strengthened. Five accepted Christ, and were baptized. God help us all to be faithful ! This is the locality in which we spent our youthful days. We moved from here to Iowa in 1857. We found only a few of our former acquaintances. These were renewed, and many new ones formed. God bless the dear brethren, sisters and friends for their unmerited kindness to us! Met with the Brethren at the Brick church on Feb. 13; visited relatives in Henry, Madison and Howard counties; also at Decatur, Ill. Arrived home Feb. 26. Thank God for his protecting care; all praise to his name! Lewis M. Kob. >From Loramie's Church, Shelby Co., Ohio. We are making some progress in the good work of the Master. Feb. 13 two more were added to the church by baptism. On the 26th of the same month, we held our quarterly meeting. Business was transacted in a Christian spirit. Brethren Jacob Hollinger and E. M. Danford were elected delegates to the District Meeting. We are few in number, hence decided not to send a delegate to A. M. The poor were not forgotten, and the missionary work was attended to. Jonas Deeter. >From Falls City, Nebr. A letter reached me from J. D. Rosenberger, Souderton, Pa., containing $2.00 for the Salem church. This sum came from the Hatfield Poor Fund. The letter also states that sister Mary Brooks did not give her post-office address, hence the contribution was sent to me to forward. For the benefit of others who may feel like contributing, I will give her address, Salem, Richardson Co., Nebr. Sister Sumstine's is the same; mine is as above. Any money sent to either will be reported in G. M., and applied to defraying the debt now hanging on the shoulders of our dear, active sister. Promises that were made to her and not carried out, leave her in a rather unpleasant condition, and I hope it may draw sufficiently upon the sympathy of our well-to-do Brethren that she may be relieved of the burden, as the money is nearly all due. Immediate action is requested. I am well acquainted with the case, and can fully sympathize with her. Any further information will be gladly given by the undersigned. R. K. Berkeybile.

Ya learn somethin' new every day! Lexie

Hi Terri, I looked at your photos at the Rodman Cemetery on findagrave.com. My guess is that these little stones with 3 initials are footstones. You could verify that if the cemetery has headstones bearing a name with these same initials. The footstones matched the headstones in color and style. Many cemeteries removed the footstones at a later date to make mowing easier. No disrespect or desecration was intended. Just a thought. David ----- Original Message ----- From: <Myroots52@aol.com> To: <roots@rootsweb.com> Cc: <PABLAIR@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 5:41 PM Subject: [PABLAIR] re-Rodman Cemetery, Blair Co, PA >I just uploaded a lot of headstone photos to Find A Grave.com for the > Rodman Cemetery, Roaring Spring, Blair Co, PA if anyone has any relatives > buried > there. There are also many illegible and/or broken stones, some in a > pile under a tree, with a lot of brush overgrown on top of them. Many > small > stones with initials only, photos for them also. Hope this helps > someone! > > Terri (NV) > To subscribe, unsubscribe or visit the PABLAIR mailing list archives, go > to http://lists.rootsweb.ancestry.com/index/usa/PA/blair.html > To sign up for the Daily Uploads mailing list of PA USGenWeb Archives, go > to http://www.usgwarchives.net/mailman/listinfo/padailyuploads > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > PABLAIR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

I just uploaded a lot of headstone photos to Find A Grave.com for the Rodman Cemetery, Roaring Spring, Blair Co, PA if anyone has any relatives buried there. There are also many illegible and/or broken stones, some in a pile under a tree, with a lot of brush overgrown on top of them. Many small stones with initials only, photos for them also. Hope this helps someone! Terri (NV)

Lona, Below is the contact information for First United Methodist Church in Altoona. The big question is the condition and availability of records from that period. I wish you well in your search. Ernie Tracy First United Methodist Church 12th Ave & 13th St Altoona, PA 16601 Phone 814 942-4629 On 3/23/2010 2:44 PM, Lona Boudreaux wrote: > How can I go about researching the marriage records from the First United > Methodist Church in Altoona for May 1868? I can't afford to make a trip to > Pennsylvania and was hoping I could find something on line or a place I can > write. > > One of my paternal great grandparents were: > David LAING and Mary Ann MORGAN > Married: May 11, 1868 Altoona, Blair Co., Pa. > Minister: W.M. Frysinger > > This information came from the family bible. I was hoping to find a > document that may give parent's names for David LAING. > > Thank you. > Lona Laughlin Boudreaux > Monroe, La. > > > > To subscribe, unsubscribe or visit the PABLAIR mailing list archives, go to http://lists.rootsweb.ancestry.com/index/usa/PA/blair.html > To sign up for the Daily Uploads mailing list of PA USGenWeb Archives, go to http://www.usgwarchives.net/mailman/listinfo/padailyuploads > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PABLAIR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

How can I go about researching the marriage records from the First United Methodist Church in Altoona for May 1868? I can't afford to make a trip to Pennsylvania and was hoping I could find something on line or a place I can write. One of my paternal great grandparents were: David LAING and Mary Ann MORGAN Married: May 11, 1868 Altoona, Blair Co., Pa. Minister: W.M. Frysinger This information came from the family bible. I was hoping to find a document that may give parent's names for David LAING. Thank you. Lona Laughlin Boudreaux Monroe, La.