Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 28, 1903 KILLED BY SHAFTING IN STOVE WORKS John KEFFER, of Royersford, was killled Saturday morning at the stove works of Floyd, Wells & Co., in that town. He attempted to put on a belt on one of the small wheels of the machinery when his coat sleeve caught and he was whirled to death, being thrown around at least thirty times before he was discovered and the machinery stopped. When released he gasped but once. Nearly every bone in his body was broken. KEFFER was 50 years old. He is survived by a widow and one son. DEADLY WORK OF A HUGE CRANE One dead and three injured was the casualty record at the Scott Works of the Reading Iron Company on Friday. The dead man is Orlando FISHER, aged 28. The injured: Leopold STAHL, fracture of the spine and scalp wounds; Charles W. GILBERT, bruised; Richmond MOSER, bruised. A crane, which extended about fifty feet in the air, was preparing to lift a huge iron flange into position. The men had arranged all the tackling when the crane, weighing 60,000 pounds, fell on the iron foundry, crashing through the roof. DROPPED DEAD IN COURT G. William CLEWELL, aged 66, a leading business man of Reading, dropped dead in the Court House in that city, on Monday afternoon, as he was about to take the stand as a witness in a trial. The trial had to be postponed on this account. WERE WEDDED IN THEIR NEW HOME The marriage of Linwood COX to Miss Kathryn GERHART, of East Greenville, was solemized on Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock in the couple's newly furnished home on Fifth street, in that borough. The wedding was a private affair only the immediate families of the contracting parties were present. Rev. C.M. DeLONG, of East Greenville, officiated. Shortly after the ceremonies a wedding dinner was served and the happy couple left on the 5.21 train on a brief wedding trip to Washington, D.C., and other points of interest. The couple will be at home in the new house of N.B. KEELY after December 10. WERE WEDDED ON THANKSGIVING DAY Peter J. TAPPER and Miss Emma L. KNERR, of this borough, were on Thanksgiving evening quietly married at the home of the bride in the presence of only a few intimate friends. The groom's parents reside at Lancaster, but Mr. TAPPER has been a resident of Pennsburg for many years. He is a carpenter by trade and works with contractor A.H. BEYER, of Red Hill. He formerly was at home with John SCHOLL, near Pennsburg, and the bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin KNERR, of this borough. The young couple will reside in Pennsburg. BURGLARS WRECK SAFE The safe in the office of W.H. GRISTOCK & Sons, of Collegeville, dealers in coal, lumber and feed, was wrecked on Monday morning by dynamite. The burglars secured less than ten dollars and some insurance papers. The noise made by the explosion attracted the attention of Louis INGRAM, who resides almost opposite the office of GRISTOCK & Sons. Mr. INGRAM raised his bedroom window to ascertain the cause of so much noise. He saw five or six men standing about the entrance of GRISTOCK's office. "What's the trouble?" inquired INGRAM. "Go back to bed and mind your own business," was the reply. INGRAM's curiosity being aroused he was in no hurry to go to bed utnil he was persuaded by two shots from a revolver. The bullets struck the woodwork a short distance from where he was standing. Without asking any more questions Mr. INGRAM closed the window and hastened to secure his revolver. When he again made his appearance the men had disappeared. It is believed that they boarded a freight train on the Perkiomen Railroad. When Mr. GRISTOCK arrived at the office that morning he found that the interior was badly wrecked. The door had been blown off the safe by a heavy charge of dynamite and it was practically useless. The burglars had effected an entrance by prying open a door in the rear of the building. Previous to the time that the safe was robbed, the thieves had broken into the office of the Collegeville Machine Company, and experienced no trouble in opening the safe as it was not locked, but nothing was secured in the money line. They then proceeded to help themselves to tools and wended their way towards the GRISTOCK mill, where they broke into the boiler house, and with the use of additional tools, which they found there, secured entrance to the office and blew open the safe. The office furniture is almost demolished. The telephone was blown loose from the wall by the force of the explosion, window panes broken, and the ceiling has large dents in where pieces of the safe must have struck. The safe was blown part way through the partition. Residents residing in that vicinity say that the force of the explosion was teriffic. In their haste to escape the thieves left a chisel lying on the clerk's desk. Twenty dollars in counterfeit money which Mr. GRISTOCK had stored away in the safe for the past twenty years, was taken by the thieves. This may lead to their identification. MR. MENSCH FELL DOWN STAIRS Dr. J.G. MENSCH, of Pennsburg, met with an accident early Monday morning while on a visit to his classmate Dr. BUCHER, of Lebanon. The doctor fell headlong down a flight of stairs. Luckily he had no bones broken, but his left hip was severely injured, so much so that he was unable to walk. He was accompanied to Lebanon, by his daughter Katie, who after securing a rolling chair brought her father to his home in Pennsburg that same evening. The doctor was placed in his bed where he remained a couple of days, until the injury permitted him moving about. OLD MILL BURNED KEPLER's mill, one of the oldest landmarks in Upper Montgomery county, was totally destroyed by a fire that broke out in the ancient building shortly before 10 o'clock last Friday night. It is located in Lower Pottsgrove, near the entrance to Sanatoga Park. The fire was discovered by Harry SWINEHART, conductor on the Pottstown Passenger Railway, who reached the Sanatoga terminus of the line at 10 o'clock. He saw flames issuing from the old mill. He ran into the Sanatoga Inn and notified A.H. BRENDLINGER. Mr. BRENDLINGER and several men, together with the trolley crew, hastened to the mill. The flames were bursting out of the upper stories of the mill. It was built in 1783, as was attested by a stone high up off the gable end of the mill. The over-shoot wheel, a large 16-foot affair, was replaced by a turbine wheel, made necessary by the low water in Sanatoga Run. The mill was built by a man named BOSSERT, who was succeeded by Peter YOST, who built an addition to the mill in 1805. Mr. KEPLER, the present proprietor, entered the employ of the WILDERMUTHs, who then operated the mill, in the latter 40's, and ten years later he purchased the farm and mill property. His brother, Reuben, ran the farm, while Edmund operated the mill. Reuben KEPLER died a number of years ago. COG WHEELS AMPUTATE FINGER Charles PFLEIGER, of Pennsburg, lost his fore finger of his right hand, on Thursday while cutting corn fodder at Thomas MARSTELLER's place in Pennsburg. After being through cutting the fodder Mr. PFLEIGER grasped the large cogwheels and started to run the knives rapidly. He succeeded but he was not satisfied that way so he wanted to catch the revolving wheel in order to stop it. While so doing his finger was caught in the cogs and was badly smashed. Dr. Wm. HUNSBERGER later amputated the finger at the first joint. WHEEL KNOCKS OUT HIGHWAYMEN While on his way to market early Wednesday morning John MOORE, a farmer of near Norristown was held up by a highwayman, who jumped for the horse's head. The animal shied and the front wheel of the wagon struck the would-be robber, knocking him down. Before he could recover his feet MOORE whipped his horses and fled. FELL ON STOVE AND BURNED FACE BADLY Joseph KULP, the fourteen year old son of shoe dealer Horace KULP, of Pennsburg, met with a painful accident on Wednesday morning. He had a dizzy spell and fell on the stove. His cheek was badly burned, so much so that the skin came off. A physician was summoned who dressed the wound.

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 21, 1903 MASONIC BEQUEST INVALED That part of William ELKINS', of Ashbourne, will relating to the bequest of $240,000 or $250,000 to establish a Home for female Orphans of Masons and the devise of a lot on North Broad street, Philadelphia, as a site is inoperative because it was not made more than thirty days of the testator's death. The bequest to the Masons is contained in codicil No. 4, which is dated October 13 and the testator died on November 7, six days short of the required time to give validity to bequests for religious and charitable objects. CELEBRATED FIFTY-THIRD WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Mr. and Mrs. Jacob L. REIFF, of Lederachville, on Saturday celebrated the fifty-third wedding anniversary at the old homestead in Skippack township, occupied by a son, George W. REIFF. All the members of the family were present and helped to make the event a pleasant and memorable one. A family group photograph was taken during the day. FELL DOWN STEPS AND INJURED FACE Nathan WIEGNER, an aged resident of Palm, on Saturday evening met with an accident which injured his face severely. He was about to descend the high steps in front of the Palm Hotel, when he thought he was on the floor and instead he had another step to go, he fell head-long into the street. His forehead and nose were badly lacerated by coming in contact with the rough stone. SCHOOL DIRECTOR APPOINTED Charles G. FRIES, of Pennsburg, was on Monday evening appointed as a school director of the borough of Pennsburg, by the school board, at a special session. Mr. FRIES was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John J. WALTER. SOLD VALUABLE HEARSE TEAM Dimmig Bros., undertakers of East Greenville, sold their beautiful pair of black horses which they used in their hearse, to V.F. WONDERLY, the Allentown undertaker. They received a big price for the span. RESIGNED AFTER THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE Joseph LENHART, who has carried the mail twice each day for over thirty years from Centre Square to Belfry, in Worcester township, this county, has resigned. FELL THIRTY-FIVE FEET TO GROUND A scaffold gave way at Shillington, precipitating Charles BURKHART, John and George LONGENECKER, painters, thirty-five feet to the ground. All were badly injured.

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 21, 1903 FINED $75 FOR SPEEDING AUTO IN QUAKERTOWN The first conviction in the State under Senator GRIM's Automobile act, passed in 1903, took place at Doylestown on Tuesday before Judge YERKES, when John NADIG, of Allentown, was sentenced to pay a fine of $75 and costs. NADIG rapidly drove his automobile through the streets of Quakertown, causing a runaway, in which Manassas BEAN was severely injured. THREE GIRLS LEAVE THEIR HOME AT NAZARETH Mary SANDT, Tillie FEYTE and Bella HEFFENDITZ, each fifteen years of age, dissappeared from their homes at Nazareth in the early part of the week, after taking up their wages in a factory in which they worked. The supposition is that they left for New York and met three fakirs who were at the Nazareth Fair this fall. STRICKEN WITH APOPLEXY Mrs. Daniel URFFER, of Sassamansville, was stricken with apoplexy. Her condition is not considered serious. She is a sister to Nathan WIEGNER, of Palm, who was found dead on Tuesday. SAVED HIS LIFE BY JUMPING Struck by a train while crossing the railroad tracks at Blandon, Berks county, David HEFFNER, of Lyons, saved his life by jumping but his wagon was wrecked. RAISED A SEVEN POUND TURNIP C.E. CHRISTMAN, of Old Zionsville, raised a mammoth turnip. It tipped the scales at seven pounds. BECHTEL BROTHERS OUT ON BAIL After a conference with District Attorney LICHTENWALNER, Monday afternoon, Lawyer James L. SCHAADT, counsel for John and Charles BECHTEL, brothers of Mabel BECHTEL, who was murdered three weeks ago at Allentown, had their bail reduced from $2000 to $1000 and in a short time they were released. Their bondsman is ex-Alderman G.H. HARDNER, who formerly employed the BECHTEL brothers in his contracting business. He will again give them employment. While the prosecution will not divulge its line of procedure, it was stated that a microscopical examination of the sheet on Tom BECHTEL's bed has revealed the fact that the stains which Tom said were tobacco juice were made by human blood. It is also rumored that Myrtha, the unmarried sister, told companions that Tom's room was kept locked all day Monday following the murder. PRAYER BOOK OVER TWO HUNDRED YEARS OLD Governor PENNYPACKER will be asked to place a valuation on a German Prayer Book owned by Mrs. Elizabeth CARL, of Reading. It was printed in 1691 by permission of Emperor Josef of Austria-Hungary by Rev. John ZOFFIKEN, and is called "Prayers of Incense." Mrs. CARL refused an offer of $50 for the relic, which was given her by her great-grandmother. SOLD OUT NEWSPAPER PLANT Howard C. HILLEGASS, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., formerly of Pennsburg, sold out his newspaper plant at that village. He has accepted a position as Assistant City Editor of the Morning Journal of New York City. He entered upon his new duties some time ago. Mr. HILLEGASS is a brother to the editor of Town and Country. WILL OF A MILLIONAIRE The will of William L. ELKINS, of Ashbourne, Montgomery County was filed before the Register of Wills, at Norristown on Saturday. It provides that the millionaire's great fortune be kept intact for the benefit of his family. There is a bequest of $250,000 and a lot of ground for a home for the orphan daughters of Masons. The ELKINS collection of pictures and paintings will go to the city of Philadelphia, after all the members of the ELKINS family, now living or dead. The estate is given in the will at "$100,000 and upwards." It is estimated at $30,000,000 the largest ever bequeathed by a will probated in this county. Mr. ELKINS desired that his fortune be handed down to his children and grandchildren, and in order to do so made the following statement in his will: "It is my intention, so far as the law against perpetuties will permit, to maintain trusts during their respective lifetimes, of all descendants of mine in existence at the time of my death." The income of Mrs. ELKINS is fixed at $100,000 annually, the remainder of the income from the estate to be divided equally among the children and their descendants. The estate, with a few exceptions, is held in trust. One million dollars is devised to be held in trust for Marie Louise and Felton ELKINS, the minor children of the late William L. ELKINS, Jr., the principal sum to be paid at their majority. The following legacies are given free and clear of all collateral inheritance taxes: To his nephew, Edwin PETERS, $2500; niece, Rachel PETERS, $2500; his niece, Ella May PETERS, $2500; his niece, Agnes SCHELL, $1000, and to each of the children of his brother, George ELKINS, who survive, $1000. In the sixth clause a niece, Lautie NEWLIN, is bequeathed $5000, provided she survives Mrs. ELKINS. To his wife's nephew, James George BROOMALL, under the same conditions, is devised $10,000. Annuities of $1000 each are devised to the decendent's sisters, Elizabeth PETERS and Matilda Beaver SCHALL, during their lives, and to Mrs. ELKINS, the widow, is given $100,000 to dispose of as she shall see fit. Referring to his business interests, Mr. ELKINS directs his executors to hold "considerable shares of stock in the Land Title and Trust Company, and a half undivided interest in the Land Title Building, and not to sell them, as I consider them a good investment. SURPRISED ON HIS TWENTY-THIRD BIRTHDAY Elmer R. HUBER, of Hereford, was tendered a surprise on the occasion of his twenty-third birthday anniversary. His sister and their families gathered at his home to await his homecoming from the Eisenlohr cigar factory at East Greenville, where he is employed. A large number of neighbors and friends were also present. A bouteous repast was served all the guests and a general good time was had. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Elmer HUBER, Paul HUBER, Mrs. Eliza HUBER, Mr. and Mrs. Charles JACOB, John HOTTLE, Ida HOTTLE, Stella SALLADE, Mrs. Wm. SALLADE, Stella HUBER, Sallie KNETZ, Mr. and Mrs. Henry SCHEARER, James SHEARER, Victor SCHEARER, Mabel SCHEARER, Albert FREY, Amanda FREY, Herbert JACOB, Milton JACOB, Eliza JACOB, Mrs. Maria FREY, Millie HILL, Ellsworth MINNER, Mrs. Henry MINNER, Mabel WENNER, Clyde HUBER, Bertha FREY, Harvey FREY, Albert FREY, Clarence HALLMAN, Elmer MARCKS, Horace Marcks. PARTY AT OLD ZIONSVILLE Mr. and Mrs. Barton KLEPPINGER, of Old Zionsville, gave a delightful house party in honor of some of their friends from Philadelphia. All kinds of games were indulged in and after lunch the guests departed, giving a vote of thanks to the host and hostess for their hospitality. The following were present: Mr. and Mrs. Charles MORROW, Misses Eva WHITE, Eva SNOOCK, Carrie UHLMANN, Bessie FRY, Paul O. HOOLIHAN, and Daisy MOYER, of Philadelphia; George GRIM and H.E. SHIMER, of Nazareth; Mr. and Mrs. Barton KLEPPINGER, old Zionsville; J. Walter SINGMASTER, H.B. ERDMAN, John REMS, Howard SINGMASTER and Mr. WESCOE, Macungie; Misses Katie HUFF, Jennie KERN and Sallie HUFF, Harry SHIMER, of Shimersville; John GEISINGER, of Bethlehem. HEREFORD LITERARY SOCIETY REORGANIZED The Hereford Literary Society met for reorganization and was called to order by Benneville S. SCHULTZ. Wm. H. SALLADE was elected president pro tem. Daisy B. GERY was elected an active member of the society and elected secretary pro tem. The committee reported the following program: Declamation, Chester KRIEBEL; Select reading, B.S. SCHULTZ; essay, Oscar S. SCHULTZ; oration, Jacob M. GERY; question for debate, "Resolved, That educated people are the happiest." Affirmative speakers, Chas. A. FISTER, Warren FUNK and Amos GERHARD; negative, Samuel S. SCHULTZ, Harvey KRIEBEL and Fred W. HUBER.

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 21, 1903 A BLASTING ACCIDENT A serious accident happened to farmer Reuben REICHERT, of near Hill Church, Berks county, while he was engaged in removing rocks from his land. He was using dynamite to break some of the huge boulders in his fields and while one of these blasts was discharged he stood within reach of one of the flying stones, which fell on his head. He was rendered unconscious. He was removed to his house and Drs. HARTLINE and HERTZOG were summoned, who upon examination found that his skull was fractured and some of the pieces of bone pressed on his brain. The physicians resorted to the trephining process to order to remove the pressure on the brain and the broken bone. The operation was successfully performed, but Mr. REICHERT is still unable to move his upper limbs. His condition is critical. CARPENTER FELL AND BROKE BOTH ARMS Harry ERB, of East Greenville, a carpenter fell from a scaffold yesterday forenoon at about ten o'clock and broke both arms. He was engaged at work on a scaffold at John DERR's barn near East Greenville, when the scaffold broke and he fell a distance of about twenty feet to the ground below. When picked up by his fellow workmen it was ascertained that both his arms were broken near the wrist. He also received several contusions about the head. He was removed to his home by Mr. DERR and Dr. J.G. HERSH summoned who reduced the fracture. OWNS VALUABLE OLD FURNITURE J.L. LEINBACH, of Gilbertsville, owns a claw-footed chair 150 years old, which was once the property of Daniel LEINBACH of Philadelphia. It was used in the State Legislature when that body met in Philadelphia, and after Mr. LEINBACH's term had expired he purchased it for $5. An old desk, with many small drawers, one of them secret, which came from the same source, is also owned by the Gilbertsville LEINBACH, to whom both of the relics have come after passing through successive generations of the family. LAUNDRYMAN HAD AN ACCIDENT Wallace C. ROTH, of Hoppenville, proprietor of the Satisfaction Laundry of East Greenville, met with a mishap on Thursday evening while returning to his home from his place of business. A short distance below the Pennsburg tollgate the front axle of his wagon broke and the wagon went down. Luckily none of the occupants were thrown out. The horse came to a sudden stop which prevented a serious accident. He was driving at a fast gait when it happened and the wheel ran to the side on the pavement. FAMILY NEARLY ASPHYXIATED WITH COAL GAS The family of landlord James KLINE, of Hoppenville, was on Sunday night nearly asphyxiated by coal gas. After coal was put in the heater the lid was forgotten to be closed. The gas escaped and entered the bed chambers of the family and several of them were made sick, which caused an investigation. Had this not been detected so early in the night, the whole family might have been asphyxiated. GAVE SUPPER TO HER FRIENDS A supper was given on Thursday evening by Miss Ruth ESHBACH, of Pennsburg, in honor of Miss Katie GERHART, of East Greenville, whose approaching marriage is announced for next week. After partaking of a bountiful repast a number of pretty and useful gifts were presented. Those present were: Miss GERHART, Mrs. V.H. STECKEL, Mrs. D. HERSH, Misses Katie and Vinnie MENSCH. ONE YEAR FOR BRIDE-TO-BE'S DEATH Mrs. Oliver MILLER, of Allentown, was on Saturday sentenced to one year's imprisonment for causing the death of Miss Agnes STRACHAN. A month ago, Mr. and Mrs. MILLER gave a party in honor of Miss STRACHAN's approaching wedding. MILLER and his wife quarreled, and the latter threw a lighted kerosene lamp at her husband. The lamp struck Miss STRACHAN, burning her so badly that she died next day. STRUCK ON HEAD BY A BRICK Charles J. RHODE, a bricklayer, while working at Uriah BIERY's new house at Mertztown, Berks county, was hit on the back of the head by a brick falling from a scaffold overhead, inflicting a cut in the scalp 3 inches long. He was taken to his home, where Dr. C.D. WERLEY attended to his injuries. ENGAGING SNAPSHOTS Rev. J.G. DENGLER, of Weissport, assisted in the organ dedication services at the Pennsburg church on Sunday. Frank STAHL, of Philadelphia, visited his brother-in-law, Charles FRIES, of Pennsburg on Sunday and Monday. Clayton H. FRYER, of this borough, on Monday made a business trip to Philadelphia. A young son of Mrs. Agnes FLUCK and one of James WEIL, of East Greenville, have diphtheria. Both houses were quarantined in the early part of the week. Miss Ella HUNSBERGER, of Lansdale, visited her mother, Mrs. Annie HUNSBERGER, of East Greenville on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver ERB, of Boyertown, spent Sunday with the former's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel ERB, of this place. Mrs. Charles V. ROTHENBERGER, of Pennsburg, spent Saturday at Allentown. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. HILLEGASS, of Norristown, visited the former's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. HILLEGASS, of this borough on Saturday and Sunday. Miss Katie BOYER, of this borough, was sick in the fore part of the week with a heavy cold. Mr. and Mrs. Howard SHIERY, of Allentown, visited the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GRABER, of Pennsburg, on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. William BAUER, Jr., of this borough, visited friends at Allentown on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. William S. MACK, of Niantic, visited the family of F.F. HUBER, of this borough, on Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. John BERKENSTOCK and Mr. and Mrs. John H. STAUFFER, of Limeport, visited the family of Burgess E.J. WIEDER, of this borough, on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. J.L. DIMMIG, of East Greenville, visited relatives at Emaus on Tuesday. Augustus BAUMAN, the travelling artist, spent several days this week in this vicinity. Two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. William C. KOCH, of East Greenville, are sick at Boyertown. Mr. and Mrs. W.H. FREAS, of Philadelphia, spent Sunday with the family of M.K. GILBERT, of this borough. Mrs. Henry KOLB and son George, of Tioga, spent the week with her sister Mrs. Charles SCHOLL of this borough. The homes of Henry STAUFFER, Charles O.F. TREICHLER and Frank STOUT, of East Greenville have been quarantined on account of children having diphtheria. At the latter place Mrs. STOUT's sister is down with the disease.

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 21, 1903 WILL QUIT FURNITURE BUSINESS IN PENNSBURG Fred REINSMITH, of Emaus, who has been conducting a furniture business in Pennsburg for the past two years has decided to discontinue the business here. He will remove all his furniture by the first of the year. Confectioner George ? ROTH of Pennsburg, has leased the house from Dr. J.G. MENSCH and will use the space for his restaurant and confectionery store. He will consolidate his two business places. ANCIENT ORGAN DEDICATED The Pennsburg Reformed church dedicated its remodeled pipe organ, reconstructed by Edwin KRAUSS, of Palm, grandson of the pioneer pipe organ builder of Pennsylvania, Andrew KRAUSS, who originally built the old organ. The church was well filled at every session. RENTED FARM AT POWDER VALLEY John KOFFEL, of Hosensack, on Monday rented the farm of the late Tilghman STAHL, of Powder Valley from the administrators of the estate. Mr. KOFFEL will take possession next April. RAISED FOUR AND ONE HALF POUND TURNIPS Albert KERWER, of Steinsburg, is considered the champion turnip raiser in that section of Lehigh county. He weighed one of the largest he raised and it tipped the scales at four and one half pounds. REAL ESTATE SOLD The real estate of the late Christopher DAUMAN, of Finland, was sold at public sale on Wednesday, by the administrator to Clara J. DAUMAN. The price paid is $815. STRING LANDS THIEF By attaching one end of a thread to a decoy pocketbook and the other to a bell, workmen at Winter & Goetz's tannery at Reading have caught a man who they believe has been pilfering their pockets for many moons. Frequently the workmen have been missing articles and money from their coats in their dressing room. On Monday a trap was set to catch the thief. Taking a large pocketbook, an employe filled it with washers the size of a quarter. This he placed in his coat pocket. Around it he tied a thread, which led to one of the departments in the building and connected with a bell. While the men were at work they heard the bell tinkle. They hurried down into the dressing room, and as they entered the door caught Frank KLOPOGINSKI, a laborer, in the act of rifling the coat. He was taken to jail in default of bail. SHOT HIS BROTHER WHILE OUT GUNNING While Wm. LUDWIG and his brother Joseph, of Delphi, were out after rabbits one day this week the former accidently shot the latter while shooting at a rabbit. It happened that the rabbit jumped over a big rock and while on there William shot and his brother being on the other side was hit with several stray shot. He was hit in the face and in the arm. He is not seriously hurt. RAISED LARGE CABBAGE HEAD Mrs. Joseph PALSGROVE, of New Hanover, raised a cabbage head that weighs sixteen and one half pounds. It measures twenty-seven inches over the top. She would like to hear from some one who can beat this. TWO MISHAPS AT MILL Two serious accidents accurred at the Conshohocken Tube Works on Tuesday evening. A. POLANDER had both legs broken, and Walter B. MORRIS barely excaped having his head torn off. The first workman was engaged near a pile of iron when the iron pipes toppled over, pinning him to the ground. When rescued it was found that both his legs were broken. He was removed to Charity Hospital, Norristown. That Mr. MORRIS was not killed he thinks was due to his presence of mind. He was caught in the saw belt, and was in a fair way to having his brains dashed out by being hurled about the pully, when he saw a barrow. He realized that this was his only salvation. He threw his feet for this, and in becoming entangled in the barrow he was drawn from the belt. Morris' head was badly bruised and lacerated, as were his arms. One of his ears was nearly torn off. TAKEN SICK WHILE NURSING BROTHER-IN-LAW Daniel KRAUSS, of East Greenville, was taken sick on Saturday while he was nursing his brother-in-law John J. WALTER, of Pennsburg. He could not be moved to his house so he has spent the past week at the WALTER house. His condition has somewhat improved during the last few days. He is suffering from kidney trouble. WILL BE MARRIED ON WEDNESDAY Linwood COX, and Miss Kathryn GERHART, both of East Greenville, will be married on Wednesday. The grooms parents reside at Norristown. Mr. COX is one of the proprietors of the Eagle Drug Store, East Greenville. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.J. GERHART, of East Greenville. INSURANCE COMPANY ADJUSTS LOSS The Goshenhoppen Mutual Fire Insurance company on Friday had Jonathan P. HILLEGASS, of Pennsburg, Adam J. DIMMIG, of East Greenville and Isaac RAHN, of Perkiomenville appraise the loss sustained by the recent fire of J.K. WELDNER, of Salfordville. The fire is supposed to have originated from a wad which was a short time before the fire discharged from a gun near the building. Mr. WELDNER shot at sparrows in the vicinity of the building about two hours ere the fire broke out. HUNTING FOR DEER Six sportsmen from the boroughs of East Greenville and Pennsburg, left on Monday for Pike county, where they expect to spend about ten days in the vicinity of Mink's Lake, shooting deer and other game. The party is composed of Victor H. STECKEL, Ambrose and Oswin SIESHOLTZ, Henry C. ROEDER, William C. HARING and Frank SNYDER. THIEVES BUSY AT SPINNERSTOWN Thieves gained entrance to the office in the mill of George ANGSTADT of Spinnerstown, on Friday evening. They took about three dollars in change out of the money drawer. During the same night a kettle full of lard was stolen from the cellar of William H. WEISEL and a mackintosh from the blacksmith shop of Samuel W. BOYER, of the same town. TELFORD WILL HAVE A TANNERY The building north of Telford, erected by Jonathan B. WOLF, and used as an oil factory until several years ago, will soon be used as a tannery. A.M. THALHEIME, of Philadelphia, has leased the building and will use it as a tannery. He will also engage in the hide and tallow business. HARLEM COUPLE WEDDED Alvin ALBITZ and Miss Eva GERY, both of Harlem, were married on Saturday at the parsonage of Rev. O.R. FRANTZ, of Zionsville. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose ALBITZ and the bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob M. GERY. WILL PREACH A TRIAL SERMON TOMORROW Rev. I.B. RITTER, of Emaus, has been engaged to preach a trial sermon in the St. Mark's Lutheran church, of Pennsburg, tomorrow forenoon. Rev. RITTER has on former occasions made a favorable impression upon the members of this congregation.

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 21, 1903 OLD MAN FOUND DEAD Nathan WIEGNER, one of the oldest residents of Palm, was on Tuesday forenoon found dead on the banks of the Hosensack creek, beneath the railroad trestle at Palm. Mr. WIEGNER made his home with his son Henry, and he was about 78 years of age. He whiled away much of his time in fishing. It was his custom on different occasions to go fishing in the morning and not return until late at night. On Monday he had word that his sister, Mrs. Daniel URFFER of Sassamansville was stricken with apoplexy, and it was his desire to visit her if he could secure a team. He left the house shortly after dinner on Monday with his fishing rod and lines. He has two aged maiden sisters living near Chapel and from his conversation before leaving, it was supposed that he would go to them to inform them of their other sister's illness and if perchance he could secure a team they go to Sassamansville. When night came the aged man did not return, but the dog which accompanied him on this trip came back, so they supposed he had either gone to his sisters' home or to Sassamansville, and no particular anxiety was felt by his son and family. At about 11 o'clock on Tuesday forenoon George GERY's dog found the body and his antics attracted the attention of Jacob SCHOELLENBERGER and Monroe SCHULTZ, two laborers working in the vicinity. They investigated and found the lifeless body of Mr. WIEGNER, his clothing saturated with the rains during the night and early morning. Word was at once sent to his son Henry and to DIMMIG Bros., undertakers of East Greenville, who later removed the body to the home of his son. Dr. A.O. GERY, of Chapel, was summoned, who on examination pronounced death due to apoplexy. From all indications he had not died long before his body was found. He was last seen by George W.C. GERY at about six o'clock, when he was at his barn and asked for the loan of his team to visit his sister at Sassamansville. Coroner KANE, of Norristown, was notified and he came to Palm on Wednesday, but after hearing the case he deemed an inquest unnecessary. About nine years ago his brother William of East Greenville, was also found dead. Mr. WIEGNER was in his usual good health at the time he left his home and when Mr. GERY spoke with him. It is supposed that he was stricken shortly after leaving Mr. GERY's farm and that he lay on the damp ground all night in an unconscious condition, and died some time during the morning hours. His fishing rod and line lay alongside of him where he dropped them when stricken. THE DEATH LIST Nathan WIEGNER, of Palm, died on Monday forenoon of apoplexy. He was 76 years, 6 months and 23 days of age. He is survived by two children, Henry, of Palm, with whom he resided and Katie, wife of John BOWMAN, of Sassamansville. The following sisters also survive him: Amelia and Sarah, of Chapel; Maria, wife of Nathaniel GREGORY, of Harlem, Susan, wife of Daniel URFFER, of Sassamansville, and Mrs. Maria LONG, of Huffs Church. Mr. WIEGNER was born in Hereford township, and learned the trade of a miller which he followed for many years. In his earlier years he conducted the mill near Chapel, known as KLOTZ's mill. He was twice married. His first wife was Hannah TROLLINGER and his second Catharine TROLLINGER, a sister of the former. The latter preceeded him in death about a year. Funeral will be held this morning at the New Goshenhoppen Reformed church, of which he was a member. Interment on the church cemetery. Rev. C.M. DeLONG will officiate. John J. WALTER, the lower end merchant of Pennsburg, died on Saturday morning at half past six o'clock, after an illness of about eighteen days with inflamation of the bowels which terminated in gangrene. He was born in Saucon township, Lehigh county, on January 23, 1866. At an early age he entered the general store of Henry SCHULER, at Zionsville as clerk. After serving there for a number of years he accepted a similar position with merchant William H. KEHL, of East Greenville, serving there at intervals for many years. In 1898 he leased the place which he conducted at the time of his death, from William CHRISTMAN. His business soon increased that he was compelled to enlarge the store. He about two years ago purchased the property from Mr. CHRISTMAN and made many alterations besides building a large addition to it. He conducted the store successfully and his untimely end is very much regretted by the residents of the borough and especially his neighbors in the lower end. About fourteen years ago he was married to Miss Tivillia MILLER, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elman MILLER, of Pennsburg. He is survived by a widow, his mother and step father Mr. and Mrs. William SCHOENLY, of near East Greenville; a step brother Charles F. SCHOENLY, of Pennsburg, and Sallie, daughter of Cornelius MILLER, of East Greenville, an adopted child. His age was 37 years, 9 months and 21 days. He was Treasurer of the Pennsburg Reformed Sunday school for a number of years and Secretary of the Pennsburg School Board. The funeral was held on Thursday forenoon at the Pennsburg Reformed church, of which he was a member. Rev. O.F. WAAGE and George LUTZ, officiated. Interment was made on the church cemetery. Sarah MOYER, wife of Adam MOYER, of Obelisk, died on Wednesday morning from cancer of the heart, aged about 53 years. She was a daughter of the late George GEYER, and leaves a husband and two children: Warren, and Annie, wife of Wallace RICHARD, both of Obelisk; and two sisters, Mrs. J.A. SWEISFORD, of Frederick, and Mrs. Ambrose KEELOR, of Pottstown. The funeral will be held on Monday at 9.30 o'clock, a.m., at the house, and interment will be made at Keelor's church cemetery. Rev. J.L. ROUSH will officiate. (Note: I am researching this family. Would like to hear from anyone else that is also researching this family. Please contact me at [email protected]) John G. MAIER, a well known resident of Frederick township, near Perkiomenville, died on Sunday aged about 75 years. He was a retired barber of Philadelphia and a farmer later. He is survived by five children, two of which are Lewis MAIER, of Anise, and Mrs. Oliver SMITH, of Dublin. The funeral was held on Thursday at the Sumneytown church. Martin Luther RAKER, son of Rev. John H. RAKER, superintendent of the Topton Lutheran Orphan's Home, and wife, died at the home Tuesday at 2 a.m., of catarrhal pneumonia. The child was born April 4, 1903, and had been ill about a week. The parents and a sister, Ruth D., aged 2 years survive. MAN DIED ON THE STREETS IN HATBORO Richard HUGHES, of Cape May, was on Thursday night found on the streets of Hatboro in a dying condition. He was picked up and Dr. HANNUM summoned, but before he arrived Mr. HUGHES was dead. The doctor recognized the dead man as an uncle of his wife, who had come to them for a visit, and after supper he took a stroll through the town. He had not been gone twenty minutes when he fell over and died.

This book includes extensive genealogies on the CASSELBERRY families of Montgomery County. CASTLEBERRY AND ALLIED FAMILIES II New! For release in December 2003 In preparation for many years. Six major contributors and many others. Entirely new, not a revision or revisit to Volume I, published in 1967. Material from prior to 1630 to the mid 1800s. 448 pages, 36 in color, photographs of the famous op Den Graff stained glass windows - evidence of royal descent of some Castleberrys/Casselberrys; old impressive homes and churches, The Pennsylvania settlement and families, the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road, monuments to ancestors, maps, narratives and photographs of Mulheim, Baachendorf, and the Kesselberg estate site. Hard cover, red with gold title imprint, glossy acid free paper Initial price $125.00 postage prepaid. Available on or about December 19, 2003 from: Jesse W. Castleberry, M.D. 12404 Summerport Lane, Windermere, FL 34786-7511 (407) 656-6225 [email protected]

Thanks Diana, I was beginning to panic that there were two versions of the Norristown Newspaper book. You had been so thorough when you helped me with the other articles (including Lindsay Coats pg. 10) that I was sure you would not have missed such an interesting subject. There must have been an error when compiling the index - wonder if there are any other omissions. Unfortunately I have had no luck in discovering further information on the "Norristown Boarding School for Young Gentlemen and Ladies" run by N/Nathan/Nathaniel SMITH. But thanks to your lookup I am even more convinced that it the correct connection since the 1813 article listed Mathias COATES (Nathaniel Smith's brother in law) of Norristown as a contact for application. At this point the school is the only lead I have to find any details on Smith. Again thanks to your lookup I can find him associated with Jared BROOKE, Francis MURPHY & Morris JONES. I know that Morris JONES was also connected to the Norristown Academy - but have yet to find any tie between the proposed boarding school & the academy. Not sure what I did to deserve an elusive SMITH to search for - but little by little I am collecting bits and pieces that hopefully will one day add to a colorful N/Nathan/Nathaniel SMITH family history. Thanks for checking the index and all your help, Susan DIANA QUINONES wrote: >Susan, you are right! He was not shown in the index on p 116, only page 10! >I manually added page 116 to my index! >Do you have the article that was on page 10? If not, I can send that (or >did I before?) > >And did you ever find the school you were looking for? > >Diana > > > >

Susan, you are right! He was not shown in the index on p 116, only page 10! I manually added page 116 to my index! Do you have the article that was on page 10? If not, I can send that (or did I before?) And did you ever find the school you were looking for? Diana ----- Original Message ----- From: "Susan McIntyre" <[email protected]> To: "DIANA QUINONES" <[email protected]> Cc: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2003 1:48 PM Subject: Re: [PAMONTGO-L] William Elliott & Ruth Coates/Elliott - m. 1792 > Wow - thank you Diana for coming to my rescue again! Yes this article > will prove very useful in tracking William Elliot - (the Lindsay Coats > mentioned in the 1818 newspaper would have been his brother in law). > This discovery of the Lindsay Coates search does bring up another > question - I have a copy of what I was told was the index page from > "Advertisements and Notices of Interest from Norristown, PA Newspapers > 1799-1821" which includes Coates (Coats) family. I am not seeing a > Lindsay Coats pg. 116 listed - is it only found by looking for William > Elliot? Would you be kind enough to take a quick look at the > Coates/Coats index page in your copy of the book and let me know if it > shows Lindsay Coats pg. 116 or not.

Wow - thank you Diana for coming to my rescue again! Yes this article will prove very useful in tracking William Elliot - (the Lindsay Coats mentioned in the 1818 newspaper would have been his brother in law). This discovery of the Lindsay Coates search does bring up another question - I have a copy of what I was told was the index page from "Advertisements and Notices of Interest from Norristown, PA Newspapers 1799-1821" which includes Coates (Coats) family. I am not seeing a Lindsay Coats pg. 116 listed - is it only found by looking for William Elliot? Would you be kind enough to take a quick look at the Coates/Coats index page in your copy of the book and let me know if it shows Lindsay Coats pg. 116 or not. I really appreciate all the help you have offered, Susan DIANA QUINONES wrote: >Hi Susan, >I don't have marriage for them, but do have an article from the 7/1/1818 >edition of the Norristown Herald Newspaper, which has William in it: >[source: "Advertisements and Notices of Interest, from Norristown PA >Newspapers, 1799-1821", compiled by Judith A H Meier, pub 1988.] > >p 116: >Lindsay COATS of Upper Merrion left his home on the night of the 13th of >April last, in a deranged state of mind (and has not since been heard of); >is about 40 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, light eyes, dark hair, >and walks very erect. Give information to William ELLIOTT, North Third >Street, Philadelphia, or to Jesse ROBERTS of Norristown. > >So at least in 1818, William ELLIOTT was in Philadelphia! > >Maybe this will help in your search! > >Diana in AL > > > > >

Hi Susan, I don't have marriage for them, but do have an article from the 7/1/1818 edition of the Norristown Herald Newspaper, which has William in it: [source: "Advertisements and Notices of Interest, from Norristown PA Newspapers, 1799-1821", compiled by Judith A H Meier, pub 1988.] p 116: Lindsay COATS of Upper Merrion left his home on the night of the 13th of April last, in a deranged state of mind (and has not since been heard of); is about 40 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, light eyes, dark hair, and walks very erect. Give information to William ELLIOTT, North Third Street, Philadelphia, or to Jesse ROBERTS of Norristown. So at least in 1818, William ELLIOTT was in Philadelphia! Maybe this will help in your search! Diana in AL ----- Original Message ----- From: "Susan McIntyre" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2003 2:02 PM Subject: [PAMONTGO-L] William Elliott & Ruth Coates/Elliott - m. 1792 > I am hoping that a list member who has access to the "Pennsylvania Vital > Records", the "Norristown Newspaper Abstracts" books or any other > reference material that might offer data would be kind enough to check > for any mention of the following couple -- > > William ELLIOTT/ELLIOT/ELIOT > married on November 29, 1792 - in Montgomery Co. PA > Ruth COATES/COATS (b. May 21, 1770 to Lindsay & Ruth Coates) > > It has been discovered that a William ELLIOTT was a bondsman in a 1826 > COATES family marriage in North Carolina and I am trying to determine > if it is possible that he is the same William ELLIOTT that married Ruth > COATES or possibly a son or nephew of the couple. I know that a lot of > the COATES family are buried in "Old Swede's/Christ Episcopal Church" > graveyard in Montgomery Co. > > Thank you for any help or direction you are able to offer, > Susan McIntyre >

Ref: The Hearthstone Town and Country Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Thursday - November 6, 2003 Surnames: Kneule, Mensch LOCAL LIVES - THREE FACES OF WAR Part I - The Search By Larry Roeder The American doughboys of The War to End All Wars helped bring a swift victory to World War I once they traveled "Over There." But their job and survival would have been much more difficult without the thousands of young women who answered the call too! Many of them were nurses who provided care for the wounded and dying soldiers on foreign soil. The nurse's devotion to duty in the face of danger helped to set the standard for expanded roles for these soldiers in white uniforms. In 1917, Katherine (Katie) MENSCH was Pennsburg's only Red Cross Nurse. When the United States Expeditionary Forces entered WWI, she signed up to serve as a nurse in the Navy. The medicine cabinet was not strange ground for Katie. Her father was prominent local pharmacist and civic leader Dr. James O. MENSCH. His drug store graced the southeast corner of The Square in Pennsburg. Katie lived with her family in the home adjoining the spacious apothecary. Shortly after she enlisted, Katie boarded the transport ship U.S.S. Grant for the trip to France. She was stationed at the troop hospital in the harbor town of Brest. The port was one of the major debarking destinations for U.S. troops. The soldiers marched off the ships to a nearby waiting boxcar that would carry them to the forward areas. The Pennsburg nurse wrote home often about standing on the docks, hoping to catch a glimpse of a local boy heading off into action. Hardships were many at the troop hospital in Brest. In addition to the myriad of battle wounds, trench diseases and gas poisonings, Katie served at the Brest hospital during one of the worst outbreaks of influenza to hit Europe. The American Expeditionary Forces recorded 37,000 cases in September of 1918 and another 16,000 in the first week of October! Many died from the epidemic. Between patients, and within whatever rest time she could get, she liked to take a walk down to the docks and watch the troops unload - waiting to recognize someone from back home. One night she was told that a troop ship loaded with Pennsylvanians was docking that evening. She rushed to the docks to watch for a familiar face. Soldiers were not allowed to talk to anyone while disembarking, so what happened next startled Katie. From a parapet high above the troops marching below, she scanned the crowd. All of a sudden she heard some shout "Hello there nurse, you live in Pennsburg across the street from KNEULE's Hotel, don't you?" She could see the doughboy calling to her, but it was too dark to see who it was. He called again to her, asking the same question and this time Katie emphatically answered, "yes I do! Who are you - what's your name?" She was too late. An officer overheard the greeting. He rushed up to reprimand the soldier and move him along. Katie never did find out who it was. When the war was over and the local soldiers returned, Katie wanted to locate the friendly GI who she saw in Brest. It seemed that every week there was a welcome home party to attend. Time passed and the weeks turned into months and the months into years. Katie's search went on and on. She had taken a job at a city hospital, but her thoughts always returned to the coast of France as she wondered who the young man was that greeted her at the harbor of Brest. She wondered if the doughboy was among the missing or killed from the local area. Perhaps he just forgot about the encounter and went about his own life. Over the years, Katie worked in hospitals in New York, Philadelphia and East Stroudsburg. A heart attack forced Katie to retire from the nursing profession in 1938. By that time, she had spoken to almost all of the area's surviving veterans of WWI and still hadn't found the man who greeted her. Prior to the onset of World War II, a story was published in the Town and Country newspaper detailing what had now turned into a 23-year quest for the good nurse. Over the years her search proved fruitless, but she vowed to continue. Katie died in 1957 at the age of 84. She never forgot the soldier who said "hello" to her so many years before. She never married but who knows what could have happened if she found the friendly Pennsylvania soldier...

Ref: The Hearthstone Town and Country Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Thursday - November 20, 2003 Surnames: Aliff, Diamond LOCAL LIVES - THREE FACES OF WAR Part III - Role Models By Larry Roeder A half century ago, the heroes and role models of America's youth were different than today. Some folks say we live in a time when too many youngsters look up to million dollar athletes with zillion dollar sneaker contracts. It appears that the "bad boy" or "bad girl" images projected by many singers, actors and athletes are idolized and imitated to a degree where the public feels compelled to march into their nearest outlet store to purchase signature products endorsed by the already rich and famous. We can all opine on today's idols - good or bad. After learning about a local Marine who served during the Korean War, I wondered what kind of a role model would entice an 18-year-old athlete from East Greenville to join the Marines in 1949 and spurn scholarships to five different universities including Clemson and Penn State. Thomas Raymond ALIFF (picture) was an outstanding baseball and football player for the East Greenville High School Yellow Jackets. His four-year high school football career was highlighted when the local gridiron team won the County Championship in 1948. ALIFF was a "60-minute man" (as were most players) playing offensive and defensive tackle. His on-the-field athletic skills and classroom abilities garnered him five different football scholarships, but young ALIFF had other plans after graduation. Thomas was determined to join the Marine Corps and make it his career. According to a newspaper account, ALIFF "was inspired by the accomplishments of the legendary Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Leland (Lou) DIAMOND." DIAMOND (picture) enlisted in 1917, and saw action in three wars. He was heralded as "the most famous of all old breed fighting Leathernecks." He was decorated on many occasions for bravery and even offered an officers' commission that he turned down saying "no one is going to make a gentleman out of me." He was thought of often as "Mr. Marine." His self-confidence and earthly manner endeared him to many. Those who trained under him attested to his ability as an instructor, leader and morale booster. ALIFF's military record shows he worked hard to live up to the standards of his role model. In 1950 the Citizens Committee for the Army and Navy, Inc., of New York City, established the American Spirit Medal. The award was to be conferred on a new Marine "who best demonstrates the American spirit of honor, loyalty and exemplary conduct." Thomas ALIFF was the recipient of the first American Spirit award in July of the medal's inaugural year. Thomas received his basic training at Parris Island, and trained at the Motor Transport School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He shipped out for Japan in August of 1950, and on to Korea shortly after that. The summer of 1950 saw the outbreak of full-scale hostilities in Korea. It was a conflict that would eventually lead to the direct battle deaths of 33,686 members of the American armed forces. It was on June 25th when eight divisions of the North Korean Peoples Army, equipped with Soviet tanks, mobile artillery, and supporting aircraft crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded the Republic of South Korea. Two days later, the United Nations proclaimed the attack a breach of world peace and requested member nations to assist South Korea. The first United States Marines stepped onto Korean soil at Pusan on August 2nd. The 1st Marine Division made an unopposed landing on the east coast of Korea at Wonsan. It was the first United Nations operation in northeast Korea. After establishing security for the port of Wonsan, the division was ordered to advance northwest of Hungnam along a mountain road to the Chosin Reservoir, the site of a large hydroelectric plant. No enemy resistance developed until November 2. On that day, and the ensuing week, the main supply route to Wonsan was continually cut. Convoys were turned back on several occasions, and once an air drop of supplies was necessary. Most of the enemy attempts consisted of roadblocks, either undefended or manned by concealed forces lying in wait for convoys. And though the resulting firefights were on a small scale, a succession of North Korean attacks testified to the vulnerability of United Nations troops in a mountain area of few and poor roads. PFC Thomas Raymond ALIFF was serving with Company B, 7th Motor Transport Battalion of the 1st Marine Division near Wonsan airfield on November 2, 1950. He was part of a convoy of trucks moving men and supplies inland that day. On a narrow mountain road, not far from the airfield, the transport fleet was ambushed and ALIFF was killed. He was nineteen years old. We all share a responsibility to ensure that future generations of Upper Perkiomen-ites will know the names of all of our veterans, understand what they did, appreciate their heroism, and be inspired by their sacrifice.

Ref: The Hearthstone Town and Country Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Thursday - November 13, 2003 Surnames: Aguialdo, Dewey, Hunsberger, MacArthur, Wheaton LOCAL LIVES - THREE FACES OF WAR Part II - A Voice From a Forgotten War By Larry Roeder America's war with Spain ended in 1898 soon after some 35,000 Spanish soldiers surrendered to United States forces at Manila in the Philippine Islands. Admiral George DEWEY's famous decimation of the Spanish fleet in Manila Harbor, and Colonel Arthur MacARTHUR's capture of the city helped to lead the way to the Paris treaty. Philippine rebels, under the leadership of Emilio AGUIALDO, had been fighting the Spaniards for independence since 1896. Now they found themselves in a seemingly advantageous position as allies of the United States. In December of 1898, the United States paid Spain $20 million to annex the entire Philippine archipelago. This didn't please some of the Filipinos, who had no intentions of becoming a colony of another imperialist power. A few months later, in February 1899, the Philippine-American war erupted when a minor skirmish ignited a full-scale military conflict. It is by no means a war that should be forgotten. The United States committed more than 70,000 troops to the conflict and suffered 4,234 dead and 2,818 wounded. The Philippine's fared much worse with 20,000 military and 200,000 civilian deaths. All over America young men felt the lure of adventure and the call to arms in far-away lands. Wallace K. HUNSBERGER (pictures) was one of them. He was born near Hillegass (Red Hill) on March 5th, 1856. When his school days were over he took up the trade of a tailor and worked at his father's shop in Pennsburg. When the Spanish-American war broke out in early 1898, a call for volunteers went with it. And the 32-year-old tailor jumped at the chance to serve his country. He signed up for a one-year enlistment in the Army in August of 1898. He was assigned to the 13th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and stationed at Fort Meade near Harrisburg and later at Chicamaugua Virginia. That was all the farther his regiment got before the war ended. When HUNSBERGER's tour of duty was over, he decided to re-enlist for a two-year stint. Shortly after signing on again, HUNSBERGER was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Of his promotion Hunsberger wrote, "Your old friend ... received a corporal's pay. I tell you, I must confess I feel just a little proud of Uncle Sam's stripes." It was mid-1899, and things were starting to heat up in the Philippines. This time he was assigned to the 29th Regiment of United States Volunteers. After more training at Fort Meade HUNSBERGER and the rest of the 29th set out for the Philippine Islands. They arrived in Manila Bay on November 22, 1899. In his letters home, HUNSBERGER related his experiences in the trenches around Manila and in the jungles of Luzon. His awe, as well as many of the troops there, of Admiral DEWEY was apparent. On one occasion he wrote "You boys should be here then you could see what Admiral DEWEY did to this Spanish fleet. Where I am now stationed, I can see the wrecks of three of the Spanish battleships that were put out of business by America's present greatest admiral." Not all of the Filipinos were unhappy to see the Americans. The natives weren't treated well by the Spaniards, and many were indeed happy that the U.S. released them from Spanish rule. HUNSBERGER penned letters of the local lifestyles and people that he met. He wrote, "The main commodity of food used is rice. Oranges and bananas are plentiful." Of the island's women he said "the female sex on the island are small, interesting, and in many cases quite pretty." But HUNSBERGER's stay in the city of Manila was short. A couple of months after he arrived there, he was reassigned to the 28th Infantry Scouts under the command of General Lloyd WHEATON. The unit embarked on an expedition into southern Luzon to drive out rebel forces. They gained control of the Pasig River and the bridge over it, cutting the enemy's communication line between northern and southern Luzon. While on that expedition, his company captured 10 officers of AGUINALDO's army. When HUNSBERGER came home, he relayed some of his experiences in a newspaper interview. His regiment was made up of mostly raw recruits. Of his pride in his outfit's action at Imus he said "It gives me great pleasure to say, although we were raw, not one flinched from the discharge of his duty. Notwithstanding the fact that we held this position for four weeks." By the time he returned to civilian life he was 35 years old. He resumed his love of the outdoors that included fishing and hunting. He was a charter member and volunteer with the local fire department, where he served as a training officer. He was still full of life and loved to share his experiences with those who would listen. He weathered the tropic diseases of the South Sea Islands and the perils of the journey there and back. He survived the vicious rebel assaults on Manila, and the searches for the insurgents in the jungles of Luzon. What finally defeated the vibrant HUNSBERGER was an appendicitis attack that took his life four months after he returned home.

I am researching family of Lewis (b.1804) and Hannah (b.1807) Pierce. The 1880 census lists his parents as both born in PA (hers from Ireland and Scotland). Lewis and Hannah showed up in Lower Merion (West Manayunk) sometime before 1850, but I am not sure if they were there before that. They had the following children: Maria (b.1839) Mathew (b.1841) Sarah (b.1845) Margaret (b.1850) I don't know anything about the rest of them, but Mathew Pierce married Elizabeth ? and had the following children: Sarah J. (b.1865) John (b. July 1868) William S. (b. November 1869) Cylinda (b.June 1872) Mason C. (b.1875) Amanda J.S. (b.1879) I don't think they were related to Josiah S. Pearce of Merion Bank and Trust, because my Pierces seem to have been poor and illiterate (it figures...). My Pierce children all started working at the West Manayunk Woolen & Cotton Mills at 12 years old. On the 1900 census Mathew and Elizabeth are listed as both working at the Ashland School (he as a farmer and she as a janitor). They might have belonged to St. David's Episcopal Church in Manayunk. My research is ongoing. If there is anyone who might be working on the same lines I would be happy to share information. Cheryl _________________________________________________________________ Need a shot of Hank Williams or Patsy Cline? The classic country stars are always singing on MSN Radio Plus. Try one month free! http://join.msn.com/?page=offers/premiumradio

I am hoping that a list member who has access to the "Pennsylvania Vital Records", the "Norristown Newspaper Abstracts" books or any other reference material that might offer data would be kind enough to check for any mention of the following couple -- William ELLIOTT/ELLIOT/ELIOT married on November 29, 1792 - in Montgomery Co. PA Ruth COATES/COATS (b. May 21, 1770 to Lindsay & Ruth Coates) It has been discovered that a William ELLIOTT was a bondsman in a 1826 COATES family marriage in North Carolina and I am trying to determine if it is possible that he is the same William ELLIOTT that married Ruth COATES or possibly a son or nephew of the couple. I know that a lot of the COATES family are buried in "Old Swede's/Christ Episcopal Church" graveyard in Montgomery Co. Thank you for any help or direction you are able to offer, Susan McIntyre

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA October 25, 1913 In order to find out why his son Sylvester had left home, Obadiah HILBERT, of Alburtis, made a trip to Cumberland County, to see the young man in person. Young HILBERT disappeared after a Saturday night's debauch two months ago. Next day his rig, belonging to his employer, farmer SCHMOYER, of Spring Creek, was found in a barn yard near Mertztown, six miles away. His disappearance made a great hubbub, and there were allegations of foul play. September 3, 1943 A seven-year-old Pennsburg, R.D. boy was accidentally hurled to his death from a manure spreader on his grandfather's farm near Red Hill late Monday afternoon. The boy, Calvin C. PETERSON, died instantly from a fractured skull. The lad fell to his death when the horses pulling the vehicle in a corn field on the farm lunged ahead from a standstill. Mr. Fenton RUSSELL, Red Hill, pronounced the child dead. October 25, 1973 Paul R. NESTLER, Sr., Green Lane Hosiery Manufacturer, died suddenly on Friday afternoon after suffering a heart attack at his home at 408 Walnut street, Green Lane. He was 77 years, 10 months and 16 days old, and husband of Helene F. (Huebner) Nestler. Mr. Nestler came to this country from Germany after the first World War and established his factory in May of 1929 on Walnut Street in Green Lane under the name of the Green Lane Hosiery Company, Inc. He has served as its president since that time, a period of more than 44 years.

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 14, 1903 HID THE BOOTY UNDER STRAW James ROWAN was arrested at Norristown on Monday afternoon on the charge of the larceny of $90 from George C. HOLLENBACH, of Pottstown. ROWAN was captured only after an exciting chase. When searched ROWAN had none of the money. Later the officers found $45 hidden under a pile of straw.

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 14, 1903 STABLE SAVED FROM FLAMES The frame stable of Granville W. GERHART, of Pennsburg, was saved from destruction by fire on Tuesday forenoon by Edward LIVEZEY and James PFLEIGER. They were engaged in hauling cornfodder in a field near Mr. GERHART's stable when they saw smoke issuing from the windows in the hay mow. They at once ran to the stable and found the manure ablaze under the horse's feet and the stable filled with smoke. They hurriedly set to work to extinguish the flames and save the horse from being roasted alive. After heroic work they got the flames under control and thereby saved the building. The cause of the fire is a mystery. OLD ESTABLISHED SEED FIRM FAILS Four creditors of the D. LADRETH and Sons, seed merchants, of Philadelphia, on Friday filed a petition in the United States District Court, asking that the firm be adjudged involuntary bankrupts. A receiver being asked for judge McPHERSON, of Philadelphia, appointed Bayard HENRY to act in that capacity, and he entered security in $25,000. The house of D. LADRETH and Sons is one of the oldest in the country, having been founded in 1784. FORMER WEALTHY BREWER'S REMOVAL DELAYED Detective Henry MANGER, of Milwaukee, who is at Reading, with requisition papers issued by Governor LaFOLETTE, of Wisconsin, for George F. LAUER, on the charge of obtaining $115 in cash on false pretenses from a Milwaukee firm, has met with an obstacle to the former wealthy brewer's removal. LAUER is under $800 bonds for an alleged offense committed in Philadelphia, and he cannot be taken to Milwaukee until the matter is settled. TRAMP BROKE WINDOW PANES Because she refused to give him anything to eat a tramp broke nearly all of the window panes on the first floor at the home of Mrs. William KUHLMAN, at Reading. FORMER EAST GREENVILLE RESIDENT NOW A PROMINENT HOTEL PROPRIETOR AT POTTSTOWN Elias H. GILBERT (picture), a former resident of East Greenville, is one of the proprietors of the Merchants Hotel (picture), at Pottstown, one of the most complete and well appointed hotels in Montgomery county. This famous hostlery has just been entirely, remodeled and refurnished throughout, and it was formally thrown open for the inspection of the public on Thursday. The alterations and rebuilding have consumed nearly a year. The hotel has been rebuilt from top to bottom, and thoroughly refurnished until now it is the handsomest and largest hotel in the Schuylkill Valley. The offices have been removed to a central location and within easy reach of the clerk is a system of call and return-bells that reach every room in the building. The dining room has been enlarged, and is now capable of accomodating 150 guests and similar improvements and conveniences have been placed in every department. A new passenger elevator was also placed in the hallway. The entire house is lighted by electricity and heated by steam. There are seventy-five sleeping rooms, two parlors, six bath rooms and in fact every comfort known to hotel life has been secured. The Merchants hotel has been conducted by E.H. GILBERT & Co., for the past ten years, and before that it was run by Elias Y. GILBERT, father of the present proprietors. It was erected in 1846, and in all these years it has been recognized as one of the leading hotels in the Schuylkill Valley. It is owned by the FEGELY estate. SHOT MANY RABBITS AT HEREFORD Alderman Henry L. WICKEL, Constable John BORRELL and his son John, of Reading, spent two days last week in Hereford and returned with 53 rabbits. Fred DEEMER and John BAKER, also of Reading, had 16 to their credit. FORTUNE TELLER CAUSES TROUBLE It cost the wife of George WOODLEY, a Reading railway watchman at Hanover street, Pottstown, $17 to have a Washington Hill fortune teller inform her that her husband was unfaithful. Mrs. WOODLEY haunted the neighborhood of the crossing to discover evidences of his alleged guilt. The watchman was so indignant over her belief in the fortune teller's accusations that, it is alleged, he struck his wife. She had him arrested, but the case was settled. The WOODLEYs have been married twenty-seven years, have twelve children, and had always lived happily. SIXTY-EIGHT YEAR OLD CIDER Mahlon HILLEGASS, a prominent and respected resident of East Greenville, is the possessor of a quantity of cider which is 68 years old. It was made by his father in 1835 and carefully preserved ever since. It is now very strong but of excellent flavor. There are few people who can keep such beverages any longth of time and especially for such an extended period when, as is said of wine, it improves with age. SUED FOR DAMAGES Simon P. KLINE, of Lansdale, on Wednesday, instituted suit against the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company for $10,000 damages to compensate him for personal injuries sustained by being struck by a passenger train at Clifton's crossing in North Lansdale last April. He was driving a three horse team across the railroad when the rear of his wagon was struck by a south bound train. It was broken to pieces and he was hurled out being impaled on a nearby fence. He sustained compound fractures of the leg and was so severely injured otherwise that he is crippled for life. He alleges that he stopped, looked and listened carefully. A north bound freight train had just passed between him and the southbound track. After waiting for the freight to pass he exercised due caution before attempting to cross. Although he had a clear view he did not notice the oncoming passenger train which he alleges failed to sound either bell or whistle. A.C. GODSHALL & Co., of whose wagon KLINE had charge, have brought suit against the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company to recover the value of the wagon which was demolished by being struck at North Lansdale crossing. They claim $260 damages. HEIRS SECURE SETTLEMENT On motion of H.P. KEISER, the heirs of Andrew K. SCHULTZ, Hereford, deceased were called in the Reading court on Tuesday to accept or refuse the real estate of the decedent, under proceedings in partition. Andrew H. SHULTZ, a son of the decedent, appeared and desired to accept the real estate. A store stand and lot of ground on High street, in Pottstown, at its valuation, $12,000 and none of the other heirs offering to bid more, the property was allotted to him at the valuation. A recognizance in $24,000 was entered into to secure the payment of the shares of the other heirs within one year, with interest from April 1, 1904. FOUND A VALUABLE HORSE BLANKET Jeremiah HAAS, of Hereford, an employee in the Eureka silk mills of Pennsburg, on Monday morning found a valuable lap blanket in the street in front of Joseph GRIESAMER's place, near Hereford. He made inquiry as to whose it was and it later was discovered that H.E. WERLEY, of the Keely House, owned the blanket to whom it was returned. The blanket was lost by Mr. REPPERT, clerk in L.Y. MESCHTER's store, of East Greenville, who had hired Mr. WERLEY's team. TOOK POSSESSION OF THE WOXALL STORE William SHISLER, has resigned his position in the Salfordville store, and has rented the Woxall store, of which he took possession this week. Harry EMERY, of Harleysville, fills the vacancy at the Salfordville store. ELECTED PRESIDENT OF LUTHER LEAGUE Howard LINSENBIGLER, of Spinnerstown, was elected as president of the Luther League of the St. John's Lutheran church of near Spinnerstown. CANDIDATE FOR MERCANTILE APPRAISER William B. DIEHL, of Pennsburg, has announced his candidacy for the Mercantile Appraisership. Mr. DIEHL is a staunch republican and a party worker. He would be thoroughly competent to fulfill the duties of the office, should he secure the appointment. FORGED ORDER FOR CLOTHING Charged with forging an order by which he secured clothing from Weitzenkorn & Sons, Pottstown, Frank LOWERY, with a long string of aliases, was committed to prison. BOYS ARRESTED FOR WRECKING SIGNALS Robert R. CLOUSER and Edward M. YOCUM, aged 17 years, were arrested for wrecking signals along the Reading and Womelsdorf trolley lines and crippling the service for a day.

Ref: Town and Country Newspaper Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA Saturday - November 14, 1903 THE DEATH LIST Lloyd RUDOLPH, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. George RUDOLPH, of Lansdale, formerly of Pennsburg, died on Saturday of croup. The child was twenty months old. The funeral was held on Wednesday at the St. Marks Lutheran Church at Pennsburg. Interment was made on the new church cemetery. Rev. J.L. BECKER of Lansdale, officiated. Carrie MOYER, the young daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob M. MOYER, of Harleysville, died on Sunday afternoon of membraneous croup. The child was four years of age. Her sickness was of short duration, for she was only taken sick the day previous to her death. The funeral was held on Thursday at the Salford Mennonite Church. Interment on the Church cemetery. Hannah NACE, wife of Jarias NACE, of Pleasant Run was found dead in bed on Saturday morning. Her death was due to heart failure. She was seventy years of age. The following children survive: Achilles and Henry, of Pleasant Run, John, of Limeport, and Hettie GAUGLER, of Frederick. The funeral was held on Thursday at Hubers Church. Rev. J.J. KLINE officiated. Interment on the church cemetery. Charles F. SCHANTZ, died on Tuesday from consumption at his home in Vera Cruz. He lived to the ripe old age of 78 years. Mr. SCHANTZ was long county and state tax collector of Upper Milford township, during which service he was always the first of the collectors to settle his duplicate at the court house. Deceased leaves a widow. The funeral will be held on Tuesday at the Zionsville Church. Revs. O.F. FRANTZ and Eli KELLER will officiate. FOUND DEAD IN NEIGHBORS BARN John SCOTT, 63 years old, was found dead in the barn of Hugh L. FRANKENFIELD, at Horsham Monday. He and his wife had formerly lived at the place but removed early last week. Friday SCOTT returned to procure some clothing when he was seen for the last time alive. It was thought that he had gone to join his wife. Beside the body was a box of cartridges. Diligent inquiry failed to find the pistol. The next morning a pistol with an empty cartridge was found hidden in the straw near the body. FATHER'S BLOW FATAL TO SON In a fit of anger Thursday morning, Peter MATZI, Sr., of Johnstown, Pa., aged 82, struck his son, Peter, Jr., aged 40, over the head with a cane, causing an injury that resulted fatally. The younger MATZI had been drinking heavily of late. The father insists that he did not intend to injure his son. SUFFERING FROM BULLET WOUND Leo ZUCKER, of Alburtis, went to Reading, suffering from a wound in the hand caused by a bullet. Dr. J.M. BERTOLETTE located the missile in the small bone of the wrist with the Xray and removed it at the Reading Hospital. Mr. ZUCKER is fifty years of age. ZIONSVILLE BOY OPERATED ON IN ALLENTOWN Fred, the year-and-a-half-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark BEIDLER, of New Zionsville, fell and hurt himself several weeks ago. On Sunday Drs. ALBRIGHT and YOST operated on him at the home of the little boy's uncle, Henry J. REICHENBACH, No. 431 Linden street, Allentown. The child was greatly relieved and is doing nicely. BULLET STRUCK NEAR HIS HEAD John H. SPANGLER, of Norristown, had a narrow escape from death on Wednesday night. He was seated in the library of his house, at George and Elm streets, when a bullet crashed through a closed window and struck the wall, a short distance from his head. The person who fired the shot is unknown. ROBBERS SHOT AT GIRL Five masked men blew open the safe in the post office at Port Kennedy early Sunday morning, bound and gagged two citizens who had been aroused by the noise of the explosion, and shot six times at a young woman who sought to arouse the village by ringing a bell from a window. The post office safe was cracked about 2 o'clock in the morning. It proved to be empty, and the robbers hurried away in disgust. Albert ILLERMAN, hearing the report of the explosion, stepped outdoors and ran into the arms of five masked men. He was seized, bound and gagged hand and foot and carried to the rear of the yard. His pockets were rifled, $2 being obtained. When ILLDERMAN did not return to the house, Isaac BOSSLER went in search of him. He came upon the men in the yard just as they had finished going through the pockets of the prostrate man. Held up by five revolvers, BOSSLER received the same treatment as did ILLERMAN. His clothes yielded $17 in coin. Completing this job, the robbers heard a dinner bell ringing an alarm. Behind the bell was the determined face of Miss Lillian BAILEY, who leaned from a second floor window of the village hotel, and swung the bell for dear life. Six bullets were sent in her direction. One of them knocked the bell out of the young woman's hand. She "ducked" and was not injured. The robbers crossed the river to Betzwood and escaped. Half a mile up the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks was found the postmaster's strong box which had been dropped after being rifled. Its contents were not of value to the thieves. Just twenty-four hours prior to the robbery at Port Kennedy the post office safe at Spring City was "cracked" and robbed of stamps and money amounting to $175. The same gang doubtless did both jobs, as the towns are not far apart. USED FORCE ON CARTRIDGE WHEN IT EXPLODED Ira KOONS, son of Frank KOONS of Lehighton, met with a painful accident at his home. He was engaged in placing a blank cartridge into a revolver. The cartridge would not fit, and he used a silver table knife for the purpose of forcing it into the barrel when it exploded, inflicting a severe wound in the palm of his hand. Dr. J.K. HENRY found that a piece of rag which had been in the barrel of the revolver for some time entered his patients right hand. It was at first thought that the cartridge caused the wound but it was later found on the floor of the kitchen.