I 111 "■'■ 
 
 y Mr 
 
 01 
 
 
CUKNELL LiNWeRSlTV LlDnAfi' 
 
 3 1924 072 688 827 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924072688827 
 
In compliance with current 
 
 copyright law, Cornell UniiVersity 
 
 Library produced this 
 
 replacement volume on paper 
 
 that meets the ANSI Standard 
 
 Z39.48-1992 to replace the 
 
 irreparably deteriorated original. 
 
 1996 
 
vX 
 
 
 
 A GLIMPSE OF ALTOON'A.- 
 
HISTORY 
 
 — OF THK- 
 
 H 
 
 BLAIR COUNTY, 
 
 ixci/UniNu 
 
 SKETCHES 
 
 H 
 
 V 
 
 E SHOPS 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD CO. 
 
 Edited by Jas. H. Ewing and Harry Slep. 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 HARRY SLEP'S MIRROR PRINTING HOUSE, 
 
 1880. 
 
Entorcd aeoordin;; to Ael of * nnurc-i-. in tlit- year l>yo.*l)y Harry Slop, in the offlcf 
 ol tlio l.tln';irian ui (_"(iii^;i('». at W'a^shiiiKlfi'i, ^>. C. 
 
 
 .*yr_ 
 
Preface. 
 
 A hook without a preface is considered iiicoiiiplute. So is a ship 
 without a figure-head. In eitlier ease the affixture is more orna- 
 mental than useful A book without a preface is nevertheless a l)ook, 
 and a ship without a fig-ure-head is nevertheless a ship. Notwith- 
 standing this, in conformity to a custom which has existed from time 
 immemorial, and remembering that custom makes law, and that law 
 must be obeved, we submit the following preliminary remarks : 
 
 Before commencing the preparation of a history of any particular 
 localitv, a citv or county for instance, the cu.stom has been to call 
 upon leading citizens, and particularly propertry owiier.s, for contribu- 
 tions of money to aid the project, the presumption being that the 
 publication cannot fail to result in benefit to the community. Xo 
 one designing to assume the position of publisher, unless he has more 
 wealth than he knows how, otherwise, to dispose of, or is a literary 
 c-entleman of "elegant leisure," fond of .seeing his name in print, feels 
 like solelv depending upon the income derived from the sale of the 
 l)ook as remuneration for the expenditure of time, money and labor 
 to which he would sui)ject himself; for it must be remembered that 
 the sale of Such a book, with but trifling exceptions, is confined to 
 the immediate locality in which it is published, and, consequently but 
 a limited number is demanded. When contributions have been ob- 
 tained, unless verv liberal, the price of the book is generally fixed at 
 double the amount charged for publications of corresponding size, 
 qualitv of paper, binding, etc., and thus placed beyond the reach of 
 many of the poorer classes. 
 
 In order to avoid the necessity of calling .upon citizens for contri- 
 butions in money, and, at the .same time to enable us to place the 
 l)0()k within the reach of all, as well as to secure for ourselves a reas- 
 
ouiilile rcnuinerution for liilini' mid oiillav of .capitiil, we adopted tlie 
 plan of callinn' upon nicrcliants and other business men for advertis- 
 ini;- patronage, bclievinir tliat to them, hv iiwblioitv iriven, we eould 
 render an equivalent for the amount exjiended. Tliev liberally re- 
 sponded, as will be .-ecu bv the number of aunoune<>ments, and wr 
 take this occasion to return our thanks. 
 
 As will be observed the advertisements dij'not interfere with the 
 text of the book. It is true that the arrangcluent of matter is some- 
 what different from the course usually pursued by publisliers, but the 
 history is just as complete in itself as it would have been had not a 
 sinirle advertisement made it? appearance. Indeed the business an- 
 nouncements make the book more interesting', ,for, by this means, if 
 no other, the reader is enabled to discern who tlie wid<vawake busi- 
 ness men are, and such as are ]iossessed of sufficient public spirit, as 
 citizi'us, to aid in enterprises which result in ,!5:ood to the communitv. 
 
 This liook is not perfect — no man ever saw one that was — but we 
 console ourselves with the reflection that we did the l)est we eould 
 under the circumstances, sparing neither labor, time nor expense in 
 getting at the facts nnderlving the suljjeets treated. 
 
 As memlj(n-s of this community, and feeling a deep and abiding- 
 interest in its [jrosjierity and future advancement, we hope the facts 
 and statements we have given will be well received bv the public, 
 and will serve to abridge the labor of future historians. 
 
 We arc under many obligations to Mr. L. P. Parmer, the efficient 
 and polite General Passenger Agent of the .Pennsylvania Railroad 
 company, for favors extended to us. 
 
 PFBIJSHERS. 
 
SLT00N]1»I1ND<'BLMRC0UNTY. 
 
 . Introduction. 
 
 In a r.t^.strick'd i^t'iisf, leaving out tlif disparil y of vear^, the lifc 
 ■of a city is like the life of a man. Tlicre is infancy, i)u):('riy, adol- 
 usceuce, uiaujiood, old age, and death. AVere the livetf of cities co- 
 extensive with the lives of men, we might appropriately say that Al- 
 toona has passed through the period of infancy, with its imbecility, 
 ihelplessness and perils. It has not only reached the age of puberty, 
 but, from that point has passed through the <'ntire period of adolcs- 
 •cence. It has arrived at the age of thirty-one years, adolescence, in 
 man, according to Dunglison, closing at five-and twenty, and, there- 
 fore, has fully entered upon a career of vigorous manhood. What Hm 
 .triumph to commence witli ! 
 
 TIIK PATERNAL IMllENT tIF ALTOONA, 
 
 Cities, like men, have fathers or fonndcrs. . Previous to 1849 Al- 
 toona existed, figuratively speaking, only in an embryotic condi- 
 tion. It was conceived by the Pennsylvania railroad, and, in the 
 vear just mentioned, was brought forth a living child. 
 
 As we have adopted the allegorical style of writing, we will con- 
 tinue it a little further Ijy giving a laconic sketch of the birth and 
 life of the Pennsylvania railroad, the father of Altoona, In doing 
 eo we preface it with some general railroad and steam memoranda, 
 the appnsiteness of which, in this connection, will be readily per- 
 ■eeived and appreciated; 
 
 PRl-MAKY ATTEMPTS AND SUCCESSES. 
 
 Peaumont, an English miner, in the earl5- period of the Seven- 
 .teenth century, invented the first railroad (wood tracks), on which 
 coal wagons were drawn by horses. It was built at Ncwcastle-on- 
 the-Tyne. The first rails \\-hoIly made of iron were cast in England, 
 in niG. In 1'754 iron wheels were introduced.. A steam engine 
 was completed Ijy, Kewcomen and Cawley, in 1110. A Cornish 
 
(■» IIISTUBY OK ALTOON'A AMI liLAliR ChLNTV. 
 
 miiKT, l)v tlu' iKiuie <if Snviiry, foiistnictrd imii' in ]'\x. In 177(1 
 James AVatt nuule an iniiirovcd engine. In I.'^04, Kieliard Trevitliiek, 
 of Cornwall, eonstrueted a Icieonujtivc to rnn uikhi tile Mei'tiiyr- 
 Tvdvil railroad, in Wales. It drew, at the rate of Itre miles an hour, 
 several wauons laden with ten tons of bar iron. In 1814, (Jeui-Lre 
 Steplienson, of EnLi'land, comnU'ted tlie lirst <'ll'ective liieoniotivo, and 
 that was not very ett'eetive. The " Kneket,'" which iie eonstrueted 
 in lS-29, succeedinjr other loenmotivi's he had" l)uilt, took a pri'miiini 
 of .£500, <itt'ered by the Liverjinol I'c ^laneh(?ster Kailroad company. 
 Shortly after, Mr. Seu-nin, a French enu-ineer, liitrodnceil l()C(nnotives 
 in France. In Septemlier, lsii',1, tlie first ex|ii'rimental railroad track 
 in the United States was laid hv John Tlnjm'son. a civil enfrincer, of 
 Delaware county, l*ennsylvania, and constructed under his direction 
 by Somerville, a Scotch niillwrifrht, for Thos.'Leiper, of Philadelphia. 
 It was sixty yards in Icn.ifth, and j^raded to quo and one-half inch to 
 the yard. The jrauirc was four feet, and the sleejiers were ei<;-ht feet 
 apart. The experiment with a loaded car was so successful that Lei- 
 per had the first practical railroad built in. the United States, con- 
 structed for tlie transportation of stone from' his ([uarries on Cruni 
 creek to liis landin.i;- on Ridley creek, r)ela\\;are ci.untv, Pcnnsvlva- 
 nia, a distance of about oni' mile. It continufd in use for about nine- 
 teen years. The first niilroad in America o\-i>r which a loc(nnotive 
 was run was that of the Delaware \- Hudson Canal company, at 
 Honcsdale, Pennsylvania, to connect their mines with the canal. The 
 locomotive was called "The Stowbrid,i;e Uion." It was tried on the 
 road on the stii day of August. 1S29 — found too lieavv for success- 
 ful use on the roadway, was housed up, and finally taken to pieces 
 and destroyed. The first stone on the Baltimore i<c Ohio railroad was 
 laid on the 4th July, 1S2S, by Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Main- 
 land. At first the cars were i>ropellcd by sails, afterwards liy steam. 
 The first locomotive re,u-nlarly run on that road was made by Phinoas 
 Davis, at York, Pennsylvania, in 1.S31. The first ,u-auj;-e of railrOiids 
 (as in England) was four feet eiu-ht and one-half inches, correspond- 
 inji- with the width of ordiuarv En^glish wai:;-(rns. 
 
 Content with freneral i-ailway memoranda \Ve will now speak of the 
 
 I>F..N\SYLVAN'1A KAII.ROAI). 
 
 On the loth day of April, 184G, an act was passed to incorporate 
 the Pennsylvania Railroad company. The capital was fixed at §7,- 
 500,000, with the privilege of increasing the same to $10,000,000. 
 On June 22, 1 84(), books were opened for snb.seriptions to the stock 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 7 
 
 ill various jjUiccs in the State, ^[r. .John P^dirai' Tlmmson entered 
 upon his duties a.s eliief enijineer of tlie road in the early part of 
 184^ The grading- (if the first twenty miles of the road west of 
 Harrisburg- was let on July 1(1, 1847, and 'on the 2-2d of the .same 
 month fifteen miles east of Pittsburu- were pjit under contraet. On 
 December 10, ISfj'J, ears wiTe run through froln Philadelphia to Pitts- 
 burg-, connections between the eastern and western divisions Ijoing 
 formed liy the use of the Portage road over the mountains, the road 
 of the Pennsylvania company not being finished there until Febru- 
 ary 15, 1.*.54, when it was formally opened, and the fir.-t trains passed 
 through Pennsylvania without use of the iBcline jilanes, of which 
 the Portage consiste(l. 
 
 PORTA! iE RAILROAD. 
 
 The commencement of the construction of the Allegheny Portage 
 railroad was authorized by an act of the Logi.slaturc of Penn.sylvania, 
 passed the 21st day of !March, 18:il. Previous to that time surveys 
 of the Allegheny mountains had I)een made by several eminent engi- 
 neers, and these surveys liad tlu'own much light on the topography 
 of the country through which the railroad was to pass. Sylvester 
 Welch was appointed principal engineer of the work by the Board of 
 Canal Commissioners, and he organized his locating party, and had 
 the tents pitched near Lilly's mill, at the head; of the mountain branch 
 of the Conemaugh, on the 12th day of April, 1831. The locating 
 part}-, at the beginning, consisted of Sylvester Welch, principal engi- 
 neer; Solomon W. Robert.*, principal assistant engineer; Patrick 
 Griffin, surveyor; and twelve assistants, axemen and cook. The line 
 commenced at the head of the Little Conemaugh and continued down 
 the vallc}- of that stream to Johnstown, a distance of twenty-one 
 miles, where it connected with the western division of the Pennsylva- 
 nia canal. The western end of the railroad was located on the 14th 
 <lay of May, 18.31. In the month of ilay, ^Ir. W. Milnor Roberts 
 joined tlie corps as principal assistant engineer, and traced the line 
 from the turnpike crossing, near the summit of the mountain, to 
 Lilly's mill, a distance of five miles. The grading and masonry of 
 the twenty-six miles were contracted for at Ebeusburg on the 25th 
 of Maj', and th(' work commenced by clearing a track one hundred 
 and twenty feet wide through the forest, most of which consisted of 
 heav\r spruce or hemlock timber. The location of the line from the 
 turnpike crossing, near the summit of Blair's Gap, eastward to Hol- 
 lidavsburg, a distance of ten and two-thirds miles, was immediatelj' 
 
S HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND liLAlU COLNTV. 
 
 l)voui.Tilod with. This ])-,ivt of the work \\iis let ti) (.'oiitnietors un tlic 
 2!)th diiv of JliIv, ISol, and thus tlii' i;i'udiii,Lc and nuisoni-y (jf thi- 
 whole raih-oad Ijcinu' thirty-six and two-tliirds miles in k'i},i;-th, were 
 put under contract. The layinj;- of the lirst track, and the necessary 
 turnouts of edye rails, and of a doulile track i;f plate railway <in in- 
 cline planes, were eoiitvacted for on the 11th day of Ajiril, is:]-}. 
 The work upon the road was ju-u^rcuted vi^'orouslx' ; at one time a 
 force equal to two thousand men I'eini;- employed upiui it, and on the 
 26th 2sovemlier, 1 s:.;:;. the Hi'st track ;va^ so advanced as to pi-rniit 
 the passag-e of the iir.-t car ii\er it:- entire len,L!th. On the l>-th of 
 March, 1S34, the read was opened a.- a public hig-hwa\-, the State fur- 
 nishini;- the power on the incline plain' (udy, and it continued in u>e 
 until the 31st of Itceemhcr, when the navigation of the canals of 
 Pcnnsvlvania, which this road connectt'd, was closed for the season. 
 The railway was again opened on the -20th ;March, 1835, shortly after 
 which the second track of edge rails war- completed. On the 11th of 
 May the State began to furnish the whole mcFtivc power, locomotive 
 engines being used on the "long level," and this continued until al)out 
 the middle of December, when the eanab- wer.eelo,-cd by ict'. 
 
 The Portage road consisted of ele\ en "lev.els" or grade lines, and 
 ten incline ])lancs. The a.-ecut from JohnsloAvn to the .summit is 
 1,171 'j^ feet in a distance of ■2(.{'e„ mile-. The de.-eent from the sum- 
 mit to Hollidaysburg is I.oDS.m feet iii a dista'nce of ICio",, miles. 
 
 There were five incline planes on each side.of the mountain, vary- 
 ing in inclination from 1'- 9' to 5° 51', or from Tj'm feet elevation to 
 the 100 feet base. Tlicy were numbered eastwardly, the one nearest 
 Johnstown being Xe. 1, and that being nearest Hollidaysburg- being 
 No. 10. A part of the railway, generallv 31)0 feet long at the head 
 and foot of each plane, was made exactly level. The planes are all 
 straight in plan, and also in profile, except that, the angles of eleva- 
 tion at the lov.-er ends were rounded off l>y curves. There are sinne 
 minoi' variations in the grades on the "levels"" made to suit the 
 ground. Froni the lengths and heights given in the following table 
 the average grade of ouch plane may be ol^taincd correctly. 
 
 KO. OF PLAXK. LE>GTH IX I'EtT. lUSK I>" I'EET. 
 
 riiinc Xo. 1 I,llrt7.74 l.iO.CH.1 
 
 I'laiie Xo. i 1,7(H1.4.! IS-ilO 
 
 Phnu' No. :i 14S.2-) l.W.SIl 
 
 Plane Xo. 4 -2.1(15.04 1S7.1*H 
 
 Plauu Xo. a - 'ilviS.liO , -iOl.rvl 
 
 I'laiic Xo. li . 'J.713.a'v ilKMl 
 
 I'lanc Xo- 7 e.fi.i.'i.Ul •2l)ie.=il> 
 
 Plane Xo. 8 3.11(i-M : 307.fi(i 
 
 I'lane X o. fl 2,7-2ii.fio lS.fl-Ki 
 
 J>laiu'Xo.lO 'A^Oo.Ol lS0..r2 
 
mSTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIli COUNTY. 9 
 
 The I'liibaiikiiRTits were made 25 feet wide on to]), and the bed of 
 the road in exeavations wa^^ 25 feet with side ditehes. Sixty-eij^'ht cul- 
 verts of masonry, the sum of the si^ans of which is 4<)4 feet, passed 
 under llie road, liesides eighty-five drains of ^ dry masonry of from 
 two to five feet span. There were four viaducts of hammer dressed 
 slone ; the first and larger Avas over the Conemaugh, at "Horse-shoo 
 Bend," about ei,<rht miles from John.stown. This had a .single 
 semi-circular arch of 80 feet span, and the top of the masonry was 
 70 feet ubiiNe the surface of the water. Tlic whole cost of this work 
 was S54, 5(12.24, and by Iniilding it a lateral bend of al)0ut two miles 
 was avoided. There were two viaducts over the liranchos of the 
 Coneraaugh, each of 40 feet span, one over the Juniata at Ilolli- 
 da\-sburg having two arches of 33 feet .span, which vary 35 degrees 
 from a right angle with the abutments. There was a tunnel through 
 a spur of the mountain, at the head of plane Xo. 1, about four miles 
 from John.stown. This tunnel was 901 feet long and 20 feet wide 
 by 19 feet high within the arch. It was arched for 150 feet at each 
 end, and the entrance furnished with facades of cut stone. The 
 whole cost of the tunnel was $37,408.85. The ed,a-e vails used were 
 parallel rails of rolled iron, wei.chinu- 40 pounds per lineal yard. 
 They were supjiorted by cast-iron chairs, which weighed on an average 
 13 pounds each. The rail was secured in 6aeh chair ))y one iron 
 wedge. The stone blocks which support the chairs contained 3| cubic 
 feet each, and were imbedded in broken .stone, at a distance of 3 feet 
 from centre to centre. Oil part of the road the chairs were laid upon 
 a timber foundation, and on the incline plane and along the canal 
 basins, at the termination of the road, flat rails upon timber were used. 
 At the head of each incline plane there were 2 stationar}' steam en- 
 gines, of 35 horse-power each, which gave motion to the endless 
 rope to which the cars were attached. Only one engine was used at 
 a time, but two were provided to prevent delay from accidents. Four 
 <;ars, each loaded with 7,000 pounds, could be drawn up, and four be 
 let down at the same time, and from six to ten such trips made in an 
 hour. The machinery was simple and effective in its construction, 
 and was superintended by Edward Miller, as principal assistant engi- 
 neer. A safety ear attended the other cars, both ascending and de- 
 scendiii,2-, and stopped them in case of accident to the rope. The . 
 credit of this contrivance was due to Mr. Welch, principal engine<>r. 
 The grubbin.ff and clearinj;- of the road, a difficult piece of workman- 
 ship, cost $30,524. ■ The grading of the road, including grubbing, and 
 cleaning, and all other work done under contracts for grading cost 
 
10 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AXD BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 $472,l(;2.r)'.);^. Tlii> work iiioluili-d ooT.--(iit-uliii- yards ol' cohhikiu 
 (■.\ciivatiiiu; :21.'.Oo4 of slato or drtachrd ruC-k; riV,r,,'XJ-2 of hard pan 
 or iudurutt'd clay; 210,724 of solid rock; l-l.N.'iT sulid mik in tnnnci, 
 ill ?1.47 per yard; !l()7,U(;o cubic yard- of cniljankniml carried ovi'r 
 ] 00 feet ; 37, "-'7 perches of slope wall, of ■2r< cubic fci't ; 1 '.i.-Ui perches 
 vcrlical slope wall in drains, the viaduct.-, eulverts and Ijrid.y-es in- 
 cluded. T'laue Xo. contained 2S.oi;s perche.- of masonry. For the 
 first track there were delivered ."'(l.iHl stone blocks, ^vhieh c<ist S27,- 
 072,15; ;jOS,i)01 feet lineal of O-xS, and 2..'s42 feet 12.\12 inch timber, 
 which cost Si 7,1.'^4.50. The aniiMiut dune under the contracts fnr 
 "laviiiu" i-ailway amounted to Sl.",.i,77().20. 
 
 All of the iron rails Acerc imported from (ireat Britain, by A. A: 
 G. Ealstim, rhiladelphia, and also part i>f the chair-, spike- and 
 wedgi's for the first track. The total cn.-t o.f British iron at Phila- 
 delphia, imported for the first lra<-k, was Sll,'-:,8SS.o(;, The a<;',i;rcj;ate 
 cost of all work doiu', and materials furnished under contract, for the 
 first tra.ck complete, was S430,7 l(i..Tili. Fur tihe second track, there 
 were imported 1(;,!)7() bars of ed.ire rails, each 1 ,"< feet lonii', which 
 weig-hed 1,S03 tons and l,4(io pounds ;4-ni-s. and enr-i, at I'hiladidphia, 
 i'4o..5] per ton. The a,i.;i;re<;ati' cost of all work d<uie and materials 
 furnished, under contract, for the second track, was ,'-:!f)3,9o7.0.Ti. 
 The aggregate Cll^t of the ten statiunarv eng'ines, houses, sheds, 
 dwellings, water pipes, rojics, etc.. was S151. 920.005. ''''''^' ^f't-'l ''Os' 
 (>f tlu' I'orlage railroad was .'-l,(i;-)4.3r)7.()'.i. But this doe^ imt include 
 office expenses, engineering-, or the extra alloAvance to contractors by 
 the Lcg-islaturc after the work was completed. Four hunmotive cn- 
 yines were used on the 'long level." 
 
 Fifty thousand tons of freight and twcnjty tliousand pas.sengers 
 passed over the road during the season of 183.'i. 
 
 BOAT TAKE.V OYER THE Al.LEi;iIENV MOUNTAINS. 
 
 In his Hi-tory of Cambria County, published nearly half a cen- 
 tury ago, yh. Sherman Pay refers to the fir;<t boat taken o\cr the 
 Allegheny mountain-, in Octolicr, 1834, on the Portage railriiad. 
 He says: '■Je.-sc Chrisman, from the Lackawanna, a triliutary of the 
 north branch of the Suscpichanna, loaded his boat, 'Hit or ?tliss,' with 
 his wife.', children, beds and family accoiumoda>tions, witii pig'coiis and 
 other live stock, and started for lilinois. At nollidaysbiirg-, where 
 he expected to sell his boat, it was sug-g-csted by John Dougherty, of 
 the Reliance Transjiortation line, that the whole concern could lie 
 safelv hoisted over the mountain, and set afloat ncain in the canaf 
 
HISTOllV OF ALTOONA AND liLAlIl COUNTY. 11 
 
 Ml-. Douf^htTty I ircpiircd a. railroad car calculated to licar tho uovol 
 'burden. The liuat was taken from it,< proper element, jilnced on . 
 \vlieels, and, under tlw superintendence of Major C. "Williams, the 
 iKiat and cargo at mion on the same day began their jirogress over 
 the rugged Allegheny. All this was done without disturlting the 
 family arrangements of cooking, slee]iing, etc. They rested a uight 
 on the top of the monntain, like Noah's ark oft Ararat, and desc<'nded 
 ne.xt morning into the valley of the IMLssissipjii, and .-mailed for St. 
 Loni.s." 
 
 (iUADUAL ASCENT 01' THE PE.\.\.SYIA'A.\(A llAILUiiAlJ. 
 
 The road commences a gradual ascent at Harrisljurg where it is 
 310 feet above tide, and rises regularly. At Lewistown it is 48(1 
 feet above tide: at Huntingdon, GIO feet; at Tyrone, 88G feet ; at 
 Altoona, 1,168 feet. Up to this point the heaviest gradient per mile 
 has not e.xceeded 21 fei't. A short distance west of Altoona this 
 gradient is increased to '.i.5 feet per mile on straight lines, and 82 feet 
 per mile on curves. Thus, ascending, it reaches its culminating point 
 at the west end of the great tunnel, where its altitude above tide is 
 2,161 feet. The highest gradient west of the tunnel is 52/, feet per 
 anile, and the average gradient on that end is 2('i'|, feet per mile. At 
 Johnstown the elevation above tide is 1,184 feet ; at Greensburg, 
 1,090 feet, and at Pitt.sburg '748 feet, being 438 feet higher at its 
 western terminus than at Harrisburg, Avhert it commences to over- 
 ■come the Ijai-rier presented by the mountains. 
 
 .SUM^IARY OF ITS rROGEESS. 
 
 The rise and progress of the I'ennsylvania railroad is wonderful. 
 At first but a link iii the chain of intercommunication between Phil- 
 adelphia and Pitt.sburg, it has become the greatest highway of travel 
 and traffic on the face of the earth. The road and its connections 
 permeate all sections of the country. To transact its extended and 
 diversified busine.-s the company now owns and runs upon its own 
 lines uiiwards of 1,000 locomotives, upwards of 1.000 passenger cars, 
 and about 20,000 freight cars. It owns 2,000 miles of completed 
 Toad, and controls about 5,000 mile.'- more. Its workshops cover an 
 area of more than 500 acres. It cmi)loys 25,000 men, many of whom 
 -are mechanics and e.xperts of the highest skill. It has upwards of 
 200 foreign ticket offices and agents (independent of those at its own 
 stations), established in thirteen diflerent States. It has developed 
 :mines. created manufactories, established commerce, etc. 
 
12 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA. AND BLAIR COCNTV. 
 
 SND DONT YOU FORGET IT.' 
 
 STOVES, 
 
 HOUSE FURNISHING GOODS 
 
 Tin, Sheet-iron and Copper \a/are. 
 
 R()()FIX(} AND SPOUTIXIJ PROIMI'TLY ATTENDED TO 
 
 Best i\Iaterials — Lowest Prices. 
 
 C^ 
 
 H 
 
 H 
 
 No. 1108 Eleventli Avenue,. 
 
 ALTOGNA, PA. 
 
HISTOEY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUN'TY. IS 
 
 On Feljriiarv 2, ]S.")2, ^fr. J. Edg'iir Tluiii.isoji wiis elected Presi- 
 dent of the P<'inis\ivaiiia I>ailr(ja<l euiiipany. lie died (ui May '27, 
 1874. The vaeaney was filled Ijy the election of Thomas A. Seolt, 
 who had Itccn acting in the capacity of Yiie President since Alarcli 
 4, 1800. It is true, however, that the i)osition Mr. Scott hehl 
 as Vice President was, for a time, merely noitiinal, for, on Auirust 1, 
 18(il, lie was appointed Assistant Secretary of War. On June 1, 
 lSri2, he resigned this position, and resumed his duties a-^ an officer 
 of the road. But, again, in 1863, he was recalled to the War deiiart- 
 ment, tiy Secretary Stanton, and on tin- 24th Septeiiiher of that 
 year was created Colonel and Assistant (_^uattermaster. After ren- 
 dering efficient service to the Government for a short time he again 
 r(>sumed his railroad duties. 
 
 The pro.speritj' of the Pennsjivaiiia railroad, is mainly attrilnita- 
 hle to its management under the direction of J. Edgar Thomsiui 
 and Thomas A. Scott, the latter being ju.stly recognized as the most 
 efficient railroad officer in the United States, and, probably, in the 
 world. 
 
 From the thirtv-third annual report of tlie board of directors to 
 the stockholders, presented at the meeting held ]\Iarch 9, 1880, we 
 learn that the gross earnings of the Pennsylvania railroad division, 
 between Pitt.sburg and Philadelphia, were 821,743,028.31 ; expenses, 
 §11,751,620.55; net earniiigs, $9,992,007.70; add interest for iiivesl- 
 mcnts, 82,513,198.21 ; deduct interest on bonded debt, etc., 85,(122,- 
 725.49 — leaving the net income §7,482,480,48. The earnings of the 
 United railroads of Xew Jersey division were $9,784,843.05, and the 
 (■xpenses,$6,500,801.53. After deducting ]iayments on account of in- 
 terest, etc., there is a loss of $939,889.00 for the year, against a loss 
 of 8,136,775.16 for 1878. The Philadelphia and Erie division shows 
 earnings of 83,091,807.81, and expenses of 82,130,258-07- In order 
 to provide for the cancellation of §4,970,000 of fir.st mortgage l)onds, 
 due December 31, 1880, the Board of Directors have caused to be 
 issued 85,000,000 of 5 per cent. l)onds, due iit forty years. 
 
 Since the above was written Thomas A. Scott resiuned the presi- 
 denev of the company. His resignation took effect on the 1st June, 
 (1880). George B. Roberts, First Vice President, was elected to fill 
 the vacancy at a special meeting of the Board of Directors held on 
 the 5th May. This gentleman began his career of service with the 
 Pennsylvania Railroad company in the spring of 1851 as a rodman in 
 the engineer corps, and was, during the following summer, promoted 
 to the position of assistant engineer in charge of the division on the 
 
14 Iir.STOIlY OF ALTOONA A-NO BLAlll COUNTV. 
 
 .suinniit of the Allon-liciiy niomitniii, wliit-li division iiichuk'd tlio !;Tc:it 
 tunnel. In 18(;!) he wiis eleeted Foui-lli A'it-e President, in 1M72 
 Seeund Vice i'rcsideiit, and in 1874 First Viee President. Wlien 
 Col. Seott was made President, .Air. Roberts ('is First Viee President) 
 had charire of all cn,a-incering- nuitters ediineCted witli the edjislriie- 
 tion ^n• extension of any of the eojnpany'.s lin'es, and a n'eneral siqier- 
 vision over the aecounta of tlie <'oin})any thro^,i;h the eoiuptniller. He 
 also aided the President in all nmtt<'rs eonueeted with other roads 
 leased or eoiitrolled 1)\' the Peiinsvlviinia Railroad eiini|i:iny. On Feli- 
 runry ".l. 1S7.">, h<' was re-electi^d Secretary and Ti-easurer of the A\'est 
 .Jerr-e\' i-ailread, a ))()sition hv had held for nine years, and in IS7Ci 
 boeanie President. ^Ir. Roberts is tlistin,i;nished for liis conscientious 
 devotion to interests intrnstcd to his care. \5'ith him railroad eniii- 
 neerinu- is one of the exact sciences. His -thorouii-h traininsi- and 
 gi'oat experience have rendered him jierfeetly familiar witli every- 
 thin;;- connected with railway busine.-s. 
 
HISTORV OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 16 
 
 BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 BOUNDS, POPULATION, ETC. 
 
 Blair county, on the north, is bountled l)y Centre and Clearfield; 
 •on the east Ijy Huntingdon ; on the south liy Be<lf(jrd ; on the west 
 by Cambria. It i.s composed of portions of Bedford and Iluntinj;-- 
 dou counties, which were cut off and assigned Ijy an act of the Leg-is- 
 lature of February 26, 181(1. The county was named in honor of 
 Mr. John Blair, a jwomiuent, intelligent, and highly esteemed citizen. 
 
 AYhen the cen.sus was taken in 1870 the population of the county 
 numbered 38,051. At this time of writing the census for 1880 has 
 not been taken. The work will be accomplished, however, before 
 this book will be completed, and the result will appear on a subse- 
 quent page. 
 
 ACiRlCULTUUAL AND MINERAL RESOURCES. 
 
 The land is not noted for its fertility so far as agricultural products 
 are concerned, excepting a tract of country called "Morrison's Cove," 
 a portion of which lies in Blair, which is noted for the production of 
 grain inferior to none in the market ; the land lying in close proxim- 
 ity to Hollidaysburg, and that comprising "Scotch" and "Canoe" val- 
 leys. But the mountains produce iron ore in abundance. At the 
 time this ore was converted into solid metal by means of small char- 
 coal furnaces, it was taken to Pittsburg on wagons, at a ecst of S.30 
 per ton for transportation, making it an expensive article of merchan- 
 dise. 
 
 In this connection we feel ju.stified in remarking that were a little 
 more cnergv and enterprise exhibited, the market for the excellent 
 ores of Blair and adjoining counties would be .g-roatly increased. Sn 
 far as the Pittsburg works are concerni'd, Western Penusyhania iron 
 enjovs a jirotcetive tariff in the shape of railroad rates, which would 
 give it virtual control of the market. The prices for pig-metal in 
 Cleveland are: Lake Superior, Xo. 1, §1:^.50; do. Xo. 2, §12; brown 
 hcrmatite, $10. This is about the same quality of ure, but contains 
 more phosphorus than the ores of lilair and neigh))oring eounties- 
 Thc freight to Pittsburg is about $1.90 per .short ton, or 82.25 per 
 loDir ton- At this rate our ore can be delivered in Pittsburg at about 
 
](', !i:<Tl)'!,V i>V AI.TdliNA AND ni.'Allt OdrNTV. 
 
 It' \'0U want Bargain's, licr6 is the place to 
 2;et, tlieiii. AVe propo-c to otter Extra Induce- 
 ments to our customers lor tlie year 1880, and 
 all subsequent years. We sJlall exert every 
 means to spread still further the name of the 
 place where the most floods can he bought for the 
 money ; where the clean cash tells the wonderful 
 tale of its powerful inlluenee. — Remember, we 
 talk cash to all — the rich and poor alike. We 
 neither asj^ nor a;i\'e credit, the interest of which 
 is always added to your bill wl{en "I TRUST" 
 sells the t!;oods. AVe claim and can prove that 
 we give more a;oods for the nioney. This fact 
 we have for the last three years fully demonstrated' 
 to this community. 
 
 BALTZELL & ROUSS, 
 
 ALTO ON A, PA. 
 
 XfAV YuUK OfFlCE, .'17(1 15ni"lAn\VAY'. 
 
HItfTOUY OF ALTIKINA AND BLAlii COUNTY. 1" 
 
 ■-$().75 pw tun; lc.-~ than the lust ore costs in Cleveland, which, 
 when taken to Pittshiiri;-, lias the additional cost of frei-jlits. As a 
 ^.-ojisequence of this, our home ores should be introduced in Pittsbiirtr, 
 wliere a good market could Ije secured. It would be ^^•ell for J>lair 
 county miners to think of this matter. 
 
 At present there are eleven furnaces in the county, which, when 
 in full blast, are capable of producing- upwards of ],000 tons of iroTi 
 per wec'k, and that, too, of superior quality. Wi' api)end 
 
 A LIST OF TlIK FURNACES. 
 
 " Alleglieny." in Allegheny; " ]5ennington,"' in Allegheny; "Xo. 
 One,"' in Holliday.sburg ; "No. Two," in Hollidaysburg ; '^Etna,'" 
 in Catharine township; "Springfield," in Woodberry township; 
 "Martha," or "Gap," in Freedom townshi]); "Rodman," in Taylor 
 township; " Frankstown," in Frankstown township; "Juniata," in 
 Juniata township ; " Elizabeth," at Elizabeth Furnace. 
 
 The last-mentioned furnace was Init recently re-started, having 
 lain dormant for about six years. 
 
 In addition to the above iron works there are four rolling mills 
 and t\\o nail factories. 
 
 SIXKI.VU VALLEV. 
 
 The valley called by this name received notoriety at a:i early pe- 
 riod, oa account of furnishing one of the jn-incipal articles of am- 
 munition with which the Indians, after getting into possession of 
 fire-arms, were in thi' habit of jiunishing their enemies, real or suyi- 
 posod. We allude to lead, which was obtained from mines in that 
 locality. But the mines had been worked more especially in the in- 
 terest of the American govcrunicut during a jieriod of the revolu- 
 tionary war — that is, for aliout one year and a half previous to the 
 fall of 1779, wlieu the government turned over the mines to private 
 individuals, relieved of all apprehensions as to a sufrici<'iicy of lead 
 for the army from large receipts abroad, facilitated by an alliance 
 with France. While operations were carried on at the mines bv the 
 Go\ ernment, a garrison was regularly maintained at tlie fort in the 
 neighljorhood, which was mounted \\ ith two pieces of artillerv. The 
 miners who received the works from the Government soon aliandoned 
 them, and they have never been successfully operated since. At 
 different times they have ))een started, and in 1852 a company was 
 formed in New York, called the "Sinking Yalley Lead JNIiuing Com- 
 pany," which promised great things, but in a short time its bubltle 
 
IS IIISTOKY OF ALTOOXA AND DLAIIl CtllNTV. 
 
 of prosperity l>iirst. and flif liop.-s of its -turklioldors vanished into. 
 
 air. 
 
 One hundred years a,i;-o (Kso) Sinkin.u' or Bald Ka-)c valh'y con- 
 tained about forty families, wlio lived in lo.u' houses. The planta- 
 tions wore two er three miles from each otlie.r, so that when disa- 
 .Si-reemeuts with Indians occurred they were "at tlieir men:y, unahle 
 to concentrate in time to resist their attacks. 
 
 Siidduu- valley i- some three- miles east of Tyrone. For lieauty 
 of seencry, historii- interest, and natural curiosities, it (leser\i's to. 
 take rank amon.L:' the nio.st inti-restinji- places in the United States. 
 It is formed bv a ruu-id chain of mountains ()n the east, called Ca- 
 noe ridjj-e, and by Bald Eai;-le mountain <in the west. It is e.xtensivc- 
 andfertih-. containinir many iiinddy-improvcd farms, mills, iron works,, 
 and an intelliy-ent jjopulation. 
 
 XATURAI. CURIOSITY. 
 
 The ,areaf natural curiosity of this valley js Sinkinu- creek, from 
 which it takes it.s nante. This creek cnu-rji-es'from Arch Spring-, and 
 then proceeds to lose itself, a.iiain and a,u-ain, as it flows onward.. 
 Some of the i>its throu.i;li which the creek is visil]le, are several hun- 
 dreds of feet in depth, !Manv of these ojieniiius arc^ seen alonf;- the 
 sinkinj;- stream, which at len.^th appears upon the surface for a short 
 distance. It then enters a larj.:-e cavi-, throuj;'}l which it flow.s in a 
 channel about :20 feet wide, for a distance of more than 000 vards, 
 when the eave widens, the creek turns, and is plunj;(-d into a cavern 
 when- the waters arc wliirled and churned with terrific force. Sticks 
 and lar;;e pieces of timber arc immediately carried out of sight, but 
 where they go has never been ascertaiiied, no outlet for the waters 
 having been discovered. 
 
 A stream flowing through Tyrone has characteristics somewhat 
 similar to this Sinking i-i-eek — ilisapjieariiig and again rea])pearing as 
 it flows onward. Doubtless these singularities are owing to some 
 peculiar geological formation, as they are again rejieated in Fishing 
 creek. Centre coiintv, some 40 miles northeast of Tyrone. 
 
 A h-w miles from Arch Spring is a narrow i)ass, in Tussey's- 
 mountain, which, for the distance of a mile, is cut like a western 
 gulch or ravine through huge rocks rising almost perpendicularly on 
 both sides of it to a considerable height. The early settlers named 
 the pa.s.s "Water Street," and by this title it is often mentioned in the 
 records of colonial times. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 19 
 
 It 
 
 I.dCiAN, AX IXDIAX CIIIEV. 
 
 The xuUl'v extending: from Altooua to Tyrone derives its iiaiiie 
 from Lo^-an, an Indian chief of the Delaware "persuasion," whoso 
 identity is sometimes ii;-norantl\' merp-ed in t-hat of the ]Mingo war- 
 rior Avho fiij,-uied so prouiinentlv during- an earlv period of onr na- 
 tional history. His cabin was located near a large spring, now with- 
 in the limits of Tyrone. In an engagement with a hostile trilie on 
 the Susquehanna, Logan, unfortunatelv, had en evi' shot out l>y an 
 arrow. This distiguremont was considered by the Indians as a dis- 
 grace, and he was deposed from his chieftaiiishi]i. He then came 
 with his family to Juniata vallev. His friendship for tlie whites was 
 sincere, and he rendered them many important services. After the 
 re\'i)lution he was deprived of his lands (where Tyrone now stands) 
 by some white men, who purchased them in due form, a proceeding 
 the Indian, in his ignorance, had omitted. He moved to the Indian 
 town of Chinklacamoose (where Clearfield now stands), and died 
 there, one of the best representatives of his race in the Juniata valley. 
 
 THE SCOTCH SETTLE IX FRANKSTOWN AND CATHARINE TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 A portion of Catharine and Frankstown townships constitute the 
 Scotch and Canoe valleys, to the fertility of soil of which we have 
 already refei-red. Th(> elder inhabitants of this part of the county — 
 the Moores, Irwins, Crawfords, Praziers, Bell.s, Stewarts and others 
 — were of Scotch descent. 
 
 now AND WHEN TOWNSHIPS WERE FORMED. 
 
 Alleghenv was, prior to the formation of Blair county, in 1846, a 
 township of Huntingdon county. As it then existed it joined Antis 
 on the north. In 18.52 Log;in was formed out of Allegheny and An- 
 tis ; hence Allegheny is now bounded on the north by Logan, on the 
 west b\- Cambria county, on the south by Blair and Juniata, and on 
 the east by Frankstown. 
 
 Antis, like Allegheny, was a part of Huntingdon county. It is 
 said the name is that of a somewhat noted Tory, who resided here 
 during the revolutionary war. In 18.52 the siiuthern portion of the 
 township was taken from Logan. As Antis now stands it is bounded 
 on the north bv Snyder, on the east bj- Tj'rone, on the south by Lo- 
 gan, and on the west 1)y Cambria county. . 
 
 Blair came out from Huntingdon countj', and surrounds Ilollidays- 
 burg, the county .scat. It was original!}- taken from Allegheny and 
 Frankstown, and, as now organized, is bounded on the north by Al- 
 
-2D 
 
 lUSTOKY OF ALTlKlNA AVD llLAIll COUNTY. 
 
 yoK TiiE ti::K.<J^ 
 
 — GO TO 
 
 JOHN DAILY'S. 
 
 1311 Eleventh A^-envie, Altooiui. 
 
 — UEALKU IN — 
 
 SRTISTS' MATERmLS, FRilMES, CHROMOS, See, 
 
 AT CITY PKICES. (ilVK HI:^[ A CALL. 
 <®-fi;ami;s maim; to oiiDHii.-u^ 
 
 TEMPLE OF FASHION 
 
 G. E. ORMES, 
 
 URBERXHUIRDRESSEI 
 
 C-onier 8th A\'enue aud ITth Sr^-cet. 
 
 dry shampoo. haip oils, pomades. dyes, etc 
 (;rifein"s mocstache solutiox. 
 
 MODERATE PRICES— (iOOD WORK— COURTEOUS 
 TREAT.MENT' EXTENDED TO ALL. 
 

 SINKING BPRING ARCH, NEAR TYRONE. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 21 
 
 k'ghc'iiy and Frankstown, oa th(^ oust by J'rank.stowii and Taylor, on 
 the south Ijy Freedom, and on tlie west by Alleglu-ny. 
 
 Catharine was part of Morris in Hunting'don county, and became 
 a township in 184() l)y the organization (it IJlair county. It is 
 bounded on the north and east liy Huntingdon county, nn the south 
 by Woodborry, and on the west l)y Frankstown and Tyrone. 
 
 Frankstown was a township of Hunting-don county until the for- 
 mation of Blair county in 1840. Some changes have since been 
 made in its boundaries, but none of any importance. As it now 
 stands it is liounded on the north by Tyrone and Catharine, on the 
 ■east by Woodberry and Huston, on the south by Taylor, and on th(^ 
 •west by Blair, Allegheny and Logan. 
 
 Freedom originally belonged to Bedford county, and as part of 
 Greenfield first in 184*7. Juniata Avas formed out of Greenfield, and, 
 in 1851 Freedom was created out of Juniata. Freedom has Green- 
 field on the south, Juniata on the west, Blair -on the north, and Tay- 
 lor on the east. 
 
 Greenfield, an old township of Bedford county, became part of 
 Blair county in 184C. Since then both I''reedom and Juniata have 
 been taken from it. It is bounded on the south by Bedford county, 
 on the west by Somerset county, on the north by Juniata and Free- 
 dom, and on the ea.st by Taylor. 
 
 Huston was originally a township of Bedford county. It is 
 bounded on the south by Bedford county, on the oast by Huntingdon 
 countv, on the north by Woodberry, and on the west by Frankstown. 
 
 Juniata, taken from Greenfield, was organized as a township in 
 1847. It has Cambria county on the west, Allegheny on the north, 
 Freedom on the east, and Greenfield on the south. 
 
 Logan was formed in 1850 out of Allegheny and Antis, and lies 
 around Altoona. It is bounded on the north by Antis, on the east 
 by Tyrone and Frankstown, on the south by Allegheny and on the 
 west by Cambria county. 
 
 Xorth TVoodberry originally belonged to Bedford county. It has 
 Bedford county on the south, Taylor on the west, Huston on the 
 north, and Huntingdon county on the ea.-;t. 
 
 Snyder came from Huntingdon county, and is ))ounded on the 
 north by Centre count}-, on the cast by Huntingdon count}-, on the 
 south bv Antis, and on the west by Cambria county. It has within 
 it the borough of Tyrone. 
 3 
 
22 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COLNTY. 
 
 Trtvlor was foriiicd in 185/) out of N-.i'th WooiHicn-y and Huston. 
 It has Beilford county on tlic south, (in-nlirld, Firi'doin and I'.lair 
 on the west, Frankstown on tlic north, and Xmhh Woodlicrry on thi- 
 cast. 
 
 Tvrone was an old township of Huntinir(hin county, until incor- 
 porated into Blair county in 1S4(;. It has Lo,<;au and Aiitis on the 
 west, Snyder on the north, Catharine ...n the i;ast, and Frankstown 
 on the south. 
 
 Woodherrv came from HnntiiiL'-don --ounty, and has within it the 
 town of AVilliamshurg. It is bounded .01 the south hy Ilust.m, west 
 l)v Frankstown, north hy Catharine and on the ea>t by Huntingdon 
 county. 
 
 To recapitulate— iiftcen townships in all— Allegheny, Antis, Blair 
 Catharine, Frankstown, Snyder, Tyrone and Woodberry originally 
 from Huntingdon county ; Greenfield, Huston and North Woodberry 
 from Bedford county; and Freedom, Juniata, Logan and Taylor wen- 
 formed since the organization of Blair c^>unty.in 1S4(;. 
 
 EDUCATIO-VAX HISTORY. 
 
 We now give an epitome of the educ-ational history of the countVr 
 derived from Mr. John H. Stephens, the prer-ent efticient Superinten- 
 dent of public .-schools of the county. The educational interests of 
 Altoona are specifically treated further on. 
 
 In 1809 — no matter what may have bec^n the character of the 
 schools up to that time — the first law was en.actod tending toward a 
 general .system of public free schools, for the '•' education of the poor 
 gratis." In 1834 the present law was passed, which has been modi- 
 fied at various times. Two schools were established within the pres- 
 ent limits of the county as early as 1790 — one at Williamsburg, the- 
 other near "Red Ore Bank," on Clover crei-k. Williamsburg was 
 formerly called Aketown, and Jacob Ake owned the land upon which 
 it was built. ISelieving that the education of the youth in his vicin- 
 ity was a matter of importance, ^Mr. Ake secured teachers and paid 
 all the expenses out of his own purse. The system of instruction 
 Mr. Ake established lasted fifteen years, when subscription schools 
 began. Mr. James ]N[artin taught until ls2o. He was followed by 
 ^Messrs. Cassel, Irvin, Opdyke and Siienct-r, and Miss Nancy Ander- 
 derson. The school on Clover creek was taught by John Bridenthal, 
 in a house which .ctood on what is now the Hyle farm. John Diltr 
 taught a school in a private house in the vicihity of Leather Cracker 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOO.VA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 23 
 
 (now Heni-ictta) aljout 1 795. "William Loosi.', Grni-iiv Glass aiul 
 
 Kotring-, were among the other teachers who taug-ht in tiii.s vicinity 
 during this period. Another school was estaVilished near .Etna Fur- 
 nace, at an early day, which was in operation in IT 97. In 1800 the 
 house was destroyed by fire, and another to take its jilacewas located 
 near Keller's church. James ]*[artin is the only teacher of this school' 
 whose name has lieen handed down to posteWty. About 180(1 John 
 Fisher taught a school in a private liouse near Shariisburg, and in 
 18(12 a school house was Ijuilt in the .same vicinity known as the 
 Hauser school. Most of the schools Avere German. The first English 
 school taught in the "Cove" was in 1800, by .^Ir. Koach, in a hoiisi^ 
 which .stood near Roaring Spring. Thomas Kinney taught a school 
 near Elizabeth Furnace in 1800.. Another school was taught near 
 Bell's Mills, in 1809. Alexander Kerr and Dudley Burnhani were 
 the leading teachers in this communit}'. Si.xtv-seven years ago John 
 Steele taught in a private house in Gaysport. Thomas Stearns, John 
 Knox, Joshua Williamson, William Andersen, John Wertz, Eobcrt 
 McXamara, Joseph Cadwalder, S. F. Henry and Ephrain Galbraith 
 are among the teachers who taught in Frankstown. (At that time 
 Fraukstown included the present territory of Allegheny and Blair 
 townships.) In 1812, James Langliam taught a, school near Black's 
 Mills, Greenfield township. John Dodson also tauglit in this neigh- 
 borhood. John Swoveland Iniilt a .school house at his own expense, 
 and donated it for school purposes. In 1815 a school hou.se was built 
 near Allegheny Furnace, called the Beales' school. John Gwin and 
 
 Summervillc were among the teachers here. Within the present 
 
 limits of Allegheny towuslii[), the first school house with shingle roof 
 was Vmilt (in Duncaiisville) in 1815. 
 
 Under the act of 1854, creating the office of County Superinten- 
 dent, Hugh A. Caldwell was the first man to serve, with a salarv of 
 S400. L. H. Williams succeeded him in 1850, and Geo. W. English 
 filled the office iu 1857. John Dean, now President Judge of this 
 Judicial district, was elected in 1857, with salary raised to SfiOO. His 
 successor was John ]\litchell, who was appointed to fill the unexpired 
 term of Mr. Dean. In 1860 ^Ir. .Mitchell was elected for the ensuing- 
 term. J. Ginter Counsman was elected in 18(53, and was followed by 
 Elexis Elder in 1864. In 18G5 the salary was rai.sed to 81,000. Mr. 
 Elder served until 1869. In the same year John B. Holland was 
 elected, and in 1875 John H. Stephens was made Superintendent. 
 
 More strenuous efforts have been made 'during the present year 
 (1880), than in any previous one, to free the schools from incompetent 
 
24 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIK COUNTY. 
 GO TO 
 
 ^rmn'sDrugStore^ 
 
 Corner 11th A\-eiiue and IGtli Street, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA., 
 
 Pure Drugs, 
 
 I'OW'ER-S AND WKUJHTMAN':^ CHEMICALS, 
 
 U. .\. HAX-CK'S FLUID KXTKACTS, 
 JXO. WYETH & r.l!(_)'S WINKS AM) KLIXIl;>-. 
 
 ALL STaNDAUD patent MEDICINES. 
 PALMER'S HANnKERCIIIKF EXTRACTS AM. INVISIBT.F; TOWDER, 
 
 JJEAN'S INDIAN (JUEEX I'ERFUME, 
 
 F \XCY AND TOILET .\UTICLES, 
 
 SPONGES. liRISHES, PEUFIMERY. 
 
 TOBACCO, CIGARS, SXL'FF.-i, .'cc. 
 
 es- I'rcsci iptioiis carefully compounclod Milli accuracy and dispatcli, at all 
 hnuisoi tlif ilay oi- iiislit. Biif^iness lioiivs frmii '• a. 711, until 11 p. in. Open on 
 Siin«Iav tor the sale nf necessary niediciiu'.s. 
 
 ALTOONA T STORE, 
 
 Moss MOSER & Co., Profrs. 
 
 Corner Gtli Avenue and 7th Street. 
 
 IX AUDITIOX TO A L.AllQE AND yARIEtf .STO<K OF 
 
 Fine Teas, Coffees and Spices, 
 
 WE KKKP A (;E>-KUAL A>'P WELL A?S01!TEn STOCK OF 
 
 Groceries, Ploiir, Feecland .Notions. 
 
 «^ We claim to sell Groceries on smaller proHts tlian any other tirni in tlic 
 city. Call and see for yonrsel ves. Please remember the place and don't confound 
 lis uitli oiliers. 
 
 ALTOONA W STORE, 
 
 jCohneh Sixth A\ enle and Seventh Street. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 25 
 
 teachers and to keep out of the iivofes.sion young and inoxporiencod 
 ones until they make more thorough prcjiaration bi-foro entering upon 
 .so important a work. The standard has been rai.sod f^o as to exeludca 
 number of teachers who belong to that clasf^ which servct^ no other 
 purpose than to check the -vvhcels of pro.uress. This, in connection 
 with what directors arc doing in exercising from year to year greater 
 care in selecting teachers, seems, next to good 'teachers Iheinselves, to 
 be the most etticient means for the ini[)rovemeut of the .schools. 
 
 Three new hou.«os were erected during the vear in Logan and one 
 in Antis. All are .substantial Ijuildings, well adapted to the pur|iose 
 for which they were intended. The directors of Tvrone borough 
 placed in their building apparatus to heat the rooms by steam, which, 
 in connection with other improvements made, delayed the opening of 
 the schools so as to make it necessary to diminish the term. 
 
 The County Institute was held in Hollidaysburg commencing De- 
 cember 29 and closing January -2. It was the best attended iui^tituto 
 ever held in the county, and in point of iutercv'^t was jironounced fully 
 equal to anj' heretofore held. The instructors and lecturers besides 
 teachers of our own county, were Professors J. H. Sliumaker of Cham- 
 ber.sburg ; Oarothers, of Shippen.4)urg ; J. F. Davis, of Altoona ; P. 
 H. Bridenbaugh, of Martinsliurg, and Rev. Dr. B. B. Hamlin, of 
 All,oona. 
 
 The oldest academy in the county is located at "Williamsburg. In 
 1847 the hou.se was built by a joint .stock company. A charter wa.s 
 granted in 1851. Rev. John White was the first teacher. 
 
 The Juniata Collegiate Institute, (formerly the Franklin High 
 School,) located at Martinsburg, was completed in 1860. It was built 
 by joint stock subscriptions, at a cost of $8,000. In 186'7 the Luth- 
 eran Synod bought it for $3,000. It was afterwards sold to J. G. 
 Herbst, who, after a short ownership, sold it to Prof. Lncian Cort for 
 $5,000. While owned by Mr. Cort, there was an addition built to 
 the main building, which cost $8,000. In IStS Henry Bridenbaugh: 
 bought it for $10,700. It is now in succes.sful operation under the 
 principalship of Prof. S. R. Bridenbaugh. Pi-ofessors Dickerson and 
 O.sborne were the first teachers. Their successors were Messrs. Wil- 
 lard, Hughes, Hassler, Schwartz, Cort and S, R. Bridenbaugh. . 
 
 The Hollidaysburg Female Seminary (an illustration of which we 
 print elsewhere,) was chartered in 1866. The building was completed 
 in 1869. It cost about $75,000 and was erected by a joint stock com- 
 pany. From the time of its opening in 1869 to September 12, 1877, 
 
2(3 HISTORY IIF AI.TClONA AND ULAIK 'COUNTY. 
 
 lU'v. Josciih Waupli w;is the principal. From the Ifittrv date up to 
 the pre.-eiit time, I'vul'. ^V. i'. Hii.-Hey is its ettieient |)riiicipal. 
 
 Tipton Semiuavy, located at liell's Mills, was Ijiiilt by General B- 
 F. r>(-ll, ill ISC.e,, Prof. Orr Lo.ssing first took-charw of the whool; 
 he was followed by Itobert Fulton and J. A. :?te\vart. The l)uildint;- 
 lias not been used for .-school puriioses for several years. 
 
 A select school has lieen in successful oi>era:tion in Hollidayslnir,ir 
 for se\eral rears, under the principalship of Urof .1. A. Stewart. 
 
 IlESCRlPTIli.N OF NEW COURT HOUSE DEPICATION EXEUCISEs, ETC. 
 
 (»n April 2!l, 187.1, the old court house in Hollidaysburu' was ju'e- 
 tentod by the ,!:rand inquest of the county in tjio following language: 
 'The Grand Inquest, inquiring in and for the County of Blair, in 
 April session, 18To, do make the following presentment: That we 
 find the present court house is inade(|uate and unfit for the acc(uno- 
 dation of the courts and the officers of said county, and especially for 
 the deliberations of the grand jury, as well a.* unsafe for the kcejuug 
 of the record.- of said county; we. therefore, recommend the erection 
 of a m-\\- court house for the reception and safe-keeping of the records, 
 as may be necessary for the proper use of said county.'' 
 
 After this in-eseiitment, Messrs. David Aurandt, John Clark and 
 Alex. Carothers, wIki at that time constituted the board of county 
 commissioners, decided to erect a new building, and entered into a 
 contract with Andrew Myers to superintend the removal of the old 
 court house and jail on May 2G, 1875. The contract for making the 
 excavations fur the foundation walls was maijc with Michael Walls, 
 who died while the work was in progress. On August 11, 1875, the 
 commissioners, having previously adopted a i>lan, designed by David 
 S. Gendell. of Philadelphia, and advertised for proposals, received 
 twenty-three bids, varying from §10.3,70(1 to §1G8,000. The lowest 
 liidder was John S<hreinor, of I'ittsliurg, and to him was awarded 
 the contract. He did the work well. 
 
 The building is erected ujion a nearly level teirace — terrace sur- 
 rounded by low stone walls, provided with wrought inm railing — 
 two main entrances by broad flights of stop.s — terrace has broad 
 landings and foot walks laid with large flag stones. The Iniilding is 
 in the modern Gothic st vie of architecture, wkh the Italian treatment. 
 The exterior walls are of stone — facing, cut stone. The color of the 
 main body of the work is a warm, rich, silnny huff — arch stones, 
 Ptring courses, cornices and other ornameutahportions of the work, are 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 27 
 
 of a hoiuitiful dffp. peach bloom color, prcscntinir a stroii"- yctajfroea- 
 ble contrast. In.-idc the exterioi' .^tone walls are 4Jr inch brick walls, 
 <'r('cte(l separately from the stone work, to which they are tied with 
 wroug'ht iron anchors. There is an air space of H inches between 
 the stunc walls and tlie lirick lining- to secure 'freedom from dampness. 
 The plan of the structure bears some resemblance to the letter "T." 
 In width it is 70 feet on the front ; 83i feet on the rear, and 55^ feet 
 across the narrow part — total depth 1 32^ feet. The front portion of the 
 building- is two stories in heig-ht, surmounted'with a high, slated roof. 
 The rear part is three stories high, the upper story being contained 
 within a Mansard roof, with ornamental gablt-d .-tone dormers. At 
 each front angle of the building is a large square tower, surmounted 
 by an ornamental slate covered roof, the total height from the ground 
 to the top of the roof being- 83 feet without the iron cresting. On the 
 front, l>etween the two towers, are three entrance doorways, facing 
 Allegheny street. These are approached from the terrace by a flight 
 of steps 34 feet long-, with a broad landing at the top, which forms the 
 floor of an arcade. This arcade consists of three arches carried by 
 coupled columns. It is 27^ feet high from the pavement of the ter- 
 race to the top of the weathering- of the eonuce. Above the arcade 
 are three traceried windows opening into the eourt-rooiu. Over these 
 is the front gable uf the main roof. The height of this gable from the 
 terrace to the top of the stone finial surmounting it is 77 feet. In 
 this gable is a niche in which is placed a statue of Justice 8 feet 
 high, executed in Amherst stone. In the rear building i.< another 
 large entrance or doorway facing- Fnion .street. The main or clock 
 tower is at the intersection of the front and rear buildings, a massive 
 structure 19 feet square, in which is one of Menecly &: Co.'s best 
 bells, sweet in tone, and weig-hing 2,550 pounds. Above the belfry 
 is the clock, the dials of which are of thick heavy ground glass 99 
 inches in diameter. Above the gables the tower is surmounted liy a 
 short spire or high roof, all of stone to the finial, and thi.- spire is 
 surmounted by ornamental iron work. On the rear of the <'ntire 
 building is a small turret (5i feet square and 80 feet high, intended to 
 carry off the vitiated air froni the rooms of the building. 
 
 The four entrance doorways arc provided with handsomely pan- 
 elled walnut doors. The three doors facing Union street open into a 
 vestibule 12x38 feet. At each end of this vestibule are stairways to 
 the second story. The tiling for the. floors was imported and furn- 
 ished Ijy Sharpless & Watts, of Philadelphia. 
 
 Opening from the corridors are the various county offices. Com- 
 
•2K 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANll BLAlR COUXTY. 
 
 LOOK! 
 
 Cor. (Stli Avenue and lltli Street,, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 YOU CAX GET DRY GOODS, 
 
 YOU CAX GET NOTIONS, 
 
 YOU CAX GET GROCERIES, 
 
 YOU CAX GET QUEEXSWARE, 
 
 YOU CAX GET CARPETS AND OIL CLOTHS, 
 
 YOU CAX GET WOOD AXD WILLOW-WARE, 
 
 YOU CAX GET FLOUR AXD FEED, 
 
 YOU CAX GET COUXTRY PRODUCE, 
 
 YOU CAX GET AXYTHIXG KEPT IX A FIRST- 
 CLASS STORE AXD ALWAYS AT THE VERY 
 LOWEST PRICES. 
 
 Please Call and be Convinced 
 
 OF THE RARGAINS WE WILL GIVE YOU. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 29 
 
 missioilt'i-.s' room, 19 fret 5 inclios liy 24 feet, with a coniicctinj,'' private 
 room 12 feet by 13 fVet 4 inches; Treasurer".- oflicc, 25 feet hy 19 
 feet 5 inches; Sljeriff's office, 14 feet by 19 feet 5 inches; Prothono- 
 tary's office (divided into two parts), is includ'ed in a space of 20 feet 
 hy nO feet; Recorder's office, 20 feet by 21 feet, etc. The last two 
 offices mentioned are fire proof, so that the rec'ords Ije safe. All offices 
 are neatly fitted np with necessary furniture and ciinveuiences. In 
 addition to the offices there is an arbitration ro'jm on the first floor 
 19 by 35 feet. The stairways are all iron exfept the hand rail. 
 
 The court room is in the second ^tory, approaihed throii.^-h three 
 vestibules, two front and one rear. Access to the court i-ooui is had 
 by four pairs of large foldin.i;- doors. Tlie Judires' bench is placed in 
 a recess formed under the main tower. This recess has a pannelled 
 Gothic arched ceiling twenty-fire feet high and finely finished. The 
 ceiling of the court room is pannelled, executed in ash and yellow- 
 pine. The benches for the audience, the bar railing, the Judges' 
 chairs and bench. Clerk's desk, the jury and witness boxes, the tables 
 and other furniture of the court room, also the fittin.iz-s of the various 
 offices, are all made of ash, designed to correspond Avith the arcliitec- 
 ture of the building. The acoustic properties of the courtroom are, 
 excellent. 
 
 In the rear building on the second floor are a conversation room 
 15^ by 29 feet ; a retiring room for the Judges; rooms for the grand 
 and petit juries; and separate rooms for male and female witnesses — 
 all of good size and fifteen feet high in the clear. The third story is 
 twelve feet high in the clear and contains several large rooms, to be 
 used for storage, etc. Rooms containing water closets arc conveni- 
 ently located in several parts of the building. The drainage is excel- 
 lent. The walls of all the halls and rooms are waiuscotted. The 
 carpenter work was well executed by !Mr. George A. Cochran, of 
 Pittsburg. Mr. G. A. (Tib.son, of Philadelphia, did the glazing of the 
 windows with stained g-lass of i)leasing design, in cathedral tints, and 
 set in lead work. 
 
 The walls of all xcslibulcs, halls, corridors and rooms, and all plas- 
 tered ceilings throughout, are painted in colors. Although high 
 colors are employed, the general effect is that of a quiet and perfect 
 harmony. ^Messrs. Carlisle & Joy, of Philadelphia, did this work, 
 which is highly creditable to these artists 
 
 There is a cellar under the entire building, with the exception of the 
 front vestibules, thoroughh" lighted and ventilated by large windows. 
 
 The building is heated bv steam. As the heated air is delivered 
 
30 HISTORY OF ALTOd-XA AND BLAIR CClUXTV. 
 
 into tlic room- throuirli tlic warm air ri'iristcrs, tlic cold and vitiated 
 air is drawn off throni:li vcntilatin,!,'- rcu-istcj'.-^ placrd next the floor. 
 These open into fluef, -which connect \\'ith d'ncts, jiassing- niider the 
 cellar floor, all of which discharge into a ventilatiiii; shaft. Tims, 
 while fresh air is admitted thron<;-h the warm air re,i;-istcrs, the viti- 
 ated air is carried off through others. 
 
 The g-as fixture? are made from oriyimil desig-ns hy ^lessrs. Cor- 
 nelius Sc Co., of Philadelphia, and are in character with the bnildinn' 
 — very rich and unique in dcsii;ii. 
 
 On Mav 8, 1.ST7, the following- order of court was issued: 
 "And now, >Iav 3, 1877, in open court, on the second ^Monday of 
 April term, it appearing to the Court that the new court house, the 
 erection of which was commenced at April t(,n-m, 1.S7.T, will be com- 
 pleted and ready for occupancy on Julv 2, 1877, at Argument Court, 
 and that, in view of the magnitude of the unjlertaking, the character 
 of the building, its importance tip the countv in view of its increasing- 
 population, and it?: lai'o-cly increasing- judicial business, the completion 
 of so important a public work should be marked bv proper notice; 
 therefore, it is ordered that A. S. Landis, ."samuel Calvin, Thaddeus 
 Banks, B. L. Hewit, D. J. Xeft; 11. II. Ilerr and A. A. Stephens, 
 esqs., be a committee to ijvejiare a suitable prog-ramnic of ceremonies 
 and make such arrangements for dedicating the building to jiublic use, 
 on the day aforesaid, as may be deemed propter. 
 "Bv the Court. 
 
 "John DeaK, President Judge." 
 
 Ag-reebly to this order the committee appointed prepared the fol- 
 low ing order iif exercises : 
 
 Clourt called at 11 a. m. ■(adjourn«'d session.) 
 
 Adjournment of court on motion of Hon. S. S. Blair. 
 
 Meeting of the Bars of the Di.strict, organized with Hon. Thad. Banks, 
 
 President. 
 
 Prayer bv Rev. D. H. Barron. 
 
 :\Iusie. 
 
 Historical address bv Hon. John Dean, I'residcnt Jud»-e. 
 
 :Music. 
 
 Address liy Hon. Samuel Calvin. 
 
 Address by Hon. Jeremiah S. Black. 
 
 Music. 
 
 Addresses by Col. R. A. ^McTiIurtrie, and others. 
 
 Court convened at 11 o'clock. Hon. S. S. Blair moved the adjourn- 
 ment of court. Immediately after its adjournment, Mr. Landis, chair- 
 man of the committee of arrangements, stated that the following 
 officers had been selected for the occasion : 
 
 President, Hon. Thad. Banks ; Vice Presidents, Gen. John Wil- 
 iiam.son, of lluntingxlon, and John Fenlon, esq., of Cambria. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOXA AND BLAIR OJUNXr. 31 
 
 After they luul taken their places, Mr. Laiuli- addres-ed the eoni- 
 mittee of arraiigemeiit.s, coiij;ratuhitinji- theiii: ujion the happy inea- 
 .«ion which had assembled them to-etlier. 
 
 Hon. Thad. Banks, the chairman, then nnide a few remarks, return- 
 ing thanks for the ]iosition assigned him, and making eoinplimentary 
 allusions to Judges Black, Taylor and Dean. 
 
 After prayer liy Bev. 1). H. Barron, iiastor of the I'reslnterian 
 ■church, and jnusie liy the hand, the chairman introduced Judce Dean. 
 who?c remarks we would like to publish in full. Unable tn de ^o, i.ni 
 account of our space Ijcing limited, we jiresent a brief synoiisi.- of iis 
 principal historical points, consoling ourselves witli the reflecti(.)n that 
 thousands who were unable to hear it enjoyed the pleasure of reading 
 it, as it was published in full after its delivery. 
 
 In his introductory Judge Dean referred to the progress made 
 toward the enforcement of the perfect law: "Do unto others as you 
 ■would have others do unto vou,". — so marked within the compara- 
 ti\xdy short period of the last fiftv vcars, as to be a matter of exulta- 
 tion to every true lawA'er. 
 
 Tn referring to the first two Judges of Blair cdunty (Black and 
 Taylor), Judge Dean .said: "The moral sensibilities of thefe two 
 distinguished Judges were in no wise dull. Keenly alive to the 
 •^vrongs of suitors, filled with a perfect hatred of all unfairness, over- 
 reaching and all unconscionable conduct, pos-sessing i^reat learning 
 and ability, under their eyes the judgments of the Court were entered." 
 
 "At the time of the erection of Blair county,'' continued the speak- 
 •er, "Judge Black was the President Judge of the Sixteenth Judicial 
 District, composed of the counties of Franklin, Bedford, Somerset and 
 Fulton, and in the act erecting the county it was provided that it 
 -should form part of this district. Thus Judge Black became our first 
 Judge.. The original act (see P. L. 1846, p. 64) provided that the 
 first court should be held on the fourth Monday of July. 1846. From 
 that time up to and including March term, 1849, Judge Black pn'- 
 sided. Bj- this act the terms of the courts were to commence on tin- 
 fourth Mondays of March, July, October and,December, but a supple- 
 ment (see P. L. 1846, p. 398) directed that &fter the first court the 
 .summer session should commence the second Monday of June. Judge 
 ■ Black held twelve terms of the court, when the Legislature, by the 
 .act of April 5, 1849, making a general reorganization of the judicial 
 ■districts of the State, declared the counties of Huntingdon, Blair and 
 Cambria should compose the Twenty-fourth Judicial District, thus 
 detaching this county from the Sixteenth, Judge Black's district. 
 
32 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAJB COUNTY. 
 
 ARE Prepared 
 
 To show you the hirg&it stock of Dry Goods, Caii.etSj Notions and Fancy Goodst 
 ill Rlair county. We are constantly receiving new goo<ls in all depavtinent,.;. Our 
 liiy Goods Department is complete at all times in all standard makes of Muslins,. 
 Ginghams, Calicoes, Tickings, and we sell them all ac tlie lowest jiossible price. 
 
 DRESS GOODS DEPART^IENT. 
 
 Weinakoaspecialtyof tins department and at all tihies yon will he sure to Ilnd 
 a complete assortment of fancy and plain dress fabrics. We would call special 
 attention to our lUack and Colored Cashmeres and would iuvite comparison with 
 samples from Sew York or I'hiladclphia. Our Silks are always up to the standard „ 
 purcha-sers will find it to their advantage to examine our Silks. Samples sent when 
 requested. 
 
 TRBIMING DEPAETMENT. 
 
 We would ask an inspection of this department. We are confident that we can 
 show you the largest and finest stock of Black and Colored Silk Velvets, Buttons, 
 Braids, and all tlie latest Novelties in Trimming. W0,are always up to the times 
 in this department. 
 
 NOTIONS AND FANCY GOODS DEPART- 
 
 :N'tENT. 
 
 You will be sure to Hud a large stock in this departjnent. We make a speeialtj^ 
 of these goo<ls ; buying iu large quantities we can sell tlieni more reasonably thaiii 
 any other house in the fancy goods business. A full stock of Laces, Ribbons, Ties, 
 Edgings, Hainbui"g Embroidery, Xainsook and Swiss 'fi-imming. 
 
 CARPET DEPAKTMENa: 
 
 We occupy all the second floovof our building lor this department and can sliow 
 you tlie largest lin,e of Carpets iu Central Pennsylvania. M'e buy in large quanti- 
 ties and sell them i-apidly at a slight advance for cash. You are cordially invited 
 to cjill and examine our stock and learn our prices. We always keep up to the 
 times at*' No. 1817,'' and we shall spare ]io pains to make It to your advantage to 
 ileal with iis as you will always find the latest goods i^n the market and at KasterU' 
 prices. 
 
 Wm. Murray, 
 
 -^N0,fl317^ 
 
 Eleventh Avenue, Al'too^^^' ^^^ 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAlK COUNTY. 33 
 
 {^Hei-f follows a hi,^:lily complimontaiy iiliusion to Judge IJlack] As 
 we have seen, on April 5, 184!), tlu' Twonty-fourth Distiiet was cro- 
 atod. Goorgo Taylor, then a younir, but able lawyer of the ]Iunting- 
 don bar, was appointed l)y (Jovcrnor Johnston President Judire. He 
 held his first court in this county on the seeoncl ^[onday of Jvdy, 1 849 
 the summer term having been again changed back from June to July. 
 Under this appointment he continued to hold court until October 
 term, 1851. In the meantime the amendment to the Constitution 
 had been adopted (called amendment of 1850) which provided for the 
 election of the Judges of all the courts ; that their terms sliould be 
 ten years; that the terms of all Judges thc*n in office should expire 
 on the first Monday of December following the adoption of the amend- 
 ment, and that the terms "of those elected should commence at the 
 same time. The first election after the adoption of the amendment 
 was held in 1851, so that Judge Taylor's commission by appointment 
 expired on the first Monday of December, 1851 ; but at the election 
 previous, having been nominated by the AA'higs, he was elected for 
 the term of ten years. His opponent was tl«? Democratic candidate. 
 Thomas P. Campbell, of Huntingdon. Und<'r this election he served 
 his term of ten years, and at the end of it was re-elected without op- 
 position. At the end of this term he ran as an Independent candi- 
 date but failed of an election. He died of paralysis in Xovember, 
 1871, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. [Kollowing a eulogy upon 
 Judge Taylor, Judge Dean continues:] I was elected Judge in 18T1- 
 The first Associate Judges of the court were George R. McFarlane 
 and Daniel McConncll, Democrats, appointed by Governor Shunk, 
 June 8, 1846, to hold until the next session of the Senate of Penn.syl- 
 vania. Judge McFarlane was re-appointed and confirmed by the 
 Senate on March 11, 1847. The other vacancy was filled by the ap- 
 pointment of Davis Brooke on January 28, 1848. James Gardner 
 was appointed by the Governor Ai>ril 10, 1851, to fill the vacancy 
 occasioned by the resignation of Judge Geo. R. McFarlane and was 
 elected for the full term the following Octo))er, with Levi Slingluft', of 
 Martinsburg. Both resigned before the expiration of their terms. 
 These are about the only examples of resignation by Judges within 
 mv knowledge. James D. Rea, Democrat, was appointed to fill the 
 vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Gardner on July 25, 
 1854, and James L. Gwin to fill that occasioned by resignation of 
 Judge Slingluff in March, 1855. Judges Rea and Gwin held office 
 until October, 1855, when David Caldwell and John Penu Jones 
 were elected each for the full term of five vcars ; in 1860 Adam Moses 
 
34 III.STORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIIJ COUNTY. 
 
 iuul Sniinicl Dean wrrc Wwtvd ; in ISdo Jiidu-"- Mosrs was re-olocted 
 with 1>. F. ll.i.-i', (if Altnona; in ISTU a<.'ur,i;\-: \V. rattou and Jnr-rpli 
 Irwin were elected; and in 1S75 the present associates, Chai'les J. 
 ^[ann and Saninel Smith. With the exceptions of Jndg-es .McFarlane, 
 :\[cConnell and I>roo1<e, appointed by Govevnor Siumk, and Jndg-e 
 Ilea, appointed by Giivernor Diulei-, all these officers have hrrn Wliigs 
 or r.i'pulilicans. AVhalever may have iK-cn their politics, it has been 
 the nnited te-tinumy of the bar that, one and all, thi-y performed 
 faithfully and ir,i]iartially their duty. Of tlio-e deafl, honor and re- 
 spect followed them dnrin.u- life; of those livinL--. no blot touches their 
 inteii'ritv. Thev havi' the i-espeet and i!o()d wishes of a profession 
 which learns, as no other one <loe.s, to ajipreciate unblemished official 
 life. 
 
 " From the fourth ifonday, July 27, ISlfi, until April 30, 18TT, the 
 last term of court, exactly two hundred lawyers have been sworn to 
 the bar. Of these only .seventy-two have been resident within the 
 county. On the first day of the co\irt. July: 27, 184(). there were 
 forty-eight admissions, commencing with Hon. ^foses Canan. of 
 Cambria countv, aiul ending with Andrew (t.. afterward (xovernor 
 Curtin, of Centre county ; and durijig that term of the court there 
 were fiftv-one admissions. Out of these, however, there were only 
 twelve resident of the count\' and they all in Hollidavsburg — Calvin^ 
 Cline, J. M. RelL Kemp, Coffey, Erotherline, Lowrie, T. Ranks, Cress- 
 well, Blair, jNIcMurtrie and Hofius. At October term following, Rolit. 
 Wallace, father of the present United States Senator Wallace, was 
 admitted and opened an office. !Major Williams was admitted the 
 December following. XI|i to ]\[arch 21, 1855, when I was admitted, 
 nearly nine years after the organization of the county, only twentv- 
 two resident practicing lawyer.s had been sworn to the liar, and of 
 these eight had retired from practice or removed from the eountv, 
 leaving fourteen. There are now in active prattiee fortv-one. Among 
 the names of those adniitt<'d from other counties who either were, or 
 afterwards beeanie prominent in the law or in polities, I notice Eph- 
 raim Banks, father of our chairman, Audit(u- General of the State; 
 Judge Alexander King, Judge Kimmell, J'oiin G. ^Nliles, Senator 
 Scott, Judiic Hale, <TOVcrnor Curtin, Francis Jordan, Charles Shaler, 
 R. L. Johnson, John Cessna, Ross Forward, Judge rershing. Gen. 
 John Williamson, Judge Hall, Judge John P. Blair, Harry AVhitc, 
 Samuel T. Brown, Charles J. Faulkner and Randolph Tucker, of 
 Virginia, Thadeus Stephens, Judge White, Judge Pettis. Hcui. R. 
 M. Spcer, Judge Thatcher, John ]\I. Bailey, Thomas ;M. Marshall, 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 35 
 
 Joshua P. Cox, and a iiiiiiibcr of others. Among; thein was John 
 BhKlgiil, (if Bcdfonl, noted for liis aequircments in general literature, 
 his poetical tastes, and wit. There was also admitted during the lirst 
 year of the court a lawyer noted in the whole profession along tlie 
 Juniata Valley, Mr. Isaac Fisher, of Huntingdon. 
 
 " Of the eases tried and suits entered in the thirtv years since the 
 organization of the county, when compared with the population, the 
 aggregate seems enormous. In the Common Pleas, including judg- 
 ment hills, appeals and certioraris, there have been entered 39,20.5 
 cases; in the Quarter Sessions, 2,(;lll cases; in the Oj'cr and Ter- 
 miner, 99 cases, making altogether 41,923. In this are not included 
 the large number of estates partitioned or appraised in the Orphans' 
 Court, nor the trust accounts of assignees and other trustees, settled 
 in the Common Pleas. There have passed through the Orphans' 
 Court, for confirmation and allowance, 1,'770 accounts of executors 
 and administrators, many of them involving protracted litigation be- 
 fore auditors and on exceptions to auditors' reports. 
 
 " Judire Black took fortv-four verdicts, Judu-e Tavlor eight hun- 
 drcd and seventy -eight ; and there have Ix'cn taken since four hundred 
 and ninety-five. Of course this, as every lawyer knows, does not 
 .show the extent of actual work done in the trial of causes; for many 
 of them, after hours, and sometimes days of trial, "go off," either by 
 non suit or settlement of the parties. 
 
 " By the act of Assembly erecting the county, all undetermined 
 issues between parties resident on the territory out of which it was 
 formed, were to be transferred to the re*3rds of the new county. 
 
 "The first suit in the Common Pleas is one to Xo. 43, August 
 term, 1826, of Huntingdon county, transferred. It is an action of 
 debt bv John Wilson and Rachael Buchanan, executors of Dr. John 
 E. Buchanan, deceased, against William Smith, executor of Jidm 
 Steel, deceased. When it was l)rought, in 18-2(;, Judges Burnside, 
 Adams and ^[cCune were on the bench in Huntingdon county. Smith 
 is marked attorney for plaintiff and Allison and Steel for defendant. 
 As appears from the record, mcire than seventy continuances were 
 marked during the twenty years it stood on the Huntingdon county 
 docket, and five after its transfer to Blair. 
 
 " The first ca.se brought orig-inally in this county, is a libel for 
 divorce; snbprena issued June 23, 1840, by Mary Armstrong against 
 her husband, John Armstrong. T. J. Coffey is attorney for libellant. 
 John Cox, esq., was appointed commissionor to t^ke testimony, and 
 
Sfi HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND liLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 HARRY SZINGK, 
 
 DEALEIt IN — 
 
 Groceries, FlourandFeed, 
 
 Corner 611i Aveniie and 8tli Sti'eet. 
 
 THE VEFvY BEST GOODS AT LOWEST PRICES. 
 
 E. S. MILLER, M. D, 
 
 OFFICE : Corner Sixteenth Street -and Eleventh 
 Avenne, Altoona,. Pa. 
 
 OFFICK IKIl'TIS; 7 toHa. ni. 
 1-1(1 3 p. HI. 
 li to S p. 111. 
 
 COXSULTATIONS IX ENGLISH OR GERMAN. 
 
 THOMAS W. JAGKSOJSr, 
 
 Attorney-at-La¥/, 
 
 — AND — 
 
 District Attorney, 
 
 I^o. 1010 TweKth Street, 4_ltoona, Pa. 
 
 D. R. BEEGLE, 
 
 EAST SIDE JEAA^ELER, 
 
 12th Street, bet. 8tli and 9th Avenues. 
 
 COMPLETE STOCK— BEST GOODS— LOWEST PRICES. 
 REPAIRING PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR CXJUXTV. 37 
 
 ■a divorce was dccrut^d thereon by Judge Black, March 25, 1847. The 
 entire costs were S7.T5. Divorces have Ix-coine more costly since. 
 
 " In the first year of the court 601 cases were entered in the Com- 
 mon Pleas, including original writs, cortioraris and appeals. In 185C, 
 ten years later, 1,090; in 1866, ten years later, 1,100; in 1870, ten 
 years later, 2,717. Many of the casus included in this last number are 
 judgments on building association bonds; but still, the natural in- 
 crease in legal business, the last ten, has been much greater than in 
 any preceding ten years. 
 
 [We cannot find room for the eases tried in the Supreme Court, to 
 which Judge Dean makes reference.] 
 
 " There have been tried in the Oyer and Terminer thirty cases of 
 homicide. Ofthe.se eleven were found not gwilty ; three,- Alexander 
 Hutchinson, James Shirley and David McKim, were found guilty of 
 murder in the first degree. The first, Hutchinson, was tried in 1850. 
 After sentence his friends induced the Legislature to interfere by at- 
 tempting legislation to relieve bini from the death penalty. Xothing 
 effective was done; but the warrant for his execution was withheld 
 until Governor Johnston, during whose administration he was con- 
 victed, was out of office. Governor Bigler declined to issue it because, 
 as he alleged, it was a dutv of his predecessor which he was not bound 
 to perform. Hutchinson remained in jail until 1853, when he escaped. 
 Shirley was tried at March term, 1863, for the murder of his ^vife, and 
 ■executed in August of that year. McKim was tried at April term, 
 1857, for the murder of Xorcross, and executed in July following. 
 The other convictions in the Oyer and Terminer were either of murder 
 in the second degree or manslaughter. 
 
 "There were two hearings on habeas corpus in the case of alleged 
 fugitive slaves; one before Judge McFarlane, in 1849, and one before 
 Judge Moses, in March, 1862. In each ca.se the detained persons 
 were discharged. In 1855 a man named Parsons, from Virginia, who 
 attempted to seize a colored man in Gay.sport, on the claim that he was 
 « fugitive slave, was indicted for abduction. 4ohn Randolph Tucker 
 and Charles J. Faulkner came here to defend him ; a true bill was 
 found, but a nolle pros, was entered by the district attorney, Mr. 
 Hammond- 
 
 " There are quite a large number of cases, both civil and criminal, 
 a notice of which would be interesting to the lawyers, and many non- 
 professional people, but I cannot undertake, to refer to them in a short 
 address. Those mentioned will suggest the general nature and amount 
 of litigation carried on in the several courts since its organization. 
 • 4 ■ 
 
38 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAlK COUNTY. 
 
 "The Hvr^t district attorney wiis Col. Crcsswell, aip|Miintcd by Gov- 
 ernor Shunk. He was .■;nccccd<:<l by Mr. Hcilius, aiipuintcd by Gov- 
 ernor Johnston, who filled the office until 1X51, when the office wa.s 
 elective. Mr. Kemp was elec(e<l by the Whi,y-s ; but hi.s health failin<r 
 soon after, Georjre A ColFey ]H'rfornied the dutie.? of the office until 
 1S.t4, when Essinjrton Hammond was elected. At the expiration of' 
 his term, Mr. Hewit filled the office two terms • then John H. Keatly 
 almost two terms. He resijrned the last year of the second term, and 
 I was apiiointed to the vacancy until next olertion ; was then elected 
 and served (ine term. ^Milton Alexander was then elected and served' 
 one term; then James F. ^Milliken was electecl. [Theu the present 
 district attorni'y, Thi.uuas W. Jackson. — Ed.] 
 
 " The office of prothonotary of Common Pleas, clerk of the Orphans' 
 Court, Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer, filled b}^ the same 
 officer, has not had many incumbents. Fir.st, Jeremiah Cunning-ham 
 was appointed in June, 184G, to serve until the ne.xt December. At 
 the October election of that year Jciseph Smith was elected and .served 
 a term of three vears ; theu George W. Johnston a term of three years ; 
 then Hugh MeXeal one term ; then Joseph ;Baldrige two terras, or 
 six vears ; then A. S. Morrow four terms, ortw'elve years; then James 
 P. Stewart, present officer, was elected. 
 
 " The office of register of wills and recorder of deeds was first filled 
 bv appointment of John M. Gibbony, to hold until December, 1846, 
 or until his successor lie qualified. At the cli'ction in October of that 
 year, Eph. Galbraith was the "Whig candidate and Samuel Smith the 
 Democratic. Galbraith died the day of the election, before the votes 
 were nearly all polled. Smith claimed the office on the grounds that 
 he liad a majorit}- of the votes cast for a living man, although a major- 
 ity of the people voted for Galbraith. Judge Black declined to decide- 
 in his favor, and Gibbony held the office nntil the next election, when 
 L. H. Williams was elected. He held the office nine years; was suc- 
 (;eeded l)y H. A. Caldwell, who held it for six ^\ ears; and he bv D. ;M. 
 Jom-s, who held the office for nine years, wlien A. Lingenfelter was- 
 elected. 
 
 " The fir.st sheriff was Jeremiah Belts, appointed by Governor- 
 Shunk. Then, follow him, in order, Samuel Royer, Thomas Reese,. 
 William Reed, George Port, James Funk, Samuel McCamant, Martin- 
 Bechtel, John McKeage, Henr}- B. Huff, Ahwander Bobb, James M. 
 Stifflcr. 
 
 " The territory iu the original act, and over which the court had 
 jurisdiction, embraced Greenfield and North Woodbcrry to\vn.ships, of 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOXA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 39 
 
 Bedfiinl county ; AHosIhmiv, Autis, Blnir, Huston, Tyrone aud Wood- 
 hcrry townships, in Huntinirdon county; aUo, that part of Morris 
 township, in Ilunting-don county, west of a lino run by William Reed, 
 surveyor, to l)e called Catharine township. Hollidaysbiirg and Mar- 
 tinsburn' had already lieen incorporated as bordU!i:hs. The townships 
 formed since the organization, are Juniata, out of Greenfield, in 1847 ; 
 Loijan. out of Allejiheny and Antis, in 1S50; Taylor, out of North 
 Woodberry and Huston, in IS.'i.t; Freedom, out of Juniata, in 1S.")T. 
 Altooita was incorporated as a boro\itrh in 18"i4, and came under a city 
 charter in ISTl. Tyrone became a boroun'h inJSriT; Kast Tyrone in 
 lS7o; Xcwry in 187l'>. Eleven constables made returns the fir.-t day 
 of the court, twcntv-three now. 
 
 "The orijrinal act reqttired the Governor to appoint three non-resi- 
 dents of the county commi.ssioncrs to run the county lines aud fix the 
 county seat. He appointed Henry !MeBride, of TTestmorclaud, Gen. 
 Orr, of Armstrong-, and Judsje Christy of Juniata counties, who fixed 
 upon Hollidaysburg as the county scat. 
 
 "The first court was held in an old ..Methodist church, which stood 
 where the present Methodist church now stands. Mahony's stone 
 house, alona: side, was rented at the rate of fifty dollars per year and 
 used as a jail. A contract was maile in 184(>, with Paniel K. Reaaicy, 
 then a prominent builder, for the erection of the court house and jail 
 iiu the s^round covered bv the present court house. The contract price 
 for both was $1 1 ,998.o0, but l.iecausc of change's and extras, the amount 
 paid was S14,57(;.1S. Both were finished and occupied by June term, 
 1 847. As vou are allaware, both, years ago, became entirely insufficient 
 for the wants of the county. A new jail was erected at an ex]>en.se of 
 <n-er $100, 000 in 18('iS and 18(59, and theold court house lasted but a few 
 vears longer. Aud although twenty-five or thirty years is not an old 
 aire for public buildiiiLis. vet a glance at the growth of the county in 
 population and wealth in that ]ieriod reveals, at once, the cjiu.ses which 
 demanded their destruc'tion and the erection of new and better. The 
 men who desi.gni'd these buildings did not foresee the rapid growth of 
 the new countv in those jiartieulars which are jirolifie of litigatiou. 
 
 •■In lS4i'i onlv '2,187 votes were polled, ipdicatin,^ (at five to the 
 voter) a jtopulation of about 10,000. In K^.^ii'i there were polled 3, 520 
 votes, showing a pojiulation of 18,000. In 18i;(! there- wore polled 
 (),288 votes, pointing to a population of 32,000. In 187(i there were 
 jiolled 8,720 votes, indicating a population of 44,000, four times greater 
 than when the countv was organized. In the meantime the assessed 
 vaUtation of property far more than doubled; its cash value has doubt- 
 less trebled. 
 
40 rilSTCiRY UF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTV. 
 
 FRANKLIN HOUSE, 
 
 Seventeenth Street, Altoona. 
 
 AL. BURGOON, Proprietor. 
 
 «5-Gooa aetoniTiiodatioiis lor giu--t^. Aiiipk- •.lubjing foi- Iioim'-. The I'.ar is 
 supplied with the Ijcst ana tlioici st Immils of liqiim> iii-tlif inaikot. 
 
 JOHN M. PETERS, 
 
 — DIlALEU IX 
 
 PROVISIONS., BEEF. 
 
 MUTTON, LAMB,, 
 
 PORK, POULTRY, HSM, SHUSfiGE, 
 
 TRIPE, PIG'S FEET, LIYEPa, LARD, MINCE MEAT, Etc, 
 
 Eighth A\-enue, bet. 8th and 9th Sti'eets. 
 
 Goods deliveretl to any jiart of the city witlioiit atUlitioiial c-ost. 
 
 Orders promptly tilK-d an^I courteoris treatment extended to all. 
 
 GEORGE A. STREIT, 
 
 DEALER IX AXD MAXUFACTURKIt OF 
 
 Imitation French Calf und Kip Skins, 
 
 Moroccos, Linings, Roans, etc. 
 
 Qtlsof Shoe Mauufacturin;^ Goods, toj^ether with all other aiticlcs pcvl;i 
 
 to the Shoe Finding Business. 4!*^Cash paid for Hides, Skins and Wool 
 
 Oiders bj' mail promptly tittt-iiduU lo. 
 
 HIT Fifth Avenne, near Twelfth Street. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COl'NTY. 41 
 
 "The cost of the present buildin";, with all its surroundings and 
 conveniences, is very close to $139,000. It cannot exceed $140,000. 
 Our records, Avhose preservation is worth millions of dollars to the 
 people, are now secured in fire-proof offices and vaults. For the ses- 
 sions of the coui-ts, for the deliberation of juries and for the detention 
 of witnesses, wo have rooms spacious, comfortable and convenient. 
 Lonn; after wo are gone this buildinu-, in all its stren<rth and beauty, 
 will stand as a monument to the public .spirit and entcrpri.^c of the 
 ])oople who authorized it, as well as an indisputable evidence of the 
 architectural talents of him who designed it, and thejmechanical skill 
 of those who carried the design into execution. 
 
 " We have met to-day, as lawyers and citizens, to dedicate it to its 
 appropriate use.s — the administration of justice between man and man. 
 What we noio sav or do, will soon pass from the memorv; but what we 
 say or do within these walls hereafter, will not be forgotten ; the fruits 
 of our words and conduct will appear in ineffaceable lines upon the 
 records of our courts ; will be cut deep in the hearts and lives of those 
 who shall here appear to have rights determined and -m-ongs redressed. 
 May wc so perform our part that we shall reflect honor ujion an hon- 
 oraljle profession ; and so perform it, too, that, when called to appear 
 in a Higher Court, there to be inquired of, we shall be readj^ to answer, 
 although with awe, j-et not with fear : 'What Thou gavcst us to do', 
 with the light we had, we did as best we could.'" 
 
 [In most eloquent terms Judge Dean closed his address, the 
 principal historical points of which we have given, omitting matter 
 which, to man}', would prove to be even more interesting. Want of 
 space, the reason previously assigned, is our excuse for not publishing 
 the discourse in its entirety. We will take this occasion to say that, 
 however ably his predecessors, Judges Black and Taylor, nia}^ have 
 administered justice, Judge Dean has sustained, and still sustains, the 
 reputation of the bench of Blair county for profound learning, sound 
 judgment, legal talent and executive ability.] 
 
 Hon. Samuel Calvin was next introduced. He said that he was 
 assigned a place on the programme because he was the oldest member 
 of the bar, but he wanted the ladies to bear in mind the difference 
 between the oldest member of the bar and oldest man practicing at the 
 bar. His address was full of reminiscences, manj' of them of a highly 
 humorous character — concerning Judges Taylor, Burnsidc and M'Cune 
 (associate), and the older members of the bar. 
 
 The Hon. Jeremiah S. Black was next introduced, who stated that 
 he. came there ufpon the condition that he was not to make a speech, 
 
42 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COLXTV. 
 
 .but ycc'ini;' his name on tin' pros-ram me as one uf tlic spcakrir- witliuut 
 his previous knowledii'e or authority, it was al»soluteiy iieees.-ury tliat 
 he should ajipear, not to uiake a speech, hut for the purpose of apolo- 
 gizing' for not making one.' The reason he had assi<;iied for not makiiii;- 
 aspeeeh was that Blair (-(uinty niiLrht make and iHlg'ht tu makeuratious 
 for herself. [Here Judj;e Black pointed (jut antl commented ui)on the 
 fluency of Blair county lawyer.-.] They told Jiim he should come for- 
 ward and make a few remarks. Well, he said he would do tiiat — 
 "he would take his position un the outer ed;i;e of ert-ateil space, and 
 crack away at all eternity." But, upon second thought, he couldn't 
 do that. His intellectual running gears would .tiive out Ijcfori- hecuuld 
 reach the outer edge of created ^}lace, and he thought that all eternity 
 would be too m\ich for him. He regarded the address of Judge Dean 
 .as the most perfect that he could have conceived of, and so with the 
 .other gentlemen who had spoken. 
 
 " You luive erected a court house which is, Ijcyond comparison, the 
 most jierfect structure of its kind in this country. It reminds me of 
 the description that Horace gave of the womaji that he admired more 
 than anv other — simplex munditiis — siin])le in the aljundant wealth 
 of its boautv." * * * "This building is dedicated to the 
 
 administration of justice, which is the greatest of human concerns. 
 The most important part of the machinery i if justice is the county 
 *;ourts^the courts of Common Pleas — these c(5(irts whosi' function it is 
 to take original cognizance of all ca.-^es affecting life, liberty and property, 
 iind to do ju.stiee between man and man. All the other machinery of 
 pur Government is made for the purpose of bringing a competent judge 
 .upon that bench, and twelve honest men into that jury box in order 
 that they may do justice. For that you make a Legislature; for that 
 you have a Congress; for that j'ou have a union of the States; an 
 executive department; an army and navy. The ultimate object of it 
 all is that justice shall bo administered between the people of a neigh- 
 l)orhood. As long as you can maintain porfedt purity in the judiciary 
 and have justice administered promptly and speedily at home it does 
 not matter very much — that is. it is not a thing of vital importance 
 how the other parts of your political machinery go on; and whenever 
 there is any serious corruption or wrong by which the scales of justice 
 do not hang with an even balance in these courts of original jurisdic- 
 tion, you are in the worst possible condition in which you can be placed. 
 
 " Now, gentlemen, have I made a sufficient apology for not niakhig 
 a speech ? K I have not, why, I will have to apologize for that. If 
 there was anybody here who would sjieak evil of the Blair county court 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLA{R COUXTV. 
 
 43 
 
 • or its l)ar, or to falsify its history, or to say tliat tin- nn'ml)c-rs of tliis 
 bar were not tlic best men in tlie world, tlic-n I would have an issue 
 which I could take up with them, and I think I e<:iuld keep up mv side 
 pretty well. But I have nobody to fight! I am, therefore, in a situa- 
 tion somewhat like that of Jemima Wickersham, a female piophet, who 
 made her appearance in western Xew York. She said slie was able tn 
 walk upon the water miraculousl}-, and called div<'rs persons to witness 
 the performance. They assembled in larjre numbers, and just before 
 she made preparation to step out on ihe lake she asked tlie crowd 
 there assembled if they Ijelieved she could do it. They told her that 
 they thought she could not. 'Th<'n," she said, 'you have little faith 
 — a generation of vipers, who seek a si.y-n aiul shall find none.' There- 
 fore, she would not walk upon the water that day. She tried them 
 again, however, another day, and she put the same question to them, 
 ■and, knowing what sort of an answer had defeated them before, thev 
 .answered affirmatively, that they l)elieved she could. 'Terv well, 
 'then,' said she, 'there is no u.se to work miracles in your presence, vou 
 have faith enough!' Xo\v, I think you all have faith enough in vour 
 ■ Judge, and faith enough in your bar, and faith enough in vourselves 
 to get on very well w ithout any exhortation from me, and therefore I 
 bid you an aJTectionate farewell." 
 
 At the conclusion of Judge Black's remarks, various persons M'ere 
 ■called on for sjieiM^hes — Col. R. A. McMurtrie, Judges Orvis and 
 Hall, and Messrs. Orbison, William.son, Johnston, and others. The 
 majority of tho.se called out refused to respond. General Williamson 
 ■delivered an address, sparkling with that wit for which he is so famous, 
 while the remarks of R. L. Johnston, esq., of Caniliria, were intensely 
 humorous and highly' enjoyed by the audience. The meeting then ad- 
 journed, and the formal dedicatory ceremonies were over. 
 
 >rEMBKRS OF THE BAR. 
 
 Alexander, MllTou 
 
 Baldrige, n. M. 
 
 Banks, Cecil R. 
 
 Bank.*, Tliaddeus 
 
 BeU. Martin 
 
 Blair, Samuel S. 
 
 Brotherline, J. Irvin 
 
 Brumbaugh, D. S. 
 
 Buckley, 51. Edward 
 •Calvin, Matthew B. 
 
 Calvin, Samuel 
 ■CressweM, John. jr. 
 ■Cunningliam, Jerre 
 
 DivelTT, A. V. 
 
 Dobvne. (ieo. A. 
 
 Doyle, Jobn A. 
 
 Flanigan, James, jr. 
 • Greevy, Thos. H. 
 
 Herr. H. H. 
 Jlewit, B. L. 
 
 Hicks, J. D. 
 .Jackson, Tbos. W. 
 
 Altoona. 
 
 Jaekel, Fred. 
 
 Hollidaysburg 
 
 Hollidaysburg, 
 
 Johnson, Robert 
 KyU-. J. M. 
 
 Altoona. 
 
 ^• 
 
 Landis. Augustus S. 
 
 HoUidaysbnrg 
 
 •' 
 
 Leet, John D. 
 
 Altoona. 
 
 " 
 
 Leiseilring, J. S. 
 
 '■ 
 
 *• 
 
 Lvsinger. Samuel B. 
 
 JIartinsburg. 
 
 Roaring Spring. 
 
 McMurtrie, R. A. 
 
 Hollidaysburg 
 
 Altoona. 
 
 Mervine. X. P. 
 
 Altoona. 
 
 Hollidaysburg. 
 
 Xetr. D. J. 
 
 
 '* 
 
 Kiddle, J. F. 
 
 Tyrone. 
 
 " 
 
 Eilev, A. J. 
 
 Altoona.- 
 
 '• 
 
 Shaw, Edmund 
 
 " 
 
 Altoona. 
 
 Smith, I.Horace 
 
 HoUidaysbui-g 
 
 Hollidaysburg. 
 
 Snyder, H. IL 
 
 *' 
 
 Altoona. 
 
 Stevens, A. A. 
 
 Tyrone. 
 
 i< 
 
 Tierney, F. P. 
 
 Altoona. 
 
 *• 
 
 Woodcock, .S. M. 
 
 " 
 
 " 
 
 Wookcock, W, Lee, 
 
 •* 
 
 Hollidaysburg. 
 
 Wooilcock, W. Irvin, 
 
 Hollidaysburg 
 
 T.vrone. 
 Alt-oona. 
 
 HelnsUng, H. T. 
 
 .lUtooiui. 
 
44 HISTORY OF AITOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 J.R.VAUGHN, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 iRY Goods. Groceries, 
 
 Provisions, Moiir, Feed, 
 Queensware, Canned Fruits, Notions, Boots, Shots, 
 
 And all sneh articles as are usually kept in a First-clafes Dry Gootls, Grocery :infl 
 
 Provision Store. 
 
 Best Goods at Lowest prices. 
 
 Brick! Brick! 
 
 -^ 
 
 «UILDING?BRICK 
 
 Of Every Description : 
 
 H— 
 
 PRESSED, COMMOI<r, 
 
 PAVING, ANGLE, Etc, 
 
 (For^ Bay Windows.) 
 
 In any Quantity—at any Time—at Lowest Figures. 
 J. R. VAUGHN, 
 
 Cornel' 8th Avenue and 21st Street, Altoona- 
 
 (BRICK BUILDING.) 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOSA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 45- 
 
 THE NEW .JAIL. 
 
 The new jail for the county was built during- the ycsus of 1868-9.. 
 It.-? total cost, with alterations, was about $100,000. It was erected 
 by Jonathan Rhule, of this couuty, as.^isted by Ed. Havelan, architect, 
 the latter now deceased. The commissioners aijpointed to supervi.se 
 its construction were Eobert Waring, John C. Biddle, E. B. Hamilton, 
 Joshua Roller and David Henshey. The first keeper Avas Sheriff 
 Harry Huff. On April 10, 1873, the T,egislature enacted a special 
 law authorizing the commissioners of the county to appoint a keeper, 
 subject to the approval of the Court of Quarter Sessions, This up- 
 pointment is made annually. The first keeper under tliis law was 
 Aiden Baird, who was succeeded the ne.xt vear b^' John McClure,. 
 whose appointment was contijiucd until his decease. The present 
 keeper, J. B. Kephart, took charge April 1, 1880. 
 
 The jail is built in the most approved style of prison architecture. 
 The corridors and cells are well lighted and ventilated, at the same 
 time perfectly secure. Xo improvement could be made or suggested. 
 It reflects great credit upon those who were employed in its erection^ 
 
 ALMSHOUSE AND HOUSE OF EMPLOYMENT. 
 
 This refuge of the poor of the county is situate in Allegheny 
 township, about one and a half miles north of Hollidaysburg. It is 
 a well-constructed brick building, two stories and a half high, contain- 
 ing fifty-two rooms. In addition to these are two dining rooms andi 
 two kitchens, besides a number of halls or corridors. Its architec- 
 ture is of modern styde. It was planned by Mr. Hayden Smith, arch- 
 itect. Messrs. Peter Empfield and John B. Westley were the con- 
 tractors. It was built in 1849-50. Its entire cost was $'7,866.50. 
 
 The grounds contain 267 acres 12 perches, "being part of two tracts 
 of land, one in the name of Joseph Patton, the other in the name of 
 John Cochran. Both these tracts were purchased bj' Samuel Royer;. 
 and by him sold to the county for $10,000. The land or farm is un- 
 der a high state of cultivation, owing to the efficient management of 
 the present steward, Mr. William Shinefelt. 
 
 The house was first occupied in April, 1850. Its fir.st steward' 
 was Mr. John Lj'tle, who served in that capacity until 1852; Mr. 
 Edward McGraw from 1852 to 1863 ; Mr. O. E. Crissman from 186$ 
 to 1870; Mr. Joshua Aurandt from 1870 to September 9, ,1873, when 
 the present steward, Mr. William Shinefelt, assumed the duties of the 
 position. Its first physician was J. A. Landis, M. D. The present, 
 one is W. C. Roller, M. D. 
 
40 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 Tlic irriiiuids immediately siiiToundiii.n- tin.- house, adorned with 
 beautiful plants and flowers, convey the idea that the building is a 
 comfortable abiding place for the poor. Under the direct supervision 
 of the matron, Mrs. Shinefelt, the interior of the house is kept in the 
 best iiossible condition. 
 
 KXFKNDITL'KES DCRING 1879. 
 
 For Clothing i IW) 93 
 
 Delivering paupers If't 01 
 
 Drugs -i--'! ■-•: 
 
 Farm l.■.^2.> s:: 
 
 Food i,i^'> W) 
 
 House !«4 .11 
 
 Improvements luul repairs iM 74 
 
 Miseellaneous WiCi 4i 
 
 outdoor relief o.iil'i .W 
 
 Outside burial 'ils M 
 
 Salaries 1,141 25 
 
 Total expense^ ni,412 (W 
 
 rnoDUCTS cf farm. 
 
 In addition' to amount paid for 
 
 house exi)ensi-s $<'.,(X>'.4 45 
 
 :t<):Jl pounds of beef ia 8(1 
 
 :i.i(;7 pounds of pork ISo is 
 
 70 pounds of vejil 4 20 
 
 448 bushels or potatoes 224 Oi) 
 
 .•«XI59 pound^ of flour 1,000 ni 
 
 7S0 pounds of butter 124 SO 
 
 Total ouaay .$7,9t>4 01 
 
 Deduct board of farm hands 384 00 
 
 J7.5S0 01 
 Average eost of inmates per week, |1.55. 
 
 The products raised on the farm were: 1,275 bushels wheat, 299 
 bushels oats, 1,513 bushels corn, (14t< bushels potatoes, 4 bushels white 
 beans, 228 bushels winter apples, 29 four-horse loads hay, 10 loads 
 cornfodder, S.oGT pounds pork, (1,315 pounds )3eef, 7S0 pounds Initter, 
 20 bushels turnips, 4(! barrels eider, 4,000 heads caboage, 10 bushels 
 beans in pod, 5 bushels peas in pod, 17 bnskels onions, 20 l)usbels 
 parsniiis, 10 bushels beets, 4 bushels htijis, 50 3jashels tomatoes, 1 bar- 
 rel cucumbers for pickles. Amount realized on sale of products — . 
 $198.00. 
 
 Articles manufactured in the house were: 119 straw ticks, 119 
 bolsters, 110 sheets, 40 haps, IGO pillow cases, 6 sunbonnets, 8 night- 
 caps, 61 women's dresses, 38 children's dresses, 98 men's shirts, 20 
 women's flannel skirts, 6 children's skirts, 8 boj's" shirts, 16 pairs 
 boys' pants, 8 suits women's under clothing, 10 suits children's under 
 clothing, 25 chemises, 4 shrouds, 4 women's saccpies, 53 aprons, 40 
 towels, 25 pairs men's socks, 6 pairs women's 'stockings ; 200 pounds 
 tallow candles, 10 barrels soft soap, 6 barrels sauer kraut, 280 gallons 
 apple butter. 
 
 The number of inmates in the house January 1, 1879, 88; ad- 
 mitted during the year, 138; born during yi'Tar, 7 ; total, 233. Dis- 
 charged and eloped during the year, 153; died during the year, 12; 
 total, 145. Number remaining Junuary 1, 1880, 88. Of the inmates 
 remaining January 1, 1880, there are 41 adult males, 32 adult white 
 females, 1 adult colored female, 9 male children, 5 female children (all 
 white). Of these there are two blind adult males, 8 insane males 
 (adults), 13 females. Natives, 62; foreigners, 26. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 47 
 
 THE county's finances. 
 
 To exhibit the present liiiuncial c'ouditiou of the count}-, we .-sub- 
 mit the following receipts and expenditures from January 6, 1879, to 
 January 6, 1880 : 
 
 RECEIPTS 
 
 From ooUeotors fe5,.S(i(i m 
 
 EXI*E>-DITURES. 
 
 raid to attorneys <f91(i (xi 
 
 Bridj/es (repairs, etc.) 1 .5:i5 4(; 
 
 Bonds and iiitei est 19'-2« B.i 
 
 Commissioners' oftice '''%9 4-> 
 
 Couits .■■.■.■.'..■ 'V... T^OTl (« 
 
 court liouse (supijlies, insurance, etc.) I 9!K) .s> 
 
 I'oor and lunatics u'980 9i 
 
 Jails and penitentiaries 4'510 90 
 
 Printing, book.s ami stationery l'-297 10 
 
 Miscellaneous ....",. , '. . . ., ., 5'l.^4 dt> 
 
 Treasury balance fromlastrear..'...'. ..'.'."..... ^!'. !'.. l's62 64 
 
 Balance on eommissiou on $121,699.32 at IJ^ percent l'824 13 
 
 Balance due countj' 5 29S 87 
 
 ' ■ "" '— $65,306 00 
 
 C0t:^'TY INDEBTEDNESS JANUABT 5, ISSO, 
 
 Court house bonds $124,100 00 
 
 Prison bonds 12..^i00 00 
 
 Total 
 
 .$136,400 00 
 
 NAMES OF OFFICERS AND YEAR OF ELECTION. 
 
 i'KKSIDEKT JUDGES. 
 
 Jereniiab S. Black, from the fourth Jtonday of Jnly, 1S46 (when first court was 
 held), up to and including March term, 1849. 
 
 George Taylor, from April 5, 1S49, (his first court held on the second Monday of 
 July, 1849), up to 1871. 
 
 John Dean, from 1871 to the present time. 
 
 ASSOCI.\TE JtlDGES. 
 
 George R. McFarlane 1846 
 
 Daniel McConnell , .....1347 
 
 Davis Brooke 1S48 
 
 James Gardner itiii 
 
 Levi Slln^luff 1S.51 
 
 James T). Kea....... .1854 
 
 James L. Gwin 1855 
 
 David Caldwell '. 1855 
 
 John Penn Jones ..-■ .1855 
 
 Adam Moses isiio 
 
 Samuel Dean ISOO 
 
 H. F. Rose 1S65 
 
 George W. Patton 1870 
 
 Joseph Irwin 1S70 
 
 Charles J. Mann 1875 
 
 Samuel Smith 1S7-T 
 
 The names of the District Attorneys, since the formation of the 
 county, will be found on page 38. 
 
 SHERIFFS. 
 
 Eenj. E. Ectts, appointed June 23 1846 [ Maitin L. Bechtel 1864 
 
 Samuel J. Eoyer 184B 
 
 Thomas Rees 1849 
 
 George Port ...18d5 
 
 James Funk 1S58 
 
 Samuel McCamant 186I 
 
 John McKeage 1S67 
 
 Henry B. Hutf 1870 
 
 Alexander Bobb 1873 
 
 James M. Stlffler..; 1877 
 
 G. T. BeU 1830 
 
 PROTHOJIOTARIES AKD CLERKS OF COURTS. 
 
 J. Cunningham, appointed June 10. ..1846 
 
 Joseph Smith, December 1 1846 
 
 George W. Johnston, December 1 1849 
 
 HughMcNeal 1S52 
 
 Joseph Baldwge, December 1 1855 
 
 Anthony S. Morrow. December 1 1861 
 
 James P. Stewart (i>resent prothono- 
 tary), December 1 1873 
 
48 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 ■iRTTmcm 
 
 H 
 
 THK WAY TO DO IT IS TO ri'RCHAS:^ GOOD 
 
 FURNITURE 
 
 SrCH AS CAN BE OBTAINED ONLY AT 
 
 Arthur s Establishment, 
 
 XO. 1008 ELEVENTH AYE:NUE. 
 
 Parlor, Chamber and Kitchen Furniture, 
 
 IN FINE STOCK, 
 
 IneKuliiig Clianil.ier Seis, Bureau?. Lounges, Tables, Cliairs, Bedstead? , Bed Springs- 
 
 and eA-erytliing you can tnink of in the Fnniiture Ijne. i3y adhering to tlie 
 
 Cash System ^\"e liave no losses to make up. Thus we can sell at '20 
 
 per cent, less than those who sell on time. «S-\Ve nianufac- 
 
 ture as well as sell all kinds of Furniture. Orders left 
 
 will receive prompt attention. 
 
 JOSIAH ARTHUR, Prop'r. 
 
 LEWIS TIPTON, Salesman. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 49 
 
 IIEGTSTEIIS AND nECORDEUS, 
 
 jr. M. Gibbony, appointeil June 17.. . .1S4G 
 Deputy — H. A. (Jaldw'tilJt appoliitLMl 
 
 Juiiel? , liM« 
 
 Lewis H. Williams, December 1 1847 
 
 Hugh A. Caldwell, Dec-ember 1 1S)6 
 
 X)eputy — .Jos. Baldvidge, appointed 
 
 September 3 1857 
 
 David M. .Tones, December 1 1:^'> 
 
 Deputy — Jlugli A. Caldwell, Decem- 
 ber "l ISW 
 
 Abi*aham Lingenfelter (present Reg- 
 ister and Keeorder) 1S7.> 
 
 Deputy — John C. Lingenfelter (pres- 
 ent "Deputy) l'^7.' 
 
 TnEASUItEItS. 
 
 K. H. MeCormick, appointed June '.1.1846 : .lolm JlcKeage 1800 
 
 Jcseph Morrow 1S4<; '• James H. Cramer lsi-> 
 
 John Penti Jones '....1849 ' John \V. Kluck 18tt; 
 
 Joshua \V. MeCord 18.54 I John JI. Clark 186S 
 
 Samuel Hoover 1S,'>7 George 51. Mctz ISll 
 
 Jolm Lingafelt 1S5S i Alexander Itutledgu 1-^77 
 
 COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 \Vin- C. JlcConiiick, appointed Juiie.1840 
 
 William Bell 184(i 
 
 A^aien tine Llngenleltei' ISUi 
 
 Edward McGraw 1847 
 
 William Bell 1847 
 
 John K Kelt' 1847 
 
 Jacob Hoover 1819 
 
 David Caldwell 1849 
 
 Jacob Burley 1849 
 
 Samuel Dean 1810 
 
 John Bennett 1851 
 
 .John Lowe 18.'52 
 
 John Campbell 18.53 
 
 James Roller 18.54 
 
 James Hutchison 185.5 
 
 David M. Confer 185(i 
 
 [Jacob Barnhart tilled Confer's unex- 
 l^ired term.] 
 
 John K McFaiiane 18.57 
 
 En OS M.Jones 1858 
 
 George L. Co wen 1859 
 
 George Koon 1860 
 
 James M. Kinkead 1801 
 
 Daniel Shock 1862 
 
 [Joseph Iv5vin liUed Shock's unex- 
 
 pired term, Shock ha5"ing entered 
 
 the armv.l 
 
 George W "Hewitt 18fi;i 
 
 Kobert Wai ing 1864 
 
 John C. Biddle 1865 
 
 R. K. Hamilton 18<K 
 
 Joshua Roller .1867 
 
 David Hensliev , 1868 
 
 Jacob Walter.". 1369 
 
 David S. Longehecker 1870 
 
 Samuel Slovrow 1871 
 
 David Auiuiidt 1872 
 
 Joliu Clark 1873 
 
 Alex. Canithers 1873 
 
 John Halfpenny 1876 
 
 Jonathan Slifipy lS7(i 
 
 John Hileman 1876 
 
 John Halfpenny 1879 
 
 Samuel B. Confer 1879 
 
 James Mcintosh 1879 
 
 Clerk from 1846 to 1&)6, Lewis H. 'Wil- 
 liams. From December 15. 1856, to De- 
 cember 23,1862, Hugh A.Caldwell. .Jo- 
 seph Baldrige. pres<'nt clerk, since 1862. 
 
 COROXERS. 
 
 .James Funk 1855 
 
 William Fox ISoS 
 
 Jacob 'Weidensall 1864 
 
 John W. Humes (present coroner) .. iS69 
 
 SntVETOIlS. 
 
 Henry C. Nicodemus 1862 
 
 .John M. Gibbony lS7o 
 
 Francis Cassiday 1378 
 
 nIKECTOKS Of THE I'OOi:. 
 
 William Bell 1849 
 
 Joseph Fay 1849 
 
 J. A. Landi.s 1849 
 
 Ed ward McGi-aw , 1851 
 
 , Jacob Igo 1 8.11 
 
 John G. McKee ISol 
 
 -John Bennetj 18.52 
 
 George Co wen 18.52 
 
 C. Stoner 18.53 
 
 David Fleck 18>4 
 
 C. G u ver 1855 
 
 M. Wike 1856 
 
 , Samuel Shryver 1857 
 
 George Weaver 18.->8 
 
 John B. Biddle 1859 
 
 Peter Good 1860 
 
 William Builey 1861 
 
 David Aurandt.-. ^ 1802 
 
 Jacob Xicodenius 1863 
 
 .Samuel .Jones 1864 
 
 Samuel Moore 18Jx> 
 
 Stephen Hammond I86ti 
 
 Samuel Smith 1867 
 
 David Ci-awford 1S6S 
 
 Jacob Stiller 1809 
 
 Abraham Louden 1S70 
 
 An<lrew Biddle, apji. to fill vacancy- 
 John M. Bush, app to till, vacancy... ■ 
 
 James M. Johnston .". ...1871 
 
 F. D. Young 1872 
 
 Albert Wilson 1873 
 
 Joseph Riddle 1874 
 
 David Bell 1875 
 
 Edward Bell 1876 
 
 John S. Biddle 18"77 
 
 David Bell 1878 
 
 J . C.Mattcrn 1879 
 
50 HISTORY riF ALTOONA AND BLAIR' COUNTY. 
 
 AUDlTOnS. 
 
 Chas. K. KinkLM.l 1S47 ' Uw. W. l!i'>.-a J''^ 
 
 Vvu,. P. m-s,„t 1S47 Ai 1) TiKitcWey -;■> 
 
 .Tam.r-; Wilson 1M7 Aljruliain fo|)i,s(>n \''; 
 
 William Kl'cd If^-^ , •'■■"">-■« >'«'V'n I^^.j 
 
 .lamr, I.. Gwiii 1850 I), h. Mc-Caliaii ■'^:' 
 
 Uaviil Tate IS-^l) ; S A Fulton., «>;^ 
 
 .Tacob Walt<-i- lA-i' Geo. w. Hooyer i^;^ 
 
 1S.TI 1 \\ 111. H. Canan* "^I^ 
 
 eoi-.'e W. Siiiitll L-^-tI I " m. H. Uanan ^'z:^ 
 
 .lamcSs \. MoCaliau l«i .T. IJ. Hicks 
 
 ^aiimul Siinlli...- l-^W i Win. H. Calveit 
 
 -^ LI III II LIOIIlllll. ..--■■■-. . . . , --. w..--,- Tv-l 
 
 Hcniv I.iiiu'. nl.-lter lS.ii -Tohn C. Kobes?on l^^l 
 
 .loim'Ha^'.-rtv 18.W J. .). XolMcvr "'!_- 
 
 18.iG >Iaitin ];e!l..ii' ";i> 
 
 1S.17 Aip.xandcr Kaiox l^^f 
 
 .roliii \V. Tippciy. 
 Sainnel Mori-w. 
 
 IIV1.'1'>1I«>.... .- ....■■.. ^... ...--., 
 
 V C McCaitiu'v I!«S Charles E. I'.iitler {>i-; 
 
 .losepl! It. Iluwitt l.^-i'.i .1- Ko.ss Mateer J'^l'; 
 
 \ M I.lovil l^'i) 1!. F. Cnstei-.' 1^''' 
 
 k: M. Mcssinu'i- 1^111 J. K. Ha-cy- l^l'j 
 
 L I.on rv M'lfir-; I-'"-' s. (J. liakci ..t 1";^^ 
 
 David IlP)isln'V I^'X , .T. H. Isett.... I'^l;'" 
 
 .lolm \. Crawford IS'W A. C. Clappcf.* 1^' ' 
 
 -VI ex. Kno."v 1^'^i 
 
 n. 11. POLICE. 
 
 Tlio follonin^' is a list of llaili-oad Policemen, appointed by the Governor, whose 
 coinniission.5 are on tile in the Register and Keeorder's office at Hollldaysburg : 
 
 Edwin H. Carr 1S73 
 
 Simon B. Barr lf>'-i 
 
 Neal Patton - l"*"'' 
 
 Franklin For; l«7i; 
 
 .Tolin M.CJark 186.1 
 
 Beillainin Devine 1867 
 
 .Vlfied Thompson 1867 
 
 •Tohii M . Kstep 1*)7 
 
 -loliii Khrinsrer 1867 
 
 W il liam ()'ReillT 1873 
 
 William P.. Smith 1»7."! 
 
 Isaac r*,, Ro.se 18/3 
 
 Hen rv .McDade 1873 
 
 .lames H. Cramer (trainmaster) 18 
 
 Patrick .V. Burns 18/^" 
 
 Alex. Mock 18. S 
 
 L. H. .Tones .U 187^ 
 
 Wm. W. Corkle 1878 
 
 NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PDBLICATIONS. 
 
 P^3i' a portion of the followin,;,'- we are iijdebted to "Prof. Guss' 
 Histor}' of tlie Juniata Valley,'' published in several papers of our 
 ooLuit}' in 1879 : 
 
 The Aurora was started at Hollidaj'sburg, August 9, 1833, by T. 
 1'. Camplx'll, and was afterward condueted !»• Messrs. Sample Bros. 
 It was suspended after a year or two and was again revived in the 
 Kcgi-stcr in 1836. 
 
 The Ciiiial and rortagc Register was first issued b}' John Scott 
 and H. ('. Grav, July -2, 18o(). Mr. Gray sold his interest to John 
 I'enn ■Jonc^^, October 26, 183(5. Messrs. Scott and Jones continued 
 until Ajirii 11, 1838, when Mr. Jones became sole proprietor, and 
 he enlarged the paper to live columns, and changed the name to 
 Hollidayslmrg Register and Huntingdon County Inquirer. From 
 May 1, 1839, to February 24, 1840, D. B. Williams was associated 
 with Mr. Jones, after which Mr. Jones continued again, and ]March 
 4, 1846, changed the name to Hollldaysburg Regi.ster and Blair 
 County Inquirer. About 1854 or 1855 the' name was changed to 
 Hollidaysbiirg Register and Blair County Weekly Xews. September 
 25, 18(il, Mr. Jones took in H. A. Caldwell as a partner, and thc}^ 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAlR COUNTY. 51 
 
 sold the paper to John Dean, now Judge Dean, October 21, 18G3, 
 from whom it jia^sed, in 1865 or 18fi6, to Samuel Hoover & Son. 
 March 16, 1868, it wa.-; purchased b}- David Over and his brother, 
 Jacob Z. Over. January 7, 1870, the name "wa.s changed to Holli- 
 daysburg Register. Xovcmbcr 27, 1872, Jacob Z. Over retired, and 
 David Over continues its publication. On April 14, 1880, the paper 
 was enlarged from twenty-four to thirtj'-six column.*, and on that day 
 appeared in a dress of new and beautiful type. 
 
 The Hollidaysburg Standard, five column.^;, was started with 
 materials of the old Huntingdon Gazette by P. L. Joslin, with Geijrge 
 R. McFarlane editor, in the spring of 1838, and was owned by stock- 
 holders. On January 1, 1841, 0. A. Traugh and IL A. ]]o-gs took 
 charge, and on January 1, 1843, differences occurring between the 
 editors and stockholders in regard to the Portage railroad, Messrs. 
 Traugh and Boggs started a new paper, with new material, called 
 the Beacon Light, six columns, which was continued until June, 1845. 
 In the meantime John Dougherty purchaseid a lot of new material 
 and resumed the Democratic Standard about October 10, 1844. 
 Alonzo S. Doughert}- purchased the Standard, 0. A. Traugh pur- 
 chased the interest of Mr. Boggs in the Bea"oon Light, and Messrs. 
 Traugh and Dougherty merged the papers into a new series of the 
 Democratic Standard, May 1, 1845, and in JNIay 1, 184G, Mr. Traugh 
 became sole proprietor, and has continued until this date, now thirt}'- 
 five j^ears, and making thirtj'-eight years in all, counting both papers. 
 The Standard now has eight columns to the page, and is all that a 
 good printer can make it. Among the as.sistants on this paper, form- 
 erly well known, was U. J. Jones. William H. Schwartz is the 
 present assistant editor. 
 
 The Blair County Whig was started about 1845 or 1846 by Jacob 
 L. Slentz. After about three years, or about. 1850, it was purchased 
 by George T. Raymond and William S. Wilson. Sulise(|aently ^Ir. 
 Raymond alone conducted the paper. He is said to have l)een nmr- 
 dered at Woodberr\-, X. J. After a suspension of a month or two it 
 was purchased by John Brotherline, recently deceased. During part 
 of the time (1861) Mr. Brotherline had John H. Keatley associated 
 with him, and he also changed the name to the Radical and Blair 
 County Whig, about 1866. May 18, 1868, it wa5 purchased by M. 
 Edgar King and James H. Irwin, and the name changed to Blair 
 County Radical. The office was removed to Altoona. On May 6, 
 1878, the interest of Jas. H. Irwin was purchased by Samuel J. Irwiji, 
 and by him leased to M. Edgar King, since which time James H. 
 
HISTOKY OP ALTOONA AN'D BLAIjl COUNTY. 
 
 D. G. McCULLOUGH 
 
 V 
 
 H 
 
 H 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 H 
 
 GROCER 
 
 Keexjs the Largest Stock of Groceries and Pro- 
 visions in Altoona. 
 
 W. R. WARD. 
 
 — DEALER IN — 
 
 BITUMINOUS IND UNTHRHCITE 
 
 COALS, 
 
 Kindling Wood, Lumber, 
 
 Hay, Straw, Lime, Cement, Etc. 
 
 Corner 9tli Avenne and ITtli Street. 
 
 O-AU orders for clean, pure Coal, (liard or .soft) will be promptly filled, as also for 
 
 Wood, Hay, Straw, etc. Orders can be sent from tlie Telephone Exchange, 
 
 oyer F. \V. 01rae.s' Meat Marlcet, Eleventh Avenue, bet. 13th and 14th 
 
 nStrects, without cost, and will receive raoMi-r attention. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COLA'TY. 53 
 
 Irwin ro-a.ssociated liinisi'lC witli Mv. Kin,;;-, tlii' style of the inilili^hing 
 tinn being King it Irwin. It is Kepubliean, and now in its tliirty- 
 fourth volnme. 
 
 The Shield was a pai>er pnblished about 1849 to ls50, in HvUi- 
 dayshnrg, in the interest of the Catholie chureh, bv Hayden Smith. 
 
 The first newspaper enter])rise undertaken in Altoona was by 
 William H. and .1. A. Snyder, who, in the spring of 18;').'!, published 
 the Altoona Kegister from materials of the StandiuL'- Stone Banner. 
 After five or six months it Avas discontinued, and the materials ^vere 
 purchased by Ephriam l',. MeCrura and William :\I. Allison, who 
 commenced the Altoona Tribune January 1, lS5fi. May 1, 1858, 
 Mr. Allison disposed of his interest to H. (_'. Peru. July 1J», 1875, 
 the interest of McCruni passed into the hands of Hugh Pitcairn, who, 
 with Mr. Dern, has conducted the paper to this day. April 14, 187a, 
 McCrum & Dern began the Daily Tribune, which, after two vears, 
 on April 14, 1875, was discontinued. January 28, 1878, Dern <t 
 Pitcairn resumed the daily edition, which, with the wceklv, continues 
 to be published. Adam J. Greer has lieen tlic principal editor for a 
 number of years. The proprietors recently erected a neat and sub- 
 stantial three-storj' brick building, especially designed as a printing 
 house, on Twelfth street, between p]le\'entli and Twelfth avenues. It 
 fronts thirty-two feet on Twelfth street and has a depth of sixty feet. 
 
 The American Era, started by a stock company in Tyrone about 
 ISofi, with W. S. H. Keys as editor, afterwards Benj. Jones. The 
 material then went into the Tyrone Herald, by Robert Stoddard,' 
 ■which suspended in about a year. It was revived again and called 
 the Tyrone Star, bj- ^M, H. Jolly; afterwards it was conducted by 
 Captain James Bell, and suspended. It was again revived and called 
 the Western Hemisphere, by, a stock company, with J. W. Scott and 
 ■Cyrus Jeffries as editors. The paper suspended again, and then re- 
 vived in August, 1867, Ijy H. R. Holsinger, under the old name of 
 Tyrone Herald, and August, 1867, sold to J. L. Holmes and C. S. W. 
 Jones in April, 1868, and after April, 1869, Jones alone conducted it. 
 W'. H. H. Brainerd was a partner in 1871 and 1872, and Al. Tyhurst 
 in 1875 and 1876. Mr. Jones continues to this date. On the morn- 
 ing of July 8, 1880, the fine, new, three-story Herald building was 
 •destroj'ed by fire, together with a large portion of Mr. Jones' printing 
 material. With commendable energy and enterprise on the part of 
 Its publisher, the paper made its appearance as' if nothing had hap- 
 pened. 
 5 
 
54 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AM> BLAIR CObNTY. 
 
 John H. Kcatlv odiiuiiiMiccd tin' ])ul>!ii-iiti(>n of Tlic I..'iiilcr in 1 ^'10, 
 ill Ilollida^-r^lmru-, l)ut after :i little over ii year it cciisiMl, ami the 
 materials went to Dr. .1. P. 'rhoiiipson, Willial)lsln^■,L^ who start<(t 
 the Temperance Vindieator in the >nirinfi: of IHiiH. Aliont 1^70 tin- 
 paper was sold to Col. (Jeor.ire F. .MeFarland, who removed tli<' ottiee 
 to Ilarrislmrjr, hut the jiress, etc, went to tlw.' Bedford Tress ottii.e. 
 
 The Altoona Vindicator was started ."\[ay 1, IWH, liv James 
 V. Campbell. In the summer of ISC'.i the oliice war- nearly all 
 de.stroved bv fire. New material was .secured and the oftie<.' s(jld, 
 December 10, 18(i9, to D. W. Moore, who i'ha*n!r*'<l t'"' 'laiu'' '" the- 
 Altoona Sun, June 2, 1H7(), and it was conducted by Moore <.t Son, 
 Moore & McKinney, and af^ain by Mr. Moore alone. John W. Mc- 
 Kiuiiev entered the linn February 10, 1S71. The Daily Sun wa.^ 
 started May -2, 1S70, and continued seven months. (Jn May 10, 1874, 
 the office was ])nrchase(l by X. C. Barclay, and his brother, Cyrus N. 
 Barclav, who enlarjred it, January 1, lS7'.t. In X'ovember, ls7'.t, a 
 joint stock c(nni)aiiy was organized, compo.sed of a larire nunilx'r ot 
 the most active Democrats of Blair, <'ambria,i Ilnntinirdon and Som- 
 erset counties, for the purpOr-e of establisliin.ir a, daily Democratic ]>aprr 
 ill Altooua in connection with the Weekly Sun. The oi-franizatiou, 
 under tlie title of "The Sun Printinjr and Pnhlishinfr Company," was 
 completed Xovember -2.'), l.S7;t. by the <-lection of a board of directors, 
 as follows: Andrew J. Riley, John I'. T>evan, (ieorfre W. (iood, N. 
 C. Barclav, S. M. Woodcnck. .M Fitzharris, AUiert F. Hee:is, F. I). 
 Casana ve and K. W. Guthrie. The bnanl of directors, at a snbset(uent 
 meetin<r. elected A. J. Kiley, president; X. C. Barclay, treasurer and 
 liusiness imina<;er, and K. W. (ruthrie, clerk. William P. Furev was 
 elected asmana^nnj.^ editor, John M. Fuvey, city editor, and Cyrus X. 
 Barclay superintendent of the printing: (K^partmcnt. The first num- 
 ber of the Altoona Daily Sun was issued Di'cember 11, ]87it. 
 
 The 'l'vr(nie Blade was establislKid liy J. L. H(dmes, June J, 1870, 
 who sold the oftiee to Ueo. Stroup, Xovember 22, 1S72, who chan.yeir 
 the name to Tvrone Democrat, and continiked its ])ublication until 
 Julv 8, 1880, when the office was destroyed by fire. 
 
 The Altoona Bapti.st, first four jia^es, afterwards ei^ht paire.-, pub- 
 lished ill the interest of the First Baptist chnVch of Altoona; estab- 
 lished Xovember, 1873; Kev. Win. Codville, o'ditor. It was published 
 by Harry Sle]), for about one year, when it was di.scontiniu'd. 
 
 The Evening Mirror was started in Altoona, June 13, 1874, by 
 Harry Slep and Geo. J. Akers. It was a i>eijny daily, four colunius. 
 September 14 it was enlarf^-ed to five columns. W. J. Flemiiijc en- 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA ANP BLAIR COUNTY. 55 
 
 tored tlio firm Xoveinber 15, 1874. M:iv 80, IS'I-'), it was ciihir.iicd to six 
 columiis, price two cciit.^, and forty cent.-i jior iiKiiith. Novciiilior IG, 
 1877, Harrjr SU'ii lu'canic sole proprietor, but his licalth failiiifr, he 
 sold the paper, on December 1, 1878, to W. K. Buckinfrliaui and W. 
 S. Xicodenius, who, after a few months, chaiig-t^d it from an Iiidepon- 
 dent to a Democratic pajjcr, and named i,t the Democratic Call. 
 Shortly after it resumed its indcjiendence from ]>artv shackles and 
 bore the mime of Evcninu- Call. It passed intd tiie hands <d' Ah^.x:- 
 ander .t Herr, who conducted it a few months, and on January 1, 
 18S(i, Edward B. Haines, who, for si.x years jireviously cunductetl 
 the 'Williamsport Banncu', ])ureha.sed the contn'ollin,!i- interest and in- 
 autrurated active measures for the imin^jvenient of the paper. He 
 constructed a suitable l)uilding adjoininjr the biie jireviouslv occupied, 
 stocked it with new printing- materials, introduced steam, etc., and at 
 present publishes, in addition to the daily edition, a we<'kly edition of 
 four pages, and also a Sunday edition stvled the Sunday Call, four 
 pages, eight columns to the page. 
 
 The Cove Echo was published about 1S71 and 187.0, in ^Martins- 
 burg, liy Henrv and John Brumbaugh, and subse([uently by B. F. 
 Lehman; but the Echo soon ceased for lack of support. 
 
 In 1874 D. B. Ream commenced a temperance jiajier in Altooua 
 called the Living Age, liut the age of its living soon ended, and the 
 materials were ]iurchased by Geo. J. Akers, who established a Sunday 
 paper, called the Globe, which, after a couple of months, he con- 
 verted into a daih', in the beginning of 1877, which ran for sometime, 
 but for lack of oil on the gudgeons the Globe ceased to revolve daily, 
 and the office was purchased and run by John Tomlinson as a Grceu- 
 baek paper; but this enterpri.se also failed. 
 
 The Home Base, a base ball weekly, was published during the ba.sc 
 ball sea.eon of 187(i. bv Frank McCullough, at Mirror Printing House. 
 
 Der Deutsche Volksfuehrer (th>' (icrman People's Leader), wa.s 
 started in Altoona by Harry Slop, March 28, 1878. It has <-ight 
 columns, four pages, and is the only German jiaper in the Juniata 
 vallev. It is not political. Published at Harry Slep's Printing House. 
 
 The Musical Advocate; Altoona; monthly; established July, 187*7 ; 
 R. B. Mahaflfey, editor and jmblisher; fifty cents ]ier year. 
 
 Tiie Gospel Trumpet, published in Altoona, monthly; established 
 1878; gratuitous; T. B. Patton, editor. Printed at Harry Slep'.f 
 Mirror Printing Hpu.se. 
 
 The Altoona Advance, weekly, by Mr. ^.nd Mrs. T. P. Ryudcr, 
 was is.sucd first on May 3, 1 8T9. It i.s principally devoted to com- 
 
5(; HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUXTV. 
 
 B. BERKOWITZ, 
 
 — CAN liE FOUND AT — 
 
 No. 1318 Ele\-entli A\-enue, - Altoona, Pa. 
 
 M'licitK V(»r CAN rL'iirHA?;E vouit 
 
 Groceries and Provisions, 
 
 TEAS, COFFEES, SPICES, 
 SucARs, SvRui's, Canned Fruits, Tobacco and Se«ars. 
 
 F. P. TIERNEY, 
 
 ATTORNEY - AT - LAW, 
 
 Ek'\"eiith A\^enue and Sixteenth Street, 
 ALTOOXA, PA. 
 
 JACOB B. COWJEX, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 Dry Goods, Groceries, 
 
 PROVISIONS, ETC. 
 Eighth Avenue and Nineteenth Street. 
 
 BLUIR COUNTY RADICA 
 
 A WEEKLY REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER. 
 
 TP.:itMS : $1.50 per year, invariably ii\ advance ; otherwiisc, $1.00 per year. All kinds 
 ot Job Work Ht reasonable rates. Ortice in Spi'ankle's Building, 
 
 Corner llth Avenue and 17th Street, Altoona, 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAm COUNTY. .")'? 
 
 mciTial |iur|H]scs. It is dolivored free at cvrrv liousi^ in the .'itv, but 
 ill the (Miinty wiicrc it al.-o eiiTuliitcs, a sniiill suliscriptidii jirice is 
 chai'M-cd. Its political views are (irociiback-Labor, ]\Ii-. T. 1'. Kviulci- 
 liaviiiy,- bpon the lii'st man in the Slate to advocate a new i)artv on 
 the financial and lalidr issues. It believes in liiy-h tai-ilT. hiiili watres 
 and cash payments. It is al.-^o a temperance paper. Mrs. Itvnder 
 eontrilmtes laru'cly to its columns. It is printed at Ilarrv Slep's 
 Printing;- House. 
 
 In Auu'ust, ISTn, Ed. J. Sle]i conimeneed the pulilicatiun (it the 
 Youth's Mirror, a creditable monthly sheet, d(»vnte(l <'.\eliisively to the 
 vising- ,u-eneration, \vlii(di is still sucee-sfnlly publishiMl. 
 
 Our "Work; Altoona; iiiontiily; establ'i.-hed February,- 1 SSO ; 
 ]iubli-hed by the Youni;- Peoph'V Christian Association ot the .Secend 
 Presbyterian church. Priute<l at the Mirror Printinji' House. 
 
 The Tyrone Times, started as a semi-weeklv ]iaper on June ], 
 1 SSO. shortly after chani;-eil to a weekly. Me.-srs. Holmes ,V: AVooden, 
 proprietors. 
 
 The l?ook-I\celiei' and Penman; Altoona; established .\nj!-nst. ISSO; 
 J. F. Ha\is, editor and proiirietor; monthly; oiu' dollar per year. Elev- 
 enth avenue and Thirteenth street. 
 
 The Marria-e Advocate; Altoona; established IS.^O; J.F.Havis, 
 editor and iiroiirictor; monthly; lifty cents per year. Eleventh ave- 
 nue and Thirteenth street. 
 
 The lirst Altoona City directory of any consiMpience was pub- 
 Ihshed in 1S13, by Tliomas H. Greevy, present City Ixecorder. The 
 accuracy and extent of the iufonnation it contained made it extremely 
 valiuible. Tiiis was follo\ved by a directory for 18*r,'i-(i by the same 
 author. The directory for 1ST8~1) was published liy AVilliam H. 
 Kenuer, of Altoona, which constituted a complete comiiendiuiii of 
 such information as is souudit in a publication of that kind. The 
 directory for lSSO-1, Webb Brothers & Co., oT Xew York, publishers, 
 is befme the public. 
 
 F^(u- the year 1S75, (icorg-e J. Akers compiled "The Mirr<ir Hand- 
 I?ook and Compendium of Facts," a jiamphlct of forty-seven pages. 
 It contained a synopsis of the local occnireuces of the year (ISI.t), 
 marriage's and deaths ; int<'rments in Fairview Cemcter\- ; State, county 
 and city elections; bri<'f history <if Altoona; list of city and county 
 officers; sketcli of public s(.-hools, etc. ; making it a \ aluable book of 
 referenci'. Hariy Slep, publisher. 
 
 In the carl}' part of 1819, "The First Yenture," a book consisting 
 of one hundred and eighty-seven pieces of poetry and a story in prose. 
 
58 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 entitled "Altov Many Days," was issued from the press of Harry 
 Sl(')i. It eciiitained sixty jiajres. Harry L. Wonds was the author, 
 and was also tlic author of a hook of Irish tales, entitled "Pat. Mul- 
 dooir.s Aneedotes." Five hun(h'ed eopies ^tere issued, w}iich eoni- 
 luanded a ready sale. 
 
 MiST OK KXISTI.NT. OAIl.V, WEEKLY AND .MONTHLY PUHLICATIO-NS. 
 
 Ilollidnyshur,;;- Ke.uister, weekly, Hollidaysburi;-. 
 
 r>eiiioeralic Standard, weekly, Hollidaysl)\irj;-. 
 
 Ijlair County Tvadical, weekly, Altoona. 
 
 Altddiia Tribune, daily and weekly, Altoona. 
 
 Tyrone Herald, weekly, Tvriine. 
 
 Allooua, Sun, daily and weekly, Altoona 
 
 Evening- Call, daily, weekly and Sunday, Altoona. 
 
 Musical Advocate, monthly, Altoona. 
 
 Per Deutsche Yolksfuehrer (German), Avcekly, Altoona. 
 
 (Jospel Trumpet, monthly, Altoona. 
 
 Altoona Advance, weekly, Altoona. 
 
 Youths' Mirror, monthly, Altoona. , 
 
 Our Work, monthly, Altoona. 
 
 Tyrone Times, weekly, Tyrone. 
 
 Book-Keeper and Penman, monthly, Altoona. 
 
 Marriag-e Advocate, monthlv, Altoona. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAfR COUNTY. 59 
 
 City of altoona. 
 
 Altddim derived its name fVom tlie Latin word "Altus," or more 
 direetly from the French word "Alto," t^ignih in- "liigh." It is 
 situate at the base of the Allej;heny mountains, I.ICS feet above the 
 level of the sea. Its location and surroundinj;s are rich in scenic 
 beauty and atmospheric purity, so much so that it has ))ccome a 
 favorite place of resort for tourists durin-^- the summer montiis. T\w 
 scenery is of the most varied description. Within a radius of a few 
 miles there is a gradual transition from the graceful and picturesque 
 to the rugged and sublime. A short distance west is the famous 
 "Horseshoe Bend." [See illustration.] The valley here separates 
 into two chasms, but liy a grand curve, the sides of which are for 
 some distance parallel with each other, the road crosses both ravines 
 on a high embaiikment, cuts away the point of the mountain dividing 
 them, and sweeps around and up the tremendous western wall. 
 Looking eastward from the curve, the view is peculiarh" impressive, 
 while at Allegrippus, where mo.st of the mountains cluster, the va.st 
 hills in successive ranges roll away in billowy swells to the far horizon. 
 During the summer, twice each day, an open "observation car" is 
 attached to the Day Express train and makes the round trips between 
 Altoona and Cresson Springs — the latter, in a more especial sense, 
 l)erhaps, than the former, possessing a reputation as one of the most 
 delightful summer resorts in the countrj-. [See engraving of Cresson.] 
 
 Opportunity is afforded for another pleasing diversion by the 
 vicinity on the north of the Wopsononoc mountain, easily accessible 
 to carriages, from whose summit is spread liefore the eye a panoramic 
 view which, in the opinion of experienced travelers, is unsurpassed 
 upon either continent in all those features which delight and inspire;. 
 It comprises the entire valley of the "Blue Juniata," a picture of 
 highly cultivated farms, bounded by swelling ranges of hills, which 
 gradually fade away in the azure of the distant horizon. 
 
 The celebrated "Sinking Spring Valley," with its subterranean 
 streams and immen.se caverns, lies to the ea.stward, while on the 
 .south-east is the Bell's Gap Narrow Gauge* railroad, excursions by 
 which to the summits of the mountains are among the most .satis- 
 factory and popular diversions of life in Altoona. 
 
fiO 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND nLAIll COl'XTY. 
 
 DAILY MORNING TRIBUN 
 
 -\ 
 
 The Best Dally Newspaper published In Central Pennsylvania. 
 
 HAS THE LARGEST CIRCULATION 
 
 Of any pjijur InrtwiMii Pitl^bur^ and Hanisbur;^. 
 
 A-^ an a'lvt-rtisiu"- imMlinin ii i- iiif\0'-ll-'*l. Ir aI?o c'^nirjiiii? tlie latcsi tol'-irrapliiL' 
 aiul local in'\\>.. SUBSCRIPTION PHICE, -jSo Cents per Month. 
 
 The Weekly Tribune. 
 
 A TIiiitv-tw<i .nliiiiin V'^l"^''- 'l*-vcit<''l riitiix-lv in lU'Wa-^iinsccIlaneou.'^ ami local. 
 
 anU i^ roii.'^M'TiMl ili<- b.-i i-miily papfr'in tlio Stjhie. ^UPoCIUPTH t\ 
 
 IMtlrK : ■fl.-'i.i pt'i- year in :ul\'ancc-. 
 
 The Tribune Job Printing Rooms 
 
 Ilavf the facilili.'s for»-xeciiiing all kinds ol Jl LAX K A>"1> iJOOK WOUK, at the 
 sliort«-.-t p07^:^il)lc~notic*i, at tlio most Tca-^>nal)lo torin.s. 
 
 dern'& pitcairn, prop'rs. 
 
 Twelfth Street, bet. Eleventh and Twelfth Avenues, Altoona- 
 
 LIVE AND LET LIVE! 
 
 ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN MECHANICS I 
 
 PROTECT HOME INDUSTRY! 
 
 I. ^Y. TOOMEY^, 
 
 Merchant Tailor 
 
 Coi-ner 11th AA'enue and ITth Street, 
 
 Ovor Spranklf.'.s F>ee Hive store, Altoona, 
 
 Kabiics for Clotliing of the latest manufacture— Ces't Slaterials— Most apjirovetr 
 figures and Styles to select from— Best Workmanship— Perfect Fit. 
 
 LOWEST PRICE'S. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIJl COUNTY. 61 
 
 iiOTEi, A(■co^r^Rll>ATlo^■s. 
 
 Tlic luitcl iK-coiiunoilatioii.-; l)otli of AltiK.iiia mid Crcsson, us siini- 
 iiUT re>:ovt>;, arc not only soHii/ioiitlv aiuple, but of a cliaraotcr to 
 ]il('a.*(^ the most fastidious. Tho Lo.ffaii }Ioiis(* has hjii"; ciijovod, and 
 richly (h'scrvrs tlio r(')nitatioii it lias arquired of lioiiii;- one of tlic most 
 completely ai)])ointcd holds in the eountvv, and since its erection liv 
 the rennsylvania Kailroad companv ( is.'i.i) has served as a niod(d 
 for similar institutions. The system of eleif'tric h(dls has recently 
 liiien introduced. The linildini;- itself, surrounded by broad piazzas, 
 its ele,i;'aut fnrnishinj;-, its table and entire manau-cmi'ut, leave nethinir 
 to 1)0 desired, while the elevated site and cliarmini;- suvroundinu's 
 combine to render it one of the most deliuditful health and i>leasurp 
 resorts in the country. The laru-c and beautifully shaded lawn affords 
 a fine field for crixpiet ami other out-door .sport, while within ten- 
 pin alleys, billiard tables, etc., jirovide amjile facilities for recreation. 
 In addition to thi^ l^o^-an House, Altoona can boast of other hotels 
 which woidd ]irovc creditable to cities of much larg-er ii'rowth. 
 
 Tlie ^lountain House, which is the onlv hottd at t'ress(Ui, is a 
 very extensive frame buildinii-. and stands on the crest of a hill in 
 the mid.st of a deli,i;-htfiil grove. The p-rounds are expansive and are 
 handsomely laid out. and scattered thronuh them are a number of 
 cottages designed expressly for the accommodation of families. The 
 liill on which the house stands is always fanned by a delicious breeze. 
 Several springs of medicinal waters flow frOm the mountain in the 
 vicinity, and pleasant drives lead away through the almost unbroken 
 forests. The Mountain House affords accomniodati(nis for five hun- 
 dred guests. Both the Mountain House at Cresson and the Logan 
 House in Altoona are under the general management of the Key- 
 stone Hotel company", and under the special direction of that truly 
 efficient and polite caterer, 'Mv. ^Y. J). Tyler. 
 
 SITE OF THE CITY SELECTED. 
 
 We have already adverted to the fact that, in 1.^4!), Altoona was 
 conceived by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The site of the city in that 
 year was selected by the officers of that public highway as the most 
 available place for the location of their principal workshops. At that 
 time this portion of the country was a forest, broken only here and 
 there bv small tracts cleared for farming purposes. The hills and 
 dales, now corered with the most striking evidences of material 
 prosperity and progress, were at that time owned by William Loudon, 
 David Robison and Andrew Green, each of whom had a farm. 
 
^2 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 WHERE THE SHOI'ti WERE LrtftATED. 
 
 It was (k'cided by the offieor.-; of tlif I't'iiii.sylvania Kaili'oad that 
 tlio fc;h(i)is should be located on the farm of Mr. Roliisoii, tlie eeiitre 
 one of the three, and arrang-ements were made with Mr. Archibald 
 TVrifrht, of I'hiladelpliia, to secure it. In cdnuection with the pur- 
 <'hase of the farm the followin,!; story is told: Mr. Wright sent Mr. 
 t'adwalader to make the piirohase. At that time Mr. Roljison linil 
 in an old loir honsi', near wher<' the Ijop-an Ifoiise now stands. On 
 his arrival he found Mr. K. en,L''nLred in butcherinir hoy-s, and at ouce 
 made known his errand, as it had lieen provicbusly ascertained that he 
 \\-oul(l sell for S(;,000. Fortunately for Mr. K., but nnfortunately for 
 Mr. C-, the latter dropped a letter from his ])oeket, which was picked 
 up and read by Mrs. Kobison. This letter aiithorized !Mr. C. to jiay 
 $10,000 for the farm rather than fail in the purchase. Like any other 
 ,!j:ood wife she immediately communicated this information to her 
 liusband, and the result was that Mr. C. had to ^ield to the demand 
 •of §10,000 instead of ?r,,000. 
 
 Mr. ^Vrig-ht located the orig-inal i)lot of Altoona upon tlie farm 
 yiurehasod from Mr. Kobison, iiiving to the I'ennsvlvania Railroad 
 company some fifteen acres upon which to erect shops, offices and 
 other buildings. At the time the plot was made a difficulty sprung- 
 up between ]Mr. TV. and the farmers on cither side, which resulted in 
 disarrangement of the streets as they passerl from one farm to the 
 •other; hence the unsightly and annoying offsets east of Eleventh 
 street and west of Sixteenth street. As soon as it was known that tlie 
 Pennsylvania Railroad company intended locating their shops at this 
 Itoint, !Messrs. Green and Loudon commenced to lay out and sell lots. 
 
 NAMES OF LOCALITTES. 
 
 The plot laid out on the Robison farm was known as Altoona, 
 while that [lortion lying east of Eleventh street \vas known as Greens- 
 burg, and that west of Sixteenth street was called Loudonsville. 
 Subse(|uently another addition was made at the ea.stcrn end of Greens- 
 burg, on the western side of the railroad, beginning near or at Seventh 
 istreet. This part, on which are the lower Pennsylvania Railroad 
 shops, was laid out by George R. Mowry, then a civil engineer of 
 the company, and E. B. McPike, and called Logantown. These dis- 
 tinctive names were retained until 18G8, when a city charter was 
 obtained, and these farms,' together with land lying far beyond them, 
 were Ijrought within the city limits, when ward names were substi- 
 tuted, and the •old names dropped out of use. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOSA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 63 
 
 WHEN THE AVORlv WAS C0MM}!:NCKI1. 
 
 In the sunniKT of ls50 th(^ railroad coiiiiiany coiiuiu'iicccl the eroo- 
 tion of shops. At that time the cars of the eoniiiany passed (iver the 
 iiioiuuaiii on the old Portajre railroad, the mountain division, from 
 this place to Concniaugh, not lieinjr completed. One ]iassen<;-er train 
 a day, hauling- a ))fli,riraot' car and two jiassenfcr coaches, carried all 
 the i>e(iple traveling- east and west by way of the Jnniata valley. At) 
 that time the road-bed was on Xinth avenue, and the ])assenfrer sta-// 
 tion was located near where the locomotive paint shop now stands! • 
 
 I.N'STAN'Of: OF lNCKE,-\SEO V.ALl E ^n^ RKAL KSPATK. 
 
 Ill the sprini.'- of 1850 the lot upon which the Brant House now 
 stands was offered for $25(1, and refn.scd. Ten vears after it was 
 sold for $7,500. This will convey an idea of the rapid advance in the 
 price of i)roi)erty when it was ascertained that Altoona was to be 
 made the head-(piarters of llie Pennsvlvania Bailroad compan}'. 
 
 B.\XKIXfi HOirSE.S. 
 
 The first banking house Avas ojM'ned about the year 1853, by 
 Mcssr.-r. Bell, Johnston, Jack k Co., of Hollidaysburg, Wm. M. 
 Lloyd being- one of the firm. About the year 1857 or 1858, Messrs. 
 Bell, Johnston and Jaek retired, and the name of the firm was changed 
 to that of Wm. M. Lloyd it Co. Jlr. IJoyd <-ontinued to do a large 
 banking business until overtaken by the panic of 1873, and he sii))- 
 sequently ceased Ijusin-ess. Between tho.se periods the First I^ational, 
 Mechanics' Savings -and the Altoona banks were established, and 
 have braved all disasters, surmounted all obstacles, and are now doing 
 a fair business, and regarded as solvent as any in the country. 
 
 CIIURCHEJ^ 
 
 In 1852 and 1853 the first churches were erected in Altoona. 
 Previous to that time the only iilace of worship was the old Union 
 s<;liool-house, whicli, for a long time, was used liy a colored familj" as 
 a place of residence and the African M. K. congregation as a place of 
 worship. It was recently torn down, and a neat fram(! superstructure 
 erected on the .site, near the corner of Eleventh avenue, and Sixteenth 
 street, for worship by the African I\I. E. congregation. [See Churches 
 on sujjsequent pages.] 
 
 WATER SUPPLY. 
 
 The .stream of water first introduced by the Pennsylvania Railroad 
 company, and from which the public was for a fime supplied by the gas 
 
f.4 
 
 HISTORY OF AI,TOONA AND BLAIR COI'NTV. 
 
 rr\ m'J rn.i 
 
 V 
 
 H 
 
 V^ -L 
 
 DAILY AND \VEEKLY. 
 
 Thr DAILY SUN is a l:ii!;i>. npatlv iiiimi'<l. livfly Deuiocintif m-w.-iiaiier. issm.d 
 
 I'VL'iv iift.-nioon. (except •smuliiy) :inil sri'v.l by ^iii'ii.-i? in the city at 40 
 
 Cents per Month- By Mail, S5.00 per Year, <»■ nn icm:- per moiitli. 
 
 I'he Mill (■(>niaiii> liK- i"r;^uiai- Ass<t(-iatt.'<i Prf-~ IV'Ie^^rapliic 
 
 I>e>patL-lie:^ up to tiiul- f('L-lnck \i. in. and i- t!ie 
 
 LARGEST, CHEAPEST and BEST 
 
 Daily Ni.".\>i);ii)er 111 C<'iiti-al Poini:;> i\ aiiiii. 
 
 THE ^A^EEKLY SUN 
 
 IS ISSUKI) EVERY FKIDAY. TEKMS: $l..-,0 PEIt ANXIIJI. 
 
 THE JOB PRINTING DEPART^IENT 
 
 Of till.' Sua office i,-; tlioronglily equippc<l, and all oixlers for printinir. ruliii-^ and 
 ljini.lin2r. will lie i)ronii)tly tillfd. ,V\ldrt.vr?, 
 
 THE SUN, ALTOONA, Pa. 
 
 X. C. Barclay, Business .Mana<;lr. 
 
 M. J. SMITH. 
 
 (OF XEW YOnK.) 
 
 Practical 
 horseshoeR, 
 
 Hoi>( 'S slioil of flat feet. .<pllt lionf, quarter ci-ack, oyerreacbing aii<1 iuterferinff. 
 
 Every otlier kind of work, including Iron Work for Wagons, Carriages, 
 
 taruiin^' Inii^lenients, Jlaeliinery, etc., at tlie Lowest Prices. 
 
 ALL WORK WARRANTED. 
 
 Eleventh Street, between Tenth and Eleventh 
 Avenues, Altoona, Pa. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 06 
 
 and water company, wa-; found in-uffieicnt, the incri'iisc of riiilroad 
 shops requiring, at least in the sumnu'i-, all tlu' water of the stream. 
 The city council was urged to supply the tjjwn from some otiier 
 quarter, and finally selected Kittanniug and Burtcooii runs, about four 
 miles west of the city. A twenty-inch pijie brings the water from a 
 dam at Kittanniug Toint to a reservoir located on Prospect Hill, 
 which has a capacity of 3,275,000 gallons. This improvement cost 
 over §200,000. Besides the amount expended for water, §150,000 
 were expended for putting in sewers and JlacadamiziuL;' the luuucipal 
 J5trcets. f^lighth and Eleventh avenues, the princi|)al ones on ea(di 
 -side of the railroad, with the streets adjacent, have been proixu'ly 
 sewered and Macadamized. [More on this subject hereafter.] 
 
 CENTEXXIAL CELEBRATION. 
 
 Among the notable events in the histoiy of Altoona was the cele-- 
 bration of the centennial year. In a communication, written by our 
 venerable and highly-esteemed townsman, H. Fettingcr, sr., and pub- 
 lished in the Evening Mirror, December 27, 1875, attention was 
 •called to the propriety and importance of a pul:)lic demonstration on 
 the occasion of the out-going of the last year of the fir.st centurv of 
 cur national independence. The suirgestion was responded to, and 
 in a few days, such was the activity displayed by our leading citizens, 
 preparations were made for the grandest demonstration that had ever 
 been witnessed in our Mountain City. We append a truthful and 
 jjraphic narrative of the proceedings as they appeared in the Evenino 
 Mirror of January 1, 1870. The report was made by George .1. 
 Akers, one of the editors of that paper. We quote : 
 
 " The largest and grandest demonstration ever witnessed in this 
 ■city took place last night, the occasion being the inauguration of the 
 •centennial year. The outpouring of the people was immense, and 
 not an accident occurred to mar the enjoyment of the people. At an 
 •earlv hour the streets were thronged with an immense multitude, and 
 presented a brilliant and lively spectacle. 
 
 ".The doors of the Opera House were thrown open at eight o'clock, 
 and in less than twenty minutes it was impossible to obtain standing 
 room, and hundreds of persons were compelled to forego the pleasure 
 of attending the exercises there. At ten minutes before nine o'clock 
 the Citv Band marched to the Opera House, playing the old familiar 
 air, 'Yankee Doodle,' shortly after which the curtain slowly rose. 
 Arranged in appropriate order were thirteen little girls representing 
 the thirteen original States of the Union, as follows: 
 
(Jfi HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIE COUNTi'. 
 
 MasHUuliUiicHs— .Miss Jliirv I'litton. Duluwure— Miss Hottii Siuith. 
 
 New IliiiiipslliU' — >li>~ Jessio Miirni\ . Mai vlaiul— Miss Kiiiiiiu U'li'iiwuldcr. 
 
 RliDclelsliiinl— Miss Tillic Sniitli. Virginiu— Miss .lomiif h-owel. 
 
 Connecticut— Miss Ninillc Uowinuii. Nortli Carolina— Miss Annie Iviri- 
 
 N.w .Tevscy— Miss MutcKie Cooiiov. Sontli Carolina— Miss Jennie hinltli. 
 
 New Yorii— Miss Iviite K. Kettinger. Ceorjiia— Miss Clam Walil. 
 I'eniisylvaniii— Miss Ellen Sinister. 
 
 "The little ir-jrls were dressed in wliite, \«-i(,L blu«- sasFle.-, bearing- 
 the naiMe.- of tlie States represented Uv them. In tlie ceiiti'e of the 
 stau-e stciod a heantifiil evevfrreen ]iiiie ti'ee, |-eyi-(\sentin,ir the " Tl^cc of 
 Ijiheftv," decorated with thirty-seven small diiirs, reiireseiitinu- till the 
 States now in the l^nion. 'I'lie whole iirran.!^|'nient of llie sta.uc was 
 under the dii-eet stipervision of H. Fettiiiirer, sr. The overture on 
 the fi-rand iiiaiiu, liv ]'rofes>or U. S. Lntz, was |ierformcd at about 
 nine o'clock, but it Wiis soiiK'time afterwards tliat th<' Altoona (;ity 
 Band took their ]i(isition on the sta;ie. imnu^diately in the rear of (lie 
 'little girls,' and when the curtain rose ii second time tli<' band placed 
 'Hail Columbia.' The rising of the cnrtiiin was the signal for ii 
 ti-emendons burst of apphuise. After a slight liiiiise the andieiice again 
 'brought down the house' in appreciation of their delight at the beauty 
 of the tiibleau. When the cn-.tain was again niised, the (ilee Club, eotii- 
 ]i<ised of the following ladier- and gentlemen, appeared and sung in 
 elegant style, 'My Country "I'is of Thee." Sfi|irano, Miss Ijizzie Sny- 
 der and Miss Libbie Hindman: alt(j, Miss Carrie Bowman and Miss 
 Maggie Hindnian; tenor, Wm. ^[ills and T.IW. Wiley; bass, E. M. 
 Warren and E. J. \Veston ; )iianist. Prof l'-,S Lutz. 
 
 "His Honor Ma\dr (Jilland, then ap|ieared and said: ' W<' luiv«,' 
 asseuililed^here to-ni,<rht to celebrate the inauguration of the centen- 
 nial year of our indejiendence as a nation, to honor the memories of 
 those who laid down their live.- for thi' blessings of freedom which 
 we, as ii iK'ople, now enjov. Thev freelv poured out their blood to 
 cement the Union, and we are li<'re to-ni,<rht to do them and theii- 
 memories the honor which their deeils so justly merit. Tiiere are 
 those here who w ill address you. With tiK'.se few brief i-einarks I 
 wish voii one and all a Happv X<'w "\'ear.' 
 
 "The (!lee ("lull then sang the 'l{ed. WSiile and Blue,' in <'.\cel- 
 lent style, after which H. Orr Alexander liroposed thi'ee cheers for the 
 'Red, White and Blu<'.' They were .iriven with ii will. Kev. C. '!'. 
 Steek then read 'John Adams on the Heclararion,' a most a|i|iroi)riate 
 selection, and most excelli'ntly rendered. Robert A. Clarke, in a 
 cli'ar and disliiict voice, then read the Declanitioii of Iiide]iendence. 
 The Glee ('bib again sang the ' Red, Whitesind Blue,' the audience 
 joining in the ciiorus. A ])oem relating to the ringing of the menxii-- 
 uble Libert^" Bell on tlie announcement of the jiassage of the Deelarn- 
 
UISTOKY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. ()7 
 
 tion of Indeiiendence was read liy Rev. C. T. Stock. The band then 
 rendered the 'Star Spangled Banner' and the 'Red, White and Blue,' 
 after which Wni. Lee Woodcock addressed the audience on matters 
 relating to tlie pa.st and present of our glorious country. The ' Rock 
 of Liberty' was next sung by the Glee Club. At the conclusion of 
 the singing the band struck up 'Yankee DOodle,' and the audience 
 joined with hands and feet. Rev. Steck then read the stirring and 
 appropriate poem 'E I'luribus Unum.' Rev. H. Baker then ai)peared 
 on the stage and made a brief, ter.se and eloquent speech. D. B. Wil- 
 liams was the next speaker ; he acquitted himself ereditalily. The 
 'little girls' were again arranged along the front of the stage; the 
 Glee Club took a position immediateh- behind them; then followed 
 the singing of the 'Star Spangled Banner.' P. S. Ake recited the 
 following original apostrophe to the American eagle : ' The American 
 eagle is the largest bird in the \\'orld — with hLs right foot perched on 
 the Rocky Mountains, his left on the Alleghenies; with one wing 
 spread (jver the Pacific, the other over the Atlantic ; with one eye 
 fixed on Mexico, the other on Cuba; his tail .■spread over Canada, and 
 picking for all South America; is destined to carry the Stars and 
 Stripes to all the nations of the earth, and freedom to all the inhab- 
 itants thereof; he can spread his wings wider and soar higher than 
 any other bird that .soars in the heavens. When the eagle squeals the 
 lion tremljles and snakes seek their hiding places.' This concluded 
 the in-door exercises. The band struck up 'Hail Columbia,' amid the 
 shouts and yells of the vast multitude. 
 
 "After the exercises in the Opera House had concluded, the dense 
 crowd therein assembled poured out into the streets and swelled the 
 immense throngs there congregated. Erery door step, balcony, door 
 and window along Eleventh avenue was occupied by persons anxious 
 to obtain a better view of the proceedings on the streets. The interval 
 from eleven until t\velv<' o'clock was consumed ia illuminating the 
 houses, ])reparing for the |)arade and general jollification. 
 
 "About twelve o'clock' St. John's Literary Society, numbering 
 eightv men, attired in regalia, with torches and national colors, marched 
 down th(^ ea.st side of Eleventh avenue and halted in front of Marsh's 
 tailoring establishment. The Empire Hook and Ladder company, 
 fully equipped and carrying axes and torches, simultaneously marched 
 down the western side of the avenue, halted opposite Stehle's hotel,' 
 and op(!ned order to allow the Good Will Engine company to pa.ss 
 through. In the moantiuK^ St. John's .Society ^marched down to 
 Eleventh street, across to the west side of Eleventh avenue, and 
 
08 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND DLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 ESTABLISHED 1874. 
 
 The PEOPLE'S Paper. 
 
 FEARLESS! INDEPENDENT! . FREE! 
 
 THE CALL. 
 
 IDAILY. WHJEKLY. SUNDAY. 
 
 THE LEADING PAPEE IN "ALTOONA. 
 
 ^UCSCUU'TIOX. Diiilv, $t.HO; Wetkly, $1.50; Smiilriy. «2.0i) ivpv year. Specimen 
 conies free Keud tireni ! Suhi(crll>e for thorn ; Advertise In them ! Advertis- 
 ing rates reiisonable. «S-The Sunday Call has the largettclrculatlon 
 of anv paper In Altoona. 
 
 JOB PRINTING R ^mmn-T^^n^oi^i^^^^H^J^^ 
 
 In Blair County. rUlCES LO\V. 
 
 E. B. HAINES, Proprietor, 
 
 CALL STEAM PRINTING HOUSE, flLTOONS, PS. 
 
 S. M. GRIFFITH, 
 
 House \ Sign Psinter. 
 
 GRAINING, PAPER HANGING AND KALSOMINING. 
 All Woi-k Guaranteed in Material and Execution. 
 
 Employing a large number of flrst-chiss mechanics, he Is prepared to All all order 
 with promptness and dispatch. 
 
 GR]1INING and sign writing H SPECmLTY. 
 
 Shop: Corner 1 1th Avenue and 1 1th Street, 
 
 (IS DA8EMENT.) ' -' 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIJl COUNTY. 69 
 
 halted. . The Latta Guard^ headed by their drum corps, ne.xt marched 
 up Eleventh avenue to Eleventh street and halted at the Opera House., 
 The Excelsior Hose company appeared at this juncture and took a 
 position on the avenue, soon after which the AltSona Engine company 
 (P. R. R.) marched up Twelfth street to Twelfth avenue, down Twelfth 
 avenue to Eleventh street, along Eleventh street to Eleventh avenue, 
 and halted; they were attired in full equipments, bearing axes and 
 torches and headed by their drum corps. .45ids Hamlin and Alexan- 
 der having arrived on prancing steeds some time before, busied them- 
 selves in forming the line, in which labors they ^vere sub.sequently 
 assisted by Messrs. Cornman, Fries, Hurd, Meyers and Crozier, as.sist- 
 ant aids. During the formation of the line the immen.se throng of 
 people maintained an uninterrupted cheering from one end of the a vonn(* 
 to the other. Fire- works were set off in profusion, fire-arms di-scharged, 
 and the general enthusiasm was deafening. 
 
 "Precisely at twelve o'clock, midnight, the Tigilant bell gave the 
 signal, and from every church steeple, from the school houses, shops 
 and engine houses the glad tidings of great joy i-sent forth and rever- 
 berated through the atmosphere unto all the inhabitants of our Moun- 
 tain Cit}-, reminding us that the grandest new year of the closing 
 century was being born. Simultaneous with the ringing of the bells, 
 the locomotives in the yards of the Penn.sylrania Railroad company 
 sounded their shrill whistles ; the bon-fires on the hills were lighted ; 
 the cannons on Reservoir and Gospel hills thundered ; various colored 
 lights appeared in various parts of the city -, windows were brilliantly 
 illuminated, and the whole city was aglow with many colored lights. 
 Such a scene was ne^-er before seen or heard in the city of Altoona. 
 At precisely fifteen minutes past twelve o'clock. Chief Marshal Stewart 
 ■dashed up Twelfth street on his 'white charger,' and assumed command 
 of the procession. In a moment the command was given, and the 
 procession of over a thousand men were in motion. The uniforms, 
 regalias, axes and horns of those composing the parade, .sparkled amid 
 the glare of the torches. The music served to render the .scene more 
 inii)re.ssive. The following was the order of the procession: (1) The 
 Chief Marshal, plumed, and wearing a jeweled sash, on a spirited white 
 ■charger, accompanied bj" his aids; (2) Latta Guards, in full uniform; 
 (3) Altoona City Cornet Band; (4) Good Will Steam Fire Engine 
 compan}^; (5) Empire Hook and Ladder company; (6) Mountain 
 ■City Cornet Band; (7) Vigilant Steam Fire Engine company; (8) 
 Excelsior Hose company; (9) Altoona Steam Fire Engine company > 
 
 6 . 
 
'70 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 (10) St. John's Literary and Benevolent Society; (11) Keystone 
 Cornet Band ; (12) Cavalcade of citizen.*. 
 
 Citizens vied with each other in decorating their respective resi- 
 dences and places of business with bunting, flags, ensigns, arches, etc., 
 in order to adorn the triumph of ouv arms, to perpetuate a remem- 
 brance of our national independence, as -well as to exhibit an apprecia- 
 tion of the superior blessings we enjoy in the "land of the free and the 
 home of the brave." 
 
 THE CENTENNIAL FOUBTlI. 
 
 On the following Fourth of July every house and every street was^ 
 decorated with flags, etc. The procession, composed of military, patri- 
 otic personations, the fire department, benevolent and civic societies, 
 the employes of our great work-shop.s, our tradesmen and arti.saos at 
 work, each at his particular vocation, mounted on wagons drawn by 
 richly caparisoned horses, and citizens in carriages and on foot, was 
 one that was scarceh' surpassed anywhere. Even the farmer with his 
 hay wagon was represented. The procession, after moving through 
 the principal .-streets and avenues, halted at a stand erected in a 
 field belonging to the Pcnns\ivania Railroad company, in the eastern 
 part of the city, whore the immense concourse of people were suitably 
 and patriotically addressed by Judge John P. Blair, of Indiana county. 
 A violent storm at three o'clock p. m., put an end to the gorgeous 
 spectacle. 
 
 THE RAILROAD RIOTS. 
 
 The next interesting event — mournfully interesting, we are justified 
 in saj'ing, and in striking contrast with the recital immediately pre- 
 ceding — was th<' railroad strike, which originated with the disaffected 
 employes of the Baltimore & Ohio Bailroad, and extended to th(^ 
 principal railroads of the <'ountry. Without e.xliausting time or occu- 
 pying .-^pace in explaining the circumstances which led to th<' ince])tion 
 of the strike, presuming that this subject is familiar to our readers, we 
 will remark that on July 17, 181", seventy-five or eighty engines had 
 been congregated at !Martinsburg, W. Va., a station of the Baltimore 
 & Ohio railroad, none of which were allowed to depart. Col. Faulk- 
 ner, with seventy-five men of the light infantry guards, arrived at that 
 point with loaded muskets and took charge of one of the westward- 
 bound freight trains which had been detained hy the strikers there. 
 He was confronted by the strikers, who had armed themselves with 
 all kinds of weapons. On the day mentioned no trains left Baltimore. 
 
HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 11 
 
 The Governor ordered out the Matthews' guards, of Wheeling, to 
 assist in quelling the riot which had broken out at that point. The 
 riot having quickly assumed gigantic proportions, on account of pre- 
 concert of action on the part of the strikers, on the very ne.xt day 
 (July 18), Governor Matthews called upon the President for United 
 States troops, which were promptly furnished. On July 1 9 the strike 
 became general, extending from Martinsburg to Chicago — riotous pro- 
 ceedings being enacted at Parkerisburg, W. Ta.; Benwood, Columbus 
 and Xewark, Ohio ; Chicago, etc. The temporary success of the Balti- 
 more & Ohio brakemen and firemen there — who were the parties who 
 inaugurated the disturbances — encouraged those who occupied relative 
 positions in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad companj', and 
 out of these initiatory proceedings grew our own troubles. With this 
 preamble, we turn our attention to 
 
 WHAT TRANSPIRED IN AXTOONA. 
 
 On July 19, 1877, our city was thrown into a furore of excitement 
 !)}■ the announcement that the freight conductors and brakemen on the 
 Pennsylvania railroad had struck at Pittsburg— that they not only 
 refused to go out with their trains when the latter were ready, but 
 that thc}^ would not let the trains go out. When the strike was 
 inaugurated in the morning, none but freight conductors and brake- 
 men were concerned in it, but at night the freight engineers and fire- 
 men joined them. The strikers were in good spirits, and confident 
 that all their demands would be acceded to — that the golden opportu- 
 nity had arrived to benefit their condition, and that they would take 
 advantage of it. A few days previous the following order had been 
 issued by Superintendent Pitcairn : 
 
 PENN8TI.VAKIA KaILKOAD OffICE Of 
 
 General Agent and Supeeintendekt Pittsburg Division 
 Pittsburg, .July 16, 1S77. 
 
 •! 
 
 notice to dispatchers. 
 On aurt after Thursday, -July 19. 1S77, two ti-alns are to be run on Union anU two- 
 trains on National line through between Pittsburg and Altoona, thirty-six Ciii-s to a 
 ti-ain a puslier from Conemaugli to Altoona. Xo passenger engines to be run on 
 freight. Balance of trains to divide at Derry, first in Hist out. Deny to be heiul_ 
 quarters eastward where engines will be turneil. Between Deri-y and Pittsburgh 
 all double-headers, thiity-slx cars to a train, or as many as they can haul, to be in- 
 creased or decreased, in the judgment of dispatchers, according to lading In cars. 
 
 Robert Pitcairn, Superintendent. 
 
 A sino-le freight train is a locomotive and eighteen cars. The crew 
 comprises an engineer, fireman, conductor and three brakemen. What 
 is called a "double-header" is a train of thirty-si.x cars, with an engine 
 at each end, Mr. Pitcairn's order did not provide for an increase in 
 the crew in proportion to the increase in the ' size of the ^rain. The 
 
12 
 
 HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 H 
 
 v_y 
 
 H V 
 
 H 
 
 j_ \-i 
 
 BEST GEfflM NEWSPAPER IH CEMAL PENf A. 
 
 650 Inches of Good Reading Matter Every "\^"eek. 
 GOOD ADVERTISING MEDIUM. 
 
 SUBSCRIPTION, $2.00 PER YEIR, 
 
 "WITH CHROMO AND FRAME 
 
 JOB PRINTING OF ALL KINDS IN ENGLISH AND GERMAN. 
 
 HAJRRT SLEP, Proprietor, 
 
 NO. 1122 EIjKVKNTH AVENUE, ALTOON.A., PA. 
 
 HENRY HEjSTOH. 
 
 KEYSTONE PAINT STORE 
 
 13th. Aveniie and 16tla Street, Altoona. 
 
 (OVPOSITE FARMERS' HOTEL.) 
 
 Pure ^Vhite Lead, Linseed Oil, 
 
 VARNISHES, CALCIMINE, WHITE GLUE, ETC. 
 
 A full line of Fine Colors ground in Oil, and a complete stock of Painters' and 
 
 Graiiiers' Brushes, Putty, Glass, Nails, etc. Also, BuUders' Hardware 
 
 generally. 
 
 READY MIXED PAINTS A SPECIALTY. 
 
 FROM ONE POUND UPWARD. 
 
 REMEMBER THE PLACE. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. '73 
 
 men thought that a reduction on the first of June previous of ten per 
 cent, and then an increase of one hundred i>er cent, in the labor 
 required of them was more than the}- could be^r. Previous to the 
 issuance of the order the custom had been to employ four men besides 
 the engineer and fireman in moving a single" train of eighteen cars. 
 If the above order had gone into effect an ordinary crew would have 
 had to take charge of a train twice the usual size. This would have 
 been equivalent to the discharge of every other man, and those retained 
 would have had to perform double work. It was the increase in the 
 amount of labor, the uncertainty as to who would be discharged and 
 who retained, combined with the dissatisfaction created by the June 
 reduction in pay that caused the strike. From the Evening Mieror 
 of this city, of July 20, we extract the following : 
 
 " The strike has not reached this city at this writing. Groups of 
 persons, engineers, firemen, brakemen, shop men and others have been 
 discussing the affair on the streets since morning. Last night but 
 three coal trains arrived from the west in this city, although seventeen 
 freight trains generally arrive during the night. Messrs. Robert Pit^ 
 cairn and Frank Thomson were in the city last night, and in company 
 with G. Clinton Gardner, left for Pittsburg at an early hour this 
 morning. James McCrea was in the cit}', also, but left for Harrisburg 
 on Philadelphia Expre.'^s last night,. Lieutenant-Governor John Latta 
 passed through the cit\^ last night to Harrisburg to be on hand in case 
 of disturbance, Governor Hartranft being in California. Several 
 freight engineers, firemen and crews refused to take their trains out 
 of the city last night and this morning-. Representatives from the 
 western division are in the city and are in consultation with train 
 hands, who say they are not inciting a strike, though the}' declare 
 they will not take a train on the road under the present difficulties. 
 Thomas A. Scott passed through to Pittsburg this forenoon. 
 
 military on their way to PITTSBURG. 
 
 " At an early period of the morning of July 21, three train loads of 
 soldiers, en route to Pittsburg, passed through this city. As they 
 entered the depot at this point the}- were received by a few of the 
 railroad employes there collected with expressions of disapproval. 
 They belonged -to the First Division of Philadelphia, and were com- 
 posed of the First, Second, Third and Sixth regiments, one thousand 
 five hundred men, under the command of Gen. R. M. Brinton. The 
 German Hussars and State Fencibles were with them. Dismounted 
 cavalry and artillery were noticeable also. At_ this point four large 
 
•74 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 boxes of cartridges were put on board. As the trains left the depot 
 here the coupling pins of the engines were pulled five different times. 
 One soldier was knocked down for an alleged insult. About two 
 hundred railroaders were gathered at the depot, and the opinions ex- 
 pressed were as varied as the characters of the men. A stone was 
 thrown just as the last train went out, which struck the side of the 
 last engine, and a link was thrown which struck a car. 
 
 STRIKE INAUGURATED. 
 
 "About 10:35 same morning (July 21), about fiftj- brakemen assem- 
 bled in the yard of the railroad company, stopped two trains ladeu 
 with stone, and refused to allow the other engines prepared to take 
 the trains on to go out of the gate at the round house. , They also 
 sent all the shifting engines in but one for passenger use. They 
 allowed all passenger trains to pass, but refused passage to freights. 
 
 "At 2:50 i>. m., as the Hollidaysburg train was hauling out of the 
 depot, with some freight trains attached, the strikers cut the 'train and 
 would not allow the engine to proceed until the freight cars were 
 placed on a siding. At 5:20 p. m., a train of eight cars, containing 
 about four hundred soldiers, under command of Col. H. Rodgers, 
 passed through the city, taking supper here. Engineer Philips came 
 out on engine No. 924, and at the request of the strikers stepped down, 
 and Jacob Russell, foreman of the round house, took the engine. 
 Engineer James Westfall refused to come down from engine No. 136. 
 One striker attempted to uncouple the engines from the train and was 
 pierced through the arm by a bayonet in the hands of a soldier. A 
 guard was thrown out around the engines, and when the trains started 
 several of the guard were pulled off l)y the strikers. One man was 
 pulled down and severely beaten, but they -all managed to get on. 
 After this the train was fired upon and stoned b.y the strikers around 
 the depot, but nevertheless succeeded in threading its way out of the 
 city en route for Pittsburg. 
 
 "The members of the striking bod}- disclaimed, with justice to 
 themselves, that the stone throwing, etc., was done by what is known 
 in the city as the 'gut gang,' and not by railroaders." 
 
 THE SHERIFF ISSUES A VERBAL PROCLAMATION. 
 
 In the afternoon, previous to this occurrence, Sheriff J. M. StifRer 
 issued a proclamation, verbally, in the depot, requesting the assenililed 
 multitude to disperse and quietlj' return to their homes; not to tres- 
 pass on any of the railroad company's property; preserve the peace; 
 
HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIE COUNTY. 75 
 
 leave all trains pass, and not molest or stop engineers or engines from 
 work, or to molest, in anj' manner, men in the employ of the Penn- 
 sj'lvania Railroad company. 
 
 On the same day Mayor Gilland issued the following 
 
 PROCLAMATION : 
 
 To THE CiTizExs OF ALTOONA :— As the Chief Magistrate of this city. I believe It 
 to be my duty, under the present circumstances, to caution the citizens and others 
 against any unlawful assemblies that may form under the present difficulties. I 
 trust that all will endeavor to prevent any disturbance that would be detrimental 
 to the interests of our city, or to the property of any one while the present excite- 
 ment lasts. It Is required of all good citizens to be vigilant, and lend their personal 
 influence in assisting the city authorities in carrying oiit that which seems to them 
 best for the safety of lives and property. I also request all landlords to close their 
 bars until the present excitement subsides. This request I expect to be complied 
 with, and If not, tliose who disregard it will be held responsible under the law. Be- 
 lieving that our citizens are law-abiding and that we liave no occasion to chronicle 
 riotous conduct on the part of any one, but that all may be peace and quietness, I 
 remain, very truly, D. A. GillaNd, Mayor. 
 
 [The above had the desired effect.] 
 
 MEETING AT THE BRANT HOUSE. 
 
 At 7 o'clock, p. m., a large number of citizens assembled at the 
 Brant House. Col. David Jones introduced, as the first speaker, 
 James F. Milliken, who had been colonel of the Fifth regiment, IK. G. 
 P., and at that time ^vas district attorney of Blair count3^ Mr. Mil- 
 liken said : 
 
 "Gentlemen and Fellow-Citizens: — It has ahvays been to me a 
 great pleasure to speak to and for the workingmen, and to defend the 
 oppressed and down-trodden. A strike has been inaugurated by you 
 against the Pennsylvania Railroad companj'. Let me ask for what 
 purpose 3'ou strike ? Is it to injure the railroad company ? [Cries of 
 'Xo!' 'Xo!'] Xo ! You strike because of your necessities; be- 
 cause your ^vives and children cry to you for bread — -for that which 
 j'ou are unable to give. Is this state of affairs attributable to your 
 indisposition to work ? This needs do answer. It is attributable to 
 the inadequency of the pay. Every man not controlled b}' the Penn- 
 sylvania railroad is with you heart and soul. So long as j'ou are or- 
 derl3% interfering in no man's private business, you will have the sup- 
 port of Blair county and Pennsj'lvania. I was once colonel of the 
 Fifth regiment, and, in the past, have encountered a good deal of bad 
 luck, I think I strike a good streak just now. And, just here, I 
 wish to add one thing. Not one man in the regiment can be com- 
 pelled to turn out. If any one turns out voluntarily, you can mark 
 him as one who wants to turn out against 3'ou. There is nothing in 
 the militia law of this Commonwealth which can be construed as 
 
76 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY; 
 
 J. 8. BOOTJI. M. H. MACKEY. 
 
 EXCELSIOR 
 
 Planing Mill. 
 
 BOOTH & MACKEY, 
 
 CHRPENTERSiBuiLDERS 
 
 mam:tactureks of A^D dealers in all ki^ds of 
 
 Rough and Dressed Lumber, 
 
 Flooring, Weatherboarding, Sash, Window Ftames, Doors, Shutters, 
 
 Blinds, Mouldings, &c. Scroll Sawing, Turning and Shaping 
 
 in all its branches. 
 
 — WE MAKt A SI-ECIALTT OF - 
 
 PORCHES, BM WINDOWS, STORE FRONTS, 
 
 AND STAIR BUILDING. 
 
 AU jobbing promptly attended to anU neatly done. Having a first-cUiss Planing 
 mill, and getting all our material froni first hands, ^ve are prepared to con- 
 tract for and put up houses as cheap and as quick us cau be done by 
 any other builders. All ^\ork done under the suiiervision of 
 conipelent foreuien. Plans of bnildings'furnished and 
 estimates made on short notice. 
 
 Mill and Office : 9th A\^eniie, between lltli and 
 12th Streets^ Altoona, Pa. 
 
 4®*For the convenience of those who are employed during the day, the office 
 will be open in the evening, from 7 : 30 to 9 o'clock, where you will find Mr. Mackey 
 in waiting. Or you can call on Mr. Booth, at his residence, eth A venue,between 9th 
 and lOtli Streets. Being practical carpenters themselves, all information relative to. 
 their bnsiness will be carefully as well us cheerfully given. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIRi COUNTY. 'l^ 
 
 compulsory. In conclusion I would enforce the axiom : 'United we 
 stand, divided we fall.' This is your time. If the shop men turn 
 out now, the Pennsylvania railroad cannot refuse to. accede to the de- 
 mands of the workmen. You know your rights. Stick to them, and 
 you will get what you want, and what you are entitled to — a fair 
 day's wages for a fair day's work. I am with you heart and soul. 
 If you want a friend you will find one in Jim Milliken ! Good night." 
 
 Colonel Jones followed Mr. !Milliken in a speech which substanti- 
 ally covered the same ground, rendering its publication or even an 
 abstract unnecessary. 
 
 He was followed in turn by Frank P. Tierney, whose appear- 
 ance was greeted with cheers, and who was heard with respectful at- 
 tention. He said : " My countrymen ! You have refused to remain 
 longer in the employment of the Pennsylvania Railroad company at 
 the wages you have been receiving. It is, undoubtedly, your right 
 to demand from j'our employers such wages as would justify you in 
 remaining in its employ. Should the company decline to accede to 
 your demand, you are justified in continuing out of its service as arti- 
 sans or workmen. This is a right which, under the law, you can ex- 
 ercise ; but in doing so, you must exercise that right with a jealous 
 regard to the rights of others. You must cast your eyes upon the 
 written and well-recognized law which governs us all in the enjoyr 
 ment of our rights, and by it be governed. Therefore, gentlemen, 
 you had better reflect well what you are doing before taking any rash 
 step, for you must never forget that those who disregard the law 
 must, in the end, come to grief. If you desire, therefore, to succeed 
 in obtaining your object, it will only be accomplished by legal and 
 proper means — bj'' ob.serving and respecting the rights of all under 
 the law. I therefore appeal to j'ou to use onl}' such means to obtain 
 the end you .seek. I also appeal to our citizens who are not in the 
 emploj' of the railroad company, to give to you a helping hand by 
 the use of legitimate means. And I further appeal to the railroad of- 
 ficials, if there be anj' present, to aid, as .soon as poissible, in securing 
 an increase of wages for the workmen. In the dark hours of the 
 panic these gentlemen stood faithfully by you, and, as times improve 
 they will see, as far as they can, that your patience will be rewarded. 
 Their interests are identical with yours. Gentlemen, I thank you 
 for this mark of your confidence and respect. I bid you good night," 
 
 In response to urgent and repeated calls, Thomas H. Greevy, 
 stepped on the improvised platform (store box) ' and addressed his 
 fellow-citizens. The following is a synopsis of his remarks: "In^ 
 
78 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 an assemlily likf tliis it is iiniiossible for iim; to say things to .suit 
 everybody. Tims, I am at a loss to know what to fcay. As a general 
 thing- I do not believe in strike.';. A strike is a means which should 
 only be used as a last resort. I am not sufEcientl}- familiar with j-our 
 demands to make a suitable .speech. But I am familiar with the pre- 
 carious condition of the workingmcn all over"thc country, who labor 
 for a mere pittance — scarcelj- sufficient to keep themselves and families 
 from starving. I know that you, workingmen, have the sympathy of 
 all the people including those high in authority in this city. I sym- 
 pathize with you, but you must preserve the jwaee ; you must not vi- 
 olate the law, for in case you do the State will bring all its machinery 
 to )jear upon you. There is one other point to which I will direct 
 your attention. No strike has ever succeeded where violence was re- 
 sorted to. Violence was invariably met by violence, and ended in 
 the discomfiture of the strikers. Let me warn }-ou — the man who 
 advises you to break the peace, to destroy pulplic or private propert}', 
 is not your friend." 
 
 PATROLLING THE STREETS. 
 
 During the evening and night the Latta Guard patrolled the 
 streets for the protection of private property and the maintenance of 
 la\\' and order. The streets were thronged with an e.xcited crowd. 
 The latter portion of the night passed quietly, however, no freight 
 trains running east or west to demand the attention of the strikers. 
 
 SUNDAY THE CULMINATING POINT OF THE EXCITEMENT. 
 
 Next day, Sunday, Jul}- 22, was characterized by the shriek of 
 the fife, the rattle and roll of the drum, the marching of armed troops 
 through our heretofore quiet city, the rapid movements and cheering 
 of men, the scream of the locomotive whistle, all strangely intermingled 
 with the solemn tones of the church bells. 
 
 About 9 o'clock in the morning ten car loads of troops, aggregat- 
 ing about five hundred, composed of parts of the First, Second, 
 Third, Fifth, Sixth and Twelfth regiments, under the command of 
 General Beaver, arrived in this city, and immediately pulled up to the 
 upper end of the yard. Here breakfast was served to them, and their 
 engine was backed into the upper round house. The strikers then 
 closed the gates of the round house yard and ^refused to allow an en- 
 gine to go out to take the troops to Pittsburg. A detachment of 
 Company B, Twelfth regiment, of Williamsport, Robert M. Fore.s- 
 man, captain, under the command of Col. Stead, was detailed to take 
 an engine from the round house. They marched up to the round 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 79 
 
 t 
 
 house gate, where they were faced and surrounded by about a hun- 
 dred cool and determined strikers. They were compelled to halt 
 within six feet of the gate, and about a half dozen of the railroad 
 men stepped into the ranks and laid hold of muskets in the hands of 
 the soldiers who quietly and not unwillingly yielded their arms. 
 Fearing the utter demoralization of his command, Captain Foresman 
 faced the crowd and attempted to drive back the more venturesome 
 at the point of his sword, when a huge sfone was thrown which 
 struck him back of the right ear, prostrating him. The gash was one 
 inch and a half long and of con.siderable depth. Sergeant Osborne Gif- 
 ford received two cuts on the head from stones. For awhile the af- 
 fair looked serious. The strikers, on learning that more troops had 
 been detailed to procure an engine, and were marching towards the 
 round house, rushed into the yard and "spiked" engines Nos. 506, 
 123 and 206, by taking off driving rods, drawing the sand, water and 
 fire, letting the steam escape and soaping the boxes. The troops 
 started to march to the gates, but, concluding^ that it would be useless 
 to attempt to get an engine, and that even if they did, no engineer 
 could be found to take it out, marched back to their train. From 
 the train the entire body of troops, with the exception of a guard at 
 the train, marched to the Pennsylvania railroad depot and ^tacked 
 arms. The soldiers and strikers then commingled in friendly inter- 
 course. 
 
 Though not allowed to go west, the soldiers were permitted to re- 
 turn to their homes in the east if they chose. Companj- G, of Phil- 
 adelphia, and squads of other companies, took advantage of that and 
 left for home in the evening. 
 
 MEETING OF THE RAILROAD MEN. 
 
 On the morning of the following day (Monday', July 23,) a meet- 
 ing of the railroad men was held, and it was unanimously agreed to 
 protect both private and public property- at all hazards. 
 
 A committee of workingmen also waited on G. W. Strattan in the 
 morning and requested him to close the upper shops, which he did. 
 The lower shops were also closed. 
 
 citizens' meeting. 
 
 ' In the morning also, by the advice of prominent citizens, placards, 
 signed by Mayor Gilland, were posted in every conspicuous place in 
 the citj', calling a meeting of all the citizens at the Opera House to 
 be held at 3 o'clock p. m. Before the appointed hour arrived the 
 house was crowded. The Maj-or opened the meeting by announcing 
 
80 mSTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 WILLIAM W. YON, 
 
 DEALER IX 
 
 Groceries:and:Provisions, 
 
 FLOTXR, FEED, ETC. 
 
 WOOD, WILLOW, GLSSS, CHINAmOUEENSWilRE. 
 
 SEGARS AND TOBACCO. 
 
 Country Produce Bought and Sold. 
 
 17th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 J. A. C AN AN & CO., 
 
 Margaret Avenue and 19th Street, Altoona, 
 
 HAVE THE LARGEST STOCK OF 
 
 TERRA GOTTA 
 
 DRAIN PIPE, 
 
 FIRE CLAY FLUES, CHIMNEY TOPS, LAWN VASES, PEDESTALS, Etc., 
 
 Everoffered in Altoona, winch they .110 now selling at gieatlj-. reduced prices. Hav- 
 ing tlicir own Lime Kilns located in tlie city, they are always prepared to 
 furnish their cnstouiers -n-ith fresh lime. They have also on hand, 
 Cleveland Lime. White Sand, Duneansville and Hill Sand, Cal- 
 cined Plaster, Cements, Plastering Hair, Shingles, etc. 
 Agents for Granite Roofi>'g. 
 
 -Also— Flour, Feed, Hay, Sti'aw, poal. Wood,, Salt. 
 
 TELEPHONE CONNECTJONS. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIE COUNTY. 81 
 
 his purpose in calling it. He said a great burden had been laid on 
 Lis shoulders, and that he wanted to do right b\' all, both the work- 
 iugmen and the company, and if he failed it would not be his fault. 
 He concluded: "I want you to act as men and good citizens, and 
 not as roughs and rioters. I have sworn in a numlier of policemen 
 and I want you to stand by them. I called this meeting through a 
 pure motive and trust it will be so regarded." 
 
 D. K. Ramey was made President, and Samuel S. Goodman and 
 Hon. J. W. Curry, Vice Presidents. A. F. Kerr, G. S. Hamlin and 
 iS . C. Barclay were elected Secretaries. 
 
 The President made a few remarks, the sul^stance of which was 
 that the difiiculty would soon be settled ; that he had no hand in 
 liiringing it about and hoped the workingmen would get justice. 
 
 H. H. Herr stated that he understood that some railroad men had 
 an idea that this meeting had been called to oppose the strikers, but 
 it was not so. It was merely to organize so as to be able to meet 
 ■emergencies and protect property and prevent bloodshed. He thought 
 that the troops were the persons to be feared and not the railroad 
 men whose interests lay in this city, both in. public and private prop- 
 erty. 
 
 Hon. J. W. Curry was called upon, who said that the laborer was 
 worthy of his hire, and that everj' good citizen and laborer should 
 protect his employer, and such emploj^er, in turn, should protect the 
 laborer. Ever}- man is responsible to God for his own acts and not 
 for the acts of others. We are called on as individuals to protect 
 ourselves, not from any man in this house, Or any workman what- 
 ■ever, but from outsiders alone. I would trust any man in this house 
 ^vith my life and property. It is the tramps we have to fear ; they 
 -are the ones who would do the firing, stealing and murdering. It is 
 your right and my right to protect ourselves, and to each and cverv 
 man it becomes a dutv to protect the others. We depend upon the 
 railroad compan}- for what we get, and when we have difficulties to 
 settle let us do so at the proper tribunal. I move, Mr. President, 
 that five hundred policemen be appointed and sworn in. 
 
 George J. Akers said that the same emergency did not e.xist in 
 ■our citv that did in Pittsburg. No Philadelphia soldiers were here 
 to shoot down our wives and children as thej did in Pittsburg. We 
 are law-abiding citizens, and I am certain that with five hundred po- 
 licemen to guard us we can go to our beds to-night in peace and there 
 sleep in safety. If the men conduct themselves properly they will 
 
82 HiSToay of altoona and blai& county. 
 
 impel the company to accede to their justifiaVjle and rightful demands. 
 [Applause and cries "That's so !" etc.] 
 
 ^lajor Richard J. Crozier followcnl. He skid it was not the rail- 
 road men that destroyed the company'.-* propert}' at Pittsburg. He 
 thought there was not a man in the house who would do the Ica.st 
 harm to the property of the company or that' of citizens. 
 
 William B. Blake desired to be informed whether the policemen 
 would get any compensation or not. The Mayor replied that he 
 could not answer the question, as the city was deeply in debt now, 
 and he had no authority nor the desire to lav anv further burthen 
 upon taxpayers. He could not say whether tjie company would pay 
 them or not. He further stated that nearly all those appointed five 
 hundred had volunteered their services. 
 
 Simon Hawk, an engineer on the Middle division, stated that he 
 had presided at a railroad meeting this morning, in this cit}-, and 
 that almost one hundred men were present, each and every one of 
 whom expressed themselves as goin.Lr to, sworn in or not, protect all 
 property at any hazard. He concluded: "Wr did not .strike, but 
 we of the Middle division are afraid of our lives and dare not go out 
 on an engine, but since we are "out" we want our rights and are 
 going to have them." [Applause.] 
 
 Mavor Gilland .said the jiolice were to be put in all the wards of 
 the city, those in the lower wards to be under "the control of Andrew 
 Kipple, and those in the upper wards under -Thomas I. McKiernan. 
 The meeting then adjourned. 
 
 MEETINC OF THE SHOP JEEN. 
 
 In the evening of the same day a meeting of tlif shop men was 
 held in the Opera House. Some three hundred i)ersons were present. 
 Capt. J. W. Dougherty was (dected rresi(h'nt, and Capt. E. M. War- 
 ren, Secretary. The following luimed gentlemen were appointed a 
 committee to draw uji a series of resolutions: M J. McCoy, P. O'Hare, 
 W. B. Blake, E. M. Warren and Robert Hudson. They went into 
 session and soon n^turiied with the following resolutions: 
 
 Uesolved — Tliat^ve, the Pennsylvania railroail eniploye.s of tlie .slioiit^ .■?ituate<l 
 at Altoona, tlesii-e antl claim the .same "wa^es we received prior \jq the l.st of June, 
 1S77. And be it further 
 
 Resolved — That no dischaif^e or siisi>eiisions oocur to any one who participator 
 in tlie present ditliculty. And be it furtlier 
 
 Uesolved — Tliat this action of tlie sliop nfen is taken on account of recomnien- 
 dationfi of high Pennsylvania railroad ottieial.'i, and wliat we consider good and 
 wise counsel. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIB COUNTY. 83 
 
 Resolved— That we beai-tlly symimthlze with all persons inteiestfil in the pres- 
 ent diftlculty, and deplore the loss of life and property In I'lttsburg, and will do 
 what we ean to prevent a similar occurrence in our midst. 
 
 fSigned] M. J. McCOY, I'res't, 
 
 y. O'HAKE, 
 W. B. BLAKE, 
 I>. M. WAHREN, 
 hOBERT Hunsox. 
 The above resolutions were adopted. 
 
 A motion was made that tlie cliairman a])j)oint a committee of 
 three to present the resohitions to General Snperintendent G. Clin- 
 ton Gardner, which was carried, and M. J. McCoy, W, Ti> Blake and 
 J. B. Harkins were appointed such committee. On motion ad- 
 journed to meet in the Opera House next morning at 10:30 o'clock. 
 
 AD.IO0HNED MEETlNO. 
 
 In pursuance of announcement made, an adjourned meeting was 
 promptly held at the Opera House at 10:30 o'clock on the 24th of 
 Jul}'. The house was crowded with orderl}"^ and attentive shop men. 
 The meeting was called to order by Capt. E. M. Warren, Secretary-, 
 who announced the object of the meeting. In the ab.sence of some 
 of the officers previousl}' elected, Wm. Fortenbaugh was called to 
 the chair, Thomas Miller elected Vice President, and Martin Lewis, 
 Assistant Secretar\'. Before taking his seat Mr. Fortenbaugh ad- 
 dressed the audience, .-^aying that he hoped that peace, good order 
 and harmon3'' would prevail. "There will be momentous question.s," 
 he .said, "for j'our deci.sion, and it is es.sential that a calm spirit exi.st." 
 
 M. J. McCoy, chairman of the committee appointed the previous 
 evening to wait on Mr. Gardner, presented the resolutions, and 
 were received kindly. Mr. Gardner expressed himself as a consist- 
 ent friend of the working man, which he had shown all through the 
 ])anic in scouring the whole xountry to get work to Ik; done here in 
 the shops. He had done for them all that was in his power. He 
 further said that he could not, at this short notice, give the men a 
 definite answer ; he could not negotiate Isetween the workmen and 
 liitrh officer.-i, and all that he could do was to obc}' orders. Under 
 such circumstances he could not assure the men anything. He 
 would forward their resolutions, with remarks of his own. He ex- 
 pressed solicitation for the property of the company, and the commit- 
 te(! assured him that it would be protected. The committee further 
 exprcs.sed their entire confidence in Mr. Gardner, and their belief that 
 he would do all in his power to bring about a satisfactoiy solution. 
 
 Capt. E. M. Warren advised the men to be careful. He knew of 
 some dissatisfaction among the men, but hoped they would pursue a 
 
84 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 E. H, KEYES, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 Gents^ Furnishing Goods, 
 
 HATS, CAPS, TRUNKS, VALISES, ETC. 
 Elkventk Avenue and Seventeenth StuCet, Altoona. Pa. 
 
 RUDOLPH LUEBBERT, 
 
 MA NT 
 
 CIGARS 
 
 AND WHOLESALE AND RETAIL D] 
 
 TOBACCO. 
 
 NO. lllO ELKVENTH AVENUE, ALTOONA. 
 
 MA^■^FACTL•ItER OF 
 
 5 
 
 AND WHOLESALE AKD RETAIL DEALER IN ALL KInVs OF MANIFACTURED 
 
 PROE. R. 0. WARD, 
 
 TEACHER OF 
 
 Organ, Piano, Voice Culture, Harmony, 
 
 COMPOSITION, AND DIRECTOR OF MUSICAL CONVENTIONS. 
 
 Also, Aj^ciil for Sheet Music, Music Jiooks, etc. Oilice with Prof. R. B. Malwtfey, 
 
 8th Avenue and l2th Street, Altoona. 
 
 S. K. ORR, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 j^ NTHRaCITE AND g lTUMlNOUS QoflLS 
 
 WOOD, ETC. 
 
 , Lath, and other kimls of 1 
 proving property, "willOo 
 
 Corner 11th Avenue and 4th Street, Altoona. 
 
 Lime, SanO. I'osts, Shingles, Lath, and other kimis of Lumber, Those whocontem- 
 pliiti' building, or improving property, ^viU Oo .well to give me a call. 
 
JAMES STEWART PARNELL.— (ske paoe fll.) 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 85 
 
 wise course. It would be neither brave nor manly to demand more 
 than they demanded two months previously, nor more than was de- 
 manded in the resolutions of the preceding meeting. Now that the 
 company was in trouble was no reason to think that the more we de- 
 mand the more we will get. There is a probabilit}' that we may get 
 what we demand, but it is a mere probability. If we demand too 
 much the probability is that the company will either close the shops 
 for months or secure the Services of other men to run them, which 
 could be done. 
 
 On motion the report of the committee was received, and the 
 committee di.scharged with the thanks of the workingmen. 
 
 Mr. Fields, of the Seventh ward, moved that the resolutions 
 adopted the previous evening be rescinded and the resolutions of the 
 Harrisburg railroaders be adopted. The motion was seconded, but 
 so, also, was a motion to adjourn, which latter motion was put and 
 lost. Mr. Fields then renewed his motion to rescind the resolutions, 
 remarking that they had been pas-sed by a meeting of about one hun- 
 dred boys and citizens who were not workmen in the shops. " Sup- 
 pose," he said, "we do get back our ten per cent. — it is only eight 
 cents a da}', and then the company will take an hour off the day, and 
 we will lose twice eight cents." The motion was seconded by John 
 H. Speeee. 
 
 Capt. J. W. Doughgrt}', chairman of the former meeting, said : 
 ■"The resolutions of last night are now in the hands of the railway 
 officials. These resolutions represent our demands, and to rescind 
 them is manifestly out of order. We cannot, consistently, at this 
 period of time, frame and pass another series of resolutions. I deny 
 that the meeting referred to by Mr. Fields had been composed of 
 bovs and citizens who were not workmen. On the other hand, I as- 
 sert that the meeting consisted of a house full of the most responsible 
 and respectable workingmen of this city." 
 
 Wilbur B. Blake suggested that if we send another set of reso- 
 lutions, which cannot be otherwise than similar to those already 
 adopted, the railroad authorities will conclude that we do not know 
 what we do want, and, consequently, will take notice of neither. 
 Then we will get nothing. Mr. Blake also denied the truth of the 
 statement that the previous meeting had been composed of boys and 
 citizens who were not workmen. 
 
 Several of the representative workingmen spoke against any 
 change in the character or wording of the resolutions, and united in 
 
 ■ 1 ■ ■' ' '-^ ■ 
 
86 HISTORY or ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 denying that the previous meeting was comiiosetl of iiiiy other than 
 workingmen. 
 
 These cahiier counsels prevailed, and a motion to adjourn was 
 ovcrwhehningly carried. 
 
 [By way of parenthesis we will say that about this time Presi- 
 dent Hayes issued a proclamation admonishing all good citizens of 
 the "United States again.st aiding, countenancing, abetting or taking 
 part in riotous proceedings.] 
 
 ARRIVAL OF GOVERNOR HART|tANFT. 
 
 Governor Hartranft, accompanied by Secretary Quay, arrived in' 
 this city on the morning of July 25. Upon the arrival of the train, 
 an hour behind time, a crowd of several hundred citizens had as.sem- 
 bled in front of the Logan House, evidently with the expectation of 
 hearing an elaborate speech. After partaking of breakfast the Gov- 
 ernor proceeded to his car, from the rear end of which he dcliverecf 
 the following : 
 
 "Gentlemen and Fellow-Citizens: You have called upon me 
 for an address. I shall make a short one. I, as chief executive of 
 the State, am placed in a very unpleasant position. I shall endeavor 
 to render exact justice to all so far as lies within my power. I shall 
 execute the laws of the State according to the laws. I shall endeavor 
 to protect all citizens, as well as public and private property, and 
 should I fail it will be because I am powerless. I bid you good day." 
 
 Shortly after, the train, convejnng the Governor and Secretary 
 to Harrisburg, moved off, and the crowd dispersed. 
 
 In this connection, whatever Vwaring or sufiposed bearing it may 
 have had upon the city of Altoona, we append a proclamation from 
 Governor Hartranft : ^ , 
 
 J'lTTSBDRG, Jvily il, 1S77. 
 TO THE PEOPLE OF THE ST.\TE OF PENNSYLVANIA ; 
 
 Wherea.s, Tlieie exi-5t.« a conflition of turbulence and disorder within the State^^ 
 extending to many interests, and threitt«nlng all comiliunities. under the impulse 
 of which tliere has grown up a spirit of lawlessness requiring that all law-oheyint; 
 (citizens shall organize themselves into. armed hodies for the pun'>oses of self-pi-o- 
 tection and preserving the peace ; 
 
 Therefore, I, John F^ Hartranft, Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, do 
 hereby recommend that all citizens shall organize themselves into associations? 
 with sueh arms as they can procure, for the purpose, of maintaining order and 
 suppressing violence. And all good citizens are warned against api>earing in 
 company with any mob or riotous assemblj', and thus giving encourtigement tc^ 
 A-iolations of the law. 
 
 [Signed] J. F. HARTRANFT, Govebnok. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. ' 8t 
 
 A KUMOR CALCULATEP FURTHER TO EXCITE THE POPULAOE. 
 
 On July 25 a rumor was current that a hand of miners- from the 
 neighborhood of Houtzdalc, and other mining towns, thoroughly 
 armed, were marching upon Altoona, in consequence of which Sheriff 
 Stiffler immediately swore in a posse of nearly one hundred men, 
 and placed them under command of Capt. Guthrie. The miners, 
 however, failed to make their appearance. 
 
 " C.\MP BEAVER.'' 
 
 The main body of soldiers were encamped near Haggertv'.< woods, 
 in P. R. R. passenger cars, their place of rendezvous being styled 
 "Camp Beaver," w'hile a considerable number made their headquar- 
 ters in cars on Tenth avenue, opposite the round house. 
 
 GRAND .JURY PRESENTMENT. 
 
 The court being in session at Hollidaysburg on this day, the fol- 
 lowing presentment was made : 
 
 '• We, tlie grand Jury, inquiring in and for Blair county, would respectfuUy rep- 
 resent concerning tile disorders nt Altooua within tlie last few days, that wo have 
 no personal knowledge of persons engaged therein. We are informed and believe 
 that iwrsons of the number of three or four have, in a tumultuous, disorderly and 
 riotous manner, with force, stopped the ti-ains running on the Pennsylvania rail- 
 road, and have by threats and violence prevented engineers, firemen and brake- 
 men from opeiuting trains. But this information is not from personal observation 
 of anj' one of us; nor is it from witnesses duly sworn, but only from ruinor, or 
 from statements made in the public newspapers. We have Hot the names of those 
 engaged ii\ snch disturbance, nor is it in our power tliis sitting (so far as we can 
 judge) to obtain precise and reliable testimony as to the jiames of guilty parties, 
 and to the extent of their guilt, which would «ari-ant a presentment. While anx- 
 ious to aid in i;>reserving the peace and good name of our county by promptly tak- 
 ing cognizance of violations of the law within its borders, we are of the opinion 
 that unless oin- sessions be indetinitely postponed by adjournment fiom day to 
 day to allow for the hunting up and subpoenaing witnesses and execution of sum- 
 mary process for tlieir attendance, it is imiiossihte at this session of the court to 
 malce that proper presentment as to crimes and criminals, and dates, which would 
 be sufficient to warrant the arrest of the offenders. At present there is quiet and 
 order at Altoona, -and as we believe the late violations of law will not be repeated, 
 therefore, unless the court is of the opinion that our services in session should be 
 prolonged after the conclusion of ordinary business, we respectfully request that 
 we may be discharged." 
 
 ROt'Tl-NG OF TRAMPS. 
 
 About lift}- tramps were driven out of Haggerty's woods, in the 
 immediate neighborhood of Altoona, on the morning of July 26, in 
 consequence of having, it is alleged, broken open a car containing to- 
 bacco, segars, etc., which they appropriated to their own use, and 
 also I3ecau.se it was believed that'thej^ vvere inciting to riot all whom 
 they could, being ready themselves, upon any pretext, to pounce upon, 
 burn and plunder everything in their way. 
 
88 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 H. J. CORNMAN, 
 
 — DEALEK IN 
 
 H 
 
 'O R 
 
 N 
 
 REHDY-MflDE 
 
 rn 
 
 V 
 
 GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, 
 
 TRUNKS, VALISES, ETC. 
 
 Suits, Shirts and Hats 
 
 Made to Order. 
 
 NO. 1107 ELEVENTH ATENUE, 
 
 OPPOSITE OPERA HOrSE, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 89 
 
 VETERAN SOLDIERS' ORGANIZATION. 
 
 In pursuance of a call from a committee of veteran soldiers, a 
 meetiii!^ of veterans was held in the council chamber in the evening, 
 
 F. B. Stewart, chairman, and J. D. Davis and J. G. IIir.=;h, secre- 
 taries. Capt. E. AI. Warren was elected captain, by acclamation ; 
 Georg-e H. Gwin, first lieutenant, and B. J. Brown, second lieuten- 
 ant. The following preamble and resolution were passed : 
 
 Whereas, This city is in a state of comiiiotion, anfl, a,s «<■ tliink, in ilan,!;<-'i- of 
 violence, and as it becomes tlie duty of good citizens to protect life and property, 
 therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved— Tliat n-e. as soldierd of the late war, org-anize oiu^^elves into one or 
 two companies to act under proper officers to be elected by ballot, to obey sueb or- 
 ders as may bo given by proper autliorities. 
 
 C. .r. WOLF. 
 R. -J. cnOZIEK, 
 E. M. WARREX, 
 .1. W. FRIES. 
 
 FIRING UP ENGINE.?. 
 
 On the morning of the STth four engines were fired up to tak(; 
 freight trains out, but after sonic fortv engineers and the same num- 
 ber of firemen had been aslccd to go out and refused, the fires were 
 withdrawn and the engines returned to the upper round hou.se. 
 
 ADDITIONAL TROOPS EN ROUTE FOR PITTSBURG. 
 
 This morning (2Tth), on Cincinnati west, 1,000 soldiers of the N. 
 
 G. Pa., passed through Altoona to Pittsburg, with the view of open- 
 ing the P. R. JX. freight travel. Three sections of the train stopped 
 in this city for breakfast, or rather for coffee and sandwiches, after 
 which thcj' started for the west. Among the party was Governor 
 Hartranft and staff, and other distinguished gentlemen. The troops 
 were detained at the upper end of the yard by a report that a squad of 
 strikers had taken engine No. 524 up the mountain with the avowed 
 purpose of starting it down the mountain to collide with the train. 
 But it was afterwards ascertained that most of the strikers had 
 jumped off at the foot of the mountain, and the rest took the engine 
 up as far as Gallitzin where it was surrendered to Supervisor Gilson. 
 
 About 12:.30 two trains of United States troops arrived in the de- 
 pot under the command of Major Hamilton, about six hundred in 
 number. 
 
 The second soldier train left this city with S. Arthur Hand, of 
 Philadelphia, (a soldier) as engineer of the first engine, and Captain 
 Statler, of Bedford, as second engineer. Both firemen were also sol- 
 diers. 
 
90 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 CLEAlU.N'li THE DEPOT. 
 
 Ton soldiers, iiudor a liuiitunaiit, marched throiigli tin; depot, 
 clearing everything before tliciu, allowing nobody to remain. All 
 freight trains in the yard were moved east this morning. 
 
 ARRIVAL fIF ELEVEN CARS OF 'TROOPS. 
 
 At ll:.oO, on July 28, a section of five ear.';, followed at an interval 
 of about ten minutes by another section of si'x cars, arrived in Al- 
 toona. The}' contained detachments of the F-irst, Second, Third and 
 Sixth regiments X. G. I'a. They were on their way to join their 
 command.-? — the Twentieth reginuMit, under eommand of Col. Bonna- 
 fon. The men numbered six hundred. They were served with ra- 
 tions, and after a rest of an hour took their departure. The Twen- 
 tieth regiment was composed entirely of veterans of the late war, who 
 had been recruited- on State service for a few 'days previous to their 
 arrival here in Philadelphia. The merchants of that city had sub- 
 .scribed $10,000 to equip them. 
 
 STRIKE ENDED. 
 
 On Monday, July 30, 1877, the strike ended in this city. Freight 
 trains, both east and west, including HoUidaySburg branch, were run- 
 ning the same as before. AV(u-kmen returned to their places in the 
 shops that morning. The curling smoke of industry again wafted 
 skyward, and the buzz of the machinery was again heard in and about 
 the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad company. 
 
 THE STRIKE AT TYRONE. 
 
 At a meeting held by the engineers, firemen and brakemen of the 
 Tyrone branch roads, on the evening of July 23, a committee was 
 a])pointed to confer with Superintendent Blair, and to lay their case 
 before him in the form of resolutions passed Uy them \vhicli set forth 
 ciTtain demands made upon him. To these Mr. Blair could give no 
 definite reply until he had held a consultation with General Superin- 
 tendent G. Clinton Gardner, of Altoona, and that he (Blair) under 
 the present circumstances was in no condition to help them. The 
 committ<3e received but little satisfaction. 
 
 On account of the strike in Harrisburg no empty cars from there 
 could be run into Tyrone, nor from any othe'r points ; conset[«entlv 
 work was suspended as though a strike existed:- The passenger trains 
 continued to run as usual on the branches, however, but no freight. 
 It had been resolved that no more troops wojild be allowed to pass 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAItt COUNTY. 91 
 
 over the branch road, uor to remove those that wert there, con- 
 sisting uf two companies of the Twelfth regiment, N. G. Pa., who 
 were kept for the protection of the town. But on July 25 they 
 were joined by two other companies of the Twelfth regimontfrom 
 Bradford county, who came by way of Lock Haven, and, in oJjedience 
 to orders, they all embarked on a si>ecial train and were taken to Eliz- 
 abeth Furnace, from which place tlicy marched and joined their com- 
 rades in "camp" at the lower shops, arriving about 4 o'clock the M- 
 lowing morning. 
 
 CONCLAVE OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR. 
 
 Beginning on the 29th and ending on the"30th of May, 1878, the 
 Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of 
 Penns3ivania, convened in this citj. Thirty-five subordinate com- 
 manderies were in attendance. A grand parade that was to have oc- 
 curred on the last day of the session, was prevented by a heavy fall 
 of rain. 
 
 The Grand Comnianderj' of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, 
 met in Altoona, June 12, 1865, a detachment of which received Gen- 
 -eral Grant on his visit to this citv. 
 
 In this connection we remark that the Twenty-first Triennial Con- 
 •clave of the Grand Encampment of the United States, met in the city 
 -of Chicago, on August 16, 1880. The Mountain Commandery, 
 No. 10, of Altoona, sixty Sir Knights and twenty ladies, James P. 
 Stewart, Eminent Commander, were in attendance. 
 
 RELIEF FOR IRELAND RECEPTION OF MR. PARNELL. 
 
 On the evening of February 12, 1880, in the Opera House, James 
 ^Stewart Parnell (see portrait) a member of the English Parliament, 
 <lelivered an address for the benefit of those who were suffering from 
 the famine at that time existing in Ireland. He was accompanied 
 by Mr. Murdoch, editor of the Inverness (Scotland) "Highlander." 
 A committee of our citizens had been appointed to meet him at 
 Huntingdon and escort him to Altoona. The committee eon.sisted of 
 the following gentlemen, although one-half of them, on account of 
 other engagements, failed to serve: Charles E. Pugh, John Reilly, 
 Thomas W. Hurd, Thomas H. Greevy, S. M. Woodcock, Milton 
 Alexander, T. N. Ely, H. C. Bern, William P. Furey, T. J. Maitland, 
 W. D. Tyler, M. Fitzharris, Edmund Shaw, George W. Strattan, F. 
 P. Tierney, D. A. Gilland, John Hurd, A. V. Dively, Dennis Sulli- 
 van, T. Blair Patton, Charles J. Mann, Simon Neuwahl, H. J. Corn- 
 xian, James G. Flanigan, M. Edgar King, Thomas W. Jackson, 
 
93 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAItt COUNTY. 
 
 CITY 
 
 Planing Mills, 
 
 20th Street, on Biuiich Railroad, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 WILimM STOKE & CO., Proprietors, 
 
 Tlie exteii.-5ive equiiiiuont of llie <A<\ Pooplt-.s' PJiiuin*: Mill, purcliHs*^*! Ijy us, being: 
 coiiiph'Tc. in every respect, enables u8 to furnish 
 
 Sashes, Doors, 
 
 Blinds, Shutters, 
 Flooring, Siding. 
 
 moulding, BRfiGKETS, FRfiME LUMBER, 
 Shingles, Pickets^ Etc., 
 
 AT THE 
 
 LOWEST MARKET PRICE. 
 
 Stair Building and Stoi'e Fronts a Specialty, 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 93 
 
 Christ. Haiiser, Fred. W. Olmcs, Henry Fettingt-r, sr., and Janie& 
 Kearney. [The last named gentleman was the first to suggest the 
 idea of obtaining the .services of Mr. ]'arnell.] 
 
 Oa the arrival of the train a large iiuml)er of citizens had congre- 
 gated to take the first look at the "Irish''agitator." The Altoona 
 band was al.ao there and rendered stirring music, aft<T which the vis- 
 itors were loudly cheered. 
 
 On the night of the meeting Thomas W. Hurd, then mayor of tiie 
 city, was selected as president, and a number of prominent citizeiii^ 
 as vice-presidents and secretaries. 
 
 William P. Furey, having been selected for the purpose, intro- 
 duced Mr. Parnell to the audience. In doing so he made a neat and 
 appropriate extemporaneous speech. 
 
 Mr. Parnell reviewed the infamous policy of the English govern- 
 ment toward Ireland, as illustrated in the Irish land laws, ])icturing 
 the absolute degradation which for ages had been the lot of the Iri.sh 
 tenantry under the iniquitous landlord sy.stem. In clear and forciblo 
 language he stated the causes which have reduced the peasantry to a 
 condition of pauperage and driven the native jiopulation from the fer- 
 tile and productive lands to seek a mi.*erable subsistence upon barren 
 and unproductive wastes. His utterances throughout were those of 
 a statesman and thinker, and the audience was plea.-;ed and gratified. 
 
 When Mr. Parnell concluded his address, Mr. Furey introduced 
 Mr. Murdoch, who, clad in the costume of the highlanders of Scotland,, 
 delivered a humorous but none the less effective oration. 
 
 A considerable amount of money was then contributed, one per- 
 son, Hon. John Reilh% donating $100, and other citizens manifeste<i 
 their interest by liberal contributions. Rev. Father Walsh, now de- 
 ceased, contributed $500 out of his private purse, and the St. John',< 
 Literary Society appropriated $48.40, (£10) all of which sums com- 
 bined (expenses of renting Opera House, etc., deducted) aggregated 
 $1,584.57. This amount was promptly forwarded to the sufferers by 
 Rev. Father Walsh, receipts of which were duly acknowledged. Mr. 
 Parnell and Mr. Murdoch declined compen.sation for their labors and 
 would have even paid their hotel bilfs had the management of their 
 reception allowed them to do so. 
 
 CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE OF THE M. E. CHURCH. 
 
 The twelfth annual session of this bod}' of Christian mini-sters. 
 was held in the Opera House, commencing on the 10th of March, 
 1880. Bishop Gilbert Haven, whose death occurred previous to the 
 
D4 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR* COUNTY. 
 
 jueeting' of tlie ConfciPHCc, was to have |)n'si(lo(i. His iiliicc was 
 tilled by Bishoi) Jesse T. Peck, who haJ lieeii iniikiiij; a short tour of 
 visitation amonfr a few of the charir^'s alonjr the Susquehanna river. 
 
 A previous annual conference had Ik'Cii held, in Altoona in March, 
 isT-t. Bishop Levi Scott, of Delaware, was the presiding' oBicer. 
 
 The Conference represents a uicnibership of 35,000 full inenihers 
 and 5,000 jirohationers. The church property is estimated at §1,703,- 
 185. Number of Sunday-schools, 46-2; scholaivs, 42,038. There are 
 203 ministers including- fourteen superunuuat<'s. 
 
 Altoona Methodism — with ninety-seven niembers and fifty-five 
 j>robationer.-; — was erected into a separate station in 1854. John H. 
 Ryland was the first preacher. He was succeeded by Alex. E. Gib- 
 -son in 1855, John A. Collins being presiding elder. In 185C came 
 Wilfred Downs. When the East Baltimore Conference was formed 
 in 1857, Samuel A. Wilson was .sent to serve Che station for 1857-8. 
 In 1859-GO Samuel Creighton ; 18G1-2, W. L. Spottswood ; 18G3, 
 18C4-5, W. R. Mills; 1866-7-8, J. S. McMurray— W. M. Frysinger 
 latter 3-ear. 
 
 The remaining appointments were as follows : 1869 — First church, 
 A. W. Guyer; Second church, J. Donahue; 1870— S. W. Sears, D. 
 S. Monroe; 1871— -F. B. Riddle, D. S. Monroe; 1872— F. B. Riddle, 
 R. E. Wilson, Daniel Hartman (third charge); 1874 — James Curns, 
 R. E. Wilson, D. Hartman; 1875-6 — James Curns, S. C. Swallow, 
 J. W. Owens, J. W. Leckie ; 1877— W. W. Evans, M. K. Foster, J. 
 W. Leckie; 1878-9— B. B. Hamlin, M. K. "t'oster, Thomas Sher- 
 lock ; 1880-1— B. B. Hamlin, Jesse B. Young, and Thomas Sherlock. 
 
 RELIEF F;0R the .MILTON SUFFERERS. 
 
 A fire, commencing 11:30 on the morning of the 14th dav of May, 
 1880, in Milton, Pennsylvania, continued its ravages until six hun- 
 -dred and sixty-six buildings were destroyed. Indeed nearlv the en- 
 tire town fell a victim to the Hamcs. In res|)onse to a call made by 
 the Governor ujjon the mayors of the cities of the State, our own 
 juayor, Howard, called a meeting at the Opera House on the evening 
 of the 15th, of which he was constituted the presiding officer. During- 
 its progress a notice to the pastors of the various churches, request- 
 ing them to bring the subject before their rei::pective congregations 
 on the following day (Sunday) was prepared,! in response to which 
 collections on that daj' were taken up in the various churches, with 
 the following results : First Methodist, $201 j Second Presbyterian, 
 ;$54.38y Second Methodist, $23.47 ; First Lutheran, $50; St. James 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 95 
 
 German Lutheran, $12; Third Methodi^^t, $17.91 ; Christ Reformed, 
 §11.71; Church of God, $6,25; United Bretlweii, =;7. 16; Fir.~t Bai)tist, 
 §44.75. Total, $428.03. 
 
 At the meeting: in the Opera Hous*^ a tomniittee of gentlemen 
 from the different wards were app'oint^d to solicit and receive (tontri- 
 butions, who met at the mayor's office on Sunday morning, immedi- 
 ately after which they commenced the g:ood work, which they con- 
 tinued during the weeli, collecting upwards of five hundred doUars in 
 money and upwards of one thousand dollars' worth of jirovisions and 
 such other goods as the sufferers of Milton were sujuiosed to .stand in 
 need of. These contrilmtions, added to the collections taken up at tlie 
 churches, ($428.63) constituted a respectable total — about $2,000. 
 
 STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 An annual meeting was held in the Opera House, commencing on 
 May 19, 1880. [Its sixteenth annual session had been held in Al- 
 toona, in June, 1865. About seventy delegates, representing every 
 count}' in the State, were present on that occasion.] 
 
 At the recent meeting. Dr. Andrew Nebinger, of Philadelphia, 
 took the chair. Dr. Rowan Clarke, of Bell's Mills, delivered an ad- 
 dress of welcome to the delegates. Appended is an abstract : 
 
 " Our county occupies a central position in the State. It has rich 
 and productive valleys to feed our people, and higii mountains and 
 hills filled with rich minerals that centuries will not exhaust. 
 
 "We have the principal shops of the best constructed and man- 
 aged railroad of the countrj-. These shops make anything that is 
 used on a railroad, from the smallest bolt to the finest Pullman coach, 
 or the most powerful locomotive. Their fires never go out. As the 
 Jews of old turned their eyes each morning and evening to the tem- 
 ple to see that the dail}' sacrifice was offered, and were happy and 
 contented when they saw smoke arise, so do our people rejoice each 
 day when thev see the cloud of smoke arise from the work shops, sat- 
 isfied that our county is safe and prosperous. 
 
 " The main line of the Pennsylvania railroad, passes through this 
 county. Branches are sent forth from Altoona to Hollidaysburg ; 
 there again dividing to different portions of the county, to collect the 
 rich ores and other minerals which nature has so abundantly stored 
 away in the hills and valleys. From Tyrone, in the northern end of 
 the county, the Tyrone and Clearfield road, which also sends numer- 
 ous branches to bring forth the products of the immense coal and 
 lumber fields of Clearfield; also the Tyrone and Lock Haven, to the 
 
96 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR 001 NTY'. 
 
 - THE - 
 
 American 
 Sewing 
 Machine 
 
 [Awarded the Fii-.st PreiPiniu at nearly oveiy jmlilic exhibiti<in in which llieir 
 
 machines have been e.xhihiteil. iiirhulin^ cmi hitc Centennial, where they 
 
 I'uoeived two awrtx-d.-*, one I'm- the nmchine. :in<l one for the woik done 
 
 on the nuiehine,] 
 
 IS IN GEEAT DEMAND, 
 
 BECAlfiK OF tTS 
 
 GREAT SIMPLICITY, 
 
 Ilcin;; liiivticularl}' fix^ fioni all combinations. alwaj'S itady to work, and ea.-^ily 
 uuderstoo<l by every one, f\ en the mo^st inexperienced. 
 
 IT I.S THE LIGHTEST RUNNING 
 
 Shuttle Machim:; in the worltl, reqnirinjz: little onlhiy of btrcn^th, and >.e\vs with 
 giejit cipeed, and never t^kip.s stitches. 
 
 IT HAS A SELF-THREADING SHUTTLE, 
 
 Aiul requirtjs no adjusTing of tlie lonsion every liuie u ne^v l^obbin is placed in it. 
 
 Xo time wasted in vexatious delays In getting llie sliuttle ready to work. 
 
 IT IS ALWAYS READY. 
 
 IT IS THE MOS^r DURABLE MACHINE 
 
 Tliat ever claimed public attentioji, owing to its ::^imple arrangement and the care- 
 ful selection of the-best materia]. 
 
 For further pavticutai-^ c^iU on or a<ldre3.s 
 
 E. C. REESE, 
 
 AGENT FOR BLAIR COUNTY. 
 Office:— 5th Avenue and 12th Sti-^et, Altoona^ Pa.; 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND- BLAJR COUNTY. 97 
 
 top of the Susquehanna region, and soon the Tyrone and Lewisburg 
 will be running through one of the finest iron. ore and limestone re- 
 gions of the State. From Bell's Mills the Bell's Gap, a narrow guage 
 road, elimbs around the spurs of the Allegheny and shows deep ra- 
 vines, over a route unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur, giving pleas- 
 ure to the lover of nature and eoUceting the products of Cambria and 
 Clearfield. Whilst we do not dispute the claim that Boston is the 
 hub of the universe, we do claim that Blair county is the hub of Cen- 
 tral Pennsylvania. For here we have the heart of the great road 
 that largely controls the traffic of the whole Country ; and we draw 
 the resources of the surrounding counties into our own. Our county 
 is growing — a little move than a generation old — and this city is only 
 a stripling. Many who are here present were in the full vigor of 
 manhood when the site of this town was covered with forest, with 
 here and there a swampy meadow. Although its growth has been 
 rapid, greater things are hoped for in the future." 
 
 The annual address was delivered by Dr. A. Xebinger, president 
 of the Society. In his introductory he referred to their meeting (the 
 thirtv-fivst) as an occasion of friendly greeting; also, to note the 
 <-hanges of the past for our future improvement, and to make honor- 
 able mention of those who have finished their work and gone to the 
 grave like "one who wraps the draperies of his couch around him 
 and lies down to plea.saiit dreams." He feelingly referred to those 
 members of the Society \vho were yielding to the weight of jgats ; 
 alluded to the bright and cheering aspect of the country in a commer- 
 cial point of view ; denounced jobbery and dishonesty in public af- 
 fairs, and made feeling allusions to the distress existing in Ireland. 
 
 The addresses delivered, and previously prepared papers on medi- 
 cine, surgery, etc., which were read during the session, exhibited the 
 progress medical science had made, and reflected credit upon the med- 
 ical profession. 
 
 During their stay the phj-sicians, in response to invitations ex- 
 tended bv Charles E. Fugh, General Superintendent Penn.sylvania 
 railroad; Superintendent B. G. Ford, of the -BelFs Gap railroad, and 
 W. D. Tvler, of the Ke3'stone Hotel company, made excursions to 
 Llovdsville and Cresson. They also visited the upper and lower 
 shops of the Pennsylvania railroad located here, accompanied by 
 Theodore N. Ely, Superintendent Motive Power, and before leaving 
 passed a vote of thanks to the gentlemen named, as well as to the 
 Blair County Medical Society, who gave to them a banquet at the 
 Logan House. 
 
98 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 In Lancaster, on tlie second day of May, 1881, the noxt nieoting: 
 of the Societ}- \v\U occur. Dr. S. AI. Ross, of Altoona, who, at the 
 late session held in this cit)-, delivered an address on "Conservative 
 Surgery," was selected to deliver an address on "Surgery," at the 
 next annual convention. 
 
 PROHIBITION CONVENTION. 
 
 The State Convention of radical temperance, or total abstinence 
 men, assembled in this cit\- on May 20, 1880, and placed a ticket in 
 nomination. On Mav 29, 1878, simultaneously with the Annual 
 Conclave of Knights Templar, of Fennsylva«ia, a similar convoca- 
 tion held its session here. 
 
 DECORATION DAY. 
 
 The 29th day of May, 1880, (the 30th, the usual day for the cer- 
 monies, occurring on Sunday) was observed in this cit\' as Memorial 
 Day. The old flag was reverently drooped over those who died so 
 that it might still wave, the unsullied emblem of a nation united and 
 free ; and the fairest flowers of spring were scattered upon their graves. 
 A much larger number of citizens and strange/s joined in the ceremo- 
 nies than on any previous occasion, crowding our public thoroughfares 
 at an earlj- hour. 
 
 The principal .streets and avenues were .ornamented with flags 
 and other national devices. The procession formed on Eleventh av- 
 enue, right re.^ting on Twelfth street, and commenced to move about 
 9 o-clock a. m. It was led by a carriage containing Junior Yice De- 
 partment Commander Burchfield, of the Grand Army of the Repub- 
 lic ; Rev. Jesse B. Young, the orator of the day, and Rev. J. Green 
 Miles, of the First Baptist church. Chief Marshall Fitzharris and 
 his aid.-; — Messrs. Amheiser, Valentine and i?troh — came next, fol- 
 lowed by the Junior Greys' band. The order of marching of the bal- 
 ance of the organizations was: Junior and Senior order of United 
 American Mechanics, J. A. Pai-ker and L. S. McGIathery, marshals; 
 Citizens" band; Bethany and Rising Sun Circles, Brotherhood of the- 
 Union, Wm. Fortenbaugh and Edward W. Cavender, marshals; So- 
 cial band ; Good Will Steam Fire eomjiany. Gust. Klemmert, mar- 
 shal ; Altoona City band; Vigilant Steam Fire company, William 
 H. Johnson, marshal; E.vcelsior Ho.se company, J. B. Stahl, marshal; 
 Company D, Fifth n'giment, X. G. Pa., coinmanded by E. M. Amies; 
 Mountain City band; carriage containing representatives of Potte 
 Post; Lieutenant Stephen G. Potts Post, No. 62, G. A. R. " 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 9Sf 
 
 When the line reached the entrance to the cenieterj- the Junior 
 Greys' band and all the organizations following stood in open order 
 to permit the passage of the Post, which advanced to the lead, suc- 
 ceeded bjr the Mountain City baud and Company D. The march to 
 the monument was then resumed, during w'hich the Mountain City 
 band played a solemn dirge. A platform had been erected to the' 
 north of the soldiers' monument and the procession filed to the right 
 and marched around the shaft, encircling it. The first thing in the or- 
 der of exerei.ses at that point was the rendering of "Remember Me," 
 the well known air from the opera of "Bohemian Girl," which waT> 
 beautifullj' played bj- the Mountain Citj' band. Rev. J. G. Miles of- 
 fered a prayer ; then a dirge was rendered by the Altoona Cit\' band,, 
 when the ceremony of decorating the graves of the dead soldiers was 
 performed. Chief Marshal Fitzharris then introduced the orator of 
 the occasian. Rev. Jesse B. Young. At the conclusion of the oration 
 a selection was given by the Junior Greys' band, and the procession 
 moved out of the cemetery to the place of assembling, where it wag- 
 disbanded. 
 
 OUR NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY. 
 
 Since the Centennial year no especial demonstration had been' 
 made in the observance of the anniversary of American independence.''' 
 As earh' as May, the present year, the subject of a firemen's parade 
 wa? freel}'' discussed by our citizens. Meetings were held, and the 
 various wards of the city canvassed for contributions to defray the- 
 expenses of the firemen to whom, when the fact was established that 
 a sufficient amount of money could be raised, invitations had been 
 extended to visit our city. The sum realized was $1,191.30, which 
 after deducting or -reserving $10 for printing and $60.30 for the pur- 
 chase of fireworks, was divided among the Altoona companies for the 
 entertainment of their expected guest.s in the following sums : Vigi- 
 lant Steam Fire Engine company, $328 ; Empire Hook and Ladder 
 company, $313; Altoona Steam Fire Engine company, $332.50; E.x- 
 celsior Ho.se company, $157.50. [The Good Will companj- declined 
 to participate in the celebration and consequently received no contri- 
 bution.] 
 
 The visiting firemen, were : (1) The Mount Vernon Hook and 
 Ladder company of Harrisburg, guests of the Empire; (2) Hope 
 Steam Fire Engine company, of Harrisburg, guests of the Altoona; 
 (3) Logan Hose company, of Bellefonte, guests of the Vigilant; .(4)i 
 
 ' *The Fourth of July, 1880, occurring on Sunday, Monday, tlie 5th was celebrated.. 
 
im 
 
 UISTOBY OP ALTOONA AND BLAip COUNTY. 
 
 C. W. SICKLES, 
 
 BUTCHER, 
 
 A>P DEALER l>' — 
 
 Fresh, Salt and Smoked Meats, 
 
 SAUSAGES, ETC. 
 
 POULTRY ALWAYS dK HAND. 
 
 1224 isTinth Street, l)etween Green and Chest- 
 nut Avenues, Altoonti, Pa. 
 
 D 
 
 V 
 
 R. A. BONINE, 
 
 '"OGRflPR 
 
 H 
 
 14tli Street, between 11th and 12th Ax-enues, 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 PUBLISHER OF STEREOSCOPIC VIEWS: 
 
 'Among the Alleghenles," "Horse-shoe Bend," and other important 
 
 poiats along the Penn'a and Bell's Gap Railroads; also, 250 
 
 different views of Scenes in Florida. 
 
 ALL KfflDS OF PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHV. 
 LIFE SIZE OIL TYPES A SPECIALTY. 
 

 
 
 
 • - TOT ir ff '■ ■''■IJ 
 
 ft '•■•- 'ft'- '.I - ,*»-i.^-liS; 
 
 
 
 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 101 
 
 Phoenix Fire Engine company, of Hollidaysburg, guests of the Vigi- 
 lant; (5) Huntingdon Steam Fire Engine company, guests of the 
 "\'igilant ; (6) Good Will Hose company, of IloUidaysburg, guests of 
 the Altoona; (7) Allegheny Hook and Ladder company, of Holli- 
 daysburg, guests of the Empire ; (8) Fame Hose company, of Lew- 
 istown, guests of the Excelsior. 
 
 Thus, with eight visiting companies and four of our own, twelve 
 in all, fully equipped with the apparatus of each, steamers, trucks and 
 hose carriages, material was furnished for producing a spectacle rarely 
 witnessed in cities of corresponding size. But thr weatln.'r proved in- 
 auspicious. No sooner had the tiremeu assembled and their orderly 
 arrangement been effected than the rain descended, and, with slight 
 intermissions, continued throughout the entire.day. Nevertheless, the 
 column moved and passed over the route previouslj- planned. There 
 were, probably, one thousand men in line. 
 
 The city contained thousands of visitors from neighboring cities 
 and towns, many of whom had arrived on Saturday. The trains of 
 Mondaj' morning were filled to their utmost capacity. 
 
 As usual on such occasions the streets and houses were profusely 
 decorated with arches, flags, etc. 
 
 On the following morning, in response to an invitation extended 
 by the Hollidaysburg companies, several hundred of our visiting fire^ 
 men, accompanied by .several brass bands, as well as a large delega- 
 tion of our citizens, visited the county capital and picniced in the 
 neighborhood during the day. 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA STATE EQUAL RIGHTS LE.iOUE. 
 
 The Sixteenth annual meeting of this organization was held in 
 the Opera House, its session commencing on the 17th day of August, 
 1880. Its first meeting was held in Harrisburg in 1864. Rev. John 
 Peck was the first president. William Nesbit, an old resident of Al- 
 toona, suc<:eeded him and has been the |)residing officer ever since. The 
 objects of the League (to quote from their printed constitution) " ar(; 
 to unite the entire colored people of our State in a common brother- 
 hood ; for the promotion of morality, education, tempeniiice, indus- 
 trv, and the encouragement of everj^thing that pertains to a well-or- 
 dered and dignified life, and to obtain, b}' appeals to the consciences 
 of the American people, or by legal process, a recognition of the 
 rights of the colored people of the United States." The attendance 
 was large and the sessions harmonious. 
 8 
 
102 HISTORY OF AliTOONA AND BI.AIE COUNTY. 
 
 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 
 
 THE FlIiST SCHOOL HOUSE. 
 
 From the courteous and efficient City Su^torintendent of Public 
 Scliool:^. Pi'of. ]). S. Kteith, wo learn that as early as 1815 tlie first 
 school house was erected within the boundaries of the territory now 
 oceupiitl by Altoona. The south-east corner of Fourth avenue and 
 Twenty-fourth street is the site where it stood. It was a log build- 
 inir, chinked and daubed, not plastered, and furnished with slab 
 Ijenches. This house, surrounded bv primitive forest, was used both 
 for school purposes and for church services. Children, as far di.stan,t 
 as two or tiuee miles, attended school here, aiMl often in winter, when 
 the jrrouud was covered with su<nv, there bein": but few roads, a 
 track was made to the school house bv dragging a log through the 
 su<iw. Tlie building served for s^-hool purposes until 18-38. During 
 this jieridd, spelling, reading, writing, and "ciphering" were the 
 branches taught. Corporal punishment was in full force. The meth- 
 ods of instruction differed wid<'ly from those of the present. The pu- 
 jtil's cour.-^e of study began with the alphabet, and it was customar}- 
 to intniduce the whole number uf IcttiM's to the abecedarian at the 
 first lesstin. Spelling was pursued for some time before the pupil 
 was advanci'd sufficiently to take up the Bible, which was the te.xt- 
 iKHjk used in teaching reading. In penmanship the teacher wrote 
 the cojiies for each pupil who was ready for this branch, and manu- 
 factured pens out of goose (|nills. Arithmetic was the last study in 
 the course, and one who could solve " single rule of three " was con- 
 sidered ipiitc an arithmetician. This school was at first known as the 
 Beales" .-diool, but later as the Black Oak Ridge school. Ilcnry Ad- 
 ams and John Gwiu were among the first teachers. 
 
 T'.VSS.VGE OF THE COMMO.N' SCHOOL LAW. 
 
 Tlie law, entitled "An txct to provide for the education of the poor 
 gratis," was in force until 1834, when the common school law was 
 passed. The passage of this law aroused the people somewhat in 
 regard to education. It had bitter opponents, but having been agi- 
 tated and discussed, some of its opponents became its strong support- 
 ers, and an cfl'ort was made to have better school accommodations and 
 l>etter schools. 
 
history op altoona and blair county. los 
 
 i:mon church and school house. 
 
 In 1838 the trustees of the Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Metho- 
 dist ehurelies purchased a lot of ground from Eli Hastings, on which 
 to erect a union church. Shortly afterwards, the school directors, 
 hiiving dftermined to erect a school house, ijurcha.^ied a lot adjoining 
 for ten dollars, and agreed with the church committee that the church 
 and school house should be erected as one building, the .^ichool part 
 being on one lot and the church part on the other. The school roon> 
 and the church were separated by a swinging partition, which, when 
 it was necessary to enlarge the church room, was swung op to the 
 ceiling and made secure by means of hooks. After the house was 
 completed, which was late in 1838, a committee was appointed by the 
 school directors to secure a teacher. Barton Hastings was elected 
 first teacher, and the following is the agreement between him and the 
 committee : 
 
 "Articles of agreement, made this ,">tli day nf .Jaiinni-y, 18:19, between iJai-ton 
 Hastings, schoolniuster, of the one part, and we, the nnderirigned, coinmiltee of 
 scliool Xo. ;t, in Alleirlieny towimliip, Ilnntin<idon eoiinty. Pa., of the othci"i)art: 
 Witnes.ftetli that tlie j^aid Carton Hastiiijrs <lo^'s bai-f^ain and a^^ri-o with Kaid eom- 
 niittee, to teaoh in tlieir iiriniary school for a term not e.veeedins tliree months, 
 from tile firi^t of tlie present montli. durintr wliieh lime strict sul>ordlnation ac- 
 cording to law and former custom shall he obsei-\'ed. Spellinjr. reading, writing 
 and arithmetic will be taught with fidelity. In con.sideralion whereof, the said 
 committee doth bind themselves, theii- heiisand executors, to pay, or <-ause to he 
 }>aid, unto the said liartou Hastings, the sum of twentyfloUars \-ifV month for each 
 antl every month of said services. AVitnes.s our hau<ls.'' etc. 
 
 - It will be .-^ecn from the above that this district was embraced in 
 Huntingdon county at the time referred to. 
 
 The Union school house, the name bv wliich it was known, re- 
 cently remodeled, and now occupied by the congregation of the A. 
 M. E. church, stands on the corner of Union avenue and Sixteenth, 
 street. It served for .-chool purposes until 1854. 
 
 BRANCHES TAlHiHT. 
 
 During this period, geography and grammar -vN-ere taught, and a- 
 degree of advancement somewhat higher than that during the former 
 period was attained. However, but little improvement was made in 
 methods of instruction. Kecitations were conducted in spelling and 
 reading, but it can hardly be said that any were conducted in arith- 
 metic. As long as the pupils were able to^ obtain the answers to 
 questions, no assistance, in the wa}' of e.x[)lanation nor recitation, 
 was thought necessary. When a pupil could not "do a sum," he 
 went to the teacher, who, if conducting a recitation, allowed the cla.ss 
 to proceed, or permitted the pupil, who could not "do his fium," to 
 
104 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIB COl NTV. 
 
 WM. M. FINDLEY, M. D., 
 
 802 ^\velfth Struct, Altoonu. 
 
 (EAST r^IDE.) 
 
 HOUSE: 1126 Eighth Avenue. 
 
 J. D. HUGHES, 
 
 DEAl-KR IV 
 
 WOOD, HAY, STRAW, ETC. 
 Ninth Avenue cind Nineteenth *Sti-eet, Altoona. 
 
 D. A. BRADLEY, 
 
 MAM'FACTUKEK OF AND DEALEK IN 
 
 Monuments, Head Stones 
 
 I>ot Enclosures, :iud all kinds of Cemetery M'oiU in Foroii^n and Donu-stif Marble- 
 
 I>e?lj;ns juiU trices lo suit all. All u<nk tlone in iiu unit;lic manner and sat- 
 
 isfuetion guaranteed. Oi'ders resixeilnlly solicited. 
 
 ELEVENTH AVENUE, NEAR ELEVENTH STREET, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 (Adjoining .losiali Arthur's Furniture Store.) 
 
 MISS ANNIE SHOEFNER, 
 
 NEW MILLINERY AND 
 
 Dress Making Store, 
 
 TwEinii street, between EigHiti aM Ninlli AveiiDes, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 Kcspectfully solicits ii share of patronage from the ladies of .\ltoona and vicinity. 
 
 The Dress Making is under the supervision of an experienceil lady, and we 
 
 guarantee all our work. The stock of Millinery Woods Is always Iresli 
 
 i and of the Latest Styles. New styles constaUiJly received. Huts 
 
 ami Bonnets bUuiehed, coloi-ed and remodelLul. 
 
in.-^TORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 105 
 
 hear the I'lass while 1k^ solved the c|iiestion ; Uiit, more generally, the 
 assistance was iriven hetweeii reeitations, and often some pupils went 
 up and stood near the teacher, or took a seat near him, before the reci- 
 tation was finished, so that heinir foremost, thev mig-lit have their 
 ((uestions solved first. It .sometimi's happened, when the teacher hart 
 ills attention drawn from his pupils, and his riiind concentrated upon 
 some ([uestion, not being very apt in figures, that pupils, waiting for 
 their turns, had an opportunity to take a little recreation. 
 
 VETER.\N Sf:HOOI, DIRF.CTOKS. 
 
 James Hutchison, who was elected schodl director shortly after 
 the jias.siige of the common school law, of which he was an ardent 
 supporter, served twelve or fifteen years, and took an active part in 
 (tducation. Altoona's first board of school directors, after being incor- 
 porated as a borough, in 1854, was presided over by Thos. K. Burch- 
 inell. 
 
 EST.VBLISIIME.VT OF COUNTY SUrERINTENDENCY'. 
 
 In 1854, the county superintendency was established. This 
 change did not affect some teacher.-; very agreeably. Additional 
 branches were to be taught, and a more thorough examination was to 
 be passed. The first e.\:amination under this law, to be held in the 
 Union .school hou.se, was advertised for several weeks, but, on exami- 
 nation day only one applicant, John Rutherford, was present. To 
 t)e examined before the public, bv the superintendent, was an ordeal 
 through which manv had no desire to pas^ ; And private e.xamination 
 being allowed, thev preferred it to the public e.xamination. 
 
 ERECTION OF SCHOOL TiUTLDTNGS, ETC. 
 
 The erection of a onc-story frame building, containing two rooms, 
 in the Fourth ward, was commenced late in the j^ear, and was com- 
 pleted February, 1855. at which time two schools were opened. The 
 house was fitted with improved furniture. The desks with seats were 
 made each to f ccommodate two pupils, but owing to the crowded con- 
 dition of the schools, three or more pupils were put to one desk. 
 This kind of furniture, which i.s now rapidly disappearing from the 
 schoolrooms, "patent" furniture taking the place of it, was consid- 
 ered a great improvement at that time. The ^exes were taught sep- 
 arately . John Rutherford was elected teacher of the boys' school, 
 and Mi.sH Cordelia White of the girls' school. Some time after the 
 schools were opened, a large number of pupils having been enrolled, an 
 assistant was emitloyed, who taught the primary pupils, both boys 
 
iOG HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIB COUNTY. 
 
 and girls, oecujn-ing' part of the room in which Miss White taught. 
 A terra of four months was taught, with an enrollment of one hun- 
 dred and fifty-eight pupils. The salary of the male teacher was tliir- 
 ty-five dollars per month. The common school branches were taught. 
 During the summer of 1855, a one-story frame building, witli two 
 rooms, was erected in the Third ward, and was supplied with furni- 
 ture similar to that in the Fourth ward. Much the same kind of fur- 
 niture was used in most of the rooms until '1870. The railroad di- 
 vided the town into two districts, East and ^V^st Altoona. Mr. 
 Faitherford, who was "put ou his muscle," taught the boys' school in 
 West Altoona, and served as a teacher for a number of years. lu 
 1856, another building, with one room, wa.s erected in the Fourth 
 ward, to which were assigned the more advanced pupils, both boys 
 and girls. The elements of one or two of the higher branches were 
 taught. The number of teachers was six, and the length of the school 
 term was increased to six months. As there were only live rooms, 
 one of them was occupied by two teachers. Some schools were com- 
 posed of both bo3's and girls, others of boys or girls only. This " un- 
 -systematic " arrangement, which, for the must of the time, was not 
 restricted to any particular grade, was continued until 1875, except 
 from 1860 to 1869, when the sexes M'ere taught together. In 1857, 
 a building similar to the one last mentioned was erected in the Third 
 ward. The borough was enlarged the .'^inie year, and made to include 
 part of what was known as Greensburg. About 1855, some of the 
 citizens residing in Greensburg found it inconvenient to send their 
 ehildren so far out in the township to school, and therefore determined 
 to build a school house for themselves where it would l)e convenient. 
 The house was built on Howard avenue, between Tenth and Eleventh 
 streets, and now serves as a dwelling. Robert McCormick gave the 
 ground, and with his subscription and that of other citizens, a suffi- 
 cient amount was secured to erect the building. It was u.<ed for pri- 
 vate school until it came within the limits of the borough, when the 
 .-chool directors of the borough got control of it, and u.sed it about 
 one year for public .-school ; bein.ir distant from the other .school houses, 
 it was afterwards left vacant, except when used for select school. 
 [Professor John Miller taught a select .school here about 1862, shortly 
 after which the house was sold.] In 1857, there were .-^even school 
 rooms; nine teachers were employed, and five hundred and fifty pu- 
 pils were imrolled. The schools w<'re divided into three grades 
 
 primary, intermediate, and grammar. J. Ginter Connsman, who 
 was .sometime afterwards elected superiutendejit of Blair county, was 
 
HT6T0RY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR CGUNTY. 101 
 
 teacher of one of the two grammar schools. Only eight teachers were 
 employed the next year. No more buildings *werc erected until 18()4 
 and no increase in the number of teachers Svas made. The school 
 population increased, and in some rooms from one hundred and fifty 
 to two hundred pupils, under the care of two teachers, were enrolled. 
 
 About 1801, a district institute was organized by the teachers for 
 their improvement in methods of instruction and school management, 
 and in general culture. These institutes were kept up until 1875, 
 when, the school directors refusing to remunerate the teaehers for the 
 time spent at these meetings, they were discontinued. 
 
 No other than frame buildings were erected until 1870. The pop- 
 ulation increasing so rapidly, the erection of buildings required con- 
 siderable attention In 1864, a house with one room was built in the 
 Third ward, at a cost of $1,500. A fourth grade, called the high 
 school, was made, and E. H. Brunner was elected teacher. A few of 
 the higher branches were taught in addition to the common school 
 branches. The next year Professor John MiJler was chosen teacher 
 of the high school, for which a room was rented, all the school rooms 
 being occupied by the other grades. Professor Miller held this posi- 
 tion until he was elected cit}- superfntendent. In 1866, a two-story 
 building, with two rooms, was assigned to the high school, and was 
 occupied by it until a building was erected in the First ward. 
 
 When the boundaries of Altoona were extended. and it was incor- 
 porated as a city, what was known as Loudonsville came within the 
 limits. Here were two school houses, each with one room. One of 
 them was built about 1859, and served for school purposes until 1876, 
 when it was destroyed by fire. The other was erected in 186C, when 
 two grades were established. Another house, with one room, in the 
 Eighth ward, which was erected about 1867, came within the limits 
 of the city. also. The enrollment ,of pupils was greatly increased, 
 and it was necessary to rent several rooms until more buildings could 
 be erected.' In a short time three hou.ses were built — one with one 
 room in the Fifth ward ; and one with one, and one with two rooms 
 in the Eighth ward. 
 
 CITY SUPERINTENDENT AND TEACHERS OF HIGH SCHOOL. 
 
 The office of city superintendent was instituted in 1869, to which 
 Professor John Miller was called. He served until October, 1874, 
 when the present incumbent. Prof D. S. Keith, was elected. 
 
 John S. Alexander w"aB assigned to the high school; however 
 Professor Miller continued to teach a few branches for one j-ear. 
 
lOH HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 PHILIP TEATS, 
 
 AUCTIONEER 
 
 — AND DKALER IN — 
 
 SECOND-HfiND GOODS OF ALL KINDS. 
 
 New Furniture, Bedroom Suits, Jewelry, Notions, Dry Goods, Boots and 
 
 Shoes, Queensware, and Bedding of ev^ry description, both 
 
 Old and New. 
 
 All sorts of gooUti taken and soU\ on connnission at reasonable rates. Sale.** in an<V 
 
 ontsiclH tlie cAXy promptly rttien«led to by liimsolf. Speaks both English and 
 
 ticniian. Old Household Goods taken In exchange for New. 
 
 CALL AND SKE HIM. 
 
 (A pit^ce of poetry writtenas an nnpioniptu, and l^'ft unceremoniously, surrej)- 
 titiously anil elanile.stinelv on tiie •jlass case of riiilip Teats' Auction House, S06- 
 Twelfth Street, near Eighth Avcnuie, without signatui;e-. 
 
 Those fond of fine sofas and very good seats, 
 Invariably ciiU on our friend Philip Teats; 
 Those wishinsj good tables at which to dine, 
 (Jan there find a stock especially fine; 
 And all kinds of furniture both new and old. 
 Which at jirices quite low is invariably sold. 
 
 That Teals is a 'brick "' as all people know. 
 
 Who Forepaugh tiietl uai-d to add to his show 
 
 As one of his t^peakei-s to do the **pollte," 
 
 But Teats failed to join him, because 'twas not right 
 
 To pull up his stakes. Mountain City to leave. 
 
 For full Avell he knew how the people would grieve ; 
 
 His inusic:il voice would no longer be heard. 
 
 And w*i''vi'. glad that friend Teats is a man of his word. 
 
 "His musical voice would no longer resound." 
 
 For he's classed 'mongst the best that lives above ground. 
 
 At the favorite number— 80*5 
 
 Twelfth Street, you'll find him in veiT good fix ; 
 
 His auctions at nlghl are the best of the'kifid 
 
 Of anywlu^ie on the green earth you will find. 
 
 Those sales (wliich are private) all tlirough^the long day. 
 
 Attending of which you can liave your own way, 
 
 Kesult to t he good of the people at large— 
 
 For attending his sales there^s really no charge. 
 
 So go to the place, and all take your seats. 
 
 If you see nothing more, you will see our friend Teats_ 
 
 PHILIP TEATS, 
 
 OFFICE: Twelfth Sti-eet, near Eighth Avenue, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 109' 
 
 Nevin H. Fisher was next oloctcfl, and was followed by A. F. Hos- 
 tetter, D. S. Keith, N. P. Grouse, and L. L, Book, the present 
 teacher. 
 
 GRADING OF SCHOOLS. 
 
 In 1869, the schools below the high school were divided into five 
 {grades, and a revised (bourse of study was prepared. The course for 
 the high school included the common .school branches, with alfrebra, 
 freoraetrj', natural philosophy, Latin, Greek aftd German. However, 
 but few pupils advanc(^d much beyond the common school .studies. 
 The course was not followed closelv, everv teacher ehanginir it as he 
 thought it best adapted to the wants of his pu])ils. 
 
 MORE SUBSTANTIAL BUILDINGS ERECTED. 
 
 When Altoona became a bouough and a separate .school district, 
 little idea did the school directors have of the dimensions the place 
 would assume in a few j'ears. Frame buildings seemed to answer 
 ever}' purpo.se ; and it was thought, too, that there should be 011I3' 
 one story, for when the first two-storv school house was built, some 
 avowed that educational interest was getting up too high. But when 
 a city charter was obtained, and the ])opulation continued to increase, 
 the director.^ began to think it was necessarv to erect more perman- 
 ent and larger buildings. In 1870, a brick building, with eight rooms, 
 was erected in the Fir.st ward. Si.K rooms were supplied with pat- 
 ent furniture ; and all the buildings erected afterwards were fitted 
 with such furniture, except a small addition put to one of the build- 
 ings in the Third ward in 1871. There was still not sufficient school 
 room for all the pupils, and, in 1872, a brick house, with four rooms, 
 was built in the Eighth ward. In 1873, the frame building in the 
 Fourth ward, which was erected in 18.5(), was removed, and a brick 
 house, with four rooms was built. The same year, two other briek 
 hou.ses, each with two rooms, were built — one in the Si.xtb ward and 
 one in the Seventh ward. In 1875, an addition, with two rooms, 
 was built to the Si.xth ward house, making th<> total number of rooin.s 
 thirtv-ciglit ; and thirty-eight teachers were elected. In lS7n, four- 
 additional rooms were added to the Sixth ward building. Owing to 
 the rapid increase in school population, it wa,s difficult to keep pace 
 with, the demand for new school buildings; and when the number of 
 rooms became equal to the number of teachers employed, which had 
 not been the ca.se since 1854, a very desirable end was accomplished^ 
 

 110 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIfl COUNTY. 
 
 REVISED rOURSE OF INSTRUCTION. 
 
 In 1875, a new irradation of the .schooli< was made, a ri'vL-^cd 
 -ooursf of instruction was prepared, the .se.xcs'wcrc taiiglit tn^'-cther in 
 all tiic schciols:, and improvements were niade-in the plans for hcatinir 
 and vcntihition. Eijrht grades below the high school were made — 
 four constituting the jirimary, two the intermediate, and two the 
 .irrammer department. The course for thesc^tliree divisions included 
 the cotnniou schrnil branches, with drawing, simi)h' (xjuations in algi'- 
 liru and the clemvnts of physiology. Two courses, an elementary 
 and a .scientific, were jirepared for the high school. The eUnientary 
 ciiursc inchides P^nglish grammar, orthography, <'tyinology, reading, 
 mposition, rhetoric, Latin, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, physiol- 
 y, natural philosophy, history and Con.stitut.ion of the United 
 .States, penmanship, drawing, botany or book-keeping. The scien- 
 tific course includes English literaturt>, composition, rhetoric, Latin, 
 Jiigher algebra, chemistrv, general historv, geology, trigonometry and 
 sur.vey'ing', astronomy and mental philosophv. German, Frencli and 
 Greek are voluntary studies. An equivalent amount of language 
 .may Ije substituted for some of the mathematical studies. 
 
 teachers' institute. 
 
 In 1872, a law was passed in regard to annual institutes, "author- 
 izing the eit\" of Altoona to organize a teachers' institute independ- 
 ^■ntly of the county of Blair." 
 
 DEATH OE THE FIRST CITY SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Professor John Miller, who was widely known throughout Blair 
 county, died in Altoona, September 3, 1875. He was born in the 
 city of Paris about 1800, and was taught to ;-<peak' and read French 
 by his mother. When he was about three years of age his father 
 inoved to Strasburg. He was sent to school at Leipsic, where he re- 
 mained until he graduated Leaving Leipsic he ciime to this country 
 about 1825. After being some time in New York and Philadelphia, 
 ^le went to the western part of this State, whtre he commenced teach- 
 ing school. Being a fine scholar his services were soon sought. The 
 most prominent places where he taught are Martinsburg, Williams- 
 burg, Butler, Hollidaysburg, and Altoona. He filled the office of city 
 .•superintendent until 1874, when he resigned, being so feeble that he 
 'iwas imable to discharge the duties of his offic*. 
 
 Elexis Elder, W. W. Osborne and J. B. Bowles are among the 
 i<'aehers who have taught longest in Altoona. Mr. Elder was aj>- 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLATR GOUNTV. 
 
 in 
 
 5)uintcd supcrintendciit of Blair county in 18(14, and cloeted in 1860, 
 scrvin"- in all five vears. 
 
 GROWTH OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SVSTKM. 
 
 The annexed tabular statement will show the jrrowtli of thi' sys- 
 tem since 1854 ; 
 
 
 I 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 ~ 
 
 
 i. 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 r 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 -— 
 
 — 
 
 ~ c 
 
 — 
 
 
 t ; 
 
 t , 
 
 g 
 
 ? 
 
 -z ^ 
 
 >-.fr 
 
 -* ^ 
 
 •Hi 
 
 -. 
 
 
 :, 1 
 
 
 — 
 
 X 
 
 r-^ 
 
 
 iS 
 
 i; ^ 
 
 „ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 VEAKP, 
 
 , 
 
 ~ 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — — 
 
 ~'Z 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 — 1 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 y j- 
 
 
 ■— % 
 
 = ^ 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 = c 
 
 
 
 S 
 
 1^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 St— 
 
 
 ." o 
 
 < 
 
 
 -C 
 
 
 c 
 
 "r 
 
 
 
 Bt 
 
 c = 
 
 
 
 c" 
 
 c 
 
 c 
 
 £ 
 
 ■>r- 
 
 >£ ; 
 
 CK 
 
 d« 
 
 c 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 K;^ 
 
 s^ 
 
 < 
 
 < : 
 
 V-, 
 
 V^ 
 
 t. 
 
 1S55 
 
 1 
 
 'i 
 
 158 
 
 4 
 
 $:>5 00 
 
 *■» 00 ' 
 
 
 
 $1,400 00 
 2,400 (K) 
 
 J8ob 
 
 •> 
 
 i 
 
 250 
 
 4 
 
 S5 00 
 
 30 00 ' 
 
 .> 
 
 6 , 
 
 
 3- 
 
 h 
 
 437 
 
 
 40 00 
 
 SOiOO i 
 25 00 
 27 50 
 
 
 
 3,857 36 
 3 969 16 
 
 l.HoS 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 S50 
 (i03 
 
 6 
 8 
 
 40 00 
 37 50 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 lt-"o4 
 
 3,4.34 31 
 6,358 31) 
 
 Jem ... 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 mi 
 
 9 
 
 37 50 
 
 27 50 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 1S61 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 
 770 
 7S9 
 854 
 762 
 
 10 
 9 
 9 
 9 
 
 37 50 
 37 50 
 37 30 
 39 72 
 
 27 50 
 27 50 
 27 50 
 29J2 
 
 5 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 
 '> 744 04 
 
 18ti-J 
 
 
 ISKi 
 
 
 1S&4.... 
 
 3.112 00 
 
 ISd-i 
 
 r, 
 
 4 
 
 82;f 
 
 »v. 
 
 45 52 
 
 33 39 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 4,445 B.'i 
 
 i^m 
 
 5 
 
 4. 
 
 700 
 
 9 
 
 &4 37 
 
 38 64 
 
 - V 
 
 
 
 4,411 78 
 
 18^17 ■.. 
 
 5 
 
 C 
 
 S)25 
 
 i% 
 
 55 00 
 
 39 33 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 6,340 .54 
 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 813 
 1,560 
 
 lo 
 10 
 
 62 50 
 
 57 50 
 
 40 42 
 45 00 
 
 10 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 9,107 ai 
 
 1.^9...: 
 
 17,2<i0 00 
 
 1S70 
 
 5 
 
 15 
 
 22 
 
 1.640 
 1,(>00 
 
 10 
 10 
 
 60 00 
 60 00 
 
 44 33 
 
 45 00 
 
 10 
 10 
 
 S 
 10 
 
 18,000 00 
 
 1871 - 
 
 28.000 00 
 
 1872 
 
 7 
 
 23 
 
 1,795 
 
 9 
 
 71 43 
 
 44 46 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 
 27,228 93 
 
 1S73 - 
 
 t 
 
 lu 
 
 23 
 2(i 
 
 1,H2« 
 1,984 
 
 9 
 9 
 
 ,S 33 
 «7 73 
 
 44 80 
 44 70 
 
 11 
 11 
 
 9 
 9 
 
 37,994 ■&', 
 
 1S74 
 
 43,873 80 
 29.032 60 
 
 IS75 ■ 
 
 11 
 11 
 
 8 
 « 
 8 
 8 
 
 2fi 
 27 
 30 
 35 
 37 
 
 m 
 
 2,085 
 2,082 
 2,254 
 2,382 
 2,505 
 2,700 
 
 9 
 9 
 9 
 9 
 9 
 9 
 
 fil S2 
 57 05 
 56 69 
 55 51 
 54 00 
 50 62 
 
 40 96 
 
 41 98 
 40 95 
 36 15 
 36 87 
 35 36 
 
 10 
 10 
 10 
 10 
 10 
 10 
 
 \ 
 2 
 
 3 
 3 
 
 1S76 
 
 25,377 6:i 
 '23,515 5:i 
 
 
 1S73 
 
 23,199 95 
 
 187^1 , . 
 
 25,616 53 
 
 
 25,244 30 
 
 
 
 KAPID INCREASE OF SCHOOL POPULATION. 
 
 Ever since Altoona was incorporated as a borough it has been 
 difficult to keep pace with the demand for school buildings sufficient 
 to accommodate the number of children attending school. In addi- 
 tion to the other buildings at that time existing, a brick house — one 
 of the most substantial and best arranged of the ^?chool buildings in 
 the city — containing four rooms, was erected in the Fifth ward in 
 1877. It was supplied with first-class furniture. The school direc- 
 tors deserve great credit for the attention and care they gave in its 
 erection. Several years ago a brick building of about the same size 
 was erected in the Fourth ward sA a less cost, but on account of the 
 inferior material used, and the careless manner in which it was built, 
 
112 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 Mountain City 
 
 FLORAL ESTABLISHMENT 
 
 Howard Avenue, bet. 9th and 10th Streets, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 ALLAN S. MYERS, - PROPRIETOR. 
 
 Cut Flowers and Designs of all kinds, at all seasons of the year. 
 
 GREENHOUSE and BEDDING PLANTS, 
 
 BASKET and VASE PLANTS, 
 
 VEGETABLE PLANTS IN SEASON. 
 
 PRICES MODERATE. ORDERS BY MAIL PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. 
 
 SFiEflD OF^ULL COMPETITION ! 
 
 I AM DETERMINED TO LEAD. REST GOODS AT LOWEST PRICES. 
 
 Groceries, Flour, Feed, 
 
 Teas, Coffees, Sugars, Syrups, 
 
 Canned Fruits. Dried Fruits. Mackerel in Kits and other packages. 
 Fish, Bacon and Ham. Glass, Wood, \^/^illovv and Queensware, 
 
 Together with every article which is usiuilly to )if fouiul in a well-aiipoiutcd. wcU- 
 
 anungt^l. tirst-clilss Grocerv anfl I'roviiiion .<tore. •S"Doirt lui^tHkc-the 
 
 name and the place, a.s 1 don't wish others to trade on nij- ca.pitiil. 
 
 D. R. CHRISTIAN, 
 
 No. 1018 
 
 Chestnut Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 (BRICK BUILDINC.l 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOHA- AND BLAIR COUNTY. 113 
 
 it was recently condeinned, and althoujrh the orig^inal cost, together 
 with repair?, amounted to, .say $7,300, it ■w^as sold for the trifling 
 .sum of $365. 
 
 [$5,700 was the amount originally coatractud for the erection of 
 this building. The contractor found the amount too small, when 
 $1,000 additional was added, making $6,700. Afterwards a heater 
 was placed in the building at a cost of about $400 ; then a new roof 
 and other repairs amounting to about $200 — muking $7,300.] 
 
 In September, 1878, the term commenced with forty-two teachers, 
 and during the month t\\'o thousand four Imndred and twentv-two 
 ]>upils were enrolled, with one hundred and twenty-three of them in 
 charge of one of the primary teachers. This crowded condition of 
 the schools made it necessary' to establish another school. A church 
 room, which was not at all suitable for a school room, was rented and 
 occupied the remainder o; the term. It became evident from the in- 
 crea.se of the school population that provision must be made for more 
 .school rooms. Earh" in the summer an addition of four rooms to 
 the Sixth ward building was commenced and completed in September. 
 The building, vvhich is of brick, now contains eight rooms, supplied 
 with good furniture. 
 
 In September, 1879, the .schools opened with forty-five teachers 
 and an enrollment of two thou.sand si.\ hundred and nine pupils. 
 Before the opening of the schools, it was thought that there would 
 be sufficient school room to accommodate the increa.se in the number 
 of pupils, but it became necessary again to resort to the renting of 
 rooms. Two additional rooms were secured and two teacher.s elected, 
 making the total number of teachers forty-seven. The erection of a 
 building containing eight rooms, in the Secolid ward, is now in pro- 
 gress, and will be ciuite a relief to the crowded condition of the 
 .school.s. The building, with furniture and heating ajjparatus, will 
 <ost about $18,000; two lots and a half, upon which to erect the 
 building, were purchased at the co.st of about $4,800. When the 
 grounds are suitably improved, the total value of the public school 
 property, in the Second ward, will be aljoat $33,000, and will be 
 more valuable than that in any other ward. 
 
 NUMBER OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS. 
 
 To summarize the statistics of public school buildings scattered 
 through preceding pages we state that in the First ward is one build- 
 ing with eight rooms; Second ward, one building with eight rooms j 
 Third ward, one building with three rooms, and two buildings with 
 
114 
 
 HISTORY OP Al.TOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 one room <'a(:h — totul, five rooms; Fourth ward,* two Ijiiildiiips with 
 two rooms each — totul, four rooms ; Fifth \rtird, one bujidinp: with 
 four rooms ; Sixth ward, one l)uilding withcip^iit rooms; Scvcntb 
 ward, one )tuildinjr with two rooms; Ei^'hth ward, one building with 
 four rooms, one with two rooms and two with one room each — totul, 
 eight rooms. Grand total, forty-seven rooms- 
 
 NAMKS OF TEACHERS, (iRADE, ENROLLMENT, ETC. 
 
 The totul number of pupils enrolli'd in the public .schools for 
 1870-80 was 2.(l'.i8. The names of teachei-s, grade, and the enroll- 
 ment and aveiuge attendanc.-e of pu])ils of each .school for that |)eriod 
 arc given in the tables annexed; 
 
 Xaiiu's of Tcachoi's. ' AVard. 
 
 <;iade. 
 
 *l Certificate. 
 
 Aver. 
 a8«. 
 
 L. L. I!(j<>k First 
 
 Umlav llonpfi- — do 
 
 A. P. liupeit do 
 
 .T. n. r.owle* <lo 
 
 :Mai-v K. F..,-I,.i- do 
 
 Anna M. .Toliii>toii do 
 
 Xcllir Diirboi-row <lo 
 
 Knnna K. \\"oi'h'V do 
 
 JIls. J.fttie Wilson ..' ...do 
 
 JIvs. I';Ua C. I'.iii,'!.- Jd anil 3d. 
 
 Kati- .\ lie man do 
 
 Anna (.'. Bailev do 
 
 Xanlii.- RiiS!.i-il d<. 
 
 Kate K. Mosor do 
 
 .Sail if-' K. In;,' la in d<» 
 
 51 IV. i-^niTna Tcake. ..... .ilo 
 
 Ella ijewis do 
 
 -Mrri. Liz/.ic Kedding.;. . . .d^i 
 
 Ijonis.-t O'Neill <lo 
 
 Mr-:. .\nnieK. Moore Third 
 
 Marv .1. Stonrtei- do 
 
 :\liv. Sallie .1. Steele do 
 
 ."sadie Keajjan <lo 
 
 A liee V. .sliew d<) 
 
 W. W. Osljorni- Foiirlli ... 
 
 Hi^li School 
 
 Assistant High School.. 
 
 .•second (iranunar 
 
 First (Iraniniar 
 
 lst.*i 'Jnd Intermediate. 
 Fonrth Friiuary ....... . 
 
 Third Primary j 
 
 Second rriniary 
 
 do. . 
 do. .. 
 do. .. 
 do. .. 
 
 do. 
 
 .Vnielia C. Snvdiir. . 
 I,illje M. IJowcrs... 
 Lizzie McCinniisey 
 .lessie Caster .". 
 
 Lizzie A. Cnle 
 
 -Mat'jrie M. l!..ss.... 
 
 Harm. L. Brenneeke, ....do. 
 
 Mad<lie Kendig do. .. . 
 
 Charles Geese \- Fifth 
 
 JIattie Neville do. ... 
 
 <;. Graham Ander.son do, ... 
 
 (O'etrndc Ron she .. . .■ do. . . . 
 
 W. C. Keeni Sixth .. . 
 
 K. Klder ......10. ... 
 
 Marv Wallace ... .do. .. . 
 
 Uacl'iael A. Cowen... d<i. ... 
 
 Slarv K- Clarkson ' do. .. . 
 
 Sallie H McGhahei-}i....do. ... 
 
 Maggie Parke : do, ... 
 
 Jennie Swart z ! ... .do. . . . 
 
 lleljccea M. Patterson' Seventh. 
 Km ma F. Trallord...! do. ... 
 
 Noi'nial Dip. 
 
 Pl'Olessional. 
 
 Peiananent . . 
 do 
 
 Provisional.. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 Pennaneui.. 
 
 First Primary ." Provisional . 
 
 First Graniuiai- ^.,.' do 
 
 .\di-aiiee Second Inter do 
 
 Second InTermcdJatet. .' <lo 
 
 First Iiilennediatc ! Permanent.. 
 
 Fonrth Primary ,. . I'rovisional . 
 
 Third Primary „... do 
 
 Second Prinlar\" <lo 
 
 First Primary do 
 
 First Prinniry do 
 
 First Priinary <lo 
 
 Fii'st (.iranimar. . - <lo 
 
 1st & '-'ml TntermtMliate. do 
 
 Fonrth Piimary dol 
 
 ■ind and 3d I'rlniary. do 
 
 Firist Primary .*...' do 
 
 .Second Grauitnar ,. Permanent.. 
 
 First (O-ummar ^ do 
 
 Second Intermediate...' Professional 
 
 First Intermediate i I'rovisional . 
 
 F^onrth Priinary ] do 
 
 Third Primary ■ do 
 
 Second Primary , do 
 
 First Primary do 
 
 First Primary ; do 
 
 1st & •Ind Tntcrinediati'.' do 
 
 Fonrth Primary Hermanent .. 
 
 'I'hird Primary ! IM'ovlsioiial., 
 
 Ist & 2nd Primai'y [ do 
 
 Second Grammar ' Permanent.. 
 
 First (i laminar do 
 
 Second Intermediate.. .: I'rovisional . 
 
 First Intermediate. ,. ,.j ilo 
 
 Fonrth Primary do 
 
 Third Primary." '...' do 
 
 Second Piimary .| do 
 
 First Primary ,. do 
 
 Ut& 2illnter. AtthPrl. do 
 
 1st, M & 3d Primary I do 
 
 48 
 47 
 
 .W 
 .ll 
 ,"17 
 73 
 37 
 41 
 .ll 
 
 64 
 r>li 
 61 
 K 
 48 
 4U 
 43 
 44 
 •IS 
 M 
 •W 
 42 
 
 :is 
 
 40 
 5] 
 
 48 
 
 m 
 
 .1(1 
 
 4(1. 
 
 :» 
 4.'> 
 
 Id 
 
 a-1 
 (it 
 .w 
 
 7U 
 37 
 ftl 
 
 •Principal building of this ward condemned and sgld. 
 
HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAlll COUNTY. 
 
 116' 
 
 Names of tuachcrs 
 certificate :* 
 
 for 1880-81, with their irrado of school and 
 
 Names of Teacher.s. 
 
 ! 
 
 Wards. 
 
 G rado. 
 
 Certificate. 
 
 A. P. Rupert 
 
 Kannie Ku9.sell 
 
 .., First 
 
 Second Grammar 
 
 Permanent. 
 
 ..;... .do 
 
 ..■ io 
 
 
 11 
 
 JjillieM. Bowei-s 
 
 Second Intermediate... 
 
 Professional. 
 
 Mary E. Foster 
 
 .. ....do 
 
 First Intermediate 
 
 Provisional. 
 
 Annail. Johnston 
 
 ..!... .do 
 
 Fourth Primary 
 
 " 
 
 Nellie Durborrow 
 
 ..;... .do 
 
 do 
 
 Third Primary 
 
 
 Dora Kearney 
 
 Second Primary 
 
 ■ ■ 
 
 Jlrs. Leuie Wilson 
 
 ......do 
 
 ..' Second 
 
 First Fi"imarv 
 
 
 L. L. Book 
 
 Prineipal High School.. 
 
 Normal Diploma 
 
 Linda Hooper 
 
 .- ....do 
 
 Assistant " 
 
 Professional. 
 
 W. W. Osborne 
 
 do 
 
 Second Graiiwnar 
 
 Permanent. 
 
 .). B. Jiowlcs 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 
 
 Cliarles Geesey 
 
 First and Second Inter. 
 
 I-*iovisional, 
 
 Jessie Custer 
 
 do 
 
 Fourth Primary 
 
 " 
 
 Emma K. Worlev. .,,. , 
 
 ,. ..do 
 
 Tliird Primary 
 
 '• 
 
 I.ibbieHerr ". 
 
 ..'....do 
 
 Second PrlmJirv 
 
 " 
 
 Louisa O'Neill 
 
 do 
 
 Fir.^t Primary 
 
 *• 
 
 Jlrs. Annie E. Sloore 
 
 .. Tiiird 
 
 First Gi*aniinar 
 
 I'rofessional.. 
 
 Anna C. Ballev 
 
 ... do 
 
 First and "Second Int^r. 
 
 Provisional. 
 
 Mrs. SaUle J. iSteele 
 
 ......do. ...... 
 
 Fourth Piilil^iry 
 
 ^■ 
 
 Sadie Reagan 
 
 .. ....do. ...... 
 
 Second and Third Pri. . 
 
 " 
 
 Allie V. Shew 
 
 do 
 
 . . Fourth 
 
 
 " 
 
 Lizzie McCumpsey 
 
 Fourth I'rinVaiy 
 
 
 Jolm B. Harmon 
 
 do 
 
 Third Priniarv 
 
 
 jNIa^gie 31. Ross 
 
 do 
 
 Second Primary 
 
 
 do 
 
 .. Fifth 
 
 
 
 S. G. Rupert 
 
 First and Second Inter. 
 
 Permanent,. 
 
 Maltie Neville 
 
 do 
 
 Fourth Primsuv 
 
 
 A. M. Crostliwaite 
 
 do 
 
 Second and Tliird I'rl.. 
 
 I'rovisioiial. 
 
 Klla Kemnierliiig 
 
 do 
 
 First Primary 
 
 " 
 
 W. C. Reem 
 
 .. Sixth 
 
 Second G i-ammar 
 
 Permanent. 
 
 Elexis Elder 
 
 do 
 
 First <jraTnmar 
 
 '• 
 
 :Mary Wallace 
 
 <lo 
 
 Second Intennediat*'.. . 
 
 Provisional. 
 
 Rachel A. Cowen 
 
 do 
 
 First Intermediate 
 
 " 
 
 Lizzie A. Cole 
 
 .. ....do 
 
 Fourth rriniary 
 
 '■ 
 
 Maggie Park 
 
 do 
 
 
 '■ 
 
 Emuaa Davis 
 
 do 
 
 Second Prinijiry 
 
 
 Blanche Miller 
 
 do 
 
 First Primary 
 
 Normal Diploma 
 
 Rebecca M. Patterson 
 
 .. Seventh. .. 
 
 1st & 2d Inter. &4tli Pri. 
 
 Provisional. 
 
 Emma F. TralTord 
 
 <lo 
 
 1st, id and 3d.Primary.. 
 
 
 Mrs. EllaC. Beeglc 
 
 .. Klghtli 
 
 First Gramniar 
 
 Professional. 
 
 Mary J. Stoufler 
 
 do 
 
 '2d Inter. Advanced 
 
 Provisional. 
 
 JIary E.'Clarkson 
 
 ..i....do 
 
 Second Intermediate. . . 
 
 -" 
 
 G. G. Anderson 
 
 ..i....do 
 
 First Intermediate 
 
 *■ 
 
 Kate, L, Moscr :. 
 
 ..i....do 
 
 Fourth I*rimarv 
 
 '■ 
 
 Sadie E. Ingram 
 
 Sadie Row 
 
 do 
 
 
 it 
 
 do 
 
 Second Primary 
 
 
 Harmeuia Brennecke 
 
 do 
 
 First Primary 
 
 " 
 
 Lettie D. Johnston 
 
 do 
 
 •' " 
 
 Normal liiploma 
 
 *As the schools, for which teachers have been appointed, do not commence un- 
 til September, 18S0, we are unable to gi\'c tiic unmlici of pupils and a\'erage at- 
 tendance. 
 
 V.ALUE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL PROPEIiTV, 
 
 The value of property used for school ])iir|)oscs ariioiints to $96,- 
 500, divided as follows: Grouiuls, $24,200 ; Imildiiigs, ,§64,800; fur- 
 niture, $1,600, Twenty-five years ago there was but one school 
 house, worth less than $300. [The value of the school propertv of 
 the entire county is $200,850.] 
 
llfi HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 D. & C. MOORE, 
 
 ALWAYS HAVE IX ST^kK AN KLEGAXT LINE OV 
 
 GROCERIES, 
 
 WHICH THEY SELL AT THE 
 
 LOWEST CASH PRICES. 
 
 Canned Goods, 
 
 Sugars, Coffees, 
 
 Spices, S5^rups, 
 
 And an endless variety of llciivy mul Fuiiey Grooeriej; usually found in a weU-rt^g- 
 ulated store. Tliey also reoeivi--, iiiseasion, 
 
 FEESH .VEGETABLES 
 
 3-^roni the E.ist every ilay, v liicli tliey sell at u very small iuai"gJiis, Thej' also offer 
 bargains to every bt>dy,in 
 
 QUEENSWllRE and GLffiSSWflRE. 
 
 All goods guarnutcud to be of tlie best quality uuU wiin-anted to give satisfaction 
 in ivei v case. Give tliem a call iiml beiouie convinced. 
 
 D. & C. MOORE, 
 
 Corner 11th A^'eniie and 15th Street, Altooua. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIE COUNTY. 117 
 
 OFFICERS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ETC. 
 
 Tile board of school directors consists of six members, us follows : 
 John P. Lcviin, A. F. Heess, J. F. Raiiiey, W. S. Douglass, H. C. 
 Dern, and C. N. Pimlott. Two directors are elected each year, the 
 term of ofBce being three years. At the election of February It, 1880, 
 J. P. Levan (whose term expired on June 1 following) was re-elected, 
 and A. F. Heess was elected in place of W. E. Craine, whose term ex- 
 pired also on June 1. The terms of J. F. Rainey and W. S. Douglass 
 will expire June 1, 1881, and those of H. C. Dern and C. X. Pimlott 
 on June 1, 1882. 
 
 Prof D. S. Keith, city superintendent of .schools, is elected by the 
 directors and commissioned by the State superintendent. His term 
 expires on June 1, 1881. 
 
 The present visiting directors are: First ward, H. C. Dern; Third 
 ward, J. F. Rainey, Fourth ward, A. F. Heess; Fifth and Sixth 
 wards, W. S. Douglass; Seventh ward, John P. Levan; Eighth and 
 Second wards, C. N. Pimlott. 
 
 Officers of the board: President, John P. Levan; secretary, W. 
 S. Douglass ; treasurer, T. H, Wigton. 
 
 ENGLISH AND GERMAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 
 
 About 1855 a private school was establis'hed with twenty-five pu- 
 pils, bv Right Reverend J. Tuigg, and Marj- Levi was appointed as 
 teacher. The school grew rapidly in numbers and influence. 
 
 The large and imposing structure, adjacent to St. John's church, 
 on Thirteenth avenue, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, is 
 now the residence and school building of the Sisters of Charity at- 
 tached to the church. Its corner-stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Bishop 
 Domenec, under the pastorship of Rev. Father Tuigg, May 12, 1867. 
 On August 19, 1870, the building was ready to receive the Sisters. 
 It was furnished with all the modern improvements. There are eight 
 large and well-ventilated rooms for the children ; a comfortable and 
 handsome oratoiy, where the Sisters assemble to perform the religious 
 exercises of their order ; large and spacious parlors, and a grand re- 
 ception room ; three or four music halls, together with a large dormi- 
 torv divided into cells, where the members of the community sleep. 
 The Sisters, originally onl}' four in number, came from Cincinnati, and 
 under the Superior Mother Aloysia, took possession of the building in 
 1870, and commenced at once the duties of imparting to the young 
 people of the congregation, and to others who were willing to embrace 
 the opportunity, a sound religious and secular education. The com- 
 
118 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIB COUNTV. 
 
 iminitv iMjiidlv grew and spread, and now from this house alone many 
 others have been established in the diocese — at Johnstown, East Lil5- 
 ei-t\-, South-Side (Pittsl)urg), Sharpsburs- and Blairsville. The atten- 
 dance at the Convent schools is large, averaging daily between six 
 and seven hundred children. There is an academy or high school at- 
 tached, from which the more advanced ])upils graduate with honors. • 
 Mother Alovsia superintends tlio schools, and the whole is under the 
 supervision of the pastor of the chur(,di. 
 
 The German Catholic schools, conducted by the Sisters of St. 
 A"-ncs, were started in 1S77, and since that time have been very suc- 
 cessful in providing the necessary reli.Lrious and secular training to up- 
 wards of three hundred German Catholic children. 
 
 In September, IS'78, the Franciscan Brothers from Loretto, Cam- 
 bria county, took charge of the boys' schools, one on the eastern side 
 and one on the western side of the city. The'supcrintendance of the 
 schools is committed to Brotiier Angelus, who "is assisted by Brothers 
 Vincent, Athana.sius, and two others. Some time ago they gave a 
 public entertainment at the Opera House, whrdi was very successful 
 and gave proof of the brothers' ellicioncy. 
 
 Eight or trm vears ago a parochial school was e5tal>lished by the 
 German Lutheran church, in order tliat their children might receive 
 instruction in their own language. Recentlv these children have 
 come into the public schools, )mt, during the vacation of the public 
 schools, they receive instructions in reading and writing German. By 
 this method they receive the Inmefits of a sy?^tem of graded schools, 
 and advance as rapidly in learning their own language. 
 
 A "Kindergarten" school, the central idi."a of which is to mingle 
 work and plav so adroitlv that the child's mind unfolds through its 
 plav, so that mental and bodily de,veloiun(!nt go hand in hand, was 
 recentlv established b}' Miss Joanna Steichele, a young Gernum lady, 
 with prospects of ultimat(^ succ<'ss. 
 
 In the year 1S()2 an elfort was made by Dr. AVm. It. Findlev, and 
 scver<il other prominent citizens, to establish an academy at which a 
 higher grade of education might be obtainable than, at that time, the 
 public schools offered. A charter of incorporation was obtained, and 
 although the plan of organization projiosed was considered practicable, 
 yet petty sectioTial jealousj- brought the enterprise to a speedj'' death. 
 Dr. Findlej' had secured the refusal of a lot of ground adjoining the 
 reservoir, on the east side, for §1,500, with $300 subscribed, and it i.s 
 to be regretted that the academy was not liuilt at that time. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOJJA AND BLAIE COUNTY. 119 
 
 CITY CHURCHES.. 
 
 BAPTIST FIRST AND SECOND. 
 
 The origin of the First church goes back to 'May, 1842. then or- 
 ganized under the name of "The Pleasant Valley Baptist Church," 
 with seventeen members, in the Union school house. Up to 1852 the 
 church had no settled pa.stor, but was regularly supplied with preach- 
 ing by Rev. Wm. B. Bingham, Rev. :\rr. Fi,-<her, Rev. J. B. Morris 
 and Rev. J. B. "Williams, all of whom did pastoral worli. With the 
 laj'ing out of Altooiia, lots were secured principal]}' through the kind- 
 ness of ^lartin Bell, deceased. In 1853 the small bricli building, now 
 occupied bj- the Catholics as a reading room, was built and used by 
 the congregation until the present edifice, at the corner of Eleventh 
 avenue and Fifteenth street, close to the old building, was erected. 
 Rev. A. J. Hay was pastor of the church from 1852 to 1854. He 
 was followed by Rev. W. B. Harris. In 1859 Rev. A. H. Sembower 
 liecame pastor and remained with the church until 1865, when Rev. 
 A. F. Shanafelt succeeded him. Rev. Wm. Shadrach, D. D.. took the 
 partorate in 1868 and remained until 1873. During Dr. Shadraeh's. 
 pa.storate the pre^eut church building was completed, he having faith- 
 fully served the church for five years. Rev. Dr. Shadrack leaving. Rev. 
 Wm. Godville became pastor, remaining until April, 1876. During- 
 the summer of the latter year the church was without a pastor. In 
 the fall of the same year Rev. A. K. Bell, D. D., assumed the pastoral' 
 charge, and has ever since been, more or less, identified with the church. 
 During Dr. Bell'.* absence at Lewisburg, Rev. C. A. Hare filled the 
 pastor's chair from July, 1878, to October, 1879, when he left to, re- 
 sume his studies at Crozer. Dr. Bell filled the pulpit from October,. 
 1879 to January, 1880, when the church again released him in the in- 
 terests of the University at Lewisburg until June, 1880, his phice be- 
 ing filled by Rev. J. Green Miles. 
 
 X. J. Mervine, W. B. Ketler, Benj. M. Bunker, H. B. Keudig, C. 
 C. L3-on. Steiihen Aiken and Samuel Colclesser constitute the pres- 
 ent board of deacons ; W. S. Douglass, church clerk, and Dr. S. M. 
 Sellers, treasurer. The board of trustees for 1880-1 consists of Dr. 
 S. M. Sellers, J. H. Oves, H. B. Kendig, J. W. Cherry, X. J. Mer- 
 vine, C. C. Lyon, G. S. Eby, W. S. Elder, and W. S. Douglass. 
 As a corporate body the church is entirely free from debt, owning 
 
120 HISTORY OF ALTOOXA AND BLAlLi, COLXTY. 
 
 Alive to the AYaiits of the People. 
 
 We buy at tlie vory lowost li.triu-cs ami aio tlius cnalilcfl tn sill at wlmt some would 
 
 Icnii starvation prices. \\'o mean what we say ami say what we mean. Try 
 
 us ami prove us. We carry at all times aivaniple stock of 
 
 Dry Goods, Notions, 
 
 Groceries, Flour, Feed, 
 
 Provisions, boots and shoes, 
 
 Xnd other articles of general meiehamlise too numerons to mention. 
 
 "PRIDE OF fiLTOONJl," 
 
 The most favorite brand of flour, and c«n be obtained only of us. 
 
 WM. McDowell & son, 
 
 Corner Ttli Avenue and 13tli .Street, Altoona. 
 
 DR. LINDSEY HGMN IN THE EIELD. 
 
 HIS NEW AKD WONDERFDL REMEDY FOR THE BLOOP. 
 
 Lindsey's World-Renowned Panacea 
 
 GuaiLinteed to care all diseases arising from impurities of the blooti, of wliieh the 
 
 following IS u pui-t : 
 
 Scrofula, Cancer, Salt-Rheum, Fever-Sores, 
 
 Secondary Syphilis, Tetter, Erysipelas, Itch, 
 
 Catarrh, Liver Complaint, Scald Head, 
 
 Pimples And Blotches on the Face, 
 
 And at tlip s:ime liinr is one of the fj:re;it(_'st beuutifiers, as it removes all ernptions 
 and sallowuess from the skin, and leaves it a clear and natural color. All per- 
 sons in need of a blooil purifier are requested to try the I'anaeea, as it is guar- 
 Jinteed. to cure if taken accordinii; to directions. The ranaceti i.'^ prepared 
 by Dr. J. M. Lindsej'" in person, at the Laboratcwy of the sole proprie- 
 tors. Sold by all drugijists and tlealers everywhere. 
 
 LINDSET & BECKMAN, 
 
 SOLE PROPRIETORS, 
 
 lltli Avenue, bet. 14th and loth Streets, Altoona, 
 
 (Four Doors East of r.aptist Church.) 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 121 
 
 a propei-t-y worth about $25,000. Mcmbci-.ship, 292, with an average 
 Sunday-School attendance of 225 ; volumes in library, 400. 
 
 The Second Bapti.*t church was organized in 1873, under the aus- 
 pice.-? of the First Baptist church. The congregation first worshipped 
 in a building on Eighth avenue, between Twentj'-first and Twenty- 
 second streets. The first pastor Ava.< Rev. Jacob Robinson, who was 
 succeeded by Revs. Richardson, Rhue and others. In 1816 a new 
 building was erected on Seventeenth street, between Tenth and Elev- 
 enth avenues, at a co.st of about SI, 000, where the congregation now 
 worship, although for some time they have had no pastor. 
 
 CATHOLIC EN'CiLISH AND OER:MA^'. 
 
 The present flourishing congregation of St. John's started with a 
 church organization in the year 1852. Kev. John Walsh, deceased, 
 then in charge of St. Mary's church, Hollidaysburg, purchased on the 
 above date two lots, upon which was erectec| a frame building, suffi- 
 cient to aecomraodate the congregation, at that time not very large. 
 This frame church was dedicated the following year (1853). The ven- 
 erable Father Bradley, pastor at Xewry, attended regularl}- to the 
 spiritual wants of the people for the greater p.art of 1853, as yet there 
 being no duly appointed resident pastor. In the following year, Rev. 
 John Tuigg, the present Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburg, was for- 
 mallv installed as pastor of St. John's congregation. Th,e member- 
 ship up to this date, and for eight years afterwards, embraced both 
 English and German speaking Catholics; the German portion of the 
 congregation had the ministrations, at regular intervals, of Fathers 
 Clemens, Manus, Wcndelin and others. In the year 1860 the German 
 Catholics formed themselves into a separate congregation, having a 
 resident priest. In the same year, under the very able, energetic and 
 efficient pa.storate of Kev. J. Tuigg, the present capacious and beauti- 
 ful church building was commenced. The work was pushed through 
 rapid!}", and was dedicated on the 24th of June, 1875, the feast of St. 
 John, after whom the church is named, by the Et. Rev. M. Domcnec, 
 the late Catholic Bishop of the Diocese. There was a large gather- 
 ing on the occasion, and the Catholic population must have felt justly 
 proud of the success that crowned their efforts in securing for them- 
 selves such an imposing church edifice. Tlje early members of the 
 church were chiefly composed of those engaged in the building of the 
 Pennsylvania railroad, and belonged to that faith. A large number 
 also came from the neighboring counties, especially from Cambria, 
 where there is a large Catholic population, the fruits of the faithful 
 
122 HISTOEY or ALTOONA AND BLAIR -COLNTV. 
 
 labors of the Prince Priest, "Dr. Gallitziii. Tlie present pastor of St. 
 JoLu's cbiirch is Kev. Tlioiuas Ryan, who for'a number of 3'ears had 
 been pastor of the Gallitzin ehiireh. On July 18, ISsO, Bishop TuI.l^- 
 administered the sacrament of confirmation at:St. John's, at tlie close 
 of which he appointed Father Pvyan to succeed the lamented P.ev. John 
 '^'alsh, who had been pastor sijice March, 187<i, and since the eleva- 
 tion of Rev. John Tuiyg, his pre<lecessor, to the epi.scopatc. Father 
 Evan is efficiently assisted in mini.slerin,;,'- to the con.unN'.ii-ation by the 
 Rev. Morgan M. Sheeily and Rev. Jas. A. Xasli. Th<- jirescnt mem- 
 bership of St. John's is between four and fivethousand. 
 
 St. Mary's (German) churcli was org-aftized in ISCO. The lirst 
 resident priest was Father Schuller, who was succeeded in order by 
 Fathers Bierl, Kircher, Rosswo.u-, and others. The present i>astor, 
 Rev. John Schell, took charge in 1871. In .1874 Father Schell got 
 the church building to its present shape. Tt Is, however, unfinished, 
 but it is. intended to complete it at an (>arly date. This congregation 
 also is in a very flourishing condition, and has a membership of nearly 
 two thousand. 
 
 CHRIST IIEFOIIMED. 
 
 This church is located on the corner of Twelfth avenue and Fif- 
 teenth street. It is a fine, imposing edifice, built of sandstone, in tlu^ 
 Gothic stvle of architecture. A neat, commo'dious, frame jjarsonage 
 stands adjoining it. The congregation worshipping in this church, 
 and whose property' it is, is connected with th*Q Reformed Church in 
 the United States, and was organized in Janiiary, 1863, as a Mission 
 under the care of the Westmoreland Classis. In Xovembor of the 
 same year it was received under the care of the Mercorsburg Classis, 
 with which it is still connected. It received ftiissionary support until 
 1872, since which time it has been self-sustaining, and by its benevo- 
 lent contributions has already, in a g-reat nWasure, returned to the 
 Church at large what was given to it in its iiifancv. At the time of 
 organization only about a dozen communicant members were con- 
 nected with the mission. The actual organisation was effected Jan- 
 uary 29, 1863, bj- the adoption of a constitution and the election of 
 the following officers: Elders, J. L. Reifsneider and C. B. Sink; dea- 
 cons, J. H. Fritchej' and Daniel Bohler. The first pastor was Rev. 
 Cyrus Cort, who took charge of the mission January 1, 1863, and, 
 after a very successful pastorate, resigned in March, 1867. The mis- 
 sion w-as then vacant for about fifteen months, when Rev. A. C. Whit- 
 mer was called as pastor. He was installed June 14, 1868, and closed 
 
IlISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 123 
 
 his labors lierc April 1, 18*79. During his long pastorate the member- 
 ship was greatly iiiereased, and the church became self-supporting. In 
 October, 1819, a call was extended to the present pastor, Rev. J. M. 
 Titzel. He was installed Decemljer 19, 1819, and regularly began his 
 labors as jiastor Januar}' 1, 1880. 
 
 The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid July 31, 18fi4, and 
 the building was finished, excepting the spire, in June, 18G8, and con- 
 secrated on the 14th of that month. In 1813 the spire was Ijuilt and 
 the structure finally completed through the efforts of J. P. Levan, then 
 a deacon of the church, and one of its most lil)eral supporters. The 
 cost of the building was about $15,000. It was erected under the su- 
 pervision of a building committee consisting of J. L. Reifsneider, J. 
 P. Levan, Daniel Bohler, and C. B. Sink. The architect was Fred. 
 Thorn. The parsonage was built in the fall of 1868 and the spring of 
 1869, at a cost of $3,000. Several hundred dollars haA^e since been 
 spent on it in repairs and improvements. The congregation at present 
 numbers about three hundred communicant members. The officers at 
 this time are: Elders, J. F. Boult, J. L. Reifsneider and Peter L. 
 Stouch; deacons, H. A. Folk, Y. H. Freet, George S. Thomas, A. C. 
 Hammaker, E. Lingenfelter and C. E. Morse ; trustees, J. F. Boult, 
 J. L. Reifsneider and P. L. Stouch. A flourishing Sunday-school is 
 connected with the congregation, Bumlsering thirty officers and teach- 
 ers, and over two hundred .scholars. Geo, S. Thomas is the present 
 superintendent of the school. 
 
 CHURCH OF GOD. 
 
 In the fall of 1862 Elder S. S. Richmond, assisted by a number of 
 families in Altoona, among whom may be mentioned the Alloways, 
 Fishers, Cavenders, Pools, Ottos and Weights, laid the foundation of 
 the Church of God in Altoona. At first Elder Richmond conducted 
 services in private houses. In January, 1863, Elder Jacob Boyer, 
 who was in charge of the Martinsburg circuit, held a protracted meet- 
 ing in the " ATmory building," the result of which was the more defi- 
 nite organization of the church. Charles Pool was elected elder, and 
 Abraham Alloway deacon. A lot of ground, corner of Fifth avenue 
 and Thirteenth street, was purchased from Mr. Jaggard, and a build- 
 ing committee was appointed, consisting of Elder S. S. Richmond, 
 Charles Pool, Abraham AUowaj', and Samuel Weight. Mr. Alio way 
 shortly afterwards died, and John Mateer, of Martinsburg, was se- 
 lected to fill the vacancy In the fall of 1863 the building was under 
 roof, and, although unfinished, services were held therein. Later in 
 
124 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 D. A. BARR, 
 
 — DEALER IN 
 
 GROCERIES 
 
 MJ) GENERAL MERCHANDISE, 
 
 jSTo. 1807 Eighth Avenue, - Altoona, Pa. 
 
 H. H. SNYDER, 
 
 Attorney and Counselor at Law, 
 
 HoUidaj^sburg, Pa. 
 
 Collections in any part of the County pro'naptly attended to. 
 
 J. C. INISTES, 
 
 APOTHECARY. 
 
 — AND DEALER IN 
 
 Fine Pharmaceutical Preparations, 
 
 Ninth Street, below Sixth Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 
 .^TAKE NOTICE.— Highest Casli Prices palil for Ginseng, Seneka Root, etc. 
 
 J. W. ISEKBERG, D. D. S. 
 
 DKNTAL OFFICE: 
 
 Corner 8th Avenite and 12th Street, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 OFFICE HOURS: 9 A. M. TO G P. M. 
 
.HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIE COUNTY. 125 
 
 the fall Elder Riehmond entered the army a.s chaplain. In the spring 
 of 1864 Elder John Hickernell and Mrs. M*tha Becclier conducted 
 services, and remained until the summer of 1865, when Elder Rich- 
 mond returned and resumed the duties of the pastorate. The building 
 was finished in the fall of that year. In 186?! Elder Richmond was 
 succeeded by Elder P. D. Collins, who remained until the spring of 
 1868, when Elder C. L. Arny assumed charge. In the spring of 186a 
 Elder J. M. Dugan, succeeded. He remained one year. Between 
 April 1, 1870 and March 31, 1811, the church was without a regvdar 
 pastor. On April 1 of the latter year, Elder .1. C. Owens took charge, 
 who, in the fall, was followed by Elder F. L. Nicodcnius, and in the- 
 spring of 1874 Elder J. M. Carvell occupied the pulpit. He remained 
 two years. Elder John Hunter was the next pastor, undei- whose ad- 
 ministration the building was enlarged (December, 1876,) to its pres- 
 ent dimensions. The building committee consisted of Levi Fisher, 
 John Bartlej', Jeremiah Hoerner and A. Y. Price. The new or en- 
 larged house, free of debt, was dedicated March 17, 1877. Elder John- 
 Hunter resigned the pastorate in the winter of 1878, and Elder G. L. 
 Cowen took charge. On April 1, 1879, Elder J. W. Miller, the pres- 
 ent pastor, commenced his labors here. The membership at first' was- 
 twenty-five ; it has grown to upwards of two hundred. During the 
 past year a parsonage has been erected at a cost of about §1,000. 
 
 I HEBREW SYNAGOGUE. 
 
 TTith about twenty-three members, a Hebrew congregation, under 
 the title of "Ahabath Achim," was organized in Altoona in May,. 
 1873. The first president was Joseph Berkowitz; treasurer, A. Shee- 
 line ; secretar}', S. Xeuwahl. The first rabbi was. Rev. Mr. Goldman; 
 then followed in order Revs. Grossman, Block and Leasker. Rev. S- 
 Altman, the present rabbi, was engaged in June, 1879. The officers 
 now serving are : President, Max Mayer ; treasurer, Joseph Berko- 
 witz ; secretary, A. Sheeline. Present membership, twenty-five. The 
 congregation has never had anj- regular stated place of worship for 
 any protracted period of time. At present its meetings are held once a 
 week, and on the holidays, in a hall on the corner of Eleventh avenue 
 and Fourteenth street. The congregation has a cemetery, or burying 
 ground, located on the Dry Gap road, in the immediate vicinity of 
 the cit}'. 
 
 LUTHERAN — FIRST AND SECOND. 
 
 The First Lutheran church was organized about the year 1834, in 
 a log school bouse, then located in a wood in the now called Sixth 
 
126 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIE COUNTY. 
 
 ward. Subsequently, in about 1838, the conguegatioii moved its place 
 of worship to the Union school house, now greatly improved and oc- 
 cupied by the Colored :Nfethodist Episcopal chorch. In the spring- of 
 184G Rev. Henry Baker received and accepted a call to this congrega- 
 tion. During the same summer this congregation built a church edi- 
 fice in Colliusville, now in the suburbs of thb city, where they wor- 
 shipped for eiglit years. Aft(.'r Altoona was laid out, it became neces- 
 sary for the congreg-ation again to change itsliflse of operations. Two 
 lots were selected on Eleventh avenue, where the present church and 
 parsonage were built in 1853. The church edifice was dedicated in 
 1854. The princijial contributors to this enterprise were Michael 
 Hilenian, William Bell, J. B. Hileman, John Loudon, Teter Empfield, 
 Harry Sellers, Henry Fleck, J. L. Reifsneidcri Jacob Good, Benjamin 
 Figart, William Robinson, R\idolph Lotz, George W. Patton, George 
 Cowen. The contractors were Peter Empfield and David Brubaker. 
 Cost of church and parsonage about 88,000. In 1810 the church was 
 enlarged and greatly improved at a cost of about §12,000. The pas- 
 tors who served this church from tinu' to time arc as follows; Revs. 
 Jacob jMartin, John H. Huffman, C. C. Guenther, Jacob Simons, Wil- 
 liam Weaver, Henry Baker, S. Curtis, Jacob Stock, C. C. Ehrenfeld, 
 S. Holman and Henry Baker. The latter pastor served the congre- 
 gation for ele\ en and a half years — from 1840 to 1857. He returned 
 in 18(m and has been pastor ever since, ^lembership, seven hundred. 
 Sabbath-school numbers five hundred. It is due to say that out of 
 this church the German church in part originated, and also the Second 
 church. There are now about twelve hundred communing members 
 of the Lutheran churches in Altoona. The cliurch council at present 
 is composed of three elders — Henr}^ Yon, Daniel Stoner, J. B. Hile- 
 man — and six deacons: C. C. Mason, L. B. iPatton, S. S. Taylor, J. 
 K. Roush, George F. Jones (now deceased), Thomas Bushman. Rev. 
 Henry Baker has faithfully and elficiently served the First church for 
 thirty-four years. The congregation is fi-ee of d(^bt, is vigcn'ous and 
 active, always ready to unite in any enterprise which has the glory of 
 God and the good of man in view. The Fairview cemetery originated 
 with Mr. Baker, and the organization of an association took place in 
 the lecture room of this church, Mr. Baker Jiecomiug the first presi- 
 dent. 
 
 For some time previous to the organization of the Second church 
 a number of the members of the First church, as well as the pastor, 
 felt that thei'e was a necessity for a second organization, the First 
 church having attained a membership equal to its seating capacity. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAfR COUNTY. 127 
 
 Consequent!}-, on July 11, 1871, the fbllowin.ir persons met at tlie resi- 
 dence of William Bell for tiie purpose of taking some measures look- 
 ing to the organization of the Second church: Kev. J. B. Crist, Wm. 
 Bell and wife, D. K. Eaniey, J. B. Westlcy, Louis Walton and wife, 
 Mrs. Sue Patton, and A. J. Riley. Rev. J. B. Crist was elected chair- 
 man, and A. J. Riley secretary. After prayer by the venerable Father 
 Crist, Mr. Ramej- stated the object of the meeting, after which a com- 
 mittee, consisting of D. K. Ramey, Wm. Bell and A. J. Riley, was 
 appointed to procure a suitable place for public worship. This com- 
 mittee secured the room known as Bell's hall, corner Seventh avenue 
 and Twelfth street, and on the 13th of August, 1871, the congrega- 
 tion was regularlj- organized. The officers elected at this meeting 
 were: Elders, Wm. Bell and J. B. Westlcy; deacons, D. K. Ramey 
 and L. F. Stahl ; treasurer, A. J. Riley. Rev. S. Uomer, of Reading, 
 preached in the morning, and Rev. Henry Baker in the evening, at 
 which time the above-named officers were installed. In the afternoon 
 of the same day the Sunday-school was organized. I). K. Ramoj- 
 was elected superintendent, A. J. Rilej- secretary, Louis AValton lib- 
 rarian, and L. F. Stahl assistant librarian. The school, including offi- 
 cers and teachers, numbered twenty at its organization. At a congre- 
 gational meeting, held December 31, 1874, the- ground upon which the 
 church edifice is erected was chosen, and the following Ijuildiug com- 
 mittee was appointed: William Bell, George W. Heinsling, D. K. Ra- 
 mey, D. C. Earhart and John B. Westley. On February 22, 1874, 
 the church was occupied by the congregation for the first time, wor- 
 shiping in the basement, or lecture-room, the audience chamber being 
 yet unfinished. The entire cost of the church property, including the 
 parsonage, is over twent}- thousand dollars. With the exception of a 
 few hundred dollars, the entire amount has been raised and paid, and 
 is a standing testimonj- of the self-sacrificing spirit of many of its mem- 
 bers. Membership of church numbers two hundred and eighty. The 
 present officers are: Elders, J. B. Westley, John Cole, D. K. Ramc}- 
 and James Hileman ; deacons, F. W. Gearheart, Charles Geesoy, J. B. 
 Herring and Henry Otto. The Sabbath-school numbers three hun- 
 dred and fifty. Its officers are: Charles Geesey, superintendent; D. K. 
 Ramey, assistant superintendent ; John Alexander, secretary ; Wm. 
 Stahl, treasurer ; Samuel Dougherty, Harrj^ Hooper and Joshua Ear- 
 hart, librarian.?; Miss Linda Hooper, organist. The congregation had 
 the following pastors since its organization : Rev. Geo. Scholl, from 
 November, 1871, to Jul}-, 1874 ; Rev. Charles. Steck, from ^"ovemljcr, 
 1874, to January, 1876 ; Rev. J. F. Shearer, the present pastor, from 
 
128 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR. COUNTY. 
 
 u 
 
 NITHUN FOREMUl 
 
 WANVFACTUTIEU OP ALL KI>'DS OF 
 
 FURNITURE, 
 
 BEST STYLE, AT LOWEST PRICES. 
 
 EeiDairing and Eefinisliing PromiDtly Attended 
 to in tlie Best ]Manner. 
 
 ITourtli Avenue and Tenth Street, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 129 
 
 Mai'cli 1, 1816. The congregation is looking hopefully to the tiini- 
 when the audience room tjhall be finished aud'opencd for wor.-5hip. 
 
 St. James German Evangelical Lutheran church. Eighth avenue 
 and Fourteenth street. Dedicated 1862; rebuilt, 1813. Number of 
 families, one hundred and fortj' ; Sunday-school scholar.'?, one hundred 
 iind fifty; teachers, eighteen; library contains two hundred volumes. 
 
 METHODIST — FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, MISSION AND AFRICAN. 
 
 For the names of tho.?e who have been pastors of the Methodist 
 churches see page 94. The First Methodist church was erected ii» 
 
 1853, at a cost of about 825,000. It was remodeled in 1811. The 
 membership, which, as previously stated, (page 94) numbered, in 
 
 1854, ninety-seven, and fifty-five probationers, now numbers three hun- 
 dred and sevent}--two in full connection and fortj^-eight probationers, 
 ■over and above deaths and removals bj^ certificates. There are two 
 hundred and twenty scholars in the Sunda3--school attached to the 
 church, and five hundred volumes in the librarj-. The church build- 
 ing is located at the corner of Twelfth avenue and Thirteenth street. 
 
 The Second Methodist church, located on the corner of Eighth 
 .aveaue and Thirteenth street, was erected in 1861 at an estimated 
 •cost of $24,000, and the parsonage at $3,000. The number of Sun- 
 day-school scholars is six hundred and ninet^'-eight ; number of vol- 
 umes in the library, six hundred. Connected with this church is the 
 Asbury Chapel, a Methodist Mission church, corner Twenty-fourth 
 street and Seventh avenue; organized, 1811; number of members, 
 •seventy -five; Sundaj'-school scholars, two hundred. Estimated value 
 of building, §2,000. 
 
 The Third Methodist church, corner of Chestnut avenue and 
 Tenth street, was organized in 1812 and church building erected in 
 1814; estimated value, §20,000; two hundred and ten scholars con- 
 nected with the Sunday-school. 
 
 The Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal church. Sixteenth 
 street, near Eleventh avenue, was organized in 1858, and dedicated 
 l)v Bishop Favne. Among the earliest pastors we may mention 
 Revs. William H. Grimes and Alexander Johnson. Last 3-ear (1819) 
 the church building was remodeled and improved, at an expense of 
 about $1,000, and in November it was re-dedicated by Bishop Alex- 
 ander Wavman. The present pastor is Rev. Nathaniel "VT. Evans. 
 This church was at first under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore Con- 
 ference of the M. E. church, but for some time has been under the 
 general ecclesiastical control of the Pittsburg Conference. The Sun- 
 
130 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 dav-school, nuniliLTiiig- forty seholiu's, was uiulur tl]c suiKTintendi'iicy 
 of John Alcxaiidur for twcjity-oiic yoiird, a pi^riod, (up t<j May of the 
 present year) co-extensivo with its existence. In M:\y he re.sijined, 
 and was succeeded by Thaddeiis Onnes, the present incumbent. 
 
 PRESBYTERI.4N FJltST AND SECOND. 
 
 Originally the church wa.s formed from; that in Ilollidaj'sburg-. 
 On the settlement of Rev. David J\[cKinney, D. D., at the latter 
 ]ilace in 1S41, he instituted an afternoon .service in the old Union 
 school house in Altoona, afterwards occupied 3!y the African Metho- 
 dist church, onci- every four weeks. In IS.'it) iiieasures were taken 
 by the Presbylerians of Altoona to provide tthemselvcs with a suit- 
 able church edifice. Two lots were secured, and on these they erected, 
 at a co.st of about §3,000, a neat and commodious house of worship. 
 On November 3. 1851, the congregation of Hollidaysburg agreed 
 that their ])ast.ir, Rev. Dr. McKinney, should preach in Altoona on 
 alternate Sabbaths in the afternoon, which he did for nearly a year, 
 when he resigned his charges and moved to Philadelphia. At this 
 time there were fifty Presbyterian families and seventy communi- 
 cants, with their I'cclesiastical connection in Hollidaysl)urg. In Oc- 
 tober, iSri2, a petition to the Presbytery of Puntingdon, asking for 
 a separate organization was grant(;d, and on November 8, following,' 
 the Fir>t Presljyterian church was duly organized. Jonathan Ham- 
 ilton and John McCartney, elders in the parent church, were contin- 
 ued in the sanii' relation in the new organization, and John Hutchi- 
 son, G. D. Thomas and James L. (Jwin were elected and ordained to 
 the eldershij). In 1853 William C. McCormick having been an elder 
 both in the churches of Hollidaysburg and Johnstown, settled in Al- 
 toona and was elected an elder in the new church. The church thus 
 organized was si'rved by supplies until XoVemlier 14, 1854, when 
 Rev. A. P>. Clarke was called to the pastorate. Nine years after, in 
 Ma}', 18Ci3, on account of ill-health he resigned, and died on July 4, 
 following. ()n January 2fi, 18(i4, Rev. R. M:. Wallace was called to 
 the vacant pidpit. During the ]iastorate of Mr. Clarke, Messrs. Her- 
 man J. Lomliaert, Thomas P. Sargeant, John M. Campbell, James 
 Hutchison, Jann's H. Dysart and Dr. Wm. R. Findley were chosen 
 ruling elders. The original church edifice was disposed of by sale in 
 the year 1854, and the present edifice erected .in 1855. In 1865 the 
 communicants numbered about two hundred and thirty. "Sir. Wal- 
 lace continued to serve the congregation until 18'74, vhen lie .severed 
 his connection with the First church and assumed the care of a con- 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIK COUNTY. 131 
 
 gi-egatioii at Stroudsluirg, Monroe count}', Pit. Purine: his pastorate 
 the church so increased in numbers that a new organization was pro- 
 jected and final!}- cuhuinated in the Second Presbj'terian church on 
 the east side of the city. Col. Thomas A. Scott was among the 
 worshippers of the Fir.¥t church during his residence here. Rev. M. 
 N. Cornelius, the present pastor, was called to lie the successor of 
 Mr. Wallace, and began his pastoral labors Jariuar\' 1, 1876. Its 
 present membership is four hundred and thirty. In 1.SG3 the school 
 numbered nincty-eighl, and in 1880 tln-ee hundred and twenty-two. 
 The following are the pre.*(Mit officers of the school : Thonuis H. 
 Wiggins, superintendent; Professor D. S. Keith, assistant; Mrs. X. 
 C. Barclay, superintendent of infant school ; W. C. (ralbraith, secre- 
 tary' and treasurer; B. J. Lockard, librarian. 
 
 On account of the rapid growth of the membership another church 
 building was found neces.sar}'. The matter was .seriously discussed 
 earl}' in 1869, when a meeting was held at the house of Wm. M. Lloyd. 
 James Hutchison, Joseph Dysart, Thos. McCauley, Wm. M. Lloyd, 
 Dr. J. M. Gemmill, Dan'l Laughman, Chas. J. Mann and S. C. Baker 
 were present on the occasion. In addition to these were James H. 
 Dy.<art, John M. Campbell and Johit H. Converse who gave the en- 
 terprise the Ijenefit of their counsel and efforts. A petition to Hunt- 
 ingdon presbytery for a new organization was presented, and in an- 
 swer thereto presbytery appointed a committee to organize the Second 
 church, which the committee did on the evening of June 21, 1869. 
 Fort}'-seven persons Avere enrolled as members, all of whom except one 
 were from the Fir.st church. The first officers of the church were : 
 Elders, James Hutchison, John M. Campbell and James H. Dysart; 
 deacons, Charles J. Mann and Daniel Laughman ; trustees, Wm. M. 
 Lloyd, S. C. Baker, Thomas McCauley, Jos<qjh Dysart, John H. Con- 
 verse and Dr. J. M. Gemmill. The congregation rented Bell's hall, 
 corner Seventh avenue and Twelfth .street, and on Sabbath morning, 
 July 11, 1869, the fir.st puljlic .service was held, conducted by Rev. C. 
 L. Kitchell, after which meetings were kept up regularly. The Sab- 
 liath-school was organized July 18, 1869; James H. Dysart, superin- 
 tendent, and Ma.x. Kinkead, treasurer, were its first officers. Thirty- 
 nine names were on the seliool roll. A year afterwards the roll con- 
 tained four hundred and seventy-two, officers included. In 1880 five 
 hundred and seven names were reported. At a congregational meet- 
 ing held August 21, 1869, Rev. David Hall, of Mansfield, Ohio, was 
 elected pastor, but he declined to accept. April 5, 1870, a call was 
 extended to W. J. Chichester, a licentiate of the Baltimore presbytery, 
 
132 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 HARD COAL. 
 PURE COAL. 
 REAL COAL. 
 
 SOFT COAL. 
 CLEAN COAL. 
 DESIRABLE COAL. 
 
 OFFICE AND THKSTLES : 
 
 Corner Fourth Street and Eighth Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 p. O. BOX 20. 
 
 G. A. Mccormick, 
 
 DEALER IN EVEBV DKSCKIFTIOX OF 
 
 ]1nthr Icite~Md Bitu minous CmiK 
 
 ^vHOL^:sALK and retail. 
 
 All orders fof clemi, pun- coal, (liarrt or soft) tillptl )iroiuptly. We do not iisk 
 our customers to puv for slatt- and rubbisli, but pick rvyrv ton of our eoiil clean 
 bi-Inre we sell it. Honest iind just weights guaiiuitecd, a certificate of whicli is sent 
 with each load. 
 
 Orders can be given for coal, without cost, from this Telephone Exchange, over 
 F. W. Olmes' Meat Market, llth Avenue, between 13th and Uth Streets. 
 
 rT\ 
 
 OPERA HOUSE, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 HAVE IX STOCK A FtJLL LI>'E OF 
 
 Glass, Earthen, China, Tin, Bohemian, Terra Cotta, Decorated and 
 
 Plated Ware, 
 
 DOLLS, LOOKING GLASSES, 
 
 Satchels, Tatte M Poctet Cntlery, Clirflinos, Clu'oino Frames, 
 
 Together with all other articles usually foiiiul in a Fivst-class IH) cent store Fram- 
 ing to orrter. 
 
 .aS"I will sell any artiele in my line as cheap a^ any one in the State, consider- 
 ing it9 intrinsic or real value. Goods called for which I may not happen to have on 
 hand at the time, will be ordered im^mediately iind furnished at the lowest prices. 
 
 A. F. BLAGKBURN. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOSA AND BLAIB COUNTY. 133 
 
 ^'ho at that time wns pursuing- his studies at tiie Western Theological 
 Seminary. The call was accepted on condition that Jlr. Chichester 
 Ibe permitted to spend one year at Princeton Seminary before entering 
 upon his duties as pastor. Rev. Stuart Mitchell was engaged to min- 
 ister to the congregation until the pdstor-elect had completed his stud- 
 ies. On the second Tuesdaj- of June, 1871, W. J. Chichester was or- 
 dained a minister of the gospel and installed as the first pastor of the 
 Second church, ilr. Chichester officiated as pastor of the church un- 
 til June, 1878, when Rev. Samuel W. Duffield was unanimously 
 ^i-alled to fill the vacanc3' occasioned by the resignation of the former 
 pastor. On July 1 he entered upon the work, being in.stalled Octo- 
 ber 7, 187s. He is the present efficient pastor. Early in 1870 the 
 present site was selected and secured for the church buildings, being 
 purchased from C. Jaggard, for $4,500. The erection of the chapel 
 liegan in 1870.- It was finished and occupied in April, 1871, Rev. 
 David Hall, of Mansfield, Ohio, preaching the dedication sermon. 
 The chapel cost $20,000. A congregational meeting was held in the 
 chapel on November 22, 1871, when Messrs. J. M. Gemmill, M. D.; 
 Wm. M. Lloyd and Robert L. Gamble were elected elders, and John 
 M. Bowman and Ma.xwell Kinkead, deacons. On February 11, 1874, 
 Alex. T. Findley and Chas. J. Mann were elected elders, and John A. 
 Castor, C. B. Bowles, Theodore H. Wigton and William A. Magee 
 were elected deacons. March 28, 1877, James D. Irwin, William J. 
 Allen, Joseph Dysart and Dr. S. M. Ross were elected elders, and J. 
 K. Barr, Harry Slep, J. Chester Wilson, J. W. Martin and Thomas 
 'Campbell were elected deacons. The erection of the church building 
 was commenced in August, 1875, and was finished and opened for 
 public worship on Sabbath, December 17, 1876, when Rev. George 
 P. Hayes, D. D., preached the opening sermon. The cost of the church 
 building, including heaters and g-as fixtures, $31,246.99; cushions, 
 carpets and pulpit furniture, $1,218.67 ; orgap, 2,500.00; total cost of 
 lot and all buildings, $ri2,9G5.66. 
 
 ST. Luke's pkotestant episcopal. 
 
 This church is located at the corner of Eighth avenue and Thir- 
 teenth street, and was erected in 1858. The present rector is Rev. 
 Allen Sheldon Woodle, B. D. ; rector's warden, Theodore X. Eh' ; 
 junior warden, Joseph Wood ; treasurer, A. H. Maxwell ; secretary-, 
 James Mallett ; sexton, A\''illiam Jarvis. 
 
 10 
 
134 HISTORY OF ALTOONA ASD BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 THE BRETHREN. 
 
 This denomination is called "German Baptist," "Timkers," and, 
 by the ignorant, "Dunkards," and is frequently classed with the 
 "Mennonite," "Ornish," and other branches of faith. It was organ- 
 ized in Pennsylvania in 1T24, and was better known at that time, and 
 ever since, by the appellation of "Tunkers." We are in doubt as 
 to whether the latter name was adopted by The Brethren, or any 
 portion of them, or given to them by outside parties. Be this as it 
 may, the word "Tanker," derived from the German "lunfen," signi- 
 fies to dip, and in this manner the converts to their faith are baptized. 
 The Brethren general]}' wear a peculiar dress, and do not shave the 
 beiard. [That the men and women lived in S(ilarate habitations, and 
 discarded marriage, is an allegation devoid of any foundation.] Thej' 
 are much less rigid than formerly in some particulars. Like the Bap- 
 tists the\- believe in immersion, but unlike them practice feet-washing 
 and differ on several other points of doctrine and practice. Like the 
 Church of God, they practice both immersion and feet-washing, but 
 differ in the manner of the former. In the Church of God baptism 
 is accomplished b}- a single plunge backward, whilst in The Breth- 
 ren church three forward dips arc required, the first "in the name 
 of the Father," the .second "in the name of the Son," and the third 
 "in the name of the H0I3' Ghost." The position in the water of the 
 candidate for baptism in the Ciiiirch of God is upon the feet; in The 
 Brethren church upon the knees. Once in the spring and once in the 
 fall feet-wa.-^hing, partaking of a supper, sahi,ting each other with a 
 kiss, are rites practiced precedent to partaking of the communion, all 
 of which are participated in on a single occasion in the order stated. 
 With such marked peculiarities of practice and doctrine, notwithstand- 
 iug the similarity of name, The Brethren are easily distinguishable 
 from the United Brethren In* those who arc conversant with the doc- 
 trines and mode of conducting services In- each. The politv of the 
 church, or the recognized principles upon which it is based, forbids its 
 members to go to law with each other, as well as discountenance ac- 
 tions in law against those beyond the jurisdiction of their church. 
 When called as witnesses in courts the rule is to affirm instead of tak- 
 ing the usual oath. Bearing arms is prohibited. No member is al- 
 lowed to become a beneficiar}- of the public, or be provided for at the 
 public expense. The}' make provision for the extremely poor and 
 otherwise unfortunate members of their religious society. 
 
 The chief dignitary of the church is the Archbishop, there being 
 only one in the United States. He presides at the General Confer- 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 135 
 
 «nce held annually, which is coniposeil of delegate;^ from every district 
 in the country. Xe.\t in dignity and iiuportiuico is the elder or bishop 
 (by The Brethren used as synonymous titles) wlio has the power of 
 administering the communion, perform the rites of biii>tism and matri- 
 mony and all other ceremonies of the church. Next are ministers who, 
 whilst they can baptize and perform the marriage ceremony, cannot 
 administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. And, finally the 
 novitiate, who, until advanced to a higher degree, by knowledge, age 
 and experience, can neither perform the marriage ceremonj^ nor bap- 
 tize, and, of course, is unauthorized to conduct the communion. 
 
 Formerly each State constituted a .?eparate ecclesiastical district. 
 The membership of the churches has increased with the increase of 
 population. Hence, now, States are subdivided. Pennsylvania has 
 three districts, eastern, middle and western. An annual meeting of 
 delegates from the respective districts is held in each State to deliber- 
 ate for the spiritual and temporal good of the church. It is here that 
 differences are- reconciled and difficulties removed. In cases of failure, 
 however, appeals are taken or the matters are relegated to the General 
 Conference, which constitutes an appellate ecclesiastical court of final 
 resort. The Bretliren ministers receive no stated or regular salary. 
 When poor their traveling and other necessary expen.ses are cheer- 
 fully paid by the laity ; when well off in this world's goods thej"^ a.=:k 
 no compensation. 
 
 The amplitude of this prelude to what we are about to say of the 
 church in Altooua, grows out of a desire to correct wrong impressions 
 in regard to a people who are truly " peculiar and zealous in good 
 works," and at the same time to aecjuaint the public with the distinc- 
 tive characteristics of their church polity, doctrines and practices. 
 
 About 1869 or 18T0, eight or ten members of the church, residing 
 in Altoona, composed the congregation of The Brethren here. Ser- 
 vices were held in a chapel, now torn down, on Eighth avenue, be- 
 tween Twenty-first and Twenty-second streets. September 4, 1874,. 
 the congregation having increased in numbers, it purchased from H. 
 D. Witmer a lot and building, on the corner of Sixth avenue and Fifth 
 street, for fifteen hundred dollars. This building was first constructed 
 as a chapel and used by a mission .school of the Second Jlethodists,. 
 afterwards converted into a dwelling and wheu bought by The Breth- 
 ren remodeled into a church, in which they now worship every alter- 
 nate Sunday, services being generally conducted by Elders James A. 
 Sell, Graybill Mj'ers, Brice Sell and David E.^Sell, in rotation. The 
 membership now is sixty-five. A Sunday-school, of which George W. 
 
13G 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 D. V/. COLYER, 
 
 House \ Sign Pointer 
 
 GRAINER, KALSOMINER AND PAPER HANGER. 
 
 Twelfth Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 BEST ¥ORK ST LOWEST PRICES. 
 
 W. B. REESE, 
 
 MANCFACTUKEK OF AND DEALEU IN 
 
 TIN, SHEET-IRON, 
 
 BRASS AND COPPER-WARE, 
 No. 712 Ninth Street, - Altoona, Pa. 
 
 [Between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.] 
 
 PARTICULAR AHENTION GIVEN TO ROOFING AND SPOUTING. 
 
 A COMPLtTt STOCK OF 
 
 ' STOVES AND HOUSE-FURNISHING GOODS 
 
 ConstJintlv on linnU and for saU* at Lowest Tricos. 
 
 Repairing of all kinds pi-omptly attt'ndcil to. iScfore purcluusing yooxls in my lino, 
 or onTi^rinc: Into conti'iK-t for rooting or spon^inir, ^ivc nn' a (-all. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 137 
 
 Kcphart, a deacon, is superintendent, nuniberin;,^ about one hundred 
 scholars, is attached to the church. The Bible is' the only book used 
 by the teachers and scholars, with the exception of a Ijook of .sacred 
 song.s^-" Precious Jewels," by Prof. R. B. Mahaffey of our city. 
 
 UNITKD BRETHREN. 
 
 The church of the United Brethren in Christ was established in 
 Altoona with the early growth of the town. The circumstances that 
 led to the organization were principally brought about by a large num- 
 ber of its members coming from other sections of the country where 
 they stood identified with this branch of the church, and having a 
 natural desire for the church of their choice they were prompted to 
 form themselves into a congregation. They were served for several 
 years by ministers from adjacent charges. The annual conference, re- 
 cognizing the growth of the new town and the consequent demand 
 for a more concentrated effort, made it a station, assigning Rev. D. 
 Speck as pastor. The first thing demanding the attention of the pas- 
 tor was a church building, and in this enterprise he was al)ly seconded 
 by Samuel McGlatherj', Jacob Bottenberg, Thomas Stackhouse, Wil- 
 liam Fox, M. T. Dill, George Earhart, Cornelius McLaughlin, and 
 many others that space will not permit to name. 
 
 A splendid location was secured, on the corner of Eighth avenue 
 and Twelfth street. In due time, b}' earnest effort and noble sacrifice 
 on the part of this little congregation, a commodious church building 
 was erected, and set apart to the service of God. From this time 
 the church has had a permanent growth, and its future prosperit}' is 
 ominous. 
 
 In the following order the congregation has been served by the 
 various pastors up to the present date: Rev. D. Speck, from January, 
 1857, to January, 1859. [Mr. Speck was afterwards presiding el- 
 der of the district in which this congregation is embraced.] Rev. W. 
 B. Dick, from Januar}^, 1859, to Januarj-, 1860. [Mr. Dick died a few 
 years ago, much lamented, and rests in the Tyj'one cemetery.] Rev. 
 D. Sheerer, from January, 1860, to January, 1861. Rev. E. B. Kep- 
 hart, from January-, 1861, to Januar}^ 1863. [Mr. Kephart is serv- 
 ing as president of Western College, Iowa; he also served two terms 
 in the Iowa senate.] Rev. T. H. Hallowell, from Januar}', 1863 to 
 January, 1865. Rev. M. P. Doyle, from 1865 to 1869, during who.^e 
 pastorate the church was enlarged. Rev. W. Wragg, from 1869 to 
 1872. Rev. J. Walker, from 1872 to 1876. [Mr. Walker also served 
 as presiding elder of this district. He died at Conemaugh, Cambria 
 
138 HISTORY OF AXTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 count}-, in the early part of 1880.] Rev. ]\I. Spanglcr, from 181G 
 to the time of his appointment as presiding elder of this district, 
 September, 1880. Re\'. J. Medsger was appointed pastor to fill Mr. 
 Spangler's place at the same time. 
 
 Owing- to the rapid growth of the congregation, more room and 
 better accommodations were required; in consequence the building 
 was enlarged and re-modeled in ISIY, at a cost approximating $5,000. 
 This work was consummated under the super\'ision of Rev. M. Spang- 
 ler and the board of trustees, consisting of Ji Peight, H. Schum, A. 
 Eberly, J. Carl and J. Bush. The church and parsonage are valued 
 at $15,000. The membership numbers four htmdred ; Sabbath-school 
 three hundred scholars. The officers are : Officiary — Pastor, Rev. J. 
 Medsger ; leaders, S. Hawk, P. M. Smith and J. M. Barwis ; stewards, 
 S. Beeeher, D. Bolinger, J. W. Parson, Geo. Blackburn, J. Claybaugh, 
 Geo. Cruse and J. C. Shirk. Superintendent of Sabbath-school, P. 
 M. Smith; leader of choir, R. C. Ward; trustees, J. Peight, H. Schum, 
 A. Eberly, J. Carl, J. Bush, J. Barwis and George Blackburn. 
 
 The whole amount collected for various benevolent purposes dur- 
 ing the last four 3-ears has averaged §2,'I50 for each year. 
 
 [The reader will observe an inequality or disproportion of histori- 
 cal data in the preceding sketches of the churches, relatively consid- 
 ered, and may feel inclined to charge us with -partiality. In explana- 
 tion we saj-, that invitations were extended to all the ministers in the 
 city, and county, to furnish us with such facts and figures as would 
 enable us to give a full and correct history of their respective churches. 
 Some complied with our request, and others paid no attention to it. 
 As we had no access to church records, we publish what facts we could 
 gather from other sources, and we believe them correct as far as they 
 go, though not as full as we desired to have them.] 
 
nrSTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 139 
 
 CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 YOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION OF ALTOONA. 
 
 The earliest organization of this association was effected in 1863 
 or 1864, with quite a large membership. After various interferences 
 the association located in a room over the Mechanics' Savings bank, 
 corner Twelfth street and Eighth avenue, where regular and special 
 religious and business meetings were held from 1870 to 1874, when 
 the association moved to rooms over John Hurd's book store, Twelfth 
 street, near Eleventh avenue, where it was domiciled for about three 
 years. During this time, after the holding of the State convention of 
 the Young Men's Christian Associations of Pennsylvania, the move- 
 ment which resulted in the Railroad Men's Christian Association was 
 inaugurated, and quite a number of the efficient members of the asso- 
 ciation deemed it their duty to enter that organization, after which, 
 for about three years, in order not to incur expenses unprovided for, 
 the association's business meetings were held at the house of L. F. 
 Stahl. In January, 1880, it was deemed expedient again to venture 
 on the procuring of a room, which resulted in the occupancj^ of the 
 present very suitable room on Eleventh avenue, near Thirteenth street. 
 The association has always numbered among its warmest friends many 
 of. our leading business men, who now are supporting it by voluntary 
 monthly contributions, and the members have full time to spend in 
 the immediate work of teaching God's word to the best of their abil- 
 ity, without troubling themselves about the finances. The work is 
 largely done by committees appointed by the president for special defi- 
 nite work — a devotional committee to arrange for all religious ser- 
 vices; a sick visiting committee to visit not onlj' association members 
 who may be sick, but all others who may desire to have a band of 
 young men visit them, to counsel them, pray with them or sing for 
 them ; a finance committee to attend to all pecuniar}' aftairs ; a church 
 committee, a membership committee and other needed committees. 
 The membership is now about eighty. There is a nucleus for a lib- 
 rary, and a devoted band of workers. The present officers are as fol- 
 low : President, Dr, W. M. Eindley ; vice presidents, J. B. Herring and 
 Samuel G. Hall; treasurer, T. H. Wiggins; recording secretary, A. 
 Swope ; corresponding jsecretary. Will H. Slep. 
 
140 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 J. B. Smith's 
 
 ICEoeBUSIN 
 
 H 
 
 1321 Eleventh Aveniie^ Altoona, Pa. 
 
 If you want a Fashionable Pair of Boots, go to J. B. Smith's, 
 1321 Eleventh Avenue Altoona, Pa. 
 
 If you want a Neat-Fitting Boot, go to J. B. Smith's, 
 1821 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa, 
 
 J. B. Smith's Place of Business : 
 1321 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 H. B. MILLER, 
 
 DENTIST, 
 
 1410 Eleventli Avenue, Altoona. 
 
 Teeth Inserted Cheaper than anywhere else in 
 the county, for Cash. 
 
 i^**ALL WORK. WAKKJiHTKD. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. Ul 
 
 RAILROAD men's CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This association was the outgrowth of th? raihoar] men's Sunday 
 afteraooii prayer meetings, which were commenced in October, 18t5. 
 The great religious interest which manifested itself throughout the 
 countiy during the fall and winter of that year resulted in the spirit- 
 ual ingathering of many of those employed in the service of the Penn- 
 sjlvania Railroad companj- in Altoona. With a view of exerting a 
 greater influence over their companions, as well as to provide for their 
 social, moral and spiritual improvement, those engaged in cariying on 
 the meetings referred to deemed it expedient that an organization 
 should be effected into which the men might be brought. Accordinglj', 
 on February 24, ISte, a permanent organization was formed by the 
 selection of the following officers : President^ George F. Jones ; vice 
 presidents, Flemen Trout and S. Hawk ; recording secretary, John L. 
 Williams; corresponding secretary, T. B. Patton ; treasurer, W. A. 
 Adams. A reading room was opened at the «orner of Eleventh ave- 
 nue and Thirteenth .street, and on the 16th day of the following month 
 it Avas dedicated with appropriate services. The room is supplied with 
 quite a selection of daily and weekly, religious and secular, papers, 
 magazines, books, etc., which are largely made u.se of b}'' its many 
 visitors. The association has its regular committees to look after the 
 various departments of its work, who report monthlj' and receive all 
 needed instructions from the association. The prayer meeting organ- 
 ized in October, 1875, is still being regularly held ever}' Sunday after- 
 noon at four o'clock, as well as devotional or cottage meetings through 
 the week. The present officers are: President, Wm. Burbank ; vice 
 presidents, H. J. Aukei-man, W. W. Gardner and W. P. Moore ; re- 
 cording secretary, Taylor Grant; corresponding secretary, T. B. Pat> 
 ton ; treasurer, C. S. Nicodemus. 
 
142 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 CITIES OF THE DEAD. 
 
 FATRVIE-\V CEMETERY. 
 
 This solemn citv of the dead covers an areia of eighteen or twenty 
 acres of elevated ground, on the northern sublfrbs of Altoona. The 
 land was purchased from John Kough and Jajmes Trees. On March 
 3, 1857, an association was formed, which on October 28, same year, 
 procured a charter. -Rev. Henry Baker was made the first president; 
 Rev. A. B. Clarke and George R. Everson, vice presidents ; Theodore 
 A. Stecker, secretary; J. B. Hileman, treasurer; G. W. Patton, M. 
 Clabaugh, C. C. Mason, A. A. Smith, M. T. Dill, A. C. Vauclain, 
 Austin McGraw and John Hamilton, trustees. Changes in its man- 
 agement, of course, have occurred from time to time. At the meeting 
 of the stockholders on April 7, 1880, (elections occur annually, on the 
 first Mondav of April,) A. F. Hcess was elected president; Harry C. 
 Dern and A. H. Maxwell, vice presidents; A. Clabaugh, secretary; 
 -A. Kipple, treasurer; A. C. Dcvlan, John P. Levan, J. Wagner, J. 
 Loudon, S. F. Ramcy, G. W. Kessler, George W. Hawksworth, sr., 
 ■and J. W. Smith, trustees. 
 
 Since the cemetery was laid out improvements have been con- 
 stantly made. The money derived from the sale of lots instead of 
 being applied as dividends to stockholders, or projectors, has been ex- 
 pended in rendering the grounds attractive. About five years ago 
 water pipes were laid for conve3'ing water to the premises at no little 
 expense and labor to the association, for the benefit of lot-holders. 
 Up to this time about eight hundred family lots (the entire tract con- 
 tains 1,373 lots) have been disposed of at prices ranging from ten to 
 twentj'-five dollars. Upwards of 2,500 burial permits have been issued. 
 The grounds and improvements have been fully paid for, and, conse- 
 quently, no incumbrances exist on the property. 
 
 A receiving vault has been constructed on the grounds to supply 
 the urgent necessities of those who may not be prepared for perma- 
 nent interment, but no corpse will be allowed .to remain in the vault 
 over two months, unless absolute])' necessitated b)' unavoidable cir- 
 cumstances, and hermeticall}' closed cases must" be used. 
 
 Andrew M'Farran, an elderly gentleman, became the first inhabit- 
 ant of this cit}' of the dead. He was hurried on March 17, 1857, 
 since which time over twentj^-flve hundred have followed him to that 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND Bf-AIB COUNTY. 143 
 
 "bourne from whence no traveler returns." At first the graves were 
 dug bj' Mr. Russel, afterwards lj\' James Shellenberger, but, since 
 August, 1870, Robert Cox has been acting as superintendent. He re- 
 sides on the grounds and is well known for his efficiency and politeness. 
 
 Our city having no parks or pleasure grounds, Fairview cemetery 
 has become a popular place of resort, during spring and summer, not 
 only for those who throng thither to view the graves of their friends, 
 and to meditate upon the brevity and uncertainty of life, but for those 
 who seek temporary relief from the harassing cares and vexations of 
 business. Until the trees and shrubbery alread}' planted, and such as 
 will be planted, mature fullv, the eye of the visitor will more particu- 
 larly dwell upon the works of art exhibited there. The soldiers' monu- 
 ment, erected upon the apex of the mound, is the chief object of at- 
 traction, more on account of the patriotic memories which cluster 
 around it and its prominent location, than any intrinsic merit exhibited 
 in the emblazonment of its shaft. Exhibitions of sculpture, at least 
 equally meritorious, are visible on every hand, no inconsiderable por- 
 tion of which was executed b}- our townsman, D. A. Bradley. To 
 James Simpson, of Huntingdon, belongs the credit of furnishing the 
 majority of neat iron railings which surround the various lots. 
 
 N. W. Cunningham, formerly of Altoona, now of Chicago, reeenth^ 
 presented his vault or mausoleum to the Altoona Fairview Cemetery 
 association, the erection of which cost a considerable sum of monc}'. 
 
 OAK RIDGE CEMETERY. 
 
 In 18t8 a number of citizens of Altoona, believing that a necessity 
 existed for the establishment of another cemeterj-, determined to form 
 themselves into an association for that purpose. There were several 
 reasons which led to this, one of the principal ones of which was that 
 a general desire existed to have, for convenience, a cemetery on the 
 east side of the city. The best location and the most suitable ground 
 was found to be on the farm of G. T. Bell, of whom nine acres were 
 bought and enclosed with a substantial picket fence. The ground 
 is beautifully situated, with a south-eastern exposure, overlooking 
 Pleasant Talley, and presenting romantic views of mountain scenery. 
 The soil is of a fertile sandy loam, perfectly dry, sloping gently to the 
 south-east, making the drainage perfect, and being well adapted to the 
 rapid growth of trees, shrubber}' and flowers. 
 
 The association was incorporated on December 16, ISYS, under the 
 name and title of "Oak Ridge Cemetery Association," and is con- 
 ducted bj'' a board of managers, who are not allowed any compensa- 
 tion for their services. By the terms of the charter we notice that all 
 
144 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAlll COUNTY. 
 
 F. W. OLMES. CARL OLMES. 
 
 Olmes & Bro. 
 
 rT\ 
 
 H 
 
 rni 
 
 llth Avenue, bet. 13tli and 14th Streets, 
 
 13th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 Beef, Mutton, Veal and Pork, 
 
 SMOKED AND FRESH SAUSAGE, BOLOGNA AND TDDDING. 
 
 We now claim not only to liave the Finest Meat Markets, but sell the best moats 
 at prices to suit everybody. Wlien it is considered I'liat we buj" all of llie beot 
 Western stock, it is as cheap as it cjin be sohl. 
 
 JAMES W. FINDLEY'S 
 
 INSURANCE AGENCY, 
 
 llth Avenue, bet 1 2th and 13th Streets, 
 
 SECOKD FLOOn ALTOOr."A BANK ItUILDlNG, ALTOOJIA, PA. 
 
 Only sound and reliable conipanies represented. All Ips^ses promptly adjusted and 
 
 paid at this office. Anient for Steamship Lined and dealer in Foreign 
 
 Exchange and Drafts. 
 
 J. WESLEY ALLEN, 
 
 Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon, 
 
 133O3 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona^ Pa. 
 
 Okfice Hours 
 
 ( 8 to fl a. 1 
 
 : i 1 to 3 |). I 
 
 ( 7 to s p. 1 
 
 CONSULTflnONS IN ENGLISH AND GERMAN. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 145 
 
 moneys derivt-d from tlu' sale of lott^ nni^t Ik- used in paying for tlic 
 ground, and in improving and hoiuitifying it. After this ha.'< been 
 done the moneys reeeivcd .sliall be in\'ested in good wcuritiet-, and tlie 
 interest accruing shall constitute a perpetual fund for keeping the ceui- 
 ftery in good order. The sale of lots up to the present time has been 
 so encouraging that the manager.s think they will be able to make con- 
 siderable iiuprovements during this year. The success of the associ- 
 ation is, therefore, an assured fact. The fertility of the soil and thv 
 beauty of location must in a few years niak<' this cemetery one of the 
 most popular burial grounds in this portion of tiie State. The officers 
 are: Joseph Dysart, [jresident; Theo. H. W.igton, treasurer; H. 15. 
 Kendig, secretary. Jo.sei)h Dysarl, Gi'orge S. Eaby, John W. Cherry, 
 Jonathan Foreman, John Boynes^ Q. T. Bell and Richard J. Crozicr 
 are the managers. The election for oflficer.s is held ann\ially. 
 
 ST. .iohk's cemetery. 
 The first purchase for a Catholic cemetery was made in 1857, be- 
 ing a lot of ground lying in the Second ward. Before the second 
 body was laid to rest in the new cemetery it was discovered that the 
 location was not desirable, and also that the grounds were too limited 
 to meet the wants of a large Catholic commupity. It was concluded, 
 therefore, to make a second purcha-^e. In 1858 the present cemetery, 
 .situated on the east side of the city, near the reservoir, was secured 
 at a cost of a))out four thousand dollars. 
 
 ST. .JOSEPH'S cemetery. 
 
 In 1879 the German Catholic congregation bought ground lying 
 close by St. John's cemetery, for about two thousand dollars, where 
 they intend to lay their dead to rest. The location of both St. John's 
 and St. Joseph's cemeteries is excellent ; they look to the east, and 
 with a continuance of the care and attention bestowed on improving 
 and beautifying them, in a short time they will beconic picturesque 
 and solemn "cities of the dead." 
 
 EASTERN LIGHT CEMETERY. 
 
 About the year 1SG5, John Ferguson, George Hooper and John 
 Alexander purchased a lot of ground, fronting on Tenth street, east 
 side, now adjoining Oak Ridge cemetery, for ninety -four dollars and 
 si.xtv cents, to be used as a burial place for the colored people of this 
 eity, regardless of religious sect. Added to tjie cost of the ground, 
 the improvements swelled the amount to about three hundred dollars. 
 The first stockholders consisted of the projectors already named and 
 (}eo. iM. Jackson, Henrv Johnson, George I'avne and Allan Hurlev. 
 
146 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIE COUNTY. 
 
 CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 To Hon. B. F. Roge, the thoroughly competent and cnerg-etic 
 chief engineer of the city fire department, we are indebted for the fol- 
 lowing sketches of the fire companies of Altoona: 
 
 December 15, 1859, was an eventful day in the history of Al- 
 toona, on account of tlie introduction of gas -and water. Previous 
 to that date there was no organized fire company. If there had been, 
 apparatus would have been useless. During the summer of 1858, 
 those old fire veterans, A. H. Maxwell and A. C. Yauclain, conceived 
 the idea of organizing a fire company ; but \v\iat, the question may be 
 asked, would a company be without an engine ? To secure one a sub- 
 scription was taken up and sufficient money .secured to purchase the 
 hand engine of the Good Will Fire company of Philadelphia. The 
 organization here adopted the same name, "Good Will," and housed 
 their engine on October 22, IS.t!). At the gr9,nd parade of December 
 15, 1859, the Good Will made their first appearance, equipped in dark 
 pants, white shirts, black belts and glazed caps. 
 
 In September, 186(5, the Empire Hook and Ladder company was 
 instituted, and equipped with a good, substantial truck, ladders, etc., 
 purchased from the Empire compain" of Lancaster. 
 
 In 186T the borough council created the offices of chief and assist- 
 ant engineers. Alex. A. Smyth was chosen ^hief, and A. H. Max- 
 well and B. F. Rose assistant engineers. Mr. Smj^th served as chief 
 about one vear, when he resigned, and A. H. Maxwell was elected. 
 
 The two companies forming the department, at that time, were 
 deemed sufficient for the protection of property, but the numerous in- 
 cendiary fires soon convinced the authorities that additional apparatus 
 was needed. 
 
 The Penu.-;ylvnnia Railroad company, early in 186'Z, ordered from 
 the Amoskeag Manufacturing company of Manchester, X. H., one of 
 their fine socoud-class steamers. On the 4th of June of the same year, 
 the engine arrived and was immediately placM in service, under the 
 charge of W. A. Adams and Adam Moss, metiibcrs of the "Altoona 
 Steam Fire Engine compan_y." 
 
 On the 12th of February, 1868, the legislature passed an act im- 
 powering the burgess and council of the borough of Altoona to levy 
 and collect a special tax of twelve mills on the dollar, for three j'ears, 
 for the purpose of purchasing steam fire engines, etc. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 147 
 
 Council having decided to purchase two Amoskcag steamers, one 
 for the Good Will company, on the east side, and the other for the 
 west side of town, it was deemed necessary to organize another fire 
 compan}'^. Accordingly a number of prominent young men formed 
 themselves into a company, March 26, 1868, under the name of the 
 "Vigilant Steam Fire Engine company." 
 
 The two steamers were contracted for by A. H. Maxwell, chief en- 
 gineer and chairman of Fire committee of coruicil. On the fourth of 
 Julj% 1868, the engines were placed in charge of the Good Will and 
 A''igilant companies. 
 
 In 1869 a number of young men organized the Excelsior Hose 
 company. 
 
 At this time, October, 1880, Altoona has five efficient fire compa- 
 nies, forming as complete a five department as can be found anywhere 
 in the State. [Although the Altoona Steam Fire Engine company 
 does not belong to the fire department of the city, it cheerfully co- 
 operates with it at all times in extinguishing fires.] 
 
 ENGINE, HOSE AND TRUCK HOUSES. 
 
 In 1859 the Pennsylvania Railroad company erected a building 
 on their land, corner Ninth avenue and Twelfth street, for the occu- 
 pancy of the Good Will until that company could secure other quar- 
 ters. Since the removal of the Good Will the railroad company has 
 occupied the house with one of their two hose carriages, their steamer 
 and the other carriage being kept in a building at the lower shops. 
 
 The Vigilant building, on the corner of Thirteenth avenue and 
 Twelfth street, was built in 1810-1, and cost $17,423. 
 
 The Empire building, on Tenth avenue, between Fourteenth and 
 Fifteenth streets, was built in 1871-2, and co.st $10,500. 
 
 The Excelsior Hose company put up a building, on Tenth street, 
 between Chestnut and Lexington avenues, in "1880, which cost about 
 $1,000. 
 
 A building for the Good Will Engine company. Fifth avenue and 
 Thirteenth street, is now under contract, to cost $7,500. 
 
 BOARD OF FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 The board of fire department consists of the following gentlemen : 
 B. F. Rose, Vigilant, chief engineer ; Gust. Klemmert, Good Will, 
 assistant engineer, eastern district ; John B. Stahl, Excelsior, assist- 
 ant engineer, western di.strict. Directors: A. C. Vauclain, sr.. Good 
 Will ; George B. Bennett, Vigilant ; W. R. Gamble, Empire ; Elmer 
 Hackett, Excelsior. 
 
148 HISTORY OF AliTOONA AND BLAIB COUNTY. 
 
 TERKEL C. NELSON, 
 
 PRACTICAL 
 
 Watchmaker -° Jeweler, 
 
 AND DEALER IN 
 
 WATCHES, CLOCKS, JEWELRY, SILVER-PLATED WARE, ETC. 
 
 1126 ELEVENTH AVENUE, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 DR. J. E. EULtOiSr, 
 
 OFFICE: Over Eandolph's Drug Store, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 -] 
 
 8 to 10 a. 111. 
 OtFicE Hours : i 12 to 2 p. m. 
 6 to S ij. 111. 
 
 A. LUEBBERT, 
 
 MANlTl''ACTCrRKK OF AND DEALER IX 
 
 CIGARS, TOBACCOS, PIPES, SNUFFS. 
 
 lOOS SEVENTEENTH STREET, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 WM. B. MILLER, D. D. S. 
 
 DENTAL OFFICE: 
 
 13301 ELEVENTH AVENUE, - ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 (UP gTAIllS. ) 
 
 ( 8 to 12 a. Ill 
 
 OKi-n-t; Htu lis : < lToo;oOp. in. 
 ( (>:;;o to it p. 111. 
 
SYLVAN SCENE ON THE ALLEGHEN lES, NEAR ALTOONA. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAftt COUNTY. 
 
 149 
 
 CHIEF ENGINEERS. 
 
 The followin": i.s a li.st of the chief eiiffinl'ers since the orp:aniza- 
 
 tion of the department : 
 
 Alexander A. Smyth 18G7 
 
 A. H. Maxwell 1868 
 
 B. F. Rose 1889 
 
 T. B. Patton 1871 
 
 E. Mountney ...187S 
 
 T. B. Patton 187."^ 
 
 .1. 11. Gai-deii 1877 
 
 B. F. Rose 1879 
 
 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE GOOD WILL COMPANY. 
 
 A. C. Vanclaiu, sr.. prest. 
 J. T. Dougherty, vice pi-es. 
 John Malady, secretary. 
 James E. Garclner, a.sst. .sec. 
 John R. Garden, treas. 
 "Wni. F. Enney, engineer. 
 
 ACrrvE membehs. 
 
 George Bowman, 
 • J. Sai^p, 
 D. Lafferty, 
 J. McCullougli, 
 F. Endress, 
 J. Carney, 
 N. Crum, 
 'W. Alleman, 
 A. Gamble, 
 C. Filer, 
 
 I>. Shultzberger, 
 J. Kelly 
 R. Lowtiier, 
 W. L. Faislck, 
 J. Kinimell, 
 J. P. Falsick, 
 AY. Young, 
 N. Kearns, 
 Wm. F. Enney, 
 J. Leng, 
 
 J. T. Pendergaiit, 
 J. Ford, 
 I. Prtce, 
 
 C. C. Smith, 
 C. E. Renner, 
 J. E. Gardner, 
 G. T. Plummer, 
 W. McBride, 
 M, Weaklan^I, 
 M. Fagan, 
 T. Kiley. 
 F. J. O'Kain, 
 L. "Wichum, 
 Theo. Reis, 
 J. Carney, 
 
 C. W. Smith. 
 W. Isett, 
 
 R. McGraw, 
 
 D. Donahue, 
 F. Hammers, 
 
 B. Higgins, 
 S. Renner, 
 
 C. Cornelius, 
 
 D. Robertson, 
 W. Hudson, 
 T. Tierney, 
 H. Smith, 
 
 F. Clabaugh, 
 
 G. Treece, 
 T. Patterson. 
 
 HONORARY MEMBERS. 
 
 A. H. Maxwell, 
 A. C. Yauclain, sr.. 
 
 \Y. A. Adams, 
 
 V-. IMchcs. 
 
 •1. A, Hindinan, 
 
 G. .S. Debray, 
 
 H. lluwei-s, 
 
 A. C- Yauclain, Jr. 
 
 D. Quay, 
 
 A. A. Siuyth. 
 
 D. McCloskey, 
 
 J. T. Dougherty, 
 
 J. Bulger, 
 
 D. Lore. 
 
 J. Galcerau, 
 
 P. Logue. 
 
 C. S. Cordes, 
 A. R. Moss, 
 A. II. ONeil, 
 
 F. Custer, 
 J. Klink, 
 T. Heacotk, 
 
 D, Stackliouse, 
 
 G. Kleniuiert, 
 J. Malady, 
 W. Rice, " 
 
 J. Bradley. 
 H. Stackhouse, 
 T. McKec, 
 J. R. Garden, 
 P. Drumgold. 
 
 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE EMPIRE COMPANY. 
 
 W. W. Smith, pi-esident. 
 Jas. McMurray, vice pres. 
 
 Charles Gem, secretary. 
 ■C. Gardner, assistant sec. 
 ~J. A. \Yeidensall, treas: 
 
 ACTIVE MEMBERS. 
 
 M. Alexander, 
 S. W. Arble. 
 -J. W. Anderson, 
 -I. H. Barley, 
 E. Burley, 
 A. Behm, 
 E. Black, 
 M. A. Condrin, 
 W. O. Couch, 
 T. D. Crawford, 
 P. Clare, 
 H. Dougherty, 
 A, Kngle, 
 .J. Fralev, 
 P. Flvnu, 
 J. Fultz, 
 W. E. Gamble, 
 C, E. Gardner, 
 M. Gardner, 
 31. Gardner, 
 i). A. Gilland, 
 
 11 
 
 J. J. Gehrdes, 
 Charles Gem 
 George Houck, 
 C. Houck, 
 E. B. Haines, 
 Y. Hudson, 
 Levi Knott, 
 Vt'. Knepper, 
 H. McConnick, 
 J. MclMurray, 
 T. B. Patton, 
 C. Petschelt, 
 George Reeves, 
 -I. Raymond, 
 .1. Ramp, 
 S. S. Stains, 
 J. N. Ste'x'ens, 
 \y. vv. Smith, 
 W. Yaughn, 
 J. A. AVeidensall, 
 M. Yeager. 
 
 LIFE AND CONTRIBUTING 
 MEMBERS. 
 
 B. Berkowitz, 
 
 C. L. Fettinger, 
 S. M. Giifflth, 
 E. MoMahan, 
 
 , L. B. Pancake, 
 \V. J. Allen, 
 H. C. Dern, 
 S. I. Fries, 
 A. F. Heess, 
 J. Lutz. 
 
 E. E. MeCrum, 
 L. Plack, 
 
 C. Wahl, 
 
 D. K. Eamey. 
 \y. Alexander, 
 S. C. Baker, 
 
 D. F. Eeegle, 
 
 F. Blumhardt. 
 H. Fettinger, sr., 
 S. Smith, 
 
 E. M. Jones, 
 
 G. Ivessler, 
 W. M. Lloyd, 
 
 .1. L. Eeifsiivder, 
 E- F. Lytle," 
 John Loudon, 
 R. A. O. Kerr, 
 S. M. AYoodcock, 
 M. R. Jones, 
 C. Yeager, 
 S. Christ, 
 W. Keller. 
 
150 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLATR COUNTY. 
 
 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE VIGILANT COMPANY.. 
 
 Fi-ank Jlolloy, pre:?i(lcnt. 
 W. M. Rost', sttcivtary. 
 B. \V. Story, ussistflnt sec. 
 Jobn Sclienk, treit^urer. 
 
 E. Llppett, enorineer. 
 G. H. Maxwell, tii-eiiian. 
 
 ACTIVE AND HONOR.^RT MEM. 
 BEBS. 
 
 B. r. Rose, 
 
 C. M. Ilackett, 
 ('. S. Taylor, 
 Samuel Blaek, 
 ii. C. T>eni, 
 <;. T. Bell, 
 K. ;Mountnev, 
 W. L. Hallaek, 
 G. M. Metz, 
 Tlieo.. Burclifleld. 
 W. M. Rose, 
 
 F. Duiiiphy, 
 JI. BaiT, 
 W. H, .lolinson, 
 .1. B. Gniy, 
 .7. L. Kickabaugli. 
 T. B. Story, 
 •I. .Johnston, 
 .1. Adauis, 
 W. H. Bennett, 
 
 A. H. Gi'aliatn, 
 .1. I'aisley. 
 *.'. .\. Szink, 
 II. Beam, 
 H. Rltter, 
 AV. Simpson, 
 
 G. B. Bennett, 
 
 D. McEldowiioy. 
 \V. C. Ale.xaiider. 
 
 B. W. Sioi-T, 
 .1. E. Winn, 
 W. Piuilott, 
 
 E. Folk. 
 
 0. Estei'line, 
 G. H. Maxwell, 
 
 1. Ward, 
 
 F. Copley, 
 •J. S. Smith, 
 
 E. Lippett, 
 .1. W. Arnsberger. 
 T. Winn. 
 •I. r. iMontgomery. 
 
 C. Kepliart, 
 
 B. W. Covle, 
 
 F. Story,' 
 
 C. Herr, 
 C. Adam..;, 
 \V. Davis, 
 M. Zinunerman, 
 •J. Espenlaub, 
 A. Davis. 
 
 .M. Vettcr, 
 s. W. Bi-egle, 
 
 D. Condrln, 
 W. Gundecker, 
 W. H. Evnon, 
 II. Butler, 
 
 E. Cai;siilav, 
 .1. \V. Leslie, 
 G. 1*. Levan, 
 C. Cassidaj^, 
 •Jacob Stier, 
 C. Flinn, 
 
 R. Stelile. 
 
 11. Parsons, 
 
 C- Ranch. 
 
 R. L. .McCartney. 
 
 W. .Vke. 
 
 II. K. Storv, 
 
 G. W. Keliy, 
 
 .1. A. Smith. 
 
 B. Bennett, 
 •J. Hopkinson, 
 P. Smith, 
 
 H. Brosan, 
 J. Stelile, 
 ,T. Dixen. 
 
 C. Ensbrenner, 
 J. H. Schenk, 
 L. R. Levan, 
 
 G. F. Fresh, 
 .\. M. Stewart, 
 M. .McCartnev, 
 I). Kilday, 
 II. Kimnierling, 
 L. Smith. 
 -J. GoUiman, 
 T. W. .Jackson. 
 
 LIFK MEMBERS. 
 
 E. L. Taylor, 
 
 Fred Rainev, 
 
 W. A. Mccormick, 
 
 G. Brunner, 
 [John F. Bowman. 
 
 •John stelile, 
 (William ^Murray, 
 iGodfrev Wolf, ' 
 
 G. W. Sparks, 
 
 AV. II. Purborrow, 
 
 Adam Rehm, 
 
 C. C. Shannon, 
 [John yi. Bowman. 
 lE. H. Williams, 
 
 R. A. O. Kerr, 
 rlacob Snyder, 
 IC. Behm, 
 i AVnr M\-ers, 
 jDr..r. T. Christy, 
 
 W. Rod-imore, 
 Mjames s. Mann, 
 
 F. W. Olmcs, 
 1 Christ Wahl, 
 1 L. P. Work, 
 |W. S. Bittner, 
 ]M. Clabaugh, 
 
 I James Kearney, 
 
 G. "W. Kessler, 
 S. C. Baker, 
 
 I D. K, Ramey, 
 
 C. C. Mason, 
 lllon. B. L. Hewitt, 
 :Hon. D. J. Morrell, 
 'a. S, MOITOW. 
 illon. Samnel Calvin, 
 ID. Koch. 
 
 Henry Klway. 
 ! George Rosenbersrer, 
 IRt. Rev. Bishop .j': Tuig 
 [.John A. Sprankle, 
 ;,Iohn P. Levan, 
 
 James H. Dysart,. 
 
 v. Laughman, 
 
 -John L. Ickes. 
 
 (i. L. Myers, 
 
 I). J. Neir, 
 
 George Dixon, 
 
 P. Vetter, 
 
 II. Fettinger, sr., 
 
 C. Guyer, 
 
 Hon. -John A. Lemon,. 
 Win. Kemp, 
 
 D. T. Caldwell, 
 I. Fai-abaush, 
 John O'Neil, 
 Wni. II. Renner^ 
 Daniel Price, 
 -T.-icob Rink, 
 Wm. Conroy, 
 W. A. Adanis, 
 
 -T. M. Stonebraker,. 
 Dr. Walter Bell, 
 
 F. X. Endress, 
 Samuel Smith, 
 Stephen Bewley, 
 
 E. Powell, 
 
 •J. V. Mazurle, 
 D. P. Ray, 
 Louis Piack, 
 .Tohn H. Friedley, 
 John Trout, 
 J. Carland, 
 
 G. W. Stewart, 
 S. A. Christ, 
 John A. Smithy 
 .1. E. tiiiitiier, 
 A. F. Heess, 
 Joseph Watson, 
 .John Loudon, 
 Fr.mk Molloy, 
 X. F. Mervine. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIH COUNTY. 
 
 161 
 
 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE EXCELSIOR COMPANY'. 
 
 EniraettP. Davis, president 
 J. w. Elwav, 1st vice pies. 
 G. iM. Atkinson, 2d " 
 AVilllani O. Eousb, tieas. 
 H. D. Alexander, sec'y. 
 T. W. AUeman, asst. seo'y. 
 
 MEMBERS. 
 
 R. E. Stouffer, 
 H. E. Ferguson, 
 •Joseph \vatts, 
 H. M. Fergnson, 
 •James McCorniick, 
 H. D. Alexander, 
 H. M. Parker, 
 William Heller, 
 •J. R, Runyeon, 
 
 Emuiett P. Davis, 
 Will J. Ferguson, 
 AViUiam Roush, 
 .1. W. Elway 
 William Copley, 
 Derbin Trout, 
 Robert (ioodwin, 
 George Wigand, 
 Clay Cherry, 
 f-Jeorge* Paliner, 
 .James Stitzel, 
 Elmer Haokett, 
 •John Espenlauh, jr., 
 
 F. .J. Stehle, 
 J. ii. Stahl, 
 
 T. W. AUcmaji, 
 
 G. M. Atkinson, 
 George Leslie, 
 
 Charles Klinfc, 
 John L. Y'etltts, 
 L. U. WeisgarviT, 
 X. J. Ehrinjjer, 
 Thomas Clabaugh, 
 Cliarles Loreman, 
 •James Miller. 
 William Weisenberg, 
 Charles GaiTetlson, 
 George Inlew, 
 George Fultz, 
 Harry Smith, 
 Willi'am Clark, 
 George F. Krick, 
 •John Irvine, 
 P. McDonough, 
 Herman J. L. Piper. 
 
 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ALTOONA COMPANY. 
 
 Andrew Kipple, foreman. 
 G. F. McNoldy, 1st asst^ 
 M. Valentine, 2a asst. 
 M. D. Carrol us, 3d asst, 
 •J. D. Stouffer, secretary. 
 W, A. Adams, engineer. 
 Harry Geesey, fireman. 
 
 MEMaERfi. 
 
 A. Kipple, 
 
 G. R. Waggoner, 
 
 G. W. Sands, 
 
 W. Shultzberger, 
 
 •J. Irwin, 
 
 S. Bumgardner, 
 
 L. K. Young, 
 
 G. ruer, 
 
 C. Patterson, 
 
 W. Ferguson, 
 
 W. Irwlu, 
 
 Harry Geesy, 
 
 M. B. Stouch, 
 
 W. W. Green, 
 
 C. C. Wilson, 
 
 D. Miller, 
 M. Flchtuer, 
 
 F. Richter, 
 
 •J. A. Waltei-s, 
 H. Swanger, 
 C. W. Kerlin, 
 C. Salsburg, 
 
 G. Davis, 
 
 M. D. Carrolus, 
 G. C. Detrow, 
 G. L. Adams, 
 J. Ullery, 
 
 E. Clegg, 
 
 J. H. White, 
 
 G. W. Blackbuni, 
 
 E. A. Grindle, 
 
 A. E. Rickabaugh, 
 
 R. W. Taylor, 
 
 S. Groves, 
 
 G. Carrolus, 
 
 W. Green, 
 
 C. Mcllor, 
 
 M. Valentine, 
 
 I. Wyant, 
 
 C. S. Nicodeiiius, 
 
 II. Rettburg, 
 G. Slater, 
 
 J. D. Stouffer, 
 Christ Gem, 
 T. Blackburn, 
 J. McNoldy,jr., 
 
 C. W. Hniitll, 
 W. H. Shaw. 
 H. Kriner, 
 A. Cretin, 
 M. Wilkins, 
 S. Gaily, 
 
 0. L. Forrister, 
 M. H. Foose, 
 G. B. Smith, 
 
 D. S. Markey, 
 W. B. Hershey, 
 G. Tompkins, 
 
 1. Kellv, 
 L. .Statier, 
 J. Roberts, 
 
 E. K. Hamilton, 
 C. A. Weidman, 
 G. Moore, 
 
 R. Woods. 
 P McGarvey, 
 
 E. K. .Johnson 
 
 L. W. Vaughn,' 
 
 •J. Smithhaninier, 
 
 •J. Foster, 
 
 E. L. Price, 
 
 H. Stover, 
 
 W. Brinkman, 
 
 C. L. Hlltner, 
 AV. Grindle, 
 
 P. F. BarkdoU, 
 E. X. Moore, 
 J. Filer, 
 J. Eagle, 
 
 D. F. Mauk, 
 •J. Ij. Smelser, 
 
 .J . ^^'ertsberger, 
 
 C. Puith, 
 
 C. Labe, 
 
 .J. Lantz, 
 
 W. Moore, 
 
 A. Pietsoh, 
 
 •J. C. Palmer, 
 
 C. W. Armstrong, 
 
 J. R. Fraser, 
 
 R. Wilson, 
 
 C. H. Bragonier, 
 A. C. Lytle, 
 
 G. Rupert, 
 
 E. S. Hall, 
 T. P. Clegg. 
 •J- Foust, 
 
 D. M. Keekler, 
 R. A. Isenberg, 
 L. G. Flemminii, 
 G. Curtis. 
 
 G. F. McXoldy, 
 
 W. X. Adams, 
 
 X. F. Cnuninghani. 
 
152 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 PALMER & MORSE, 
 
 MANUFACTL'REIIS OF KVKKY DESClll l^TION OK 
 
 Coaches, 
 Carriages, 
 Sulkies, 
 
 Light ^^ Heoty Spring 
 
 SLEIGHS, ETC. 
 
 REPAIRING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES DONE 
 
 WITH Dispatch. 
 
 Eighth Street, bet. Sixth and Seventh A\'euues, 
 
 ATjTOONA, PAi 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 153 
 
 GAS AND WATER DEPARTMENTS. 
 
 WATER DEPARTMENT. 
 
 "The Gas and Water Company of Altobaa," was incorporated 
 April 9, 1859, upon which the city was dependent for both water and 
 gas. [See pages 63 and 65.] Its first officers were: President, 
 William H. Wilson; treasurer, Wm. M. Lloyd; secretary, B. F. 
 Rose ; managers, John Shoemaker, Enos M. Jones, Charles J. Mann, 
 Albert B. Clark and George B. Cramer ; superintendent, Thomas S. 
 Francis. The name of the company, on May 9, 1871, was changed 
 to "Altoona Gas Company," and on September 10, 1872, the water 
 pipes were sold to the city authorities. The reservoirs at Pottsgrove, 
 with the company's interest in water power of Pottsgrove mill and in 
 the twelve-inch main from there to Twelfth street reservoir, were 
 sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad company. 
 
 Without repeating what is said on page 65 in regard to increasing 
 the water supply at the time referred to, and the means by which it 
 was effected, we are confidant in saying that no one supposed that in 
 so short a period it would prove inadequate to the requirements of 
 the population, which has nearly doubled within the last ten years. 
 
 At an early period of the present j-ear (1880) the subject of in- 
 creasing the supply of water, which had been agitating the commun- 
 ity for several years, began to be regarded as one of prime imports 
 ance, requiring prompt attention. Such was the scarcity of water 
 during the previous summer (1879) that nearly all the Pennsylvania 
 Railroad company's engines were directed to stop and take water at 
 other points ; thus entailing, at the same time and by the same cause, 
 serious loss and forced idleness to workmen in the shops, loss to the 
 railroad company in having to stop work and in being compelled to 
 take water supplies at inconvenient points, and loss and great incon- 
 venience to every consumer in the citj'. 
 
 About three hundred houses had been erected during that season, 
 rendering an additional quantity essential, to say nothing of the pre- 
 dicament the city would have been in had an extensive conflagration 
 occurred. At a meeting of the city council, held on the evening of 
 June 14, 1880, the following was offered by A. F. Kerr, which was 
 adopted bj- the council : 
 
 Wheeeas, TUe city Is poorly supplied with water pipes, and the reservoirs are 
 too small to retain an adequate supply during dry seasons ; 
 
154 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 Akp Wheheas, Tlic rescrvoii- of llio city crtniiot lie rclinl on to meet the defi- 
 ciency in this direction : Xow, tliercfoic, may it bo oiiiaineil, etc., 
 
 Tlial in order to extend tlie Tviiter pipes tluougli the city, mid iiiereiise the sup- 
 ply of water, this council negotiate a loan of $00,000, in accordance wltli tlie author- 
 ity given them liy Act of As.senil)ly of 1874, and supplements thereto, aurt the 
 Mayor is lierehy instructed to give the proper notice, as provided by law, and to 
 direct an election to be held on the 20th clay of July, IMSO, to the end tliat the quali- 
 fied voters of this city may liave the opportunity to aiSprove or disapproxc of said 
 loan. 
 
 In accordance with the above, on the 23d Of June, Mayor How- 
 ard issued a lirochiniation appointing an election to be held on the 
 23d day of the following month, Imt in consMinenee of the inability 
 of a committee which had been ajipointed by council to make esti- 
 mates of the cost of constructing a dam at Kittanning Point,* the 
 election was postponed until Au,i;-ust 2, whfen a majority of seven 
 hundred and thirty-nine citizens voted in favor of the loan. 
 
 At a special meeting of the city council, held on the evening of 
 
 August 11, the following resolution was offered by ^Ir. Kerr and 
 
 passed by that body by a vote of seven to fiv.e*; 
 
 Resolved, That the Committee on \\'atcr be and they arc herebj' instructed to 
 purchase water pipes, hydrants and material needed for laying of the same in such 
 quantities and at such times as they may deem proper,sueh purchase not to exceed 
 in tlie aggregate $I5,0ti0, The laying of the pipe shall commence as quickly as a 
 supply can be obtained, and the digging of the trenches for said pipe sliall be let to 
 tlie lowest bidder ; and the committee may, if they find it needful, let the laying of 
 the water pipe to the lowest responsible bidder, the successful bidder to furnisli 
 bonds to be approved by the committee and city solicitor. 
 
 Shortly- after the contract of laying the pipe was awarded to Da- 
 vid Wylie, plumber and gas fitter, who, on the Tth of September coin- 
 nienced the work. 
 
 THE GAS WORKS. 
 
 On April 9, ls.59, the "Gas and Water .Company of Altoona" 
 was incorporated. [For names of first officei« see page 163.] 
 
 On December 15, 1859, gas was first introduced into the pipes. 
 
 On ;S[ay 9, 1871, having previously disposed of their water prop- 
 erty to the rennsylvania Railroad and Altoona, the naitie was changed 
 to "Altoona Gas Company," and retains that name to the present 
 time. 
 
 »In compliance with a request by the city council a corps of Pennsylvania 
 Railroad company engineers made a complete map of tlie proposed reservoir or 
 dam on the city property at Ivittanning Point, and gave the following estimate of 
 the cost of its construction : Tor grubbing and cleaning, $7',i-2 ; moving 9,640 yards 
 of earth, JS>,83S; moving 2,850 yards of muck, $997.80; moving 5,840 yards of puddle 
 earth, $4,380; moving 1,003 yards of riprap, $411.35; movtng 1,500 yards of overflow, 
 $450; masonry and paving outlet, $4,000; contingencies, $1,000; total, $14,908.85. 
 
 They also made a map of a proposed reservoir on Loudon's Hill, and also of two 
 places to the right (coming into Altoona) of the Wopsonnonock road, but have at 
 this time of writing made no report. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 155 
 
 The capacity of the gas works, when first started, was 30,000 
 feet per day; present capacity, 150,000 feet per day. The first price 
 of gas was three dollars per 1,000 feet, and ten per cent, added when 
 not paid in ten days after presentation of bills ; present price two 
 dollars per 1,000 feet. 
 
 Improvements have recentl)' been made. An addition of fifteen 
 feet has been made to the purifying room. "Jhe present purifiers, six 
 l3y eight feet, will be replaced bj' a new set ten by fourteen feet, and 
 with three times the power of the old ones. 
 
 The eastern side of the city, especially beyond Sixth avenue, has 
 often been poorly lighted when the shops were running. This was 
 not caused by inferior gas, but by the light prcs.«urc. That part of 
 the city was supplied by a four inch main from which the shops also 
 tapped. In order to remedy it there was laid a six inch main across 
 "Twelfth street, and since that time no complaint has been made. 
 
 The average consumption of gas per day, in summer time, is fiftj" 
 thousand feet, five tons of coal being required to make it. The coal 
 produces from four and one-half to five cubic feet of gas for every 
 pound used. During the summer and winter the supply varies 
 greatly. One month the amount of gas used was over 3,300,000 feet, 
 but this fluctuates and depends largely on the work in the company's 
 .shops. 
 
 There is now in use a plan by which all the gas tar, or the greater 
 part of it, is burnt, and used in place of coke under the gas retorts. It 
 makes an intensely hot fire and thrown into the furnace in a small 
 stream answers very satisfactorily. By this means nearly all the 
 ■coke remains for sale and finds a ready market among city consumers. 
 
 At the election of officers, Maj^ 2, 1880, the following were chosen : 
 President, J. B. Collin ; secretary, W. S. Humes ; treasurer, "W. D. 
 ■Couch ; superintendent and engineer, T. W. Cole ; assistant engineer, 
 D. T. Kantner ; managers, W. U. Wilson, Enoch Lewis, H. C. Dern, 
 ■Clement Jaggard and George W. Patton. 
 
 The works are located on Eleventh avenue near Ninth street. 
 
156 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIB COUNTY. 
 
 Interesting Museum 
 
 OF CURIOSITIES, 
 
 EMBRACING ABTICLKS 8DITED FOR 
 
 GIFTS OR PRESENTS, 
 
 ALWAYS TO BE FOUNT) AT 
 
 CURTIS' 
 
 GREAT VHRIETY AND MBMMOTH 
 
 Dollar Store,. 
 
 remodeled, enlarged md improved, 
 
 PRESENTING AN UNEQCALED APPEARANCE AND CONTAINING THE 
 
 Mnest Goods for the Least Money.. 
 
 EVERYBODY WELCOME. So one urged to buy. Coui-teous salesladies always 
 in attendance. CASH AND ONE PKICE. 
 
 Small Dealers', Pedlars' and Merchants' Supplies at Wholesale Prices. 
 
 Waplifactlirer?' Hgept? for ^lioW Caje? api Babv Carriage?. 
 
 Curtis' Great Yrriety Store,. 
 
 (IN THE MOST CENTRAL BLOCK,) 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
HIBTORT OF ALTOONA AND BLAIB COUNTY. 15T 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD COMPANY'S SHOPS. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 
 
 One hundred and twenty-two acres of ground are occupied for 
 business purposes by the Pennsylvania Railroad company in this 
 city. On this are erected the passenger station and the Logan 
 House ; freight warehouse ; offices of the general superintendent ; 
 the superintendent of motive power ; the superintendent of transpor- 
 tation, with their appurtenances, and the following additional build- 
 ings : Three engine or round houses ; iron and brass foundries ; ma- 
 chine shops; paint shops; blacksmith shops; coaling platform ; freight 
 car works; passenger car shop; planing mill; tin and cabinet shops; 
 upholstery shop ; store houses; fire engine room ; lumber dryer ; car 
 shed, etc., having an aggregate frontage of fully two miles. All the 
 buildings, excepting the paint shop, car shed and the temporary wheel 
 foundry, are composed of brick or stone, subsfantially constructed on 
 the most approved plans, and the tools and machinery used in them 
 are the best that can be procured. As a consequence the work is of 
 the highest standard, and at the minimum cost. 
 
 It is difficult to analyze the impressions left by a visit to the shops 
 of the Pennsylvania E-ailroad. The progress that is silently yet 
 surely underway is difficult to grasp, for the work that the company 
 is doing, a work of national importance, comes upon j'^ou with the 
 sharp force of a revelation. There is, indeed, a revolution in pro- 
 gress here. Ton feel it ; you recognize the tremendous influence 
 that is emanating and must emanate from the metropolitan city of 
 the AUeghenies, spreading like ripples upon the surface of a pond, 
 until our whole country feels the force of railroad science carried to 
 its conclusion. It is a fact universally conceded that the Pennsyl- 
 vania railroad company is the leader of the van of progress. Every 
 month, every year it institutes the most e.xact scientific researches, 
 tests, experiments and observations governed by the sole idea of ob- 
 taining railroad perfection ; and the benefit of each year's crystallized 
 experience forms the basis of the operations, constantly progressive, 
 of the following twelve months. A corps of scientists, regularlj- in 
 the employ of the company, devotes its entire time, intelligence, acu- 
 men and energy in determining what is best, in everything, and the 
 result is not only to furnish the road with what is wanted but to 
 
158 HISTORY OF AiTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 n-raduallv raise and purify the products of iiwnafacturors of railroad 
 supplies. A single iustance will illustrate tlie subject. By other 
 railroad companies, generally speaking, a car spring is ordered with 
 due reference to its dimensions only, the name of a good maker be- 
 ing considered a sufficient guarantee of its quality. The .spring ar- 
 rives, is put in position, and after serving it« time it is condemned, 
 taken out and disposed of, and that is the end of it. At the shops of 
 the Pennsylvania Railroad no spring is received from the manufac- 
 turer that does not rigidly conform to a prepared specification, a speci- 
 fication that calls not only for absolutely correct dimensions, but in- 
 sists upon a soft, slow movement, regularity of action, certain qual- 
 ity of steel, and a hundred requirements which cause the spring to be 
 as near perfection as possible. Such springs, also, are not onl}- tested 
 before being placed to determine their probable performance, but are 
 tested again after condemnation, to better ascertain the cause of failure, 
 or, in other words, to learn ju.st how new springs must be made to 
 obviate what proved weakness in the old. Everything is therefore 
 based on a sy.stem of betterments ; on the theory- of always improv- 
 ing by correcting each discovered fault; a system of thorough eman- 
 cipation from blunder, with the always sought result of perfection. 
 
 MOTIVE POWER DEPARTMENT OR "UPPER SHOPS." 
 
 We have premised this much to give to the reader a faint idea of 
 the spirit which pervades the "upper" machine shop to which we are 
 about to introduce him. And it must be always borne in mind that 
 it is entirely on the initiative of the Pennsylvania Railroad that the 
 experiments to which we shall call attention. have been instituted and 
 carried to their present conclusion ; experiments that, while every 
 railroad would readily acknowledge to be of inestimable value, would 
 yet leave to the manufacturers to carry out. And they, for want of 
 better facilities, never could carrj- them out. Bearing this in mind, 
 
HISTOEY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTT. 159 
 
 we will enter the machine shops and learn about the birth, life and 
 death of a railroad locomotive. As we pass over Twelfth street 
 bridge that arches the main line, some idea of the extent of the shops 
 is gathered, though the actual fact that the ajea of the j^ard is 24.33 
 acres is hardly patent. The area of the first floor of the shops is 
 6.409 acres, and of the second floor is .933. There are also in this 
 yard three round houses covering an area of nearly three and one- 
 fourth acres! Where everything is usually so sombre, overlaid as a 
 machine shop must naturally be with coaldust, it is indeed a happy 
 thought to notice here and there in the grounds, during the spring, 
 summer and fall months, flower beds filled with the gorgeous bloom 
 of scarlet geraniums and other briglitly-dressed plants. It indicates, 
 also, a softer side to tbe life of these grimy men ; it argues well for 
 thejjberality of the employers. And it milst be mainly this that has 
 induced such a vital spirit of cleanliness all through the yard. Pass- 
 ing by one of these beds, we enter the 
 
 BLACKSMITH SHOP, 
 
 where the preliminarj- process of engine making begins — the heavy 
 forging of the locomotive frames and the making of a great many 
 forgings by means of dies. Just here we will mention that, in noting 
 the various shops in which a locomotive is made, only such points as 
 are remarkable and such processes as are novel will be dwelt upon. 
 This shop has a floor area of 23,280 feet, and contains twenty-five 
 double brick forges and seven steam hammers, the two largest of 
 which are of 5,000 pounds. Heavier pieces than those formed b}- 
 the dies referred to are fashioned under the hammer on cast iron 
 blocks and shaped to the desired form. The work turned out of 
 these dies, vrhich is always at one heat, include ends of valve rods, 
 links, etc. After the frame is begun and begins to take recognizable 
 shape, the frame passes out, passing by a large shearing machine cap- 
 able of cutting the heaviest sections of steel rails as if thej- were pa- 
 per, and into 
 
 THE MACHINE SHOP, 
 
 a building 426 feet long, where it is laid first on a planer and then on 
 a slotting machine. This machine takes the right and left of a frame 
 at the same time. Another noticeable machine in this shop is a ver- 
 tical milling machine, in which the table revolves and moves at right 
 angles. Almost anj- shape can be finished on this machine at one op- 
 eration. A horizontal milling machine near by saves many hours in 
 
160 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 C. A. DIMOND & CO., 
 
 DEALER IN ALL KINDS OF 
 
 C0]1L;kindling¥00 
 
 AND A GOOD QUALITY OF 
 
 Mountain Building Stone. 
 
 Brick, Sand, Lime i Hair. 
 
 FLOUR, FEED, ETC. 
 
 Our rule is to sell tlie best goods at tbe lowest prices, and extend courteous treat- 
 ment to all. 
 
 9th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Streets, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 M. G. LINGENFELTER, 
 
 — DEALER IN — 
 
 Groceries, Flour, Feed, 
 
 VEGETSBLES IN SEASON, 
 
 Canned Fruits, Provisions of all kinds, Notions, Etc. 
 Corner 14tli Street and 12th Avenue, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 rudisill brothers, 
 
 Watchmakers^Jewelers 
 
 1310 Eleventh Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 Sole agentB for the Rockford Railroad Watch ; also, sole agents for the celebrated 
 
 Lemare's Keck Crystal Spectacles. I'artlcnlar atteation given to repairing 
 
 fine watches and jewelry. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 161 
 
 surfacing accurately all kinds of work, such as steam chest joints, the 
 machine traveling all around the object. Catching your eye in a cor- 
 ner of this room is a small enclosure slatted off. It is the tool and 
 standard sample shop. And here, again, you notice how thoroughly 
 ever)' part of this great .system has been thought out. AH gauges, 
 templates, etc., are furnished on standard measurements. Iso work- 
 man is allowed to set a pair of callipers for himself; thej' arc made 
 rigid. The motive of this is at once obvious. It insures against er- 
 ror ; error that the most skilled labor could not but commit, for no 
 man can repeat absolutely accuratelj' any delicate mechanical opera- 
 tion ; it allows the employment of men less highly skilled than used 
 to be the case in fine work, and it insures also absolute interchangea- 
 bilit}' of parts in engines of the same class. All parts, tools, etc., are 
 numbered in a printed catalogue, and everything is requisitio'ned 
 from such catalogue. The tools themselves are in the care of men 
 who furnish a certain number of the commoner tools to each me- 
 chanic, and when he brings a broken one it is repaired here, saving 
 in this way both the time and confusion that usuallj^ is noted at the 
 forge. For other than common tools, obtained from the storeroom, 
 each workman is furnished with a brass check upon which is his num- 
 ber. He takes out a tool, and his number is hung in its .stead. The 
 planing machines in this shop are arranged in pairs, so that two of 
 them can be operated by one man. It is the .sj'stem also to place as 
 large a number of similar pieces at one operation as possible, and this 
 principle rules through all the shops. It is also noticeable here that 
 in turning up cast iron, chilled cast iron tools are used instead of 
 steel, which would dull more easilj'. 
 
 THF. VISE SHOP. 
 
 Passing into the vise shop, an interesting machine is finishing the 
 coupling rods on a grindstone with an emery wheel, a machine that 
 saves a great deal in "trueing up" of old guides formerly done on a 
 planer. By this means only the smallest amount of metal is removed 
 and time saved. The emery wheel has entirely replaced the file for 
 such work. But there is plenty of other work that the wheels cannot 
 "smooth up," and which gives emplojnnent to about fiftj' men. As 
 you cross the j^ard to where the cylinders are being bored 3-ou notice 
 a pile of steel tires being heated so as to be placed upon the driving 
 wheels, it having been found that the contraction of the metal is suf- 
 ficient to keep them always in place. The c\'linders are bored two at 
 a time. While all this has been going on, over in the boiler shop the 
 
162 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 boiler of our locomotive is in ])roocss of cdiistructioii from entirely 
 steel plutes, iron liavinjr been long- aij;o di.scarclcd. 
 
 THE BOILER SHOP 
 
 is divided into the erecting-, the flanging and the tank departments, 
 this last named including the manufacture of lender and engine tanks, 
 ash pans, « ater troughs for track tanks, etc.- All of these are also 
 made of steel, sheet-iron having- been abandoned. In the flanging de- 
 partment are three flanging forges on Ni.xon's patent, by -which an}' 
 desired form can be given to the fire. This obviates all danger of 
 straining- and cracking, -which was inseparable from the old method. 
 In the erecting- room of the boiler shop are placed the punches, bend- 
 ing rolls and shears required, as well as a large steel riveting ma- 
 chine, which rivets each bolt in two blows. To handle the work there 
 are here two ten-ton jib cranes and the Stowe flexible shaft. Simul- 
 taneously with the preparation of the boiler for our locomotive. 
 
 over in 
 
 THE FOUNDRY 
 
 all sorts of castings for its construction are in progress. This foun- 
 dry you find is 250 feet long and 100 feet wide, with thirty-four feet 
 and ten inches to the roof lies. The roof is surmounted bv a venti- 
 lator 213 feet long and twenty-eight feet nine inches span. About 
 thirty-five tons of iron a daj' are consumed in the castings, which are 
 made mainly on the snap flask and match card system.s. The mould, 
 for cylinders, as well as many small things, is made of sharp sand 
 mixed with flour and molasses, covered with black lead and baked in 
 huge ovens. The moulding machines are marvels of ingenuity, parts 
 of the pattern moving before the whole of it, thus preserving the 
 sharp edges. A second wing of the main foundry contains the brass 
 foundr}', which has eighteen melting furnaces ranged round a chim- 
 ney stack seventy feet high. Phosphor-bronxe is used for all journal 
 bearings made here. Zincs cast in chilled moulds are manufactured 
 for use in electric batteries, and the whole fo-uudry has an admirable 
 ventilation. Prom the foundry you go to 
 
 THE FIRST ERECTING SHOf, 
 
 whore the frames and the boiler of our locomotive are fitted together 
 and made one. The various parts are bolted and riveted here, and 
 then the locomotive, now approaching form, is run out upon a trans- 
 fer table bj' means of a windlass, and carried along to the door of 
 
HTSTOBY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 163 
 
 TUE SECOND ERECTING SHOP. 
 
 This shop is one of the most complete and best arranged in the col- 
 lection. It is 350x5'? feet, and there are three lines of rails running 
 the full length of it. There is ample room for seven engines on each 
 track, and, in cases of emergency, nine. ForTacility in handling the 
 work there are two overhead traveling cranes, each of twenty-five 
 tons capacity. They run upon rails placed along each side of the 
 building, at a sufficient height above the ground, and fifty-nine feet 
 apart. Each crane consists of two plate-iron girders, weighing to- 
 gether eighteen tons, and carrying at their ends the frame and wheels 
 with which thej' run upon the rails. Upon rails laid upon these 
 girders traveling crabs run to and fro. The cranes are driven bj^ a 
 cotton rope, traveling at the rate of 5,074 feet per minute, and the 
 power is applied bj"^ the friction of this running rope upon grooved 
 wheels, on the shaft of which are worms worVing into worm wheels, 
 and thence to reducing gear. The crane travels longitudinally at the 
 rate of fort3''-eight feet a minute, cariwing the heaviest locomotive as 
 if it were a ginger snap at the end of a string ; the crabs travel thirty 
 feet a minute. There are two hoisting .-;peeds — the quick, eight feet 
 one inch a minute, the slow, eighteen inches in the same time. Be- 
 low the door of this shop, on each side of the centre track, are deep 
 paved pits extending the whole length of the building, in which are 
 stored the machineiy or other parts of engines, the boilers of which 
 are sent for repair. Wheels five feet six inches in diameter can be 
 stored in these jsits. Within the pits a system of pipes is laid in con- 
 nection with a Worthington pressure and force pump and with two 
 steam boilers. This arrangement is employed for testing the boilers 
 by h}'draulic pressure before they leave the shop, the test rising to 
 one hundred and fift}' pounds per square inch, and also for testing by 
 steam at one hundred and twent\r-five pounds per square inch. This 
 does away with all the old annoying system of smoky fires and un- 
 .satisfactorv tests, and is a big step forward. Our engine is thus 
 read}', as far as metal work is concerned. She is almost complete, 
 and has answered in construction every test. 
 
 THE PAINT SHOP. 
 
 It is now sent to the paint shop, 345x32 feet, and here it must re- 
 main twelve daj's according to schedule. Painting iron is always a 
 slow process; it requires so much careful preparing with white lead. 
 The paints used in decoration have all been tested as to their wear- 
 ing qualities, and these, chemical analyses have demonstrated how 
 
164 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 H 
 
 m 
 
 H 
 
 H 
 
 TTA 
 
 Boss Store Still Ahead. 
 
 Best Goods at Popular Prices. 
 
 Onourfirstand second floors will be found a large land complete .<!tock of such 
 
 goods as are kept in a First-class Dry Goods, Xotion and Fancy Goods Store, 
 
 at prices as low, and oftentimes lower than any other store in Blair 
 
 county. A trial purchase will convince j'ou of our bargains. 
 
 DET GOODS, 
 
 DEE8S GOODS, 
 
 SILKS, SATINS, VELVETS, 
 
 Beaver Cloths, Waterproofs, Cashmeres, Caheoes, 
 Flannels, Muslins, &c. 
 
 FULL LINE OF KTD GLOVES- ALL SHADES. 
 
 Blankets and Haps, 
 
 AS ESPECIALLY LARGE STOCK OF 
 
 CARPETS AND OIL CLOTHS, 
 
 WINDOW SHADES AND FIXTURES, 
 
 Always on hand and sold at the very lowest prices. Also, Agent for the " GREAT 
 PEARL," and "BOSS" SHIRT.S, and BUTTERICK'S PATTERNS. 
 
 J. M. Bowman, 
 
 (SUCCESSOR TO BOWMAN & MORROW,) 
 
 11th Avenue and 12th Street, Altoona, Pa. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 165 
 
 they shall be mixed. When finished tlie tender is eoated ju^t a^^ 
 smoothl}^ as any Japanese lacquer, and shines like a looking-glass. 
 The lettering and striping have all been done in accord with speci- 
 fication, and the locomotive is taken to the round house, where the 
 few remaining connections are made, and it stands completely born. 
 Though it possesses no brass bands and ornamental metal work, the 
 tender and wheels are painted a mixture of Brunswick green and 
 black, but so dark that the green can only l>c seen in certain lights 
 — still it is a very handsome locomotive. The connections nec<-ssary 
 are made in the round house, by a trial engineer, who then takes it 
 out for a preliminarj' spin up the mountain. This satisfactory, it 
 ^■oes into service, and its real life begins. 
 
 LIFE AND SERVICES OF LOCOMOTIVES. 
 
 On a grand average the life of a locomotive may be set down as 
 fourteen or fifteen years, with varying results as to mileage. The 
 ■earliest collated .statistics as to the life of engines were made with 
 .some Baldwin locomotives built during' the war, when both good ma- 
 terial and good men were practically unattainable. These give vary- 
 ing results of from two to six years, and up to 175,000 miles. Such 
 a record is nothing, nowadays. On the Penns3'lvania Railroad there 
 are a couple of engines in active service that have reached the unpre- 
 cedented record of over 250,000 miles, without receiving other than 
 round house repairs. These are the standard engines used on the 
 road. Supposing that the engine we have geen built to have been 
 ■one of these, it will make its annual 30,000 miles in the grand total 
 -of 6,680,123 miles run by all engines. (This was in 1878.) Per- 
 haps it will run more — one engine, in 1878, on a passenger train, 
 made 75,570 miles — perhaps less, as circumstances decide. At all 
 •events, the railroad will get out of the engine all it is worth. For 
 an engine, in England, the be.st practice does not exceed 18,000 miles; 
 but experience shows the American engine is good for much more. 
 
 A new class of engines (K) has been adopted b}- the compau}-, 
 ten of which have recently been ordered to be built at these shops. 
 One is now upon the road and has, after a number of test trials, proven 
 s^atisfactorv in every respect. It weighs 90,200 pounds, (about 45 
 tons) with driving wheels, 68 inches in diameter and 19x24 inch 
 cylinders. The others are to be of corresponding weight and power. 
 This class of locomotives is capable of hauling seven or more cars upon 
 12 
 
166 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND MLAIlt COUNTY. 
 
 tho various nrados of 25 ffit per mile, while with ordinary ciifrines five- 
 cars is a sufficient load. Class K locomotives 'are built with a view to 
 combine rapid transit with perfect safety. 
 
 RECORD OF .AIOVEjrENTS .\ND CONDITION (IF ENOINKS. 
 
 Our <'iigine, once in service, is l)y no means lost si^-ht of. Its 
 movements are as thoroughly noted as arc those of an uceaii steamer. 
 In Mr. Ely's office, in this city, there is an immense board covered 
 with little pins, upon which hang- .-mall round colored discs, from tht' 
 under part of which has been cut a small portion. These (icgs and 
 discs are numbered from 1 to l.-ifiO. Each number corresponds 
 with an eng-iue. On one part of tho board the jieg-s are numlicn^d 
 consecutively. Looking at this part for an}- particular engine that 
 may be desired, on the disc will be found " Ptg;h," "X. Y,'' or "P," 
 etc. This refers you to the division where the engine is. Looking 
 to that division on the board, and liilding the number of the engine, 
 another little disc, by means of its color, will tell )-ou just what con- 
 dition the engine is in. If the disc is pure white the engine is in 
 ])crfect order. If the disc is bordered by a red line the engine needs 
 only such slight rejiairs as may lie made without witlnlrawing it from 
 the service. If the disc is covered one-half with red, repairs are re- 
 (piired of a verv slight nature, but for which the engine must proceed 
 to the shop. If the entire disc is pale gray, repairs of a more imjiort- 
 ant character are needed, though still deemed slight. A disc entirely 
 blue denotes a machine that needs very substantial rejiairs. One-half 
 black and half white indicates tlii' maciiint! is being built over. A 
 disc all black denotes an engine unfit, save to lie cut up or sold. 
 This record is changed evcrv week, and is so complete as to enable 
 anv one to see at a glance ju.st the condition of the motive iio\\er. 
 Repairs arc never undertaken if tiiev will cost over §8,000. For that 
 a new standard boiler can be built, and, unless an engine is of the 
 standard pattern, she is never Ijuilt o\ er, lor the company does not 
 wish to perpetuate odd <'ngiaes, and to pay more than So, 000 would 
 not be so economical as to pay interest on thi' value of a new ma- 
 chine. Here, again, true <M-onoiny steps in to change the i>raetice of 
 blind conservatism. 
 
 An engine on the road is always very carefully used. After our 
 locomotive is placed in the hands of an engineer it is cared for with 
 the watchfulness of a parent's afl'cction. An accurate record of its 
 performances is made and compared with that of other engines. As 
 ireight is paid for per Ion \u:r mile, so t]ie cost of an engine is 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. IGT 
 
 reckoned. The amount of coal consumed jht ciir per enfrinc mile 
 being calculated, it is easv to see, lj\' dividin.y this Ijy the tonnage, 
 just how much coal it takes to move a ton of freight one engijie mile. 
 And the eng-iue that does this most successfully is the cheapest and 
 best. 
 
 Finall}-, after having traveled many thousands of miles, having 
 speedily and safely hauled millions of human beings, our locomotive is 
 sent to the shop condemned. It is ignominiously bundled off into 
 a corner to stand with a lot of others until cut up or s(jld. Its im- 
 mediate neighbors may be like itself, worn out; perhaps " died in 
 the harness." The little disc that records in the superintendent's of- 
 fice its phj'sical condition has turned to black. There is no hope. 
 To-morrow a committee of Inspection will condemn it to be cut to 
 pieces. Into the furnace the parts will go, to emerge, like the mill 
 "where old men were ground out into new, rejuvenated, ready to take 
 a place in some new monster with steel heart and transmigrated soul. 
 And so the story will be told again ; the theory of the survival of the 
 fittest always having prominence ; until in years to come perfection 
 will be reached, or the hurr\-ing mortal shall travel in some other 
 fashion, looking down with strong contempt on what are the marvels 
 of to-da}^ 
 
 [In the Boston (Mass.) Herald, of August 2, 18T9, was published 
 an able and elaborate article descriptive of the motive power shops of 
 the Penns3'lvania Railroad, and although we had made ourselves fa- 
 miliar with their extent and operations we have interwoven a portion 
 of the Herald's description with our own.] 
 
 CAR DEPARTMENT, OR "LOWER" SHOPS. 
 
 A correct knowledge of the sciences of mechanics and natural pliil- 
 osophv, as well as a practical and experimental apjdication of the 
 principles of these sciences are essential to ojie who would wish to 
 act as foreman of a machine shop. Were he tleficient in such knowl- 
 edge we cannot see how he could give intelligent directions to the 
 men in his emploj', for the principles of these sciences underlie 
 all mechanical operations. True, with but little instruction, a man 
 may learn how to control the operations of a machine, and thus make 
 like machines without the knowledge we speak of, upon the same 
 principle that a parrot may learn how to talk. He is no machinist, 
 in the full acceptation of the term, unless he be in full possession of 
 the knowledge referred to. To this knowledge must be added a con- 
 siderable admixture of inventive genius, for we never yet saw a good 
 
1G8 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTV. 
 
 E. M. KENNEDY & CO., 
 
 — DEALERS IN 
 
 Groceries, Flour, Ked, 
 
 PROVISIONS, ETC. 
 
 rOUETH £TREET and CHESTUUT AVENUE, (Logantown,) ALTOONA. 
 
 Altoona Laundry, 
 
 Misses SUTTON, EEOTHEES & McMULLEN, Prop'rs. 
 
 Cor. lltli AA-enue and 16tU Street, Altooiia, Pa. 
 ALL KINDS OF LAUNDRY WORK, 
 
 lor Geiitleiiicn ami _Ladies, promptly attended to in tlie tiept manner anil at the 
 
 LOWEST ri;ICES. 
 
 JOHN KINSEL, 
 
 Carpet Manufacturer, 
 
 ISO. 804 Chestnut A\'enne, 
 
 Between Eighth and Ninth Streets, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 R. B. MAHAFEEY, 
 
 rURLISHEU OF 
 
 Sheet Music und Music Books, 
 
 And Dealer in Musical Merchandise Generally. 
 
 You cannot altord to be witliout tlie " Jl 1>ICAL ADVOCATE," only 10 cents a 
 number. Full of local mnsieal notes, and each nundjcr contains a piece of music 
 vortli from <iO to 4(1 cents. Get a copy at the (1 1'st of eacli montli. 
 
 120VA Ii:iGHTH AVENt'E, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAJR COUNTY. lfi9 
 
 mechanic in any branch of industry whose brain was not permeated 
 with or transversod bj' a vein of iugcnuitj', oi'iginalit\% eeccntrieity, 
 genius, or whatever else you mav call it. 
 
 THE JIACHINE SHOP. 
 
 In the lower shop are sixty machines of different kinds, all in use 
 in the manufacture of the new machinery' from time to time required 
 by the other "lower" shops, as they are generall}' called, and in keep- 
 ing the machinery already there in good working condition. In ad- 
 dition to this all the iron work used in the construction of passenger 
 and freight cars (not locomotives — the}^ are built and repaired at the 
 machine shop of the motive power department) is dressed, properly 
 prepared or finished here; the wheels are bored, axles turned, .screws 
 cut, holes drilled, etc., etc. Seventy men are employed, abont as 
 many as can work to advantage. The room is only ISSxTO feet. 
 Small as it is, considering the amount of space occupied by the ma- 
 chines and to allow workmen ]n'oper elbow room, there have been as 
 high as eighty-three at work at the same time. 
 
 Any one knows, or ought to know, that a description of each of 
 the sixty machines would fill a large volume. Even the simple men- 
 tion of the names, coupled with laconic notices, would oecup}^ too 
 much space for the present article. We will mention, however, five 
 boring mills or machines for boring holes in the centre of car wheels, 
 or rather enlarging the holes that are alread}^ in, through which the 
 ends of axles pass, capable of "doing" 250 wheels per day — fifty 
 each. The "nut tapper " cuts the spiral threads inside of nuts at the 
 rate of 2,600 pounds per day Of course these nuts var}^ in size to 
 correspond with the .size of the screws cut on bolts, whatever size 
 that may be. There are standard sizes of both nuts and screw bolts. 
 We use the term "screw bolt" to distinguish-it from all other bolts. 
 There are six nut-tappers and eleven bolt cutters. As nuts and screw 
 bolts are counterparts of each other, and as the nuts are tapped in 
 larger proportion than the screws are cut in bolts, more machines are 
 required for executing the latter work than the former. Hence the 
 proportion of the machines is six to eleven — that is, six nut-tappers 
 keep eleven bolt cutters in operation to the best advantage. There 
 are twelve drilling machines which move with the regularitj- of clock 
 work. We might as well have said that a clock works with the reg- 
 ularity of a drilling machine, for what is a clock but a machine? But 
 let this go. 
 
 The original of all or nearly all the niachin'cs here emplo\'ed were 
 
no 
 
 IllSTOKV OF ALT(I<1N.\ AM) Iil,AHl COUNTY. 
 
 ^. ^;fa-;-MT-^^-T^i<7-,:'J - J^}i::,xi^z&Z^*^IFF'^i::^^'''^ 
 
 PASSLNGER CAR. 
 
 PARLOR CAR. 
 
 SLEEPING CAR., 
 
 U. S. POSTAL CAR. 
 
HISTORY or ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 171 
 
 obtained from Messrs. William Sellers & Co., aud Messrs. William 
 B. Bement & Son, of Philadelphia, in wholu, whoever may have 
 been the inventors or patentees, was vested the right to manufacture 
 and sell ; and, in the Pennsylvania Railroad company, as we under- 
 stand it, is now vested the same "right, title and interest." 
 
 Taking oft' and putting on Mheels on a.\les, by hj-drostatic pres- 
 sure, is an interesting operation. Trom thirty to eighty tons pres- 
 sure is brought to bear in removing wheels from their axles, and 
 from twenty to forty tons in putting them on. Removing the burnt, 
 warped and twisted wheels from burnt, warped and twisted axles 
 which were in the lire at Pittsburg a few years ago, was a big job. 
 We were shown Avheels aud axles which were absolutelj^ fused or 
 melted together at the place they were conjc^ued — but the powerful 
 pressure applied released the one from the other. 
 
 Freight car wheels and axles are made of iron, but the axles for 
 passenger cars are constructed of steel, brought from the steel workjs 
 at Meadville, Penn'a; the Forge and Iron works of Pittsburg, and 
 from various other sources of supply. 
 
 Mr. James Sharp has acted as foreman for over nine years, or 
 since the lower shops were built. Indeed it was uuder his supervis- 
 ion that the necessary machinery for all the lower shops was ordered 
 and put in position. Long before this he was emploj'ed by the com- 
 pany in the motive power department. 
 
 PASSENGER CAR SHOP. 
 
 About one hundred hands are at present employed — the highest 
 number at a,ny one time having been oue hundred and thirtj^-seven. 
 This was during the Centennial year, at which time one hundred pas- 
 senger cars were built to meet the exigencies of the extensive travel 
 on the road. The force is employed on eight or ten cars at one and 
 the same time. 
 
 Mr. Pullman has a shop or shops of his own, yet oecasionalh' an 
 order is sent here for the manufacture of new ones, as well as re- 
 pairing those which have seen service. Mr. Pulbnan has an uphols- 
 tery in Chicago, aud one in Jersey City ; yet it frequently happens 
 that the upholstering is done by the Pennsylvania Railroad company, 
 it having all the facilities for doing work of this kind in the most ele- 
 gant manner. Indeed, taking the "Passaic," built in IS'i'l, or any 
 Pullman car built since by the Pennsylvania^ Railroad company, as 
 an illustration, whatever may be the facilities of Mr. Pullman, it is 
 impossible for him either to construct or furnish cars more luxuriously 
 
1'72 
 
 UISTORV OF ALTOONA AND BLAIll COUNTY. 
 
 D. WYLIE, 
 
 PRACTICAL 
 
 MBER i Gss Fitter. 
 
 AXn DEALER IX 
 
 CIRCULATING BOILERS, BATH TUBS, 
 
 Cast-iron Sinks, Urinals, 
 
 Marble iSlaljs and Wasli Hasins. Hyilrants, Terra Cofta Pipe, r.i;i:^s Work for Water 
 and Steam. Gas 3Iacliine3, etc. 
 
 Hot "VYater and Steam CircLilatioix 
 
 FOR GREENHOUSES AND CONSERVATORIES, 
 
 Iron Pumps for deep and shallow wells, fitted up and set. Old Gas- 
 Fixtures Cleaned and Rebronzed. Hydrant and Water Pipe put in 
 at the Lowest Rat^. 
 
 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. . 
 
 No. 1108 Fourteenth Sti^eet, 
 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 113 
 
 than those con.structod foi- him liy the Ponn.^ylvauia Railroad eoui- 
 paiiy. The cost of a Pullnian car, l)o it a .sleepinj;', drawing-room, 
 hotel, or parlor car, is from 814,000 to $10,000 ; for a first-class pas- 
 senger car, $5,000 ; and for an ordinary second-class car, $2,500. 
 
 INTERIOR OF PARLOR CAR. 
 
 The frame-work of a Pullnian i.s generally made from \ellow pine; 
 panel.s from poplar ; [losls and trucks from ash. Si.\;-\\ h(;el ti'ucks are 
 used, with Wcslingliouse iiii' brakes to check their movements. 
 
 FREIGHT SHOP. 
 
 In this department about three hundred and twenty men are at 
 present employed, S.\\ skillful workmen. New freight cars, of what- 
 ever kind, are not only manufactured here, but all the necessaiy re- 
 pairs to those which have seen service are also made. All new cars 
 and repaired cars are painted and lettered before being removed from 
 the freight shop. 
 
174 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 TIk; yellow pine used for car floovs is brouu^ht from Georgia, ku]i- 
 poscd to he the best in the country; white pine, for roofing, from 
 Michigan ; oak from all points of the compass. We will here take 
 occasion t(i remark that when a requisition for cars is received by 
 John P. Levau, general foreman, he issues orders to the foremen of 
 all the departments for the necessary materials for their construction. 
 The planing mill furnishes the lumber already planed and otherwise 
 prepared ; the blacksmith shop all the iron in the forms required, etc. 
 But all this material is used and put together iii the freight shop, or 
 round house, as some people call it. The man who planned the 
 freight shop had an eye to business. 
 
 BLACKS.MITH SHOP. 
 
 In this department one hundred and sixtj-'five men are employed. 
 Every tool and machine for the abridgment of labor that has been 
 devised by the cunning, craft or ingenuity of man is brought into 
 requisition. A description of these tools and-machines does not fall 
 within the purview of this sketch further than to say that there are 
 four dead-stroke power hammers, each of vrhich give a hundred pounds' 
 blow ; a machine for heading bolts from one and one-half to two 
 inches; two punching machines with power to punch a two-inch hole 
 through two-inch iron ; two bolt machines which work from three- 
 eighths to seven-eighths inch, each of which has the capacitj- to make 
 1,800 bolts per daj'; a drill-press able to drill six holes at one opera- 
 tion; four steam hammers — one 500 pounds pressure, another 1,600, 
 another 2,000 and another 2,500 pounds pressure ; a machine for weld- 
 ing links, or conqiress butt welder, capable of welding thirty per hour; 
 machines for forming bullnoses, making links, et^c. Almost 400 tons 
 of iron per month is at present used. It comes principally from the 
 Altoona Iron Avorks, this city, the best iron to be obtained; from the 
 Logan Iron and Steel company; from Carnegce iV" Brcis.. and Wilson 
 k Walker of Pittsburg, and Benjamin Johnson, of Hollidaysburg. 
 There are Hfty-nine forges in the blacksmith sliop. the blast for the 
 fires Ijcing supplied by a noiseless blower. There is a one-spring fur- 
 nace for setting springs. There is a si)lit-key nuichine for manufac- 
 turing ke\ s for bolts when not convenient to use nuts. About fi40 
 ])ouii(ls of ihese kev.s — each one weighs aljout an ounce — are manu- 
 factured per day. There are three Ijolt furnjic<'s and three heating 
 furnace's. The textile strength of the iron u.sed is si.xty to sixty-five 
 tons til the inch. Probably the most difficult operation is the manu- 
 facture of bullnoses. A great deal of ingenuity and care are brought 
 to bear in their production. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. It 5 
 
 THE PLANING MILL. 
 
 This mill, which i,-< the ^lo^^t t-omplctc and laigi'sl in thv TJiiited 
 States, is full of iuterestiiii,^ objects — interesting to those at least who 
 are proud of progress and improvement. l!he machines there em- 
 ployed for sawing- and dressing- lumber are admirable in tlicii- con- 
 strnction, and do their work in an admirable manner. There are 
 thirty-nine of them — six Ijoring-, eight planing, three tenon, si.x mortis- 
 ing, one Balster machine, two band saws, one moulding- machine and 
 one universal wood Avorker ; besides five rip sa\Vs, four cross-cut saws, 
 a saw gujumer, saw filer, etc. The engine which drives this machin- 
 er} , and the machinery also of the other shops, is a double cylinder, 
 250 horse power, manufactured by the Corliss company of Providence, 
 R. T. It cost $",500, and $1,400 additional for putting it in position, 
 procuring the belting, etc. The principal belting is 32 inches wide. It 
 is formed of a double thickness of leather -with canvas between. The 
 flywheel is 30 feet, and size of cylinder, 18x48 inches. B3- a s\-stem 
 of signal gongs the foremen of the various shops can increase or retard 
 the motion of the engine, or, rather, can communicate with the engi- 
 neer, without leaving their shops, so that he (tkn give them the exact 
 motion they require, be it fast or slow. It is operated by electricity, 
 and proves to be of great convenience. Six boilers — three with eight 
 feet and three with eight feet long and four feet wide fire-boxes—the 
 largest in this portion of the State, supply the steam. The}- were 
 built at the upper boiler shops by Joseph Xixon, foreman of that 
 department. Five tons of coal per day, together with all the shav- 
 ings, sawdust, etc., of the planing mill, which is conveyed to the 
 boiler house through pipes, supply the heat for the generation of the 
 steam which drives the engine. 
 
 The pipes alluded to, through which the shavings, sawdust, etc., 
 are conducted to the boiler room, with their fans and other append- 
 ages, constitute a curious and ingenious apparatus. A description 
 such as we would like to make would occupy too much of our space. 
 Suffice it to sa}' that immediately after the formation of shavings, 
 chips and sawdust, they are sucked into the mouth of the pipes which 
 are pendant over the machines, and, on the " wings of the wind," are 
 hurried through to the boiler house. These pipes are about two feet 
 in diameter, and constructed of tin or sheet-iron, we forget which. 
 There are six of these conductors, each embracing a certain number 
 of pipes and fans in operation. Messrs. Latimore & Davis, of Phila- 
 delphia, are the inventors. It- is scarcely necessary to add that pre- 
 vious to their introduction a visit to the plSning mill, especially if 
 
nfi HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 MRS. ADAM GABLE, 
 
 WHOLKSALE AND llETAIL DEALER IN 
 
 CONFECTIONERIES, FOREIGN and DOMESTIC FRUITS. 
 
 ICE CREAM AND OYSTERS IN SEASON. 
 706 and TOS Twelftli Street, - Altoona, Fa. 
 
 (Bfiwcou Seventh aiul Ei-^htli Avenues.) 
 
 Keystone Grocery, 
 
 Green Avenue ancL Mnth Street, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 Groceries and Provisions. 
 
 ctioiiorie:^, Sej^ars, Toljiiccos, Xotioi 
 li in i^^oason. 
 
 EL^A^=AY & MAUK. 
 
 FLOCH, CAXNED FRUITS. Etc. Con li'ctioiioiies, Segars, Toljiiecos, Xotions 
 <\vsters tiiid Fish in season. 
 
 B. F. ROSE, 
 
 ALDERMM, 
 
 11th Avenue, near 12th Street, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 (Opiwsite Altoona Hardware Co., limited.) 
 
 Legal Documents written and acknowledged. Collections promptly attended to. 
 
 J. G. GONEAD, 
 
 riEALER IN 
 
 j^ NTl RlC ITE~MD BiTOfflHE C,mK. 
 
 (Free li-om slatu and .ithor foreign substances.) Fnll weight guafanteed. 
 
 .Uso, dealer in KI.VDLIXG WOOD and STRAW. Ueiivery to all parts of the city 
 witlioutextra charge. 
 
 Eleventli Avenue, tetweei Seventeeitli and ElgMeeitli Streets, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 (Xcav tlie Culvert.) 
 
HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 177 
 
 a lady or gentleman had their best clothes on, was like passing 
 through a (louring mill, and cmcro-inir therefrom covered with dust. 
 Besides, the millions of small particles floatilig through the atmos- 
 phere of the room made it unpleasant for the workmen, and injurious 
 to health. All this, now, is obviated. The place is as ft-ee from dust 
 us any of the other shops, for, if perchance some shavings or sawdust 
 fall upon the floor they are quickly sucked into the mouths of the 
 pipes underlying it, for the mouths of these pipes are in close proxim- 
 it3- to the machines. There are pipes below as well as above the 
 floor. Formerh' from six to eight hands were employed in carrying 
 away the dirt, so to call it. Hence six dollars to eight dollars are 
 saved per day. 
 
 The tenon machines were invented by Isaac Dripps, who, at one 
 time, was Superintendent of the Motive Power Department. 
 
 The principal planing machine was built by Messrs. R. Ball & 
 Co., of Worcester, Mass. It is sixtj--three feet in length, with cog- 
 gearing. It is called the "Daniel Planing Machine," a man by that 
 name, we presume, being the inventor of it. 
 
 The planing machine next in size and imjxirtance is run by belt 
 gearing, and has been in use for about two years. It is thirty-four 
 feet in length and was built by Richards, London & Kelley, of the 
 Atlantic Iron works. It performs 1,700 revolutions a minute. 
 
 There is one large four-sided planing machine, humorously called 
 b}' the men in the shops "the Modoc," whatever name the inventor 
 may have given to it. 
 
 As previously stated there are three Allen mortising machines in 
 use. They mortise timber without "laying off," by use of templates. 
 
 The building is 357 feet by 70 feet. This includes the new exten- 
 sion completed during the month of August, 1880. 
 
 At present about eighty men are employed. 
 
 THE TIN SHOP. 
 
 The principal work done here is the construction of the roofs of 
 passenger and Pullman palace cars, as well as old freight cars when 
 needing repairs of this kind. New freight cars are now constructed 
 in such a manner that they don't require tin roofing, the boards con- 
 stituting the roofs being fitted together upon a new waterproof and 
 air-proof principle. Why this principle should not bo adopted in the 
 construction of the roofs of passenger and other ears, we will not now 
 take time to inquire. Besides the roofing of cars, all the tin, sheet- 
 iron, (plain or galvanized) brass and copper work which enter into 
 
178 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTV. 
 
 tlio coiir-tructioii or constitute the eouvcnience of cars, is here made to 
 ussiiine appr(i|U'iate fonii. Tiie stoves, too, used iu tlie cars, are sup- 
 plied with ]iipe and all other necessary lixtures. A ])ortioii of the 
 round house (freight sho])) is devoted to the reception of stoves which 
 need repairs; and arrayed on shelves are dujilicatcs to take the i>lace 
 of those parts of stoves worn out, Iturnt o*ut, or broken. These 
 stoves and parts of stoves are cast at the foundrv of the company at 
 their upper works. 
 
 The machines used iu the tin shop ai'e such, only, a^ are ;rcneially 
 found iu private e.-tablishments of the kind, witli a few exceptions, 
 one of which is an apparatus, apparently simple iu its construction, 
 but in reality e\ incing- much jn-ofuudity of thought in its invention. 
 It is designed, b}- one operation, to throw strips of tin into such forms 
 as to cover the gas pipes which traverse the roofs of passenger cars; 
 and it does the work neatlj^ and effectively. Another machine is a 
 spinning lathe not uiMievally found in tinueries conducted Ijy private 
 parties, by moans of which a flat piece of tin, copper, zinc or brass 
 is n)ade to assume a great variety of forms, both hollow and cylindri- 
 cal. It is turned by steam. In size the tin 'shop is 70.\.')0 feet, af- 
 fording enough room for fourteen men to "turn around in." When 
 thirty-two men were em])l<iyed it was ti.trht si|ueezing. 
 
 CABINET SHOP, OR OLL"E ROOM. 
 
 Were all the cabinet makers in the country to meet in convention 
 for the specific purjjose of devising the most suitable buildiug and the 
 mo.st suitable tools, machinery, etc., for startling the cabinet making 
 business on a large scale, or, rather, for the mfinufaeture of such arti- 
 cles as appertain to any specific branch of that business, we do not 
 see how they could do better than the man or men who planned the 
 cabinet shop or glue room (as many call it) of the Pennsvlvania Kail- 
 road company. With no further introductory remarks we will sav 
 that all the veneering, gluing, cutting, carving, mortising, polishing, 
 boring, turning, scolloping, moulding, planing, sawing and twisting 
 all kinds of wood into all kinds of shajies, required for all kinds of 
 work, found inside of ordinary ])assenger and I'ullman palace ears, 
 are here performed liv the aid of the best tools and niachinerv the in- 
 ventive genius of the country has been able to produce. And these 
 tools and machines are guided bj' ninety workmen who thorough!}' 
 under.stand such bu.siness, a less number by fifty than were employed 
 during a greater ])ortion of the Centennial yca*r. To accomplish the 
 same amount of work, thirty years ago, would have taken about .ei.\; 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNT Y. 179 
 
 thousand five hundred men. This ma}- appear extravagant, but we 
 believe it as firmly as we believe that we are writing this sketch. 
 And then, too, the work is done in an admirable manner. In addi- 
 tion to car furniture, paneling, etc., all the elegant desks and furniture 
 \vhich adorn and render prince-like and comfortable the offices of the 
 railroad officers, all along the line, are manufactured here. The 
 heavy work, such as sawing out lumber, etc., of course is done iu the 
 planing mill. 
 
 Among the principal machines used, not onl}' for the abridgment 
 of labor, but for their efficicnc}^ in executing their work perfectly, we 
 noticed a scroll saw of surprising utility; a "Variety Moulding" 
 machine, which, with its appliances, executes all kinds of moulding, 
 the tool or bit performing about 2,000 revolutions per minute ; a ma- 
 chine for planing, grooving, etc. ; a slat machine which planes both 
 sides and rotmds the edges at a single operation ; thirty-three turn- 
 ing lathes ; two mounting machines ; a tenon machine ; hand and rip 
 saws ; veneering presses, etc. There is a turning machine, the de- 
 sign of which is to turn flag staffs, thirty-six 'inches long, in use by 
 flagmen along the road, as well as a vast amount of other work. 
 Preparing flag staffs, formerly, was a difficult tiing to do. Let an)"- 
 one try to make one by hand or even turn one on an ordinary lathe. 
 Then he will appreciate a machine by the use of which 1,000 can be 
 manufactured in one day. Of such a machine we sjieak. Before its 
 invention lumber by the car load was required to meet the demands 
 for flagstaffs. Xow they are made from the oflf-falls or refuse pieces 
 of wood, fit for no other purpose. A great saving of material is 
 observable, as well as a great reduction of labor. There is another 
 machine which performs a great varietj" of operations — rounding and 
 polishing strips of wood, cut crosswise, of various diameters, suitable, 
 for instance, as plugs for holes where screws are driven below the 
 surface. 
 
 All kinds of wood are used in this department. Among the most 
 valuable are bird-eye maple, French walnut, mahogany, chcrrv and 
 rosewood. 
 
 The shop is one himdred and seventy-five feet in depth and sev- 
 enty feet wide. 
 
 THE PAINT SHOP. 
 
 One hundred and forty-eight workmen are at present employed. 
 The capacity of the shop is twenty-four cars — that is, the tracks 
 within the enclosure can accommodate that number at one and the 
 
180 
 
 HISTOIiY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 S. O. ADLER, 
 
 DEALEll IN 
 
 GROCERIES,PRO¥ISIONS,FLOUR,FEED 
 
 Queensware, Glassware, Woo<l and Willow-ivaie, Tobacco and Segars. All kinds of 
 Fruits and \'rfrcta1)les in sea.-^fin. 
 
 1316 Twelfth Avenue, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 DR. J. H. WEAVER, 
 
 1004 Seventeenth Street, 
 
 (Near tlie Bri<ige.) 
 
 Altoona, Pa. 
 
 Druggist and Pharmaceutist. 
 
 A full line Druff:? uiicl C■hemiCill^J. Pjituiu Mcdiciiio.-.. Oils. Paints, Putty. I>.vc Stuffs, 
 Toilet uuO Fancy Article^*, Pert'uniery. be-^t luaiids oi Tobacco ana Srgar.s. 
 Pure Wined uiid Liquors for MetUcintil Purpojiesi. Presciiiitiou^ Care- 
 fully Cmniioundetl Day or Nlg:nt at all hours. 
 
 PIPER & CO., 
 
 BooksellerslStationers, 
 
 1316 Tenth Avenue, Altpona, Pa. 
 
 2\otions, Xovelties, eic, of all kinds. Iinportefl and Domestic Scgars, Toljacco, etc. 
 SuUsjcriptions recfcived for Newspapers, Magazin<:fe and other peiiodicaLs. 
 
 n^ 
 
 v_v 
 
 V 
 
 K FOUR-PAGE, 16 COLUMN, MONTHLY Pfi?ER, 
 
 Printed on Fine Tinted Book Paper and devoted to Choice Poetiy, Stories, Historj' 
 
 — Natural and otherwise- — in fact eveiytliinjr that will interest boys and jfirls. 
 
 Only 30 cents a yejir. Sample copies free. AgejPts wanted 1o canvass 
 
 for subscribers. Liberal Terms. Address, 
 
 ED. J. SLEP, -ALTOONA, Pa. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOXA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 ISl 
 
 ssamc time, siiiil tliev ai'c so arranged that men ciiii work to the Ijost 
 arlvantiit!,c. The deiiartmcnt of jiaiiitinjj embrace.'^ a liead-Iiniug- 
 room in which fifteen men are eniploved; varnish rooms, sixteen men; 
 freight car room, sixteen men; passenger far room, one hnndred men. 
 The principal shop nieasnres 304x70 feet, witli eighteen feet pitch of 
 ceiling. A- portion of it is twci stories high, the upper story contain- 
 ing the \arnisli and upholstery departments. The force employed in 
 
 INTERIOR OF SLEEPING CAR. 
 
 ]iainting' the passenger cars is divided into gangs of eight men, fonr 
 employed cjn inside and fonr on ontside work. A larger number can- 
 not work to as much advantage. Connected with this department is 
 a storeroom, separate building, about 30x50 feet in size, with cellar 
 or Ijasement, which contains large quantities of materials, from which 
 all the paints, colors, tints and shades are made, together with var- 
 nishes, paint l)rusln's, glass, ]iutty, etc. As high as $20,000 worth of 
 12 
 
182 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 such ,i;<jods luivc! Ir'cii stored here ul ow time; Some vei-y exiieiisive 
 materials are used, .sucli, for instuuce, us iiisid*; ear varuisli, and uut- 
 side rubbiu.ii-, wliieli costs $3.83 per ^r,illou, and fmi.shiug- vaini.sh 
 whicl) ei.K^ts S5.10 per f;allon. Here tlie paints are mi.xed, sevi-r;d 
 hand.-; being (.■ngagi.'d on this ^York alone. 
 
 Search the couiitry through and yuu will be unable to fijid any 
 set of hands anywhere who can outrival the present force in their 
 knowledtre of the, blending and ap|)lication of colors. Tlie work done 
 impresses one with this idea. By " head-linifigs" the de-corations on 
 ceilings of the cars are meant. They arc conipo.sed of ordinary un- 
 bleached sheeting, which, by means of simple appliances, is stretched 
 to its utmost tension on frames placed in an upright position when 
 the painters commence the work of drawing 'their decorative lines. 
 As in architecture there are various distinct orders, so there arc dis- 
 tinct order.s of decoration. But wc decline to write an essay on the 
 subject. 
 
 It is a nice thing, requiring not only a stdady hand, but a keen, 
 ob.servant, artistic eye to e.xcHjute all the- fine lines and shades re(iuircd 
 Ijy the connoisseur who "bo.sses"' the jub. Were he not a connois- 
 seur he would evidently be unfit for the position. And here, in the 
 head-line department, more so, probably, than in any other, the skill 
 of th(; painter is exhibited. But, after all, this work partakes more of 
 niechanic-al than true artistic skill, from the Tact that forms or pat- 
 terns of representation arc prcviou.sly prepared. With pieces of pa- 
 per, properly punctured, the lines of the work are temporarily and 
 quickly drawn or struck on the canvas, then followed up with the 
 painter's pencil. But to be appreciated this work must be seen. 
 
 UPHOLSTKRIXO DEPARTMENT. 
 
 And now a few words about supplving the interior of passenger 
 cars with the necessary furniture to make theiii comfortable for tlio.se 
 who travel. Comfortable, did we .say ? Wc iwean luxurious. Every- 
 thing I'l.-c done, even the painting, the seats with their hair cushions 
 covered with jilush are placed in position, the carpets laid, etc., etc. 
 The ])lush used in tin' covering of seats is manufactured in France. 
 The raw material consists of the long, silky hair (jr wool of the An- 
 gora goat of Asia Minor. The faljric is beautiful. Plush costs about 
 S2.37^ per yard, and is generallv in strips forty yards in length, of 
 various widths. The hair, which forms the interior of the cushions 
 for seats, or filling in, is principally derived fifom the manes and tails 
 of horses, mules, etc., which is mixed with a small per centage of 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND ULAIR COUNTY. 
 
 183 
 
 bristles. This Iniir is spun u\>, heated, pieked, assorted and eurlcd l)e- 
 fore it is readv for nse. Other niiilerials, sueh as sponiie, cotton, etc., 
 liave lieen tried, liiit have Ijeen ('onnd laekin.ir tiiat (.piality of hair, 
 which is higidy jirized, viz : elasticitv. Ei,::iit pounds are required 
 to make a double seat — a Pullman mattress re(|nires twenty-five 
 pounds. Its cost is about twentv-fivc cents per pound. 
 
 INTERIOR OF PASSENGER CAR. 
 
 The various operations involved in upholstery work wo will not 
 attempt to delineate. There arc three separate rooms devoted to the 
 upholstery department, to say nothing of the it)onis filled with chairs, 
 seats, etc., waiting to be cushioned and equipped. The room in 
 which is stored various kinds of materials haS held $25,000 worth at 
 one time; the stock now amounts to about $10,000. During a por- 
 tion of the Centennial year when work wa.'^ bri.sk, twenty-six luou 
 w ere employed. At present only fourteen mfen are at work. 
 
184 HISTORY OF ALTOOSA AND BLAIK COLNTV. 
 
 ESTABLISHED 1860. 
 
 Hltoonh Bskery, 
 
 A. F. HEESS, Proprietor, 
 
 713 Thirteenth Sti-eet, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 MAMFAt-rniES 
 
 FRESH BREAD ^^ CRACKERS, 
 
 AND ALL KEM*.'^ OF 
 
 FANCY AND COMMON CAKES. 
 
 Large Cakes Baked to Order on Short Notice at Reasonable Terms. 
 
 ED. MOUNTNEY. 
 
 HOUSEmdSIGN PKINTEK, GRIIINER, 
 
 KALSOMINEP., PAPKR HANGKR, P^tc. 
 Eleventh Avenue and Eleventh Street, (Opera House Building,) Altoona, Pa, 
 
 I clialltrn^C" any Kniirht of tlie Paint liiush in Altoona or llluir Counlv, to pro- 
 duce bettor >peci"inens oi GRAINING, or equally a* good. Many avIio Ijoa-'i of ttunr 
 j)rotici';iicy ill thi:^ art. "lou't uniU-rstund it> rudiiuf iit^^. ^ Work of nil kind tXfOUtcil 
 IMTniiptly, Willi true artistic elejfance and at lowf-t in-^c'es. 
 
 F. THEBMLT RI¥1ILLES, M. D. 
 
 1124 ELEA'E^-TH AV.EXUE, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 OFFICE norrt. : ] '• n. J]-]'i-"u., coEsiiltailcis iD FFEucti and Geriau, 
 
 ( 7 t<' '.I 11. til. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 185 
 
 In conclusion, the window Ijliiuls for all the tclcjirapli stations 
 alonj^ the line are manufactured in this deparnient. The harness for 
 horses of the company are here kept in constant repair, and new sets 
 of harness are also made when required. 
 
 beatty's shop. 
 
 This building, called Planinu' Mill Xo. 1, was originally erected 
 for the ^Maintenance of Way department, but since appropriated to the 
 use of the Car department. Among- the moit ingenious devices is a 
 machine for turning handles for picks, a.xes, etc. 
 
 RESIDENT OFFICERS, PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD CO. 
 
 OFFICE (iEN'ERAI, SUrERlXTENDENT. 
 
 Charles E. Pugh, general superintendent. 
 
 Thomas J. !Maitland, chief clerk. 
 
 Robert E. Pettit, principal assistant engineer. 
 
 J. Chester "Wilson, electrician. 
 
 John R. Bingaman, chief clerk maintenance of way. 
 
 OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT MOTIVE POWER. 
 
 Theodore X. Ely, superintendent motive I'lower. 
 
 Joseph Wood, assistant engineer. ^ 
 
 J. B. Collin, mechanical engineer. 
 
 B. F. Custer, chief clerk. 
 
 (i. AV. Strattan, master mechanic. 
 
 F. D. Cassanare, assistant master mechanic. 
 
 Dr. Charles B. Dudley, chemi.?t. 
 
 John W. Cloud, engineer of tests. 
 
 OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 John Reilly, superintendent transportation. 
 Fr,ink T. Bishop, chief clerk. 
 George W. Jones, chief car accountant. 
 W. F. Taylor, chief operator. 
 
* 
 
 180 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 FOREMEN AN1> ASSISTANT FciREMKN OF JtOTIVE POWER SHOPS. 
 
 Fotcr Moore, foreman lathe shop. 
 
 Jacob Cain, foreman telej;raph .^hop. 
 
 AV. B. Ford, foreman orcetiiig- shop. 
 
 A. C. Da^■is, assistant foreman erecting .^hoii. 
 
 A. C. Vauclain, assistant foreman erecting shop. 
 
 Luchvig Kicfer, foreman vise shop. 
 
 Josejih Davis, a^.-i.-taiit foreman vise shop. 
 
 W. H- Jackson, foreman round house Xo. 1. 
 
 Gi'urge l\()s(;iili''rgei\ foreman carpcnter'shop. 
 
 Thomas I. McKiernan, assistant foreman carpenter .-hop. 
 
 George F. MeXoldy, foreman cab shop. 
 
 George AV. Arthur, foreman round huuse Xo. 3. 
 
 John II. Carr, assistant foreman round»house X'o. 3. 
 
 Georgf Ilawkesworth, foreman smith shop. 
 
 William Cook, assistant foreman smith shop. 
 
 Joseph Xixon, foreman boiler shop. 
 
 C. \V. Masun, forcnian paint shop. 
 
 C. X. Pimlott, foreman tin she-p. 
 
 W. T. ^lillcr, fiireman wheel shop. 
 
 Sninuel Abrahims, fureman pattern shop. 
 
 A. II. Maxwell, foreman iron foundry. 
 
 AV. C. Jaeol>«, assi.-^tant foreman iron foundry. 
 
 H. H. Stiine, assistant foreman iron foundry. 
 
 Thomas Baxter, foreman brass foundrv. 
 
 Jacob X'. Barr, foreman wheel foundrv. 
 
 Edward Spielman, assistant foreman wheel foundry. 
 
 Edward :\IeLean. assistant foreman wheel foundry. 
 
 A. C. MrCartnt%, foreman coal wharf 
 
 Jac(il) trcarhart, foreman laborers. 
 
 FOREMEN AXn ASSISTANT FOREMEN OF CAR SHOPS. 
 
 John p. Levan, general foreman. 
 
 Andrew Kipple. foreman freight ear shop. 
 
 George AA'. Ehrhart, assistant foreman freight ear shop. 
 
 Levi Geesey, foreman passenger car shop. 
 
 Isaac Beck, assistant forennui passenger car shop. 
 
 John L. Burley, foreman eal)inct shop. 
 
 Samuel M. Houston, assistant foreman cabinet shop. 
 
 Fred S. Ball, foreman car paint sliop. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR 'COUNTV. 187 
 
 "William Dwyer, assistant foroiuan car paint shop. 
 
 Richard Rowan, foroman house painters. 
 
 Joseph Maize, as.sistant foreman house painters. 
 
 James Sharp, foreman machine shop. 
 
 John A. Hindman, assistant foreman machine shop. 
 
 Harry A. Folk, foreman smith shop. 
 
 Alex. Eberlc, assistant foreman smith shop. 
 
 Walter K. Beatty, foreman planinjr mill ISTo. 1. 
 
 Samuel Hook, assistant foreman planing mill Xo. 1. 
 
 George L. Preet, foreman planing mill Xo. 2. 
 
 William A Decker, assistant foreman planing mill Xo. 2. 
 
 Chambers E. Springer, foreuiiin lamljer yar'd. 
 
 Charles L. Fettinger, assistant foreman lumber yard. 
 
 Charles C. Mason, foreman trimming shop. 
 
 Philip L. Stroh, assistant foreman trimming shop. 
 
 Adam B. Hamilton, foreman tin sho)i. 
 
 David Koch, assistant foreman tin shop. 
 
 Daniel Houseman, foreman outside laborers. 
 
 Edwin A. Myers, assistant foreman outside laborers. 
 
 Thomas Myers, foreman gas fitters. 
 
 James Torrens, assistant foreman gas fitters. 
 
 John W. Colyer, foreman brick layers- 
 
 •George X'. Anderson, despatcher, Altoona yard. 
 
 Charles P. McCully, supervisor, Altoona j-ard. 
 
 John McCormick, assistant train master, Pittsburg division. 
 
 James H. Cramer, assistant train master, middle division. 
 
188 
 
 HISTORY IJF ALTOO.NA AND BLAIR COL'NTV. 
 
 HOWARD TIPTON'S 
 
 LIVERY, SALE 
 
 GOOD, SAFE STOCK, 
 
 H 
 
 STYLISH VEHICLES. 
 
 PRICES LOW AiND SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. 
 
 1017 ELEVENTH ATEXUE, ALTOOXA, PA. 
 
 CAMPBELL & COLL, 
 
 — DEALERS IX — 
 
 Dry Goods, 
 
 ERiEs, Flour, Feed, 
 
 PROVISIONS OF ALL KINDS IN SEASON. 
 
 AX KSPKCIALLV LAIUJK STOCK O-F 
 
 Carpets and Oil Cloths, 
 
 BOOTS, SHOES, ETC. 
 Cornel- 8th Avenue and 13tli Sti-ect, Altoona, Pa. 
 
HISTOHY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIB COUNTY. 
 
 189 
 
 CITY GOVERNMENT. 
 
 .1807 
 
 By referring to pages 61-2-.3 the reader will be enabled to infer 
 what kind of a town or hamlet Altoona was previous to its erection 
 into a borough, which occurred on February 6, 1854. We aiipend a 
 list of the burgesses : 
 
 George W. Patton IKH-.") i Jolm AUisoti ♦ 
 
 Thomas lloCauley 1S.V3 ; WiUiani Leonard 
 
 James Lowtlier ia57 1 .Tolm Baert 
 
 Euos W. Jones I.^.t.^9 H. Fettinger, sr 
 
 W . C. McCoruiick , li^)0 | 
 
 In February, 18C8, Altoona received a city charter. Through 
 the courtesy of John McXevin, who has been the efficient clerk of the 
 city council since 1876, we have obtained a list of the officers who 
 have controlled our municipal affairs up to the present time, which 
 we submit : 
 
 NAMES OF MATOTIS AND YEAR OF ELECTION. 
 
 Geovse Potts lSfi.s i 
 
 Davul Kinch 1S7-2 
 
 T>. A. Gillaiul 1874 
 
 Tliomas W. nurd - 1878 
 
 AV. T. Howard iN-d 
 
 NAME.S OF CITY TREASURERS AND TERM OF OJFICE. 
 
 James Lowtbei- 18(W I W. C. Ganjraitli ISTij 
 
 Thomas Elwav 1S7() i John C. Sullivan 1878 
 
 Jacob Snyder 187i \V. S. Bittnor 1S50 
 
 John H. Can- 1871 ) 
 
 CITY RECORDER. 
 
 Thomas H. Grecvy 1S78-S3 
 
 iMEMBERS OF CODNCIL, 
 
 1808. 
 
 1st ward, T>. K. Eamey, H. C. Dern 
 2nd ward, W. B. Bartley. John Delalinnt. 
 .3rd ward, T. I. McKiernan. ^'W. jVruri-ay. 
 4tb ward, J. X. Glandini^, A. H. ilaxwell. 
 5th ward, David Kobison. James Smith, 
 6th ward, Pliilllp FatUe, John Rocket. 
 
 1809. 
 
 l3t ward, 11. C. Dern, Jacob Snyder. 
 2nd ward, J. "W. Devlin, Andrew Kipple. 
 3rd ward, *\V. 51nrrav, K. .V. O. Kerr. 
 4th ward, A. H. Maxwell, .lohn H. Carr. 
 .'Sth ward, .James Sniith. .Tno. W. Robison. 
 Otli ward, .John Rocket, Johii O'Toole. 
 
 1870. 
 
 1st ward. Geo. W. Stewart, Pat. Green. 
 '2nd ward, Andrew Kipple. Henry Elwaj^. 
 3rd ward, *R. A. O. Kerr, E. W. Jones. 
 4th ward, John H. Carr, Clement .Ta^gard. 
 .5th ward, J. W. Robison, H. N. Antterson. 
 6th ward, -John O'Toole, .Joseph Long. 
 
 1871. 
 
 1st ward, Robert Green, D. K. Ramev. 
 ■2nd ward, Ht^nry Elway, John LlovA. 
 3i'd ward, •£. M. Jones. R. A. O. Kerr, 
 4th ^vard, H. X. Anderson, SamU Si)rankle. 
 .^th ward, C. .Taggard, W. s. Douglass. 
 Cth ward, Jo-seph Ijong, .1. C. McCloskey. 
 
 1872. 
 1st ward. 11. K. Rannw, J. \V. Cnrry. 
 2nd ward, .Jolui Llo>'d; -James Clabaugh, 
 .ird ward, *i;. .V. O. Kerr, J. Capstiok. 
 4th ward, W. s. Douglass, T. I. McKiernan. 
 .^th ward. Salirl Sprallkle. H. X. ,\ndcr3on. 
 lOtli ward, J. McCloskey, J. T. McDonald. 
 
 1873. 
 
 1st ward .T. W. Curry, Jno. Clingennan. 
 2nd ward, Jauies Cla'bau,i?h, R. J. Crozier. 
 3rd ward, .J. Capstick, *.Jno. Swartz. 
 4th ward, T. I. JIcKiernan, Sam'l Lloyd, 
 otii ward, H. X. Anderson, John Lloyd. 
 6th ward, J. T. McDonald. Jno. Rockett. 
 7th ward, Da.vid \Valker. J. C. McCartney. 
 8tb ward, J. F. Beegle. G. A. Smith. 
 
 *\Ve are unable to obtain precise dates for Allison and Leonard. 
 tJohn Baer served hut three months. His une.xpii'ed term was tilled by II. C. 
 Dem, at that time president of the council. 
 
190 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR OOLNTV. 
 
 MtMltKltS OF Col-NrlL — COXTXirKI>. 
 
 1ST4. 
 
 Ist «-anl. Jno. Cliiijri-i'iiifiii, Fiod Olmc 
 Siiil \v;ir.l. U. .1. CnizUr. H. s. .Mai-kcy. 
 :!r(l wai-'l, -Tmi. Swartz. A. G. Sink:. 
 4tli wiuil. ♦.-^aiii'l Llovcl. Allicl-t Hccs.-^. 
 5tli ward. .)olm Llo.vcl. \Villiau\ stnko. 
 I\t\\ Avanl, John llockett, .Iiio. !■'. Stoini. 
 Ttli wtud, Havid Walker. .1. I.'. .^UCartllev. 
 Sth ward. -J. r. Ik'i'iilu, F. .-. Uall. 
 
 IS7.1. 
 l~t ward, F. W. Olnn-.*. Gi-or^'r Mi-tz. 
 2nd ward. ♦P. S. :il:uki-v. G.'.I. AkiTs. 
 :ild Avard. A. G. Sink, Jamvs Harkins, 
 4tli ward, ,V. K. Hcc^s, .-am'l I.loyd. 
 -">Ui ward, w ni. Stoke, (.', Han^^or. 
 tJtli ward. Jno. storm. F. I). ra.-;:lnavc. 
 7th ward, .1. C. Mcf urtniN . .1. Grarliart. 
 stli ward, F. S. liall, David Knoh. 
 
 1S70. 
 1st ward. Georiic :Metz. A. Ak.-. 
 ■2nd ward. G. J. Aki-rs. Blaiu McCormick. 
 :ird ward. .Tames Harkins, ♦.\. G. Sink 
 4tll ward. Saui'l Lloyd, \V. W, Smith. 
 5th ward, C. Hansor, t.eo. W. Dotwilor, 
 6th ward, F. D. Ca.^anave. -Tiio. O'Toolc. 
 Ttli ward, .J. Goarliart, X. T. Ciuiningham 
 sth ward, David Koch, \Vm. nec-kcr, 
 
 1877. 
 l.-at ward. .\. Akc, S. Taylor. 
 Viiid wanl. K. jrcc'ormick. .James Liitz. 
 ;;rd ward, *A. <;. Sink. .T. L. r,eifsnv<ler. 
 41 li ward, H. W. Snyder, J. G. Fhmigan. 
 
 .">lli ward. (;eq..W. Detwiler. Tanl Sliarji. 
 lith ward, .Jno. O'Toole. F. I). Casanave. 
 .7lh ward, X. T. CiuniiiiKhalu. W. MoGill. 
 r'lli ward. \V. il. I)e<ker, G. W. Cessna 
 
 1 '«''*■ 
 
 1st ward. Pam-jisoii Tavlor. J. F. Itowman. 
 ■Jnd ward, .lames Lntz, ,Ino. :m. Klein. 
 :ird waiil, .1. L. Iteilsuvder. Frank Molloy. 
 dth ward. -I.G. Flanij,'an. 11. 11. Kendi:;. 
 .'ith ward, FanI Sliarji. (;. C. Mateer. 
 i;th ward. »F. 1). Casanave. 11. G. I.lwen-. 
 7th ward. X.T,Cnnninfrl]am,H.S. Mnr-an. 
 sth ward. Geo.AV. Cessna. .1. li. IJnrket. 
 
 1S7'.I. 
 1st ward. .Tnq.*Uownian. Samiisfm Tavlor. 
 2iul ward. .Ino. M Klein. W. 11. liartltv. 
 .Sill ward. "Frank Mollov. A. F. Kerr. 
 tth waril. H. I'.. Kendi.s;,'A. H. JIaxwell. 
 .'Ith ward, C. C. Mateer. .Tno. Flaniaian. 
 (ithivard. ]>. G. Owens. F. D. Casanave. 
 7th ward. U, sp. Mori^an. Harrv Geeser. 
 jSth ward. .John U. Bnrket. F. S. Ball. 
 
 j ISSO. 
 
 dst Hard, S. Tavlor. A. L. McCartnev. 
 ■2nd ward, IV. li. liavllev, Zae. Fndre-s. 
 3rd ward. A. F. Kovr, ♦frank Mollov 
 !4th ward, A. H. Ma.xwcU. H. W. Snyder, 
 j.'itli ward, .Tno. Flani^an. 31. Keoiti^li. 
 kith ward, F. D. Ca.~anave. Thomas Miller. 
 j7th ward. Harrv (ieesev, Kinehart Line, 
 sth ward, F. .■*. ball, .Ja.s. D.lirann.ln. 
 I 
 
 jVIenihers marked thus * were presi<Ients of eonneil. 
 
 SECI'.ETAUIKS OF COUXCIL. 
 
 .r. \y. MoKinne\ 
 T. j;. ratton.. 
 
 i;,--7ll T. B. I'atton l-7:!-o 
 
 .1S71 dolin JlcNevin 1S7''.-S(I 
 
 Timothy Broph.\' 1S72 
 
 KAMKS OF StlLICITOli^, 
 
 D. J. Xetr 1S(1S-7I1 II. H. Herr 
 
 .setr* liiley IS71 A. V. Dively 
 
 .s. yi. \\'oodeock ,. |s7j Ale.xander & lierr. 
 
 D. .1. Xetr I,s7:! ,J. G. Flanigan 
 
 ..IS^'^-e 
 ....1S77 
 
 ls7S 
 
 .1S7'.'-SI 
 
 NAMES OF CIVIL ENGINEERS. 
 
 E. F. T,vtle 1S7-2-3 ' .1. B. Ilaupt 1S7S 
 
 William McDonald 1S74 i William McMontdd.. lS7i)-,s(i 
 
 SrpERINTEXriENT OK W.\TER DEPARTMEKT. 
 
 •John A. Baer. 
 
 . 1S75-S1 
 
 NAMES OF rOHCE-MEN. 
 
 Arthur Stonu 18l>S-n 
 
 •J. A. Whinner l.'i«;^7ii 
 
 H. i; Foreman 1S70-1 
 
 Li. W. Hazzard 1S7I 
 
 .T. A Wcstlnook, chief. IS7^2-3 
 
 \\'illiam llobeson lS7^2.-3 
 
 .T. K. Kly 1S72-3 
 
 -lohn H.' Cooke 1873 
 
 Benjamin Burlci' 187S--5 
 
 ■I'hoodore I)ol 1 1S73 
 
 T. s. Kiley, chief 
 
 W. T. Howard 
 
 .Taeob Holtzman l?7o 
 
 John Coho.. 187<>-S 
 
 tieorfje D. Randolph, chief 1*77 
 
 Charles W. JVIiittle 1S77 
 
 .lames 1*. Mcl'onahl, chief. ls~78 
 
 George I). Kaudolph : 1878 
 
 Abrain M vers 1S78-S0 
 
 11. E. Fettii\ger lS7S-fl 
 
 .laeoli Holtiniau, chief ISTfl 
 
 James Alien 1873-50 
 
 1874 ! Jamcj? Powgll, chief 1880 
 
 1S74-5 John Kimmell 1880 
 
 ...1874' C. A. Dotzl<!r ISfO 
 
 .1874-6 Anton Scliittlekopf. 1S80 
 
 ^^^ Smith, chie'f 1S75-(1 Chas. W. Whittle, special police, 18S0 
 
 J. HI. Lantz 
 
 eorge D. Randolph. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 191 
 
 (:oort;o D. Ilanclolpli., iso,s 
 
 Huprli iUcCartney 18(i9 
 
 WiUiani Fox 1870-2 
 
 Srtiiiiisoii Taylor 1S73-4 
 
 K.\ME.S OF STREET COMMTSSlONIiUS. 
 
 Bei'nard KoUcy. 
 C. N. Atkinson.. 
 John Rocket t. . . 
 
 .1?'7IMJ 
 . . . l^SO 
 
 ALDEUMEN. 
 
 First, Tliiiil ami Siivcntli wards— li. F. Kose. 
 Second, Fouitli and Eiglitli u'avds— W. B. BJate. 
 Flftli and Sixth -vvarils— John O'Toole. 
 
 COXST-^BLES, 
 
 Jackson Gibl>s— second term- West side. 
 Josejih VT. Uongherty— tliird tonn— East side. 
 
 CITY FINANCES. 
 
 For the fiscal 3'ear, ending December 31, 1879, the reteipts of the 
 city treasurer had been $21,419.99, and Ms expenditures $20.1G5.-2o, 
 leaving a balance in his hands of $1,-254. "76. The outstanding indebt- 
 edness of the city up to the time specified was: City fund, $7,128.01 ; 
 water fund, §207,310.05; improvement- fund, $155,010.00 — total, 
 $369,448.06. 
 
 V\"e append a tabular statement by wards of the number of taxa- 
 ))les ill tlie city, tlie valuation of property and the assessments: 
 
 Taxablcs. Valuation 
 
 First ward 634 J325,000 
 
 Second w-ard 821 239,501 
 
 Third ward 505 393,900 
 
 Fourth ward 619 :M8.165 
 
 Fifth ward 740 187,6-25 
 
 TaxaljK 
 
 Sixth ^\ ard S:'.S 
 
 .Seventli waifd 251 
 
 Eis'hthward 4f7 
 
 Total.., 
 
 4,«.a 
 
 J210.757 
 1-21.575 
 103,075 
 
 >1.973,i'kiS 
 
 THE ASSESSMENTS. 
 
 
 City Tax. 
 
 Water Tax. 
 
 Improvem't 
 
 Total. 
 
 
 $1,9.50 36 
 1,437 01 
 2.363 4(1 
 2;38S 99 
 1,12.5 75 
 1,264 .54 
 729 45 
 618 4.5 
 
 $3,2,50 611 
 2,.395 01 
 3,939 00 
 3,981 65, 
 1,876 25 
 2,107 57 
 1.215 75 
 1,030 75 
 
 fl.;«io 24 
 
 958 (Ml 
 
 1.575 60 
 
 1.5SI2 w. 
 
 7-50 .50 
 
 .*4-i m 
 
 412 :Xi 
 
 SS.SOl -20 
 4.790 02 
 7.878 OIJ 
 7.963 :jO 
 3.752 .50 
 4/215 14 
 2.4;J1 .511 
 ■2,001 5-1 
 
 Second, wa'-d 
 
 Tliird ward 
 
 Fourth Ward 
 
 Fifth ward 
 
 Sixth ward 
 
 Seventli ward 
 
 Ei.'jhth Mard 
 
 Total 
 
 11..877 95 
 
 19.790 58 
 
 7.91S (ii 
 
 '■^^ 59J 16 
 
 
 
l;(2 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AMI ULAlll COUNTY. 
 
 FRIES BROS. 
 
 DEALKRS IN ALL KINDS OK 
 
 HARDW^ARE, 
 
 Paints, Oils, Glass, Putt}^ 
 
 Table and Pocket Cutlery, Silver-plated Ware, and everything kept in a 
 First-class Hardware Store. 
 
 Heaters, 
 Ranges, 
 Stoves 
 
 ALL OF THE LATEST IMPllOVED-PATTEllNS. 
 
 Tin, Copper and Sheet-iron Ware, Pumps, and a general 
 variety of "Wooden Ware. 
 
 SPORTSMEN'S GOODS: 
 
 GUNS, REVOLVERS, POWDEli, 
 
 Shot, Fishing Tackle, Etc. 
 
 ROOFING, SPOUTING AND REPAIRING PROMPTLY DONE. 
 1313 Eleventh AA'enue, - Altooiia, Pa. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOON'A AND BLAIR COUNTY. 193 
 
 GENERAL DIRECTORY OF ALTOONA. 
 
 ALTOONA AVENUES ANP STREETS. 
 
 Bell's avenue, from eastern limits of city to Fourth street. 
 
 Crawford avenue, from eastern limits of city to Eleventh street. 
 
 First avenue, from eastern limits of city to Xiucteeiith street. 
 
 Second avenue, from east to west boundary or limits. 
 
 Third avenue, from east to west Ijoundary or limits. 
 
 Fourth avenue, from east to west boundary or limits. 
 
 Fifth avenue," from east to west boundary or limits. 
 
 Sixth avenue, from east to west boundary or limits. 
 
 Seventh avenue, from western limits to township road, between 
 First and Second streets. 
 
 Eighth avenue, from intersection of township road, between Third 
 and Fourth streets, to Union avenue. 
 
 Ninth avenue, from western limits of city to Fourth avenue. 
 
 Tenth avenue, from Eighth to Si.xteenth streets, and from Eio-h- 
 teenth street to western limits of city. 
 
 Eleventh avenue, from Seventh street to western limits. 
 
 Twelfth avenue, from Eleventh to Sixteenth streets, and from 
 Eig-hteenth street to city limits. 
 
 Thirteenth avenue, from Eleventh to Sixteenth streets, and from 
 Eig'hteenth street to western limits. 
 
 Fourteenth avenue, from Eleventh to Fourteenth streets, and 
 from Eighteenth to Twenty-fifth streets. 
 
 Fifteenth avenue, from Eleventh to Thirteenth streets. 
 
 Sixteenth avenue, from Tenth to Sixteenth streets, and from Drv 
 Gap road to Twenty-third street. 
 
 Seventeenth avenue, from Tenth street to Coleman's road. 
 
 Eighteenth avenue, from Tenth street to Coleman's road. 
 
 Fairview avenue, from cemeter}' to eastern limits. 
 
 Calvert avenue, from cemetery to eastern limits. 
 
 Caldwell avenue, from cemetery to west Second street. 
 
 Green avenue, from Seventh to Eleventh streets. 
 
 Chestnut avenue, from Seventh to Eleventh streets. 
 
 Lexington avenue, from Eighth to Eleventh streets. 
 
 Howard avenue, from Eighth to Eleventh streets. 
 
 Union avenue, from Eleventh avenue to Twentv-seventh St., west. 
 
194 HISTORY OP ALTOONA AND IlLAIll COUNTY. 
 
 Hamilton iivcniir, from crinolcry to ciistcru limits. 
 
 ]?ron(l sliTct, from Union a\Tnuc to wcstorn limits;. 
 
 Marji:ari!l street, from Si.Meentli street to Union avenue. 
 
 Bealo street, from Union avenue to western limits. 
 
 West Cli(!stnut .street, from Twenty-third street to western limits 
 
 Maple str(;et,, from Twenty-third street tonvestern limit.s. 
 
 Oak street, from Twenty-fourth street to w;estern limits. 
 
 AValaut street, from Twenty-fourth street -to western limits. 
 
 Middle street, from Twunty-flfth street to western limits. 
 
 Lombard street, from Seventh street to eily limits east. 
 
 Ea.st Che.stnut street, from Fourth street to city limits. 
 
 Hickory street, from Fourth str(,'et to eastern city limits. 
 
 East Walnut street, from Fourth street to eastern city limits. 
 
 Greevy street, from Lombard street to northern city limits. 
 
 East First street, from Lombard street to'northern city limits. 
 
 East Second street, from southern limits to Seventh street. 
 
 West Second street, from Loinbanl to northern city limits. 
 
 East Third street, from soutliern limits toi Eighth avenue. 
 
 West Third strei't, from Louibard street to northern limits. 
 
 Fourth street, fmm soutiieru to northern limits. 
 
 Fifth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 
 
 Sixth street, fron) southern limits to Xinth avenue. 
 
 East Sevi-nth street, from siuithern limits to Ninth avenue. 
 
 West Se\'entli street, froni Eleventh avenue to Lombard street. 
 
 East Eighth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 
 
 West Ei.tchth street, from Green avenue to Lexington avenue. 
 
 Ninth street, from southern to northern limits. 
 
 East Tenth street, from southern limits to Eighth avenue. 
 
 AVest Tenth street, from Grei'H avenue to Wopsonnonoek road. 
 
 East Eleventh street, from Third to Xinth avenm^s. 
 
 ^Vest Eleventh street, from Tenth avenue to northern limits. 
 
 Twelfth street,, from southern to northern limits. 
 
 East Tliirteeuth street, from southern limits to Niiith axcuiie. 
 
 West Thirteenth strei't, from Tenth avenue to uorlherji limits. 
 
 East Fourteenth street, from southern limits to Nintli avenue. 
 
 West Fourteenth sti-eet, from Tenth aveikue to northern limits. 
 
 East Fifteenth street, from southern liniitr; to Ninth avenue. 
 
 West Fifteenth street, from Tenth avenue to u(M-tlu^rn limits. 
 
 East Sixteenth street, from southern limits to railroad. 
 
 West SixteiMith strei;t, from Tenth avenue to city limits, 
 
 Sc;venleeiith stre<:t, from sontheru limits to Dry Gap road. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 195 
 
 "West Seventeenth street, from Tenth avenue to Dr\^ Gap road. 
 Bridge street, from Eleventh avenue to P. K. R. 
 East Eighteenth street, from southern limits to Ninth avenue. 
 West Eighteenth street, from Tenth to Union avenues. 
 East Nineteenth street, from southern limits to Union avenue. 
 West Nineteenth street, from Tenth avenue to city limits. 
 East Twentieth street, from southern limits to Union avenue. 
 AVest Twentieth street, from Tenth avenue "to eit}- limits north. 
 East Twentj'-first street, from southern limits to Broad street. 
 West Twenty-first street, from Tenth avenue to city limits north. 
 East Twenty -.second street, from southern limits to Broad street. 
 West Tweutj''-second street, from Tenth avenue to limits north. 
 East Twenty -third street, from southern limits to Eighth avenue. 
 West Twent3"-third street, from Tenth avenue to Broad street. 
 Twenty-fourth street, from southern to northern limits. 
 Twenty-fifth street, from southern to northern limits. 
 East Twenty-sixth street, from .«outheru limits to Seventh avenue. 
 West Twenty-sixth street, from Ninth avenue to northern limits. 
 Twcat5'-sev(.-nth street, from southern limits to Sev<'nth avenue. 
 
 ASSOCIATIOXS. 
 
 Alloonii Ajssociatloii, No. 2, of the Iiideijeiuleiit Order of Philozatheuii-s 
 
 Altooiiii Wechiiiiics' Lit>rary and Reading liooui Assoo-ialion. 
 
 Kethany Circle B. U. of Pa., (H. F.) No. JO. 
 
 Cresson Council, No. 108, Jr. O. V. A. M. 
 
 Freight Shop Aid Association. 
 
 Moses Montellore Lodge, No. »0S, I, O. B. R. 
 
 Mountain City Council, No. 19S, O. U. A. M- 
 
 Mystic Castle, No. 27, A O. K. of 51. C. 
 
 Railroad Men's Christian Association. 
 
 Rising Sun Circle, No. 50, 1!. U. (H. F.) of Pa. 
 
 St. John's Literary and Benevolent Association. 
 
 Sodality of the Blessed Virgin. 
 
 Young Men's Christian Association. 
 
 liUrLniNO AND T.OAX A.SSOCI\TIONS. 
 
 Altoona. I Keystone. 
 
 Allegheny. 1 Logan. 
 
 p:ntcr])rise. | Mechanics'. 
 
 Fl'ankliii. i Washington. 
 
 IMrUOVKD ORDER OF RED MEN. 
 
 Tammany Tribe, No. So. 
 ^Viiincljago, Tribe, No. 3.5. 
 
 INUErENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 
 
 Altoona Encanipnrent, No, 129. 
 
 Altooua Lodge, No. 47;I. 
 
 Amelia Degree Lodge, Daugliters of Rebekab. 
 
 Eudora Degree Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, No. 87. 
 
 Eleanor Degree Lodge. Daughters of Kebekab, No. 21. 
 
 Mountain City Lodge, No. 837. 
 
 Vernandah Lodge, No. 532. 
 
190 ItlSTORY OF ALTOONA AND HLATR. ClUNTY. 
 
 yy 
 
 -\ 
 
 H 
 
 AFTER SHAVING. 
 
 IT HEATS ISAY Rl'M. Ladies use it to remove Skin Irinptious. I'lcvents luiit- 
 from falling out. PRICE, 75 CENTS PER BOTTLE. 
 
 C. F. RANDOLPH, Prop'r., 
 
 lloG KLKVEXTH STII l^ET, - AI.TOONA, PA. 
 
 MICHAEL MTZBtARBIS, 
 
 DEALER IX 
 
 Groceries, Flour, Feed and Provisions, 
 
 Canned Fruits, Wood and "Willow Ware. 
 
 Corner T^vell'tli Avenue and ^Sixteenth Street, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 D. J. XKFF. 
 
 X. 1'. M1-;UVIXE. 
 
 NEFP & MERVIISrE, 
 
 Attorneys and Counsellors at Law, 
 
 OFFICE: ISth Street, bet. lOth and tlth Avenues, 
 ALTOONA, PA, 
 
 JOHN O'TOOLE, 
 
 ALDERMAN, 
 
 OFFICE: Corner Eleventh Avenue and Seven- 
 teenth Street, Altoona, Pa. 
 
 Conveyancing attended to and Collections promptly made. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLATH COUNTY. 
 
 197 
 
 ICXIGHTS <>V r\'THIA.S. 
 
 L<>i;"uu LO(l*i<;, No. 71>. 
 White Ci-oss Lod^e, Xo. ;iTl. 
 
 MASOKLC- 
 
 Logan Lodjjcc, Xo. 4W, F. vt A. M. 
 !>Iountjiin Lodge, Xo. -J.si, F. & A. INf. 
 Mountain Cliaiit(.*r, Xo. 189, U. A. M. 
 Mountain Council, Xo. *i, K, A S. JM. 
 Mountain Coniniandery, Xo. 10. K. T. 
 
 Altoona City Opera House : Elcvcntli sireot au<l KU'Vi'i'itli avunne; s<';it-^ l.-J(H.i : 
 iftagc '.ilK-'ii: tun sots of .■^ecncrj'; proprietor. -To-cpli \\'uts(ni : niuna.i^er tuui l)ill 
 poster, J. Cl03'd Ivreicler. 
 
 SILVKU OKBV SOCIAL CLUii. 
 
 Organized August 20, 19'19: composed of elderly gciiiMenien, of excellent sr.cLil 
 standing, ^vliose ages proljably avei-age *H) ycnv^. rre-ident, IJobert Alexander; 
 vice president, Allen McGluthery ^ treasurer, Joliu Miller; seeretur.\, H. Fettiu- 
 ger, Sr. : nnniber of members, 50. 
 
 TELEGRAPH OFFICES. 
 
 Anierican Union Telegraph Company, Logan House. 
 Western Union Telegraph Company, Logan House. 
 
 I'OST OFFICE. 
 
 T^velftll street, between Tentl\ and Lleventli avewu<'s; otliec lif)urs, 7 a. m. to 
 S.:>(Jr. M. : Sundays, from 9.30 to 10.30 a, m. ; legal holidays frou 7 to 10 a. m., and 7 to 
 5!..'i0 p. M. : T. Blair Patton, postmaster; James E. Winn, assistant: registry clerk, 
 W. P. Fatton ; delivery clerk, A. S. Johnson. 
 
 MUSICAL OROANIZATIOXS. 
 
 The avt or science of harmonious sounds, or the [iroduction of 
 simultaneous sounds in accord or harmony, is evidently well under- 
 stood bv the various instrumental and vocarmusical associations of 
 Altoona. Of this we justly feel proud. Taking into consideration 
 all the circumstances, nothin,^' but unt|ualified praise is due, lK)th in- 
 dividually and collectively, to the gentlemen who furnish our local 
 musical entertainments. AV(^ give a list of the members of theband.s, 
 alphab<.'tieally arrang-ed, "svith their in.-^tumentation : 
 
 ALTOO'A CITY U.\.yD. 
 
 Organized in IS.>i;; Jule A. XeTT, leader: A, C. firown, drum major. 
 
 Armstrong, Irvin, baritone. 
 Canty, Patrick, 1st E flat cornet. 
 Cari\ Wm, K., 1st D flat cornet. 
 Ulabaugli, Andrew, solo alto. 
 Cnunlngham, Xewton F,, bass drum, 
 Durnbaugh. Harry. E flat bass. 
 Fettinger, Charles L., cymbals. 
 Grimnie, Ignatius, piccolo. 
 Hammer, ^lorian, 1st K flat clarionet. 
 Hargraves, George, '2d tenor trombone. 
 Hargraves, Janies. eupliouon. 
 Jones, Wm. D., 1st 15 flat tenor. 
 
 14 
 
 Letford, John, 1st tenor trombone. 
 Labe, Harry, glockenspiel. 
 Matthews, jaines, 2 li tlat tenor. 
 Stewart, G. M., 1st alto. 
 Side], John, '2d alto. 
 Snyder, Ed., E flat bass. 
 Stout. Charles, snare drum. 
 Tliomasburger F., 1st E flat clarionet. 
 Willis, Ed., 2a B flat cornet. 
 Westbrook, W. D., 3d B flat cornet. 
 Weidlich, Stephen, 2d B flat clarionet. 
 Wolf, Wm. H., snare drum. 
 
198 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 JIOUNTAIN CITY RAND. 
 
 Oijjaiii/.ril ill ItiT.J; Nelson Gralmni, IohiUt; JI. -"M. Kusli, drum major. 
 
 JJuvkctt, Geo. W., Jst alto. ; Kijip, Geoi-gi;., E lint tuba. 
 
 Black, Edwaiil, ovmbals. j Mint*ll Homan, baritone. 
 Barklu'iuiei-. M. -M., bass drum. Wycrs, Ell.- worth, piccolo. 
 
 Burkctt, John B., id E flat corn«t. ' Miller, , 2d tenor. 
 
 Coylc, B. .).. smnc drum. I Shoemaker, Henry F., 2(1 B flat cornet. 
 
 Davis, .\braliam, snare drum. | Ward, .Joshua T.. trombone. 
 
 Ehrhartj (ieorge \V., tuba. ; Walil. .Joseph F., 1st t»Tior. 
 
 Ellioti, Iloward, B flat cornet. ; Ward, William, 2d alto. 
 
 Forry, Robert, solo alto. ) Walters, Charles L., solo B flat cornet- 
 
 JUKIOR GHETS' BAXD, 
 
 Organized Sept. 1, 1S77 ; G. W. Dunlap, leader ; George Blackburn, di-um major. 
 
 Bolger, S. r., baritone. | Meredith, William, solo alto. 
 
 Davis, G. W., E flat cornet. Patterson Charles C, bass drum. 
 
 Fonst, Samuel, bilSS. Reuner. Charles W., 1st B flat cornet. 
 
 Graft, David I^.. snare drum. I StoutTer. J. I)., .Sil B flat cornet. 
 
 Huftman, Harn , 1st alto. [ stover, .Jacob, iil B flat cornet. 
 
 .Jackson, B. D., E flat cornet. i Stover, J. H.. 2d tenor. 
 
 Kerline, Cloyd W., 1st tenor. Sal.sburg, C.C, cymbals. 
 
 Kuhiis, ]j. M.', biLss. I White, Judson, 2d alto. 
 
 CITIZEN'S^ COUNET B.\ND. 
 
 Organized in 1878; -V. Filer, leader. 
 
 Nolan, ThomJls. E flat clarionet. 
 Stouffer. H. W., E flat cornet. 
 Shade, Howard, 1st E flat alto. 
 Speece. Johii, cymbals. 
 Snoll, H. F., E. flat cornet. 
 Walte, 1>. ,\„ baritone. 
 
 Baird, .James M.. E flat bass. 
 
 Beasom, Tbos., 1st B flat tenor. 
 
 Cantner, .John, 2d B flat tenor. 
 
 Dihert, William, 2d E flat alto. 
 
 Hikes, G. W.. solo E flat alto. 
 
 Hoflman, P. F., E flat bass. 
 
 Lindsev, II. M., snare drum. I AVaggoner, yeorge, bass drum 
 
 MiUer, C. W., i: flat cornet. ] 
 
 GERMAN SOCIAL CORNET RANI?. 
 
 Organized September, 187S; president, Andrew- Aucr ; vice president, .John H. 
 Schmidt; .socrctaiy, George Bender; treasurer, John Foster; leader, -John Foster. 
 
 FROaSiNN SIKOING SOCIETY. 
 
 Organized in 1S62: 135 members; president, E. Zemseh ; secretary, Oscar Han- 
 son ; treasurer, -Jacob Rink ; teacher. .1. F. JIaeder. New hall erected in 1S77. 
 
 CONCORDIA 8INGING SOCIETY. 
 
 Organized In 1S70: 12t> members : president, BalzerAVoH: vice president, Henry 
 Vetter; secretary, Geo. Hauser; treasurer, Geo. Ivoelle^ jr. ; director, Fred. Ehredt. 
 
 THE .MILITARY. 
 
 Considering its age our city enjoys a fair share of military re- 
 nown. Daring the war of the rebellion it furnished its quota of men 
 with cheerfulness and alarcity, none of whom brought disgrace upon 
 the flag of our country. 
 
 The lirst company formed in Altoona -(1S5I) was called the 
 " Logan Rangers." . H. J. Lombeart was captain ; John L. Piper, first 
 lieutenant ; Harry Selfers, second lieutenantj and 'William Renner, 
 third lieutenant. The company numbered about sixty men, many of 
 the survivors still living in Altoona and Blair'county. The late Col. 
 John L. Piper, who entered as first lieutenant, afterwards became 
 captain, who was succeeded b}- Jacob Zink. -When this company dis- 
 banded anotJicr was formed, many of the members of the old com- 
 pany entering into its organization. Jacob ^ink was captain ; R. J. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COU.N'TT. 199 
 
 Crozier, first lieutenant, and Fred. Sehillingcr, second lieutenant. It 
 was mustered into the United States service as Company E, Srd Pa. 
 A^ols., April 20, 1861, and served three mouths. 
 
 The Altoona Guards was organized in September, 1854. P. S. 
 Reed was captain ; Henry Wayne, first lietitenant, and Ezra Ale, 
 second lieutenant. In the spring of 185fi Captain Reed went west, 
 when Lieutenant Wayne was made captain. Both these men had 
 seen active service — Reed in the Mexican war. and Wayne in the 
 Florida war. On the ^Oth of April, 1861, the company was mus- 
 tered into service, under Captain Wayne, as Company B, Srd Pa. 
 Tols., and was mustered out at expiration of service, July 29, 1S61. 
 In the following month the compan}- was re-organized and, on the 
 26th da}' of that month, was mustered in as Co. F, 76th regiment Pa. 
 Yds., for three years, with Henry Wayne as captain, who was killed 
 in action at Pocotaligo, South Carolina, on October 22. 1862. On 
 the 28th day of Xovember, 1864, the remnant of the company was 
 mustered out of service. The majority of the men had been killed or 
 discharged on account of wounds and other disabilities, 
 
 A company of one hundred men was organized, partly through the 
 instrumentality of Mortimer B. Morrow, and was mustered as Com- 
 panj' I, 205th regiment Pa. Tols., on September 2, 1864. Ira R. 
 Shipley- was captain; John A. McCahan, first lieutenant, and Henry 
 Elway, second lieutenant. On the 30th of October the captain was 
 discharged, John A, McCahaii superseded him, and Henry Hawk, 
 who previously had been sergeant, became fir.st lieutenant, and Henrj' 
 Elwa}' remained second lieutenant. The company had euli.sted for 
 one j'ear, but was mu.stered out on June 2, 1865, the war having 
 closed. 
 
 The "Keystone Zouaves" was organized in 1871, with John R. 
 Garden as captain ; Harry A. Miller, first lieutenant, and Charles L, 
 Fettinger, second lieutenant. It numbered about sixty men. Some- 
 time in 1873 this company was re-organized and its name changed 
 to "Latta Guard," when Theodore Burchfiold became its captain; 
 Maiden Valentine, first lieutenant, and F. R. Barr, second lieutenant. 
 
 In 1874 the Fifth regiment X. G. Pa. was formed. The Latt,a 
 Guard, of Altoona ; Juniata Riflemen, of Holliday,sburg, together 
 with companies of Bedford and Cambria counties, composed it. 
 James F, Milliken was elected colonel. He was discharged from the 
 service Xovember 2, 1876. He was succeeded by P, B. Wilson, of 
 Bellefonte, at which time Theodore Burchfield was made lieutenant 
 colonel. Colonel Wilson died in February, 1878. In March, same 
 
2(10 
 
 IIISTORY 'IF ALTOO.N'A ANl> HI.AIR ClUNTY. 
 
 ycrti-, Theodore Bui-clifield was elected eoloiid. mid iit tlie iii-eseiit 
 time is tlie commandiiiir officer of tlie rei;iiiient. 
 
 Ill July, 1S7S, the National (iiiard of the Stati' was i-e-ori;iiiii/.ed, 
 and the Fifth rcfrinient consisted then, as it jdoes now, of Coiiiiiiiiiy 
 A, of El)eiislHir,a-; Company B, of Bellefonte: Company C, of llolli- 
 daysburii'; Company P, of Altooiia; Coinp;Tny E, of I'hilipslnii-e ; 
 Company G, of Lewistown; Company II, of Johnstown, and Com- 
 pany I, of Bedford. 
 
 The commissioned Held and stall' oflieers of the reii-inient consist of 
 Colonel Theodore Burchfield, of Altooiui ; lieutenant Colonel 1>. 11. 
 Ha.-tinj.-s, of Bellefonte; Major B. J. Wolesla.u-lc, of rhilipsbur-; 
 Adjutant W. Sar.uent, jr., of Altoona ; Qnartermnster J. A. Kohrer, 
 of Hol!idaysljur,ir; Commissary II. D. Tate, of liedford ; Surgeon 
 George F. Harris, of Bellefonte; Assistant Surgeons I. C. Blai.sdell, 
 of Wilniore, and A. S. Stayer, of Roaring Spring; Paymaster C. S. 
 Marks, of Lewistown; and Chaplain D. W. Hunter, of Lewistown. 
 
 Xear Braddock's station, on the Stii of September, ISsu, the Fifth, 
 together with si.x other regiments were inspected by General Gil^son, 
 L". S. A., and James W. Latta, Adjutant (General of Pennsylvania, who 
 com[ilimented the Fifth as being the first in point of merit. This 
 opinion was also given by General J. F. Hartranft, who was present 
 on till' occasion. 
 
 Comiiany D, (Fifth regiment) was organized in August, lST!i. 
 The commissionrd officers are Captain John L. Pijier ; First Lieu- 
 tenant Edwin M. Amies, and Second Lieut-eniint John B. Garden. 
 
 MEMltBILS. 
 
 IJall, Will. H., (corpoial.) 
 ]lun.-oii. Williaiii 
 lleii'ltfi'. A. .1. 
 IJerkowitz. Williuiii 
 IJouiiie. U. Iv. 
 UvuuibuvLrLT, W. H. 
 liiitler. .Josopli, (corporal.) 
 -Cn-^^y. Thoiiia-. (coriHinil.) 
 ClMlsly. t . M. 
 l)a\'i-. f. .M-, {ooi-por.il.) 
 Uiiseiiliiii-t. .\. 
 Daiieliliarl. F. 
 Doiifflass. .1. P. 
 Devlin .laiiii/.-. 
 Knright. William 
 .Kvey. .r. T. 
 >Y'f'nt'\', .loliii 
 
 Kowle'. (.ifoige II., (st'iircant.) 
 Gutliiii'. K. i;., (siTi^eiuit.) 
 Ilahleman. B. F. 
 llcvi-, Cliarlos 
 HucLson. V. I)., (serj;o;uit.) 
 Houck. H. .T. 
 JliU, .Jolui 
 Kinney, ilryaii 
 Lippet, Kil.' 
 lyOnUen, Win. I), 
 iviackey, .lolin A., (corpoial.) 
 iSIahcr, Wiu. E. 
 
 Alc-Coiiiii-n. .Jalln.-> -\. 
 JMcGoa,!ili. Tlioiiia.- F. 
 Miller, Liitliei- 
 iMilk'r, Fretferick 
 Mtmti^oinerv, .T. V. 
 -McDowi'n. KoluTt 
 Xairk-. L. W.. (-.r-caut.) 
 i.>-l)i.nm-ll, t\ i;. 
 I'ollitl. K. F. 
 llryiiolils, IJ. L. 
 lioiiiTts. Harry C. (sor^'i-ant.) 
 scott. I!. W', ((oipoial.) 
 Slep. i:il..l. 
 smiTh. J. I.iucolii 
 SpauUIin<r. ^<-ieoi-;;o T. 
 Tiiini'r, \\'.j K. 
 Tinner, W. .\. 
 
 N i-iH'r, iMa.\* 
 Walker, M. H. 
 
 Walker, s. f, 
 
 Wt-aver, William 
 
 Weiss. Charles T., (corporal.) 
 
 Westfall. William C. 
 
 W lierrv, Gvi^irjre il. 
 
 Wliiitl'e, (_'.;W. 
 
 Wooil.-, llarrv L, 
 
 WooUriii^.:./olin C 
 
 /.uiinK>niian, W. 
 
 (COr|ioral.) 
 
HISTORY l)F Al.TOONA AND K].A1K COUNTY. 
 
 201 
 
 HOLLIDAYSBURG. 
 
 BY H. H. SNYDER. 
 
 Adam and William Ilolliday wore brother.-.* Tlu'v I'mi.irratod to 
 this country from the north of Ireland in the vear 1T50, and .-settled 
 ill Lancaster county in this State. From there thev moved to Frank- 
 lin county and settled on the banks of the 'Conocoeheaa-ue. Thev 
 
 served in the Avars against the French and Indians, of IVoo-fi and -of 
 ItGS-S. Adam was a lieutenant under Col. Armstrong, and accom- 
 panied him on his expedition over the mountains to destroy the In- 
 dian town of Kittanning. Their route was over the irround on which 
 
 *Iii his histoiy of Juniatii Valley, Mr. Joues states that Adam and William 
 Jlolliclay were cousins. Tins eiror should be coiiect.ed. The grand -(laiigbter of 
 Adaui, now residing ill LewistOwn, a lady of tine intellijience, and ^OOd meuioi-^", 
 .seventj'-sLx 3'ear.g of age, states that they were brothers, and she is at a loss to know 
 Jiow such an error conld liave originated. 
 
202 iriSTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 Hollidayslmr.!:- iiuw stiiiid:^. In \1C,S. those brotlii'iv vesulvod to seek 
 a new location, and, jilacing- all their cai-thly poSMT-^ioiis on pack- 
 horses, faced wc-tward, hopin,-- to reach the banks of the Alleghony 
 and po>sess themselves of sdine of the fertile lands wliii'ii liorder on 
 that river, and they, like nthers we read of in history, saw and ad- 
 mired those rich valleys wliilst engaged in their military campaigns. 
 Biit upon their arrival at the place where Hollidayshurg now stands, 
 then a wild and unbroken wilderness, they determined to halt and 
 proceed no farther. They ai)i)r(diended trouble with the Indians who 
 still held undisputed pos.-essidn of the lands of that region. 
 
 Adam HoUiday took out a warrant for one thousand acres of land 
 and erected his "homestead," a rough building of log.s, on the brow 
 of the hill from which he could have a good view of the Juniata 
 river as it meandered its course through the forests of beach and ma- 
 ple, sugar and hickory, and had, at the sauTe time, a commanding 
 view of the country beyond. The site of this pioneer hut was the 
 .-outh-west corner of Allegheny and Montgomery streets. AVilliam 
 <:ros.-.ed the river, and although scuuewhat discouraged by the swampy 
 nature of the soil, finally found a location to suit him, in the ravine 
 s-outh of Gavsport, and what was for many years known as the Jack- 
 son farms. He purcha.sed <uie thousand acres from Mr. Peters. Gay- 
 sport is built on a portion of this purchase. 
 
 ERECTION OF THE FIRST SUBSTANTIAL HOUSE. 
 
 The first substantial hou.3e was erected aliout the close of the 
 Revolutionary war, by Mr. Adam Holliday, on the bank of the river 
 near where the bridge between Hollidaysbnrg- and Gavsport now 
 stands. Many of the older citizens of the town have seen and re- 
 member the old log house. Here he lived to a good old age, and 
 died in 1801. So(ui after the war broke out, and the Indians were 
 hunting white scalps for shipment to Canada, to be paid for with 
 British .gold, Lieut. Holliday took connnand of all the able-bodied set- 
 tlers, and selecting a favorable site erected a fort, which he named 
 " Boberdeau," in honor uf a French ofiici'r whom he admired. This 
 fort was located on the flat l.)etAveen the Williamsburg branch railroad 
 and the river, and not far from the "Two locks." It proved, indeed, 
 a place of refuge for the settlers, for here they would gather with 
 their women and children and remain sometimes for weeks. In the 
 3-ear 1181, early in the month of August, William Holliday, having 
 heard from the scouts that the country was clear of Indians, left Fort 
 Roberdeau, accompauied by his two sons, Adam and Patrick, and his 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 203 
 
 little daughter, Janet, aged about fourteen, and wont over to the farm 
 iu the ravine to take olf a crop of hay, wlj,«en suddenly and unex- 
 pectedly they were attacked by a party of Indians, who lay in am- 
 bush, and his two .sons and daughter were killed. Mr. Holliday nar- 
 rowly escaped with his life. The bodies were found where they had 
 fallen. All were ,-calped. They were l)uried on the farm, near where 
 they fell, and a rude stone marks their graves. This tragedy, hor- 
 rible in its details, is part of the history of 'the early settlement of 
 this part of the country, and is cited as an instance of the cruelty of 
 savages and the hardships of the pioneers. It was many months be- 
 fore 'William recovered from this fearful shock. The screams of his 
 little daughter, as she was being heartlcsslv'and brutally butchered 
 by the savage fiends, rang in his ears for many months afterward, 
 and at times he was almost bereft of reason. But he did recover from 
 it, and lived for many years afterward, and, dying at a good old age, 
 was laid to rest by the side of his children. The place is still known 
 as the "Holliday burying ground." 
 
 Adam Holliday left surviving him a son and a daughter — John 
 and Janet. John was accounted, in his dav, the wealthiest man in 
 this country. He removed to the Conemang'h and purchased all that 
 tract of land on which Johnstown now stands, but having no faith in 
 the future g-reatness of Johnstown,* sold out to Peter jLivergood for 
 eig'ht dollars an acre, and returned to Hollidaysbuvg. He immedi- 
 ately erected a hotel, and in the east end of the building opened a 
 general store. The hotel proi)ertv was sub.sequently purchased by 
 Mr. Peter Hewit, father of Mr. James M. Hewit, who occupied it as a 
 hotel, store and post office until the year 1839, when it was torn 
 down and on the same ground was erected the large brick build- 
 ing now known as the "American House." 
 
 In the primitive hotel building was born Alexander L. Hollidav, 
 son of John Holliday. James M. Hewit was also born in the old 
 hotel building. Both these gentlemen are still citizens of Hollidavs- 
 burg. Janet Holliday married William Reynolds, of Bedford countv. 
 Her sons — William, James and Holliday — were proprietors of the 
 American House during the years 1853-5. Mrs. Thomas W. Jack- 
 son, of Altoona, is a daughter of James Kevnolds. 
 
 The Blairsville and Huntingdon turnpike, which passes through 
 Hollidaysburg, was completed in 1818. The completion of this im- 
 
 * iiv. Holliday's clu-istian name being " John," the town was called Joaxa-town. 
 Had not his surname entered into the composition of "IloUidaj-sburg," Johnstown 
 would doubtless have been called Hollidaysburg. 
 
'204 M];iTOKY OF ALTOON.\ AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 ])ortaiit liijrhway was rou-nrdofl as u Ioiil'' striilo in iircij;r(>ss. I'ron'ous 
 to tliis time tlic road through this eoiiutrv was littlo more than a 
 bridle path, and at an early dav was known as a trail, called the " Kit- 
 tanning- trail." It crossed the river diugonallv, starting at Alle- 
 gheny street, crossing where xhv viaduct noT\- stands, and coming 
 out at the steam grist mill of AVood, Morrci & Co. At that time 
 Hollidaysbnrg con.sisted of the "Ilolliday and Adams' Taverns" and a 
 few scattering houses. It now began to assume an air of more im- 
 IMirtance. The team.stevs hauling merchandise between Philadelphia, 
 or Baltimore, and Pittsliuvg made this a halting place, and almost 
 every night the space in front of the ■'tavern," now the diamond, 
 Would be crowded with heavily ladened wagons. The "Adams 
 House,"' or tavern, as it was called, was the oldest hotel in Hollidaj's- 
 burg, and was built about the year 1790. !Mr. John Bowers, sr., stated 
 in the year 1831, that when a voung man, about forty years before 
 that time, he stoj^ped over night at this lipuse. It occupied the 
 li-ronnd on Allegheny street, where the buildings of A. P. Osterloh 
 and Mrs. S. C. Snyder now stand. This hol^3e was for many years 
 a favorite resort. The elections for Frankstown and Allegheny towu- 
 shijts were held in it, the politics of the day were di.scussed here, 
 and in its ample grounds the men for miles around, even from Frank.s- 
 toVvn, would gather and plav what was then the favorite game of 
 "gable ball." 
 
 FIRST SL'RVF.Y MADE. 
 
 From the best information obtainable, and a careful comparison of 
 dates^it is safe to say that the town of HoUidaysburg was surveved 
 and plotted as early as 1780, not later than this, and perhaps a few 
 years earlier. Mr. James M. Ilewit has in his possession a copv of 
 the original town plot, and it is very unfortunate that it does not 
 contain a date ; not even the date when the copy «-as made. This 
 old paper has been in his possession for upwards of forty years. We 
 know the town was plotted prior to 1781. liecause .Miss Janet Holli- 
 day, who was massacred by the Indians in August of that vear, was 
 the owner of a lot on Walnut street, between Wayne and Union. 
 This copy was evidently made in a very early period of the century, 
 for the lot on the north-west corner of Allegheny and Wavne 
 streets, now the property of Mrs. Virginia Over, and was owned by 
 her uncle. Christian Garber, as early as 1808, and on the plot it is in 
 the name of Peter Titus. The boundaries of the town were Front 
 .street on the west; Union street on the east; Walnut street on the 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOO.VA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 305 
 
 north, and ]Mulbeviv street on the south. There were no lots on the 
 west side of Front street; on the .'^outh .side of Mulberrv .street, 
 nor on the ea.st side of Union street. The laud between Mul- 
 berry street, or the .southern limits, and the river was covered 
 by the most beautiful sugar, hickory and walnut trees — it was a fa- 
 mous sugar camp. This beautiful woods long remained a jilaee of re- 
 sort. It was known as the grove adjoining the basin. Here the pa- 
 triotic citizens assembled to celebrate 
 
 THE FOURTH OF JULY. 
 
 One of these good old-fashioned celebrations, which occurred on 
 Jul}- 4th, 18-36, will be briefly referred to, for the purpose of showing 
 the spirit of Hollidaysburg at that day : John Doughcrt\-, proprietor 
 of the United States hotel, was the caterer of the occasion, or, as was 
 the custom at that time, he was selected by the committee of arrange- 
 ments to get up the dinner. He and his good wife were recognized 
 as the host and hostess. Evervbody assembled at the "United 
 States," where the procession was formed, and, headed bv a band of 
 music, proceeded to the grove. C. Garber, esq., was chosen presi- 
 dent, and John Dougherty, vi^-c-presidcnt. After the readiiig of the 
 Declaration of Independence, b\' Mr. Johii Davidson, the Hon. 
 Samuel Calvin, who had but two months previouslv made his debut 
 as a young lawyer, was introduced to the large assemblage, which "ob- 
 served much respectful order and attention,'" and delivered an oration 
 which was well received and highly spoken of la this oration Mr. 
 Calvin took strong ground against the growing agitation of the 
 slaverj' question, and denominated the Abolitionists as "self-styled 
 philanthropists," and predicted that a continuation of these discu.s- 
 sions would eventually lead to war between the North and South. 
 After the good things had disappeared, and cvorj'body was feeling 
 happy, the toasts were read. In those days toasts upon all festive 
 occasions were indispensable. It will no doubt be interesting to 
 many of the citizens of Holliday.sburg to give a few of them 
 that an idea may be had of the feelings and sentiments of the lead- 
 ing citizens of Hollidaj-sburg fort3'-four j-ears ago. There were thir- 
 teen "regular toasts," and perhaps tifty or sixty by the citizens. Of 
 the regular toasts, we select: "The day we celebrate — worthy the 
 commemoration of freeman." [Yankee Doodle ; three cheers.] "The 
 memory of General George Washington." [Drank silent and stand- 
 ing.] By the vice-president of the da}- : " Beaver Dam Branch, of 
 the Juniata river at Hollidaysburg; yesterday, a rill, too small to 
 float an Indian canoe ; to-day, a lake covered with canal boats ; 
 
20(5 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 twenty yenrs hence, navigtiteil with steam-lioat;* ; go ahead, keep 
 movinir." I>y Oo.Hi;!' ]{. McFarlane : " The "memoi'v of James ^Mad- 
 ison: The hi6t of the l)and of sa^es, who reared the edifice of the 
 Constitution ; having lived to :^ee the work of his hands cemented by 
 time, strengthened )jy the storms which have lieat against it, and 
 bidding fair to immortality, ho is sunk to rest, fnll of years and full 
 of honors. 
 
 "How r^leeps tlu' -iiirc ^\ lio :;inks Iso rest, 
 With ill! his cciuntrys wishes liU-^t.'" 
 
 By Jo-eph Baldridge; "The yearly return of the Fourth of July : 
 Mav it ahvavs find mankind on an eq\iality." By James Morehouse : 
 "Alleghenj- Portage Railway: How magnificent an improvement 
 compared with the serpentine pathway by which our forefathers 
 wended their way over the rugged Allegheny/' By C. McCormick .■ 
 " May the people of Hollida3-sburg' never fee4 want, nor ever ^vant 
 feeling." B}' James Cooper: " The fair sex of Hollidaysburg : Long 
 may they continue what they are, a virtuous and intelligimt class." 
 By H. Divine: "Pennsylvania improvements over the Allegheny 
 mountain, without incline planes, is onlv wanting to make tbeni su- 
 perior to any in tlie world, anil show that nature has formed no bar- 
 rier to American enterpri.-^e." Bv Jacob Snyder: "The declaration, 
 of July, "TG, and the Penu.sylvania resolutions, i)assed by the legisla- 
 ture at the e.xtra session of 183C; the former'declaring to the world 
 that we are free and independent States; the latter sustaining-, with 
 the firmness of our fathers, the true principles on which the Union 
 •of States shall be maintained." By W. G.Campbell: "Mr. Calvin, 
 the orator of the day : ^la}' he live a hundred years, and eveiy day 
 like this." By L. H. Williams: "Henry Clay: May the evening of 
 his life be as calm as the morning was glorious." By C. Lowe : 
 "The ladies of Hollidaj-sbnrg and vicinity cannot be excelled for vir- 
 tue, beauty and intelligence." By Wni. ^r. Lloyd; " Te.xas, like our 
 forefathers, her sous are struggling for independence: may they be 
 as successful, and convince tyrants that thev eaunot enchain the spirit 
 of liberty." By the company : "Our Host and Hostess deserve the 
 thanks of tliis company- for tiie excellent fare and superior .style of 
 our dinner." 
 
 "billy" Donaldson's tavern. 
 
 A stone building stood in the diamond on the ground now occu- 
 pied by the opera house. It was built early in the coutmy, probably 
 in 1808 or 1810. It was occupied in 1814 as a general store by 
 John Swope, who came from Huntingdon. This propertj^ was pur- 
 
IIISTOKY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. , 207 
 
 chased by William Donaldson, who put an addition to it, and used it 
 for a hotel. "Eilly" Donaldson's tavern became very polnilar. The 
 landlord was a famous character, and many amusing anecdotes re- 
 <rarding him are still narrated. It was also a favorite boarding house, 
 and many young unmarried gentlemen, who .subsequently became 
 prominent leading citizens of the town, some of whom are still liv- 
 ing, boarded here, amongst whom may be mentioned, Hon. Samuel 
 Calvin, A. L. Holliday, Jacob Snyder, Caleb Chambers, Henry 
 Lloyd, (brother of Wm. M. Lloyd, of Altoona,) John Culbertson, 
 and John Penn Jones. 
 
 FBANKSTOWN IN THE LEAD. 
 
 But up to the period of 18-30-1 Frankstowo was the metropolis of 
 this region of country, and the locality of Hollidaysburg was only 
 distinguished by a few houses scattered along the road. The post 
 office was at Frankstown ; the churches were at Frankstown, or near 
 there; the stores, with the heavy stocks of, goods, were at Franks- 
 town, and if the ladies of fashion, the belles of that day, wished fine 
 dre.ss goods, and of stylish patterns, they must go to Frankstown to 
 purchase them. 
 
 ADVANTAGEOUS SITUATION. 
 
 Hollidaysburg had its growth and became a town of importance 
 from its situation being at the termini of the Penu.^ylvania canal and 
 Allegheny Portage raih'oad. In 1831, when the act authorizing the 
 construction of these public works became a law, Hollidaysburg was 
 but a small hamlet ; Frankstown, as before intimated, and Newry 
 were towns of far greater importance. It was generally conceded 
 that wherever the "basin" or canal terminus would be located, a 
 town would spring into existence which would be of considerable 
 con.sequence, precisely as the location of the shops and principal 
 offices of the Pennsylvania Eailroad company created a large and 
 prosperous town. The engineers in charge considered Frankstown 
 as the natural point, and the "basin" was not only "staked off" 
 there, but its construction actually commenced, and on the strength 
 of it Mr. Henry Denlinger. commenced the erection of a large three- 
 story brick hotel. Town lots went up rapidly, and for awhile the 
 old town enjoyed quite a "boom." An effort was made to locate the 
 "basin" on the farm of Jacob Wertz, now owned by ^fr. George W. 
 Rhodes, and an offer of ten thousand dollars, a good sum at that 
 time, was made for the land ; but the old man refused to .sell. Per- 
 haps if Jacob bad not proved so contrary and obstinate, Hollidavs- 
 
j!08 , lllSTdKY OF Al.TdONA AND IJLAIll Cul'NTV. 
 
 hill'!;' would never hnve had aiiv otlicr existent-i^ than a re.-tin,u- idaec 
 for teanistrvs. 'The farm of Patrick MeChjsUi'y, where the i-eservi.iir 
 wa-i sul)sequeutlv hieated, was also sidocted aV tlie ])laee for tlieeaiial 
 "l)asin." Thv Wertz farm was the ]ihii-e desi^-iiated l)y nature ior its 
 location, for near that point is the junction iif two branches of the 
 Juniata river, and \\ ith a [irojier dam, it is fair to |)resunie that the- 
 hirj;'e expenditure of juouey for the c(nistniction of the reservoir 
 would never have hecomc a necessity. 
 
 KNTKRT'KISE Ol' .lOHX HLAIlt. 
 
 ]>ut John ]!lair, the same for whom the i-ownty was named, (and ho 
 was thus houorcil liy his friends in Hollidaysburi;- for this very ac- 
 tion,) was the leadiuj;- ]ioliti(iau in all this res'ion. He rcpresi'nted 
 the west cud of Huntingdon county in the lej;-islaturc, and was also 
 ]>osscsscd of a widely extended influen<'e. It was he who aK'itated 
 the Ijuildin^- of the turnjiike. and who first talked of the i-xpedienoy 
 of, and insisted upon, crossing tlic A lleghcnv 'mountains with a rail- 
 road by means of incline planes. The pr<]piisition was at first rc- 
 uardi'das chimerical and visionary; but lie hjd taken the h'vels him- 
 self, with a rudely constructed iustrunjent imfdc of birch bark, and lie 
 demonstrated from actual observation the feasiliilitv and practicabilitv 
 of the scheme. He was enterprising- and progT<ssive, and at the 
 same time awake to his own interests. He was the owner of hun- 
 dreds of acres of cual lands on the Alleghenies, and he intended that 
 these mineral lands should be devt'loi)c(L Ho wa.s in the Lc.i^islatttre 
 when the question of the "basin" was being discussed. He wanted 
 it at Hollidaysburg-. Huntingdon hooted at tlic idea of a canal 
 "basin " being located in the mountains, and>thc Hon. J<din William- 
 son, of Huntingdon, in illu.stration of his point, declared that the 
 ey<'s of the boatmen would be blinded with the dust which would 
 rise from the bottom of the "basin" located tliere. Subse(|uent 
 events went far to prove that Mr. Williamson- liad a pretty clear com- 
 prehension of the thinness of the water in this direction. But 
 John Blair had .set his heart on Holliday.~burg. He wanted a turn- 
 pike and he got it; he wanted a railroad and lie got it; and now he 
 wanted the "basin"" located at Hollidaysburg and it was done. H', 
 at a later day, Hollidaysburg had possesed such an able and generous 
 champion and friend as the Hon. John Blair, the city of Altoona, in 
 Blair county, would never have been heard of. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIIl COUNTV. • 209 
 
 • AIUtlVAL OY THE FIRST CANAL BOAT. 
 
 The first ciiiial boat avrivod in Hollidnysburg in the fall of 1833, 
 and was iiamod the "John Blair." The event was celebrated by a 
 grand ball. No buildinj;' in the town was large enough to accommo- 
 date the guests, and tlie music and daneing wa.s adjourned to the 
 large brick building in Frankstown, known as* the "Denlinger hotel." 
 I'hc work on the railroad was so far comiilelJed on the Sfith of No- 
 vember, 1833, as to permit the passage of the first car over its entire 
 length. On the 18tb of March, 1834, the roa*d was opened as a puli- 
 lic highway. The Canal and Portage Kailroad Exchange, a new and 
 sjiaeious brick hotel, corner of Mulberry and Montgomery streets, 
 was opened to the public April 1, 183-t, and was kept by J. C. Wil- 
 liams and R. M. Shaw. The United States hotel was built by John 
 Dougherty, on the corner of Juniata and Wayne streets, about the 
 year 1840. 
 
 EDUCATION LOOKED AFTER. 
 
 About 1834 the citizens of the town took great interest in educa- 
 tion. The common school law had been enacted the year previous, 
 and they were anxious to see it in operation. A large meeting — 
 called then "a great meeting" — of the friends of education was held 
 in the public school house on the 9th day of September. Joseph 
 Adams was president ; John Lytic and Samuel Smith, vice-presidents, 
 and John Brotherline and Isaac Tingling, secretaries. On motion of 
 Jacob Snyder, esq., a committee of five persons was appointed for 
 the purpose of drafting a preamble and resolutions expressive of the 
 views of the meeting, and also to select six citizens to be nominated 
 l)v the meeting as candidates for school directors. The chair ap- 
 pointed Jacob Snyder, David Y. Hileman, John Davis, William Mc- 
 Farland and Joseph Purse as that committee. The committee re- 
 tired and prepared a lengthy preamble and resolutions, in which was 
 set forth, in strong and effective language, the great advantage to be 
 derived from a good system for the public schools, and predicted the 
 future greatness of the Commonwealth and the country if the law 
 would be properly and liberally enforced. The candidates then nom- 
 inated for the board of school directors at that meeting were all 
 elected, and it might be well to note here that this was the first board 
 of school directors in Hollidaysburg and in this part of the countj-. 
 The Ijoard comprised Robert McNamara, Suttle F. Henry, John 
 Barr, Henry Stiflfler, E. Galbraith and James Smith, sr., of Scotch 
 Tallev. 
 
210 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 BOROUOII OFFICERS. 
 
 The toM-ii of Hollidaysbiirg was org-aiiizcd into a borough, by or- 
 der of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Huntingdon county, in the 
 month of August. 1836, under the act of Assemlsly approved April 
 1, 1835, and became subject also to the provisions of the act of As- 
 sembly of April 3. 1851, by order of the Court, of Quarter Sessions 
 of Blair county, July 24, 1854. The first election for Imrough offi- 
 cers was held on the 13th day of September, 1836, and the following 
 gentlemen were elected : Burgess, Dr. James Coft'ev ; town (■(uineil, 
 Joseph Keed, John Walker. William McFarland, D. Mitchell and S. 
 F. Henry ; constable, Simon Brothcrline. 
 
 THEIR FIRST MEETING., 
 
 The burgess and town council held their first meeting on Tues- 
 day, September 20th, and made the following appointment of borough 
 officers: town clerk, Alexander ^IcCormick; (now a citizen of Al- 
 toona ;) treasurer. James McCahan ; assessor, Peter Hewit, esq. ; 
 assistant assessor, John ^litchell; street commissioners. Col. 
 Samuel Smith and John Douo-herty ; street regulators, James Craw- 
 ford, esq., C. Garber, esq., and Col. John Bingham; firemen, John 
 Irwin, Samuel Frauipton, esq., James Clossin-and Abraham Brown; 
 collector, James Clossin. 
 
 The office of " street regulator " has been for years abolished. It 
 was the duty of these officers to superintendent the grading of the 
 streets. This was an important matter. Hollidaysburg had in it 
 many ugly " washes'' and gullies; these had lo be filled and hills cut 
 down and a proper grade established. Allegheuv street had in it a 
 good .sized gully or wash-out, which continued itself down through 
 what is now the lot of Moses Brown ; in some places it was eight or 
 ten feet deep, and proportionatelv wide at the top. 
 
 HOW MONEY WAS PROVIDED. 
 
 The borough had little or no money in the treasurv, and the ques- 
 tion of raising funds became an important one. All that was wanted, 
 or asked for, was fifteen hundred dollars, and with this modest sum 
 the borough council, assisted by their honest jioard of regulators, pro- 
 posed to accomplish the work. It was proposed that a loan be taken 
 of the citizens, but the subject of issuing the bonds of the borou.gh 
 was not broached or, perhaps, thought of. The liberal minded citi- 
 zen was invited to deposit a sum in the treasur}', and as an evidence 
 of this obligation a certificate was given him, which was to be used 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 511 
 
 by him, or the holder, in the payment of taxes. Tlie ordinance was 
 adoiited in June, 1807, and the certificate was in tlie following lan- 
 guage : 
 
 " HOLLID.^YgEURG DOROUGH LO.^N. 
 
 " This is to certify tbat tliere is cUio to bearer from tlie Burgees. Town Council 
 and citizens of the Borough of Holliduysburg One Doll.\u, bearing an interest, re- 
 deemable in the payment of taxes, by virtue of an ordinance passed by the Town 
 Council, .June 19, 1837. James Copfev. liurgess." 
 
 These borough notes were printed on brown or yellow jiaper, and 
 were called "shinplasters," and passed current with the merchants 
 and dealers in the town and viciuitj'. It is said that some of the liou- 
 est old farmers became indignant and disgusted when it was at- 
 tempted to circulate this sort of moiie}' amongst them, but their dark 
 visaged countenances brightened, and finalh' radiated with a broad 
 grin, when it became evident that they would bring a pound of coffee, 
 or a quart of whisky as quickly as the gold or silver. These " shin- 
 plasters " must have been popular, for since the earliest recollections 
 of the writer the streets of Hollidaysburg have been fiuelv graded 
 and well paved. 
 
 RAILWAY FROM PHILADELPHIA TO PITTSBURG. 
 
 As early as 1836 the feasibilit}- of the construction of a contin- 
 uous line of railway from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, and over the Al- 
 leghenies without incline planes, was earnestly and cnthu.siastically 
 discussed. Accordingly' a large " Railroad Convention" was called 
 to assemble at Hollidaysburg, on Tuesday the 24th day of Januarv, 
 1837. The convention was in session two daj'S. It was composed 
 of delegates from Westmoreland, Indiana, Cambria, Huntingdon, 
 Mifiiin and Juniata counties. The delegates from Huntingdon county 
 were Gilbert L. Lloyd, Dr. J. H. Dorsey, John M. Owens, James 
 Henderson, David MeMurtrie, David Blair, G. W. Russ, William 
 McFarland, Thomas B. Moore, Dr. H. T. Bramwell, J. S. Weisling, 
 Samuel Calvin, Maxwell Kinkead, Edward Bell, D. Buoy, W. R. 
 Hampson, Peter Hewit, John Cresswell, Sr., A. P. Wilson, Jame.s 
 A. McCahan, Samuel Royer, Henry Divine, J. Bingham, Dr. James 
 Coffey, S. F. Henry, Anthony G. Stewart, Robert Lowiy, A. Mc- 
 Cormick, S. Framptou and Thomas J. Kennetlj'. 
 
 A committee was appointed to prepare a memorial to the Legisla- 
 ture and an address to the people of Pennsylvania. A. P. Wilson, 
 Samuel Calvin and John Bingham were of this committee for Hun- 
 tingdon county. Strong resolutions, favoring and predicting the 
 great importance and utility of the project, were adopted. It was 
 resolved that the convention was firmly and decidedly convinced 
 
2\-2 
 
 HISTOKV OF ALKKINA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 HOLLIDAYSBURG SEMINARY. 
 
 1 BOARDING SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES. 
 
 HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA. 
 
 W. P. HUSSEY, A. M., Principal. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAlfe COUNTY. 21:j 
 
 of the perfect practicability of constructiii;;- a continuous railroad, 
 without incline planes, from Ilarrisburg, tluioujuh the valley of the 
 Juniata, and along the Blacklick, on the western side of the moun- 
 tain, and passing- through Westmoreland county to the waters of the 
 Sewickly, Youghegheny and Monongaliela, to Pittsburg; that tlie 
 route ]iasses through the richest mineral regions of the Common- 
 wealth ; that Pennsylvania was anxious to secure the large trade of 
 the west by the construction of one continuous railroad on the sliort- 
 est and best route, and passing directly through the middle of the 
 Commonwealth; that this route was demanded iiy the increasing 
 trade which passes between the eastern and western waters. ^V com- 
 mittee on finance was appointed, consisting of James A. McCahan, 
 Peter Hewit and Dr. James Coffey. Before adjourning, a resolution 
 was unanimously adopted returning the thanks of the convention to 
 "the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church, in Hollidaysburg, 
 for the polite manner in which they have given to the convention the 
 use of their commodious building." 
 
 NOTARLt; STORMS AND FLOODS. ' 
 
 On the morning- of the 19th of June, 1838, the town was visited 
 b}^ a terrible storm and flood. The rain began to fall about midnight, 
 and continued, in unceasing torrents, until about si.\ o'clock in the 
 morning. The waters descended furiou.sly in everv direction from the 
 high grounds, in immense columns, until all that portion of Gaysport 
 lying between the railroad and the river was covered with a wild and 
 almost irresistible flood. The Juniata had risen about fourteen feet 
 above its ordinary level. The water in the dwellings near the river 
 had risen as high as from four to five feet. This terrible flood did 
 much damage to the canal between Hollida^'sburg and Huntingdon, 
 amounting to about half a million of dollars. Joseph Kemp, still 
 a resident of Hollida\^sburg, and Henry Lloyd, who died a few 
 months ag-o in Pittsburg, were at the time connected with the Pilot 
 Line Transportation company, and lieing- iu Gaysport during this event- 
 ful night, endeavored to make tlieir escape on a porch. The frail 
 craft broke in pieces, and their fate was for a few moments in- 
 teaselv critical. Their escape from drowning was miraculous. A 
 woman, named Mrs. Barrick, and two young children, whilst 
 attempting to escape, were drowned. The store house of Chambers 
 & King was wrenched from its foundation and borne down the 
 stream ; the building was crushed against the viaduct and the entire 
 stock of goods lost. Their loss was estimated at $.5,000. John 
 14" 
 
214 IIISTOKY (JF ALTOONA AND HLAIR CIIUNTY. 
 
 IJousloii.iili, a uicrcliiuit, lost muL-h of his stol-k ; also, John Culljort- 
 Mill lipst uK-n-luuHlisc mill fiiniitiivc ; John Kviiii, n uniccr, lost almost 
 liis ontiro stock ; I'ctoi- Boylcs lost a larjro jicw stable; John Barr 
 had his furnitiiro dainajicil and a line library destroyed; the paint aliop 
 of Mr. Kjrbort was earried away; ^Nlr. A. Eiwiis lost fLirniture, books 
 and shingles; the Baltinmi-e and Pittsburg- line lost a new stable; 
 Hewit i*i: ilcCoiub lost several small honses ; ^h: Sanuiel Sharrer lost 
 (•onsiderable material used in boat buildinir; and ^Ir. Charh's Hnghes' 
 brick yard and a large stock of brick were destroyed. 
 
 The town was ai;aiii visited with a terrible and dt'structive fresliel 
 Oetolier 7, 1S47. The rain be.nan fallinjr on the previous day, 
 and bv three o'clock on Thursday afternoon the water was over the 
 banks of the river and some three or four feet deep in the buildings 
 nearest the stream in Gaysport. The store, house of James R. Pat- 
 ton, the barber sho]) of Snyder Carr, the office and store building- of 
 Justice Smith, Herron's blacksmith shop, the tailor shop of William 
 Charlton, and a warehouse belonging to S. J. Rover \' Co., were 
 carried off. Serious damage was done to the i-anal, and the farmer.? 
 along the river lost heavily. 
 
 FO11JI.4TI0N OF BLAIR (OllNTY. 
 
 Pcrhap.s no event in the history of the people of Hollidaysbarg 
 was the subject of so ninch interest, and fraught with so much im- 
 portance as the erection of the new county of RIair, to lie composed 
 of parts of Huntingdon and Bedford counties. These counties op- 
 posed the measure in season and out of season, and did everything to 
 thwart the wishes and purposes of the ambitious and spirited people 
 of Hollidaysburg. But, Udtwithstanding, the leading citizens of the 
 town and vicinity labored most earnestly and zealouslv for the ac- 
 (jomplishmeut of this great and laudaldc object. Tlie division of the 
 eounty had been agitated as early as 1839, a meeting for the consider- 
 ation of this project having been held in tlie "^^etho(list ihureh on the 
 21st of January of that year. Christian (Ta.rber, a progressive and 
 influential ritizen of that day, was presiih-iit* of the meeting. Wil- 
 liam Williams. Peter Cassiday, Pr. James Colley, Peter Hewit, John 
 Walker, Samuel Calvin, esci., and Edward M(-Graw, were appointed 
 a committee to dotcrmine the proper bounderies for the new county 
 proposed, and draft petitions, and have the same printed, and after 
 procurin,^-- signers forward the same to the IjCgislature. But their ef- 
 forts were not crowned with suc(-ess until F(»hruary '23, 1840, when 
 the bill erecting tlio m^w county was ajiproved bv Governor Shunk. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 215 
 
 The citizens of "old motliev" llmitinurdon wore eonsidoralily exer- 
 eised, and the peoiile of the new county were exultant. Hollidaj-s- 
 burg', of course, becaiiK! the count3--seat, and the lirst sessions of 
 court M'cre held in the Methodist church. The commissioners 
 leased of John Mahonv a one-storv stone tcnemant hon.se, which, 
 after having the windows covered with iron bars, was used for a jail. 
 When a prisoner wanted to make his esca[)e he wonld liave liimself 
 committed to the "dungeon," fi'om which he could easily "bore" 
 through the wall. 
 
 MILITARY AFF-ilRS. 
 
 The AVashington Greys, the first military company ever organized 
 in Hollidaysburg, was the pride and boast of the town. It was or- 
 ganized October 5, 1839. Maj. Wm. AV. Williams was captain; Dr. 
 J. A. Landis, first lieutenant, and Hon. Georg'e R. McFarlane, second 
 lieutenant. The best citizens of the town were in the ranks and carried 
 muskets. They were provided with uniforms, ajid the people 
 boasted that their's was one of the best drilled companies of the State. 
 Hollidavsburg- was pleased and delighted with a military encamp- 
 ment for the first time, during the week cummenciuL;- on Monday, the 
 18th day of October, 1841. The companies in attendance, in addi- 
 tion to the Washington Greys, were the Bedford Artillery, Captain 
 Reamer; the Independent Greys of Bedford, Captain Arnold; Cam- 
 bria Guards, Captain William A. Smith ; ^Villiamsbnrg Light In- 
 fantry, Captain McKiernan, and the Union Cavalry, Captain Bell. 
 They were encamped on the beautiful flat north of tiie town, known 
 then, and for many years since, as the " Race Course."' The field is 
 now owned by Col. William Jack. Maj. William W. Williams, of 
 the Washington Greys was in command, and Maj. Talliaferro, of Bed- 
 ford, .second in command. On Thursday the ladies gave a grand and 
 sumptuous dinner to the richly uniformed troojis. The table was 
 s])read in what was known as Market S((uare, and extended from near 
 Wayne street to Union, a di.stancc of one hundred and "sixty-five fettt. 
 It was loaded with all tin; delicacies the couiftry afforded. After the 
 soldiiu's and the lame concoar.-;e of citizens and stranirers had par- 
 taken to their hearts" content of this bounteous repast. " three times 
 three hearty cheers woro given to tlie ladies of llidliday.sburg, fol- 
 lowed l)v as many .-salutes, and appropriate music liy th(.' bands in at- 
 tendance." The generous and noble conduct of the ladies on this 
 occasion was spoken of in terms of the highest praise and commenda^ 
 tion. The troops were reviewed and insitofted l)}' Major AVasha- 
 baugh and General Comphcr, of Bedford. 
 
21 (i HlsT(il(V OF ALTOON'A ANP liLAlU CnUNTV. 
 
 A finiiul iiiilitarv t'iK';iiii|iiiicnt \v;is licld \\i the tnwii, (•(iimiii'iicin.L;' 
 OctoljfV 11, ls4o. riir ;itlair scfiiu'd to al)siirli iiuljlic iittuntioii for 
 the time boiiif;-. Even tlio uroDt and iiii^lity qiR'stioiis iinnlvcd in tin- 
 Ijoliticnl i-anipaiLrn tlii'ii |)cndinj; were foruottou, and tlio town, espe- 
 cially the t'eniak' ]iortion of it, was in a \vhii'l|Miol ol' excitement. 
 Preparation.- were made on a ^raiul i^cale f(rfr the entertainment of 
 ,<i-aest.s, and the followint;- hotels were iii readines.s, and entertained to 
 the entire snti.-^raction the lar^'e number of sttanncrs that tlirong'ed 
 the town for ii ^\"eek : The I'c^ople's Honse, Ijv William Donaldson; 
 American lIou,-e, Ijy .1. M. Hewit ; AVashini^ton Hotel, hy Captain 
 Joseph Hammer: E.\cliani;e, by D. H. ^loore ; Juniata Hotel, l)y 
 Col. J. K. Johnston; United States Hotel, by John Doiij^herty ; 
 Tempei'ance Hutel, by Mrs. Stackpole, in (Jaysport ; (;ays)Hn-t "Inn,'' 
 lj_v John Law; I't^-ry Hotel, by William Bfjrr, and tiie "Boarding 
 House," bv (xideon Marlett. The camp wa.s located (in the beautiful 
 slope of the Jackson (now Smith) farm facinj;' Holliday.slmrg-, and 
 was named Camp Warren. Seventeen companies, and as man\' 
 bands, were in attendance, well uniformed, fully ecpiipiied and profi- 
 cient in drill and di.sci|)line. These were divided into two regiments, 
 numbered the First and t^ccond. Captain K. C. Hale was elected 
 colonel of the First regiiaent, and Cajitain 'William A\'. Williams, of 
 the (ireys, was made colonel of the Sec<iijd, and A. L. Hollidav 
 was elected (luarter-nuister of the briy-ade. Co!. A\'iHianis was a "-al- 
 lant looking officer — military from crown to foot. The following 
 companies were in camp; Union Cavalry, Captain Bell ; . Lewistown 
 Artillery, Captain Porter; 'Washington Guards, Captain Michael 
 Cresswell; Washington Infantry, Captain W. AY. Porter; Mifflin- 
 town Guards, Captain S. Davis; Lewistow'n Guards, Captain R. 
 Sims; Juniata Artillery, Captain D. M. Jamison; Centre Guards, 
 Captain A. (iregg; Penn's "^'alley Cadets, Captain Lot W. Irvin ; 
 Bellefonte Infantry, Captain J. Min-rison'; Washington Grevs, 
 (Johnstown, )_Captain J. Potts; Washington Greys, (Holliday.sburg,) 
 First Lieutenant J. A. I^andis; Bedford Artillvry, Captain J. Keamer; 
 Indeiiendent Greys, C;i|itain S. M. Taylor*; Montgomery Greys, 
 Captain T. B. Wallace; Conemaugh Greys, 'Captain J<din Linton; 
 Somerset Guards, Captain John R. Edie. 
 
 On Sunday morning one regiment attended divine service at the 
 Methodist E|iiscopal church, and the other attended at the Presby- 
 terian church. In the afternoon the entire brigade mai'ciied to the 
 Presbyterian church, wliich was a large aiul sjiacious biiildim;-, and 
 listened to an excellent and apiu'opriate (li.scour.se, l)v the Rev. Dr. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOOXA AND BLAIR" COUNTY. 217 
 
 David ;Nk-KiniR'y, from tlic text found iu rrovev'i^ xii : 2: " A good 
 inau obtaineth favor of the Lord; but a man of wicked devk•e^^ will 
 he condenni.'' 
 
 Tlie Governor of the Stato, David 11. Porter, wa.-^ prosent, and re- 
 viewed tlie troo]is. Tlii.« M'as rc<;-ard('d as a* first-class military dis- 
 play in every res)iect, and Hollidaysburg was e(|ual to the occasion. 
 
 The commencement of hostilities with Jlc-xico in 184G put a qui- 
 etus on military orp^anizations in Hollidavsburg' as well as in other 
 localities in the State. Their presence was required at the front 
 Although the AYashington Grev.s did not go to .Mexico as an organi- 
 zation, many of the company volunteered and were found in the 
 ranks of the Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Toluateers, where they 
 acquitted tbemselves in a manner characteristic of that militar}" spirit 
 of which the}- gave evidence in their holiday parades. It was not for 
 some years after the close of the Mexican war that the martial spirit 
 began again to be awakened. At one time the town boasted three 
 fully equipped, well drilled companies ; these were the "Emmet 
 Guards," the "Hollidaysburg Pencibles" and "Juniata Rifles." Pre- 
 vious to these organizations, however, there existed for a brief period 
 a plucky little company called the "Hollidaysburg Guards," which 
 enjoyed, and was more commonly known by the sobriquet of the 
 "Twelve Apostles." This company had a good band and a very 
 becoming uniform. It was officered by George Bingham, captain ; 
 "William Stone, first lieutenant, and W. F. McFarland, second lieu- 
 tenant ; but it was with difficulty that its members could be iuduced 
 to turn out on "muster day." The company had regular "muster 
 days" and never failed to turn out on the 8th of January to celebrate 
 General Jackson's victory at New Orleans. But muster they would, 
 "at the risk of bullets," and frequently the entire column would con- 
 sist of from twelve to fifteen muskets. Hence the name of "Twelve 
 Apostles." Thejr would march on the sidewalks. The writer was 
 a child during the palmy daj's of this company, and he remembers, 
 that after hearing the music, and rushing to the front door, the com- 
 pany would suddenly appear filing around the corner. Hence it is 
 that the Mother Goose melody comes to mind simultaneously with 
 the remembrance of this company : 
 
 "Rubber (lubber goes the <lruin. 
 See them 'i-ound the corner come.'' 
 
 The boys hard!}- ever followed this compan}^ But, notwithstand- 
 ing the slim attendance on parades, when called upon to do active 
 duty in the service of the State, the ranks were filled up and the mem- 
 
21s in^TIIKY IIP ALTOdNA AND ULAIII. CdL'NT V. 
 
 bei-s turned out to a iiiiin. Diiriii.i;- the liuildintr of the tunnel iu lsr>(i- 
 51, the Irish raised a little u'ar among- themselves, whieh was of sufli 
 matrnitiide that the Tennsyh ania railroad co'm]iany could not settle 
 their dispute or eause a eessation of hostilities. The military had to 
 he called u[)ou, and the "Hollidaysburg Guards" re-puudcd promptly 
 and forty rounds of ball cartridaes were issued to each man. The 
 knapsacks were supplied with nece>sary blankets and clothini;-, and 
 five davs' cooked rations filled the haversacks. They were in th(^ 
 field three days, and did not leave until the last infuriated connaught- 
 luan or oranueman had surrendered his shot iriin and laid dow n iiis 
 "shellaleh,"" and had returned to his allegianet and to the blastin.i;- of 
 rocks in the taanel. The company was under tire .-cvcial times, and 
 the battle of Beunington eau:-ed considerable sensation. The Guards 
 captured thirty-three jirisoners. Soon after this little experience, the 
 noble and gallant little companj' ceased to have an existence. 
 
 The "Hollidaysburg Fencibles"' were organized about the year 
 1856, with Col. P. H. Hotfius as captain. C&lone! Hotfius was a dis- 
 tinguished and highlv respected lawyer, then enjoviug a large and 
 lucrative practice at the bar, and was bc-^ides one of Hollidaysburg's 
 leading citizens. He had passed through the Me.xican war, serving 
 as a lieutenant, and was proud of his nulitai'y record. The "Fenci- 
 ble.-" were a good company and the citizens were jiroud of it. It 
 was composed of some of the best young men in the communitv. On 
 one occasion the ladies of Hollidaysburg presented theeonipanj- with 
 a beautiful and very valuable silk flai;'. 
 
 The ''Juniata Rifles" were organized on the 22nd of October, 
 1858, with our worthy ton'nsman, A. M. Lloyd, as captain. This 
 was also a first-class company and merited the praise and approba- 
 tion of their fellow-citizens. They had their :encampments and their 
 festive da\'S — their competitive drills, frolics and fun until the early 
 spring of 1801. The American firmament was overhung b\' a black 
 cloud ; the "cannon's opening roar'' was heard in the south ; the na- 
 tion suddenly sprang to arms and the days of "Sunday soldiering" 
 were ended. The "Juniata Kifles" had resolved as earlvasthe 22nd 
 of February to accept the call of the Governor and lie readv for ac- 
 tive service at a moment's notice. The companies did respond 
 ))romptly. The Governor's telegram was received on the evening 
 of the 13th of April, and they were in Ilarrii-'burg, mustered into the 
 United States' service and on their way to the front on the 20th. 
 
 The "Fencibles" were officered by F. P. Minier, captain; (their 
 brave and much lamented captain, David IT. Hoflius, havinig died in 
 
IirSTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COU.VTV. 219 
 
 Juh-, lS59)Joliu E. McFaiiane, first lieiueiiant, and Tlionia.« McFav- 
 lane, second lieuteuant. They were ji-iven the post of honor in the 
 Third Pennsylvania Regiment, having been assigned as company 
 "A". Immediately after the organization of the regiment, its captain, 
 F. P. Minier, was elected colonel. 
 
 The "Juniata Rifles" were officered by A. M. Lloyd, as captain; 
 Christ. X. Snyder, first lieutenant, and Stephen C. Potts, second lieu- 
 tenant, and assigned as company "H" of the Second regiment. Nearly 
 all the members composing these companies served in different or- 
 ganizations to tlie end of the war. Lieutenant Potts was killed in 
 the first battle of Fredericksburg, December 13th and Uth, 18(13, 
 whilst acting adjutant of his regiment, the Sixty-second Pennsylvania. 
 
 After the close of the war, the enthusiasm for "the pride, pomp 
 and circumstance of glorious war," had subsided ; the boys "didn't 
 want any more of it in theirs," and the streets were not again enli- 
 vened with the tread of men in martial array until the year ISti, when 
 the "Juniata Riflemen," company "F", Fifth Regiment, National 
 ■Gruards of Pennsylvania, were organized. Jas. F. Milliken, captain ; 
 J. Rodgers, first lieutenant, and Martin Bell, jr., second lieutenant. It 
 was mustered out of service in January, 1816. 
 
 The military organization which is now the pride and boast of 
 HoUidaysburg — company "C," Fifth Regiment N. G. of Pa. — dates 
 its existence with the autumn of 1878. The company, like the entire 
 •corps of the National Guards, is equipped in a first-class manner and 
 could take the field in complete readiness for campaign duty in twelve 
 Lours' notice. T. Dallas Wilkins, a young gentleman perfectly' famil- 
 iar with military tactics and having the capacity, in a high degree, 
 of drilling and disciplining men,, is captain; James- P. Stewart is 
 ■first lieutenant, and J. D. Hemphil, second lieutenant. The company 
 is composed of the flower of the young gentlemen of HoUidaysburg, 
 and, as many of them are possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, 
 it need scarcely be a surprise to any one, when informed, that at the 
 last encampment at Braddocks, they were highly complimented for 
 their proficiency in drill and for the excellent discipline observed by 
 the men. HoUidaysburg could alwaj's boast of a good military or- 
 ganization. Its first company, the old Washington Greys, received 
 the plaudits and compliments of all for excellent marching and drill 
 at the great encampment of 1843, and now company "C," its last 
 ■companA- up to this date, received the plaudits and compliments of 
 all for the same accomplishments at the great encampment at Brad- 
 docks in 1880. 
 
220 IIISJOKY (IF ALTOONA AND BLAIR- COL' STY. 
 
 VISIT OF KOSSUTH. 
 
 That distingiiislic'tl Hungarian, Louis Kos^utli, and suite, visited 
 Hollidaysliui-g on Saturday, January IT, 1852, mid remained in 
 till- town over Sunday. He was Avelcomed at tlic Mountain House, 
 at the Portai;-e Intersection, which stood near what is now called "Y" 
 switches, by four or live hundred citizens, lie left the cars under the 
 escort of Hon. George R. McFarlane, and he had scarcely reached 
 the platform until the people began to press cltisely around him and 
 welcome him in the most cordial manner. He was escorted to the 
 dining hall by Mr. William Shomo, who was chairman of the commit- 
 tee of arrangements. Some two hundred persons dined with him. 
 After dinner, the doors were thrown open and all tlu'ouged in. Gov- 
 ernor Kossuth was introduced by Col. D. H, Hoffius in one of his 
 charaeteri.stic and eloquent .speeches. He tendered him, on behalf of 
 his fellow-citizens, a hearty welcome and assurances of their warmest 
 regard for him personalh', and their deep sympatliy for his betrayed 
 and down-trodden country and their unalterable devotion to the cause 
 of liberty. Governor Kossuth replied iu an eloquent speech of over 
 half an hour. Cheers were proposed, by Judge ^McFarlane, for Ko.s- 
 suth, the rightful Gov<'rnor of Hungary, and by Dr. H. T. Cofi'ey, for 
 "giving powder and ball to Russia." Thaddeus Banks, esq., on be- 
 half of the committee to receive contributions of " material aid," 
 l)resented to the governor a pur.-^e containing over two hundred dol- 
 lars in gold. Judge ^IcFarlane offered to makte for him fifty tons of 
 cannon l)alls, and would deliver them whenever called upon. Whilst 
 in town the Governor ^\as the guest of Hon. George R. McFarlane.' 
 On Sunday, Ko.ssuth and party attended divine service in the 
 Lntlierau church, and heard a discourse b\' Rpv. Llovd Knight. 
 
 DISCOVERY OF IRON ORE. 
 
 Ill ^[ay, 1S52, discoveries of iron ore were made on lands north 
 (if town. These ores were lirst discovered by Mr. Thorn, a citizen of 
 the liiwii, wlio owned some fields just beyond the borough limits. 
 lie eommcnecd prospecting, and in a comparatively short time found 
 the (ire, and threw out aliout a ton. It provc^d to be fossil ore. This 
 li'd to more prospecting by others intiirested in the neighborhood, and 
 in a short time it was ascertained that the entire country between 
 Hollidaysburg and Brush mountain was underlaid with a good 
 (piality of fossil ore. The surrounding hills being filled with a good 
 (piality of lime stone, the.^e di.scovcrics soon led to the building of 
 two furnaces, and soon after the buildina: of a laru-e rolling mill and 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 221 
 
 nail factory. For a time coii.ii(luriil)le oxcitemeiit ]ircvaile(l, aiirl tlie 
 town seemed to take a new .start. These mines have been worlied at 
 dift'erent point.* constantly ever since their fir.st develoiimeiit — mil- 
 lions of tons of ore, of good quality, have been taken out and large 
 quanties shipped to Johnstown and other furnaces. The mines are 
 still being worked with profit, and many years will be re<|uired to ex- 
 haust them. At the pre.seut time thi' mines and furnaces are owned 
 and operated by the Cambria Iron company. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION OF THE RESERVOIR. 
 
 A meeting of the citizens, for the constrnction of a rescrvnir, was 
 held in the town liall, March 6, 1839. ' At this mei.'ting resolutions 
 were adopted and committees appointed, and the most determined 
 steps were taken to push forward tlie measure. Robert Williams, 
 Dr. James Coffey, G. R. McFarlane, John B. Rover, J. C. Belts, 
 Peter Hewit and Joseph Kemp were appointed on the most import- 
 ant committee. The Legislature wa.s stirred up, the necessary 
 money" appropriated, and the next year the work was commenced and 
 vig(n'ousl3- prosecuted. The contractors were John Miteh('ll and 
 S. H. Lloyd. The firm of McFarlane & Guvbcv furnished the iron. 
 The work, was completed b}- Henry L. Patterson, who subsequently 
 took the contract. 
 
 FIRE APr.iRATUS AND FIRE COMrANIES. 
 
 The first fire engine purchased by the borough was iluring the fall 
 of 1836, soon after its organization, and cost two hundred and twenty- 
 five dollars. It was a revy odd looking and singularly constructed 
 machine, and proved of little service at a fire. In December, ISST, 
 an attempt was made to organize a fire department and take steps to 
 supply a want which was evidently felt — means to subdue a fire in 
 case the borough, which was now a rapidh- growing town, should 
 be threatened ■with such a disaster. 
 
 [An effort was at the same time made to form a joint stock com- 
 panv for the purpose of supplying the borough with water. Joseph 
 Crawford, esq., Hon. Joseph Adams, Rudolph Williams, David 
 Mitchell and Roliert Williams were appointed a committee to procure 
 from the Legislature an act of incorporation for said company. In 
 the fall of 1867, a little more than thirty years after this meeting, 
 the fond dream of these public spirited citizens was realized, but not 
 one of the above committee were present to witness it.] 
 
 There was no regular fire organization until January 26, 1838. 
 The citizens then met at the United States hotel and a companjr was 
 
'J-'-i HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAltt COUNTY. 
 
 f'oniicil, and a detcniiination evinced t.(i jumcu'i'c a ^-ood ciiii-iiic. But 
 the effort was abortive, and the eompany ori;-ani/.e(l proved to be 
 notliiuu- more than a " huekct brirrade." In the winter of 1841 tlu^ 
 "Diamond Engine company" was organized, and this was really the 
 first tire company in the bcii'ouu'li. It was tfien determined to pro- 
 cure two !j'o<'>d tire eug'ines. A vote on the subject was had, and the 
 tax-payers were larsoly favorable to the proposition. In Se]itendjer, 
 1841, the "Juniata " arrived, and was placed in tlie hands of tlie 
 firemen. But tlie Allegheny engine was not ri-ceiv'cd until April '.), 
 ]81l>. In iscii the liovough authorities purcliased of ^fr. Button, 
 the manufacturer of the Button engine, of Tfoy, X-cw York, the fine 
 steamer " Plio;ni.\," at a enst of ^2,ri00. It is in charge <if a good 
 company, composed of some of the best citizens of the town. It has 
 done good service. lu addition to the PIkruix organization, Ilolli- 
 daysburg boasts of the Allegheny Hook and t/adder company, with a 
 good truck, constructed on the modern plan ; the Good Will Hose 
 eompany, with a first-class carria,;;e. and also a hose caniage, man- 
 aged by the Pluenix company. The fire organization is not only 
 comiiletc in all its details, liut is a credit to the borouuh and those 
 having the management of public affaiis. 
 
 M.\RKET HorsE. 
 
 In July, l,s41, the l)orough authorities bujlt a fine market house, 
 on the Blair street front of Avhat was then kirown as Market scjuare. 
 The building is still standing, and is u.sed fo.r the Hook and Ladder 
 Truck and the Good Will Hose carriage. Each butcher had his own 
 stall, where he dealt out the choicest steaks; and the farmers for 
 many years patronized this market, bringing the products of their 
 farms in front of the building and backing tlfrir waiions against the 
 curb. The market was o]ieii on Wednesday *and Saturday mornings 
 of each week. The hours were from about o, until 8 or '.I .\. M. Dur- 
 ing these plea-ant market times the "early bird caught the worm." 
 Here, at the early blush of dawn, could lie purchased the liest of 
 e\'ervthing — vegetables and fruits iii their season.' 
 
 HOLLIDAYSBURG IN 1S42. 
 
 Hollidaysburg, in January, 1842, is describedby J. Penn .Jones, 
 es<i., (at that time editor and proprietor of the "Rej^ister and En- 
 quirer," and which is .still ably conducted b*y David Over, esq., to 
 whom we are indebted for favors,) as follows: " Hollidaysburg is a 
 great placid! It is 'great in a great many respects — one of the great- 
 
,j;;v, g^J <H ,,', -'vWoW?"*'*' ' 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 223 
 
 t'st iicThnyis in the intori(n' of the ,u-re;it State of rciinsylvaiiia! It is 
 ^■rcat as a business place; it is a great place for fun, and g-reat for 
 j^obriety and order ; gToat for pretty girls, and g-ood ones, too ; (the 
 assertion of the MVillianisport Emporium' to the contrary notwith- 
 standing-;) great for its liberality and enteriirise; great for its rapid 
 increase in population, wcaltli and improvement; great for its muddy 
 streets in wet weather; great for its dusty ones in dry ; it's a great 
 place for Washingtonians and Tcatotallers; great for industrious 
 men and thinking mechanics, and a great place for sleighing when the 
 ground is frozen I It's a good place to sell saddles of venison, and 
 flour for Ijuckwheat cnl-;es, potatoes, chickens, ice cream, (in summer.) 
 and patent medieines all the vear round! But the greatest thing of 
 all, is, it's a great place for taking- newspapers — greater in this re- 
 .spect, than any other town of the same population in the world. 
 ' But enough said ' about our town's greatness for the present. Xot 
 many years ago it ^vas little lietter than a wilderness. In 1830 it did 
 not contain more than fifteen or twentv houses, and a population of 
 150 or 200. "V^'here Gaysport stands there was no sign of a town! 
 Swamps and thickets, in which rabbits burrowed and black birds 
 built their nests, were then where now are houses, gardens, streets, 
 alleys and work-shops. 
 
 "In 1842 the American House was kejit as a temperance hotel b}' 
 Ira Hoadly, and the ))ar-room was turned into a reading- room. 
 
 " The population of Hollidaysburg at the present time, as correctly 
 taken by our liorough assessor, Abraham Vantrics, esq., is 2.308; 
 Gaysport, US; total, 2,81G. Gaysport is an incorporated district, 
 cut otf from Hollidaysburg proper, by a branch of the Juniata." 
 
 GAS INTttODUCEP 
 
 In IS-'iCi Hollidaysburg- was lighted for. the first time with gas. 
 The Hollidaysburg Gas and TTater company was incorporated bv an 
 act of Assembly, approved March 10, 18.54, but was not fully organ- 
 ized for the iHu-posc of manufacttiring gas until April, 185G. No at- 
 tempt was at that time made to introduce water. The capital of the 
 company was 840,000. Sometime during the spring a contract was 
 made with L. K. Titus, of Trenton, N. J,., for the furnishing and 
 laying of the pipes, and construction of the works at a cost of §30,- 
 000. The first officers of the company were Thomas C. McDowell, 
 president; J. R. Crawford, secretary; and Thomas Bingham and 
 William McFarland, directors. They held their positions until June, 
 when an election was had and E. M. Lemon was 'elected president; 
 
224 HISTORY OF ALTOON'A AN\) BLAIR COUNTV. 
 
 11. Ij. Julmslon, treasurer, and Tlioinas C. McDowiH, si-ci-.lavy. 
 Tlic inaiiau(-rs were Jcssr P.. Crawfonl, Tlidiiiari I5iii,i;liaiii and Dr. 
 Jo.soph A. Laiidis. Tlic work Mas iirosociitcd with vi.uor, and tlif 
 town was brought from (hirkness to liglit by iiiVaus of a g(i<id artii-lo 
 (if gas in the month of Ofto1)er, ls5fl. 
 
 WATER WOltKS AND RESERVOIR. 
 
 The Hnllidaysburg water works were built by tlie buniuLili au- 
 thorities. The aet of Assembl}- aiithorizingitheir eoiislruetiiui was 
 apiiroved March l(i, IsGil. James Gardner, William Jack, Jnmt.'S 
 Ciindron, John L. Hemphill and Thaddeus .panks wen' the water 
 eomniissioners. An article of agreement was made and enten-il into 
 with John A. Woodward and T. B. Farrin.gtan, of Williamspcul, Pa., 
 to supply the water pipes. These pipes are Of wood, wrapped \\ ith 
 iron by a maehiuc invented for this express purpose, and coated Avith 
 a composition of coal tar and asphaltum. The water is l)rou,;iht 
 from a beautiful sirring of free-stone water o;n the Brush mountain 
 farm of the Hon. Thaddeus Banks. Its location is in a beautiful 
 mountain dell, into which the rays of the sun seldom piMietrale, and 
 the pure, clear, cold water comes forth from tjie mountain side, leap- 
 ]np: and rushin.g over !ar,ge moss-covevi'd boulders, and fr(jm tin' noise 
 thus made it has received the ajipropriate name of " Roaring Run." 
 The distance, alon.i:;- the line of pipes, from the Ijorough limits to 
 wliere the stream is tajiped, is two and three-fourth miles. Tfollidaxs- 
 burg was trulv liappv when the pure Brush ;mountain water leaped 
 from (he hydrants for the first time, earlv in Xoveniber, ISIiT. The 
 cost of these works was aliout $50,000. It must be rememliered 
 that in lSG(5-7 the co.st of iron pi])es was from one-third 1o one-half 
 more than th<^ cost of wooden pi[)es. 
 
 It was ascertained that the small well first u.sed for the reception of 
 the water was insufficit'ut, and a reservoir was constructed of a ca- 
 jiacity of two and a half million gallons, at iu cost of about Sir),00O. 
 The elevation of the reservoir abo\-e Brush run is one hundred and 
 seventy-five feet, and al.>ove point.? in town from si.\ty to one hundred 
 and twenty feet. The water works are ma(ia,i;-ed and I'ontrolled by 
 the bur,goss and town council. 
 
 TRESBYTERTAN CltDRCII AND ITS: TASTORS. 
 
 The Pj'esbvterian church, of Hollidaysbnrg was organized aVioui 
 the j-ear ]7'7S. The Hollidays were Presliyterians. The fir.st iireaeh- 
 inv: that we have anv account of was at the hou.se of j\fr. William 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. '225 
 
 Ilulliday, ]>y tlir llcv. Dr. Kin.;;-, nf Mcn-cr.^biirg-, Franklin county, 
 in 1772. The llev. Mr. Mc-I>u,u;il, llcv. John Jolm.'^Oli, R'-V- 
 ^Matthew Stevcn.'^on, and otlii.'r minister.><, iirtsaclied licru at dillVrcnt 
 times. But it was not until after the arrival of the Rev. David 
 Baird, or Bard, a.s lie was called, came here that a church was fnlly 
 oruani/.ed. A frail wooden strncturc, called a "tent,'' was erected 
 at tlie Pilue Sin'ing- — now owned by Archiliald ^NIcFadden — which 
 was used as a place of worship. Thomas Blair, (the fatiiei- of John 
 Blair, for whom the conntv was named,) Tho<iias MeCune and Janu's 
 Smith, sr., were the first rulinu' elders of this church. 
 
 In 17110 the "tent" was replaeed by a hou,.-e of worship, and was 
 erected on the ground where the cemeterv now is. It was built of 
 round logs, and was used until 1818, when it caug-ht fire from the 
 burniug woods and was destroyed. A new and more elegant struc- 
 ture, bnilt of hewn logs, immediatelv took its place, which was occu- 
 pied until the new brick church was erected in 1836-7 on the corner 
 of Walnut and Clarke streets, the .same gTOund now occupied bv the 
 large and eomuiudious building erected in 18fi9-70. 
 
 -Mr. Bard, whilst serving this congregation, also served the na- 
 tion as a mcmljcr of Congress. He was a member of the Ith and 
 5th Congress, and of the Sth to the loth, inclusive. In the 13th 
 Cinigress, which commenced Uecember, 1813, and had three sessions, 
 Mr. Bard was a member i.if the committee on claims. 
 
 Mr. Bard preached not alone to this congii<.;gation, but divided his 
 time Ijetwecn this place, Williamsburg and Sinking Talle3-. Jle re- 
 sided here most of his time ; but at the time of his death, which oc- 
 curred suddenly in Alexandria, Pa., in March, 1815, his residence 
 was in Sinking Valley, where he \yas buried. 
 
 After the death of Rev. Bard, the church was without a regular 
 minister until 1816, when Kev. James Galbraith, who had been 
 preaching in Indiana county, became its settled pastor. He labored 
 here, giving one-third of his time to the church in Williamsburg, un- 
 til 1835. The same 3"ear, Mr. John Dunlap, «, licentiate, came with 
 a commission from the Board of Missions. His health being feeble 
 he was never ordained. He went to Cincinnati in 1837 and assumed 
 editorial charge, in connection with Kev. AVilliam D. Smith, of the 
 " Presbyterian of the West,'' published in that city. 
 
 In 1838 the congregation called the Rev. William J. Gibson, of 
 I'hiladolphia, who continued as their pastor until 1841. He removed 
 to Darlington; thence to Philadelphia; thence to Jacksonville, and 
 thence to Duncansville, this county, where he now ministers. The 
 
L'lM; history Of ALTOdN \ AXD TiLATR COUNTY. 
 
 J\ev. Dr. David MeKiiiiicv was cullod to tlii.> (•luu-ge in 1S41, aiifl 
 continued ill tlic ituitoi-iitc until lSi.52. He was ono of tin' leadin,!^ 
 sjiivits in the ,u-reat temperanee movement of,] 844. lie resiu'ned the 
 ]iastoral chai'uc lo take control of the '' Prosbvtorian Banner,"' which 
 he originated, and which i.s still ]ml)li,-lied in I'ittsbur,^-. 
 
 ]!etween the years 182(1 and 1841 Alexander Knox, Thomas ]>. 
 ^[niire, John B. Riddle, John G. McKee and John Lj^ttlc were or- 
 ilained rulinji- elders of the church. Purin;;- Dr. McKinney's pa.stor- 
 ati' Jonathan Hamilton, Jolin McCartney, Joseph Smitli, Charles 
 AVilson, William C. McConniek and SauuKil ;M<jore were ordained 
 rulin.i;- elders. 
 
 The Rev. David X. Junkin, pastor of the V Street rresljyterian 
 church, of \Yasliinjrton, D. C, having been called to the jiastorate, 
 comnienced his ministry on the 30th of October, 1853. During his 
 ]iastoratc James D. Rea, Joseph Dysart, Win. R. Findley,, M. D., 
 Thomas Smith and Robert R. Hamilton were ordained ruling elders. 
 Ill the spring of ISliO, the health of Dr. Junkin becoming impaired, he 
 wa> granted a leave of aljscnce for six months. On the 11th of De- 
 cember, of the same year, tin' pastoral rclatimis between Dr. Junkin 
 and the ehnrcli were, at his own request, dissolved. The Rev. David 
 Stmret sup]ilied the pulpit until the first Sabbath in September, 18(;l. 
 
 On tile 4tli day of August, isci, the Rev.. David Henry Barron 
 receivi'd a lall to bcrdine the pastor of this .church, and, it having- 
 been acci'pted, lii' preached his first sermon as the pastor elect on the 
 second Sabbath of September, LSCil. On Tuesday, November 12, 
 lSr>l, he was installed pastor of the cluireh, in which relation he still 
 i-oiitinues. 
 
 In ]84.'i a number of families separated from this church and or- 
 ganized as the church of East Freedom. It .has since been changed 
 to Duncansville, In 1852 the church of Altojona was organized out 
 of the members of tlii^ church. From that has sprung the Second 
 chureh, of Altoona, and now both are large and flourishing. The 
 lu-esent membershiii (if tlie Hollidayslmrg church is 440. 
 
 During the jia.-torate of Rev. :\Ir. Barron, four members of the 
 .session have died, viz; John B. Riddle, Charles Wilson, James D. 
 Rea and Joseph Smith; two have removed fr<im the bounds of the 
 church, viz; Joseph Dysart and Robert lliddle, who now reside in 
 Altoona. lion. Samuel S. Blair, Hon. A. S. Landis, Crawford Ir- 
 win, M. D., and Robert Riddle have been ordained ruling elders. 
 Thri'c of these, Messrs. Blair, Landis and Irwin, witli ]\lessrs. 
 Uiibrrt R. Ilaniiltnn, coinp<ise the present session. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIB COUNTY. '■227 
 
 In the summer of 18G8 the congregation rc^iohi'd to build ii new 
 cbnrch as the old structure, which had done goud service, was lie- 
 coming unsafe and had been time upon time condemned. The writer 
 distinctly remembers that durinu- some eondemliatery reuiarks by the 
 Rev. Dr. Junkin, his furious pounding made tlie feathers or cotton fly 
 from the old pulpit cushion. Fortunately, that .same pulpit was the 
 mo.st durable part of the church, and could have easily withstood tljc 
 Doctor's most vigorous pounding for ages. It was not, however, 
 until the December following that the abandonment of the old rhiirch 
 building was fully determined upon. The congregation then (De- 
 cember 13) commenced worshipping in the court house, which they 
 continued to occu])y until the 5th of June, 1870, -when the chapel was 
 ready for occujiauc}'. 
 
 On the i)th of September, 1869, the corner-stojie of tlie new 
 building was laid. The stone occupies a place in the south-west 
 corner of the wall. "First Presbyterian Church," is cut u])ou one 
 side, and "Sept. 9, 1869," upon the other. The laying of the stone 
 was ob.served with appropriate ceremonies. The box deposited in 
 the stone contained a sermon by Dr. W. J. Gibson and his ])hoto- 
 graph ; sermon by Dr. David McKinney and his])hotograph ; sermon 
 by Dr. D. X. Junkin and his photograph; sermon by llev. D. H. 
 Barron and his photograph ; hi-stor}- of the church, by Hon. A. S. 
 Landis; one copy of the Bible; Hymnal and Confession of Faith; 
 photograph of the old church building; list of officers and members 
 of the church; fractional currency; one copy each of the "IvTew 
 York World," "Xew York Tribune," "Preb^jyterian," "Xew'York 
 Observer," " Hollida3'sburg Standard," and "Hollidaysburg Tteg- 
 ister ;" and sixty dollars in Continental currency. The fir-st public 
 service was held in the new church during the sessions of the Synod 
 of Harrisburg, which began on the 19th of October, 1871, but regu- 
 lar Sabbath worship did not begin in the main room until December 
 31, 1871. 
 
 ST. MICHAEL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CIHUCH. 
 
 Among the early citizens of this town were a number of Komau 
 Catholics from different parts of Gqi'many. Tlie}- attended St. 
 Maiy's church here. Messrs. Joseph and John Baroner, .sr., tin; 
 Meintels, the Fuchs, Greneders, Lieb, W. Rauch, J. Zanker, J. Heil- 
 meier, and others, finally numbering eighty families, established a 
 German congregation, and built a new church of their own. 
 
 The corner-stone of their church (St. Michael's) was laid on Xo- 
 vcmber 27, 1862, and in less than a year the church was dedicated 
 
-J^.S HISTORY (IF AI.TdllNA AND lU.AlU COUNTY. 
 
 1)V lit. Ri/v. ilifliiicl l>onii'nfi.-. Iti.-^lKip of I'ilt.-iliiiri;', wIki iilso tip- 
 pointod the first pii.~tor in tlic pei-^mi of rir\-..(;n)i-ur Kii<-liin;i-. Tlic 
 fluirch i.~ liuilt ill ail ck'Viitt'd part nf tlic town iipdii a tine plot of 
 gTiitind. It iiu'a.^nrcs 7r).\43 fcft. Its tuwor or .slccpjc is 120 feet, 
 and contains a ehiiiie of Iwlls. In addilion, the (irrinnn Catholics 
 possess a school-house and a tcniporarv residence for their jiaslor. 
 
 The pastor, Kev. (r. Kirchncr. labored hard among- his lloek ; he 
 had nianv ^(jrc trials, hard work and at times iiisnITicient rest. Yrt 
 he bore it pU'asantIv in his zeal to promote the wi'lfare ol' his people, 
 lie tilled the jiositioii of [lastor fcir nearlv live Jears, after which he was 
 transferred to I'ittr-liurg. Tin' :-econd pastor wa.- Kev. John B. 
 Schmidt. Xothing particular was done during- his jia.storatc, save the 
 endea\or to iiroiaote the spiritual welfare* of the eoiigreg-ation. 
 Tver. J. Kosswog- was his successor. lie remained about nine 
 months. His [lastorato was attended Ijy nothing noteworth}'. The 
 next pastor appointed was Kev. George Alljnan. He was born in 
 Germanj', but completed his studiesand was 0rdained in tliis country. 
 He was beloved here Ijy all clas.-c.-. Tlu' nc.\t pastor, was Ilev. 
 Julius Kuenzer. He also was born in Gernuuiy. His literarv al)ilities 
 were of a high grade; a great scholar in Latiii, unexcelled in profane 
 and ecclesiastical history, and well posted in all theological matters. 
 No cliang-es \\<>re made during hi.- pastorate fff nearlv four and a half 
 years. From here he was transferred to IJine Creek, Alleghenv 
 County, Pa., where he is still in cliarge. The present pastor, Kev. 
 Francis J. Kaib, came on Decemfier 1, 187S. He is a native of ouv 
 country, born at Pittsburg, on February 24, 1850. Great imiirove- 
 ments have been made up to date under his careful managemeut. 
 
 The old school-building has been superseded liy a new and elegant 
 on«. Mrs. Barbara Zanker, -wife of Joseph /jaiiker, an old citizen of 
 this town, but now deceased, gave to the luistta-, toward erecting the 
 new school, $4,000. Work was commenec-d at the m-w building- about 
 April, iST'i, and was finished for .-chool purjio.scs the following Octo- 
 Ijcr. The building is large and eommodiou.s, iiK-asuring CO feet in 
 depth, i'fi feet in width and about 28 feet in hcightb. Besides this im- 
 provement, there now stands,in the place of the old school building a 
 neat brick dwclliii,!;- for the good teachers, the Sisters. It is 21 feet 
 front and 33 feet deeii and two stories hig-li, .and complete in its ar- 
 I'augements. The Sisters have liroiight the .school to a high grade, 
 teaching in botli laiigiiag-es — German and English — reading, spelling, 
 writing, graimnar, ariliimetic, geography, Bible historv and catechism, 
 to an average of niiietv to one hundred childr,en. 
 
HISiORY OF ALTOONA AND BI;AIIl COUNTV. 229 
 
 Tims the c'Oiiurrniition has iiiMspered under the present piistor. 
 He is a youni;' and aetivc man, and is eoiisidered an able speaker iu 
 both the Gernian and Eng-lish languages. Since his advent he has 
 gained the friendship and respect of all classes without exception, and 
 -all good wishes attend his ministry among the citizens. Thus, 
 through his earnest I'udeavors and hard labor. Rev. Francis J. Kaib 
 has raised St. Michael's congregation to such a state that it may be 
 justly considered one of the Ix'St in the Catholic diocese of Pittsburg. 
 l^Vrl and 1S80 — what a changi' during thit^ time! 
 
 LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 It is with diflicnlty that a cora|)lete history uf the Lutheran church 
 can at this day be written. Its early records were loosely kept 
 and the original members are either n'vw members of the church in 
 heaven or have removed to other States. In Fraakstown, about the 
 year 1824, the First Lutheran church of Hallidaysburg was organ- 
 ized with Rev. G. A. Reichart as pastor, who served until 1830. 
 Rev. Smick filled the pulpit for several years. The old church build- 
 ing is still standing. It was built and finished inside like all other 
 church edifices in those days — galleries around the three sides, a pul- 
 pit high in the air, reached by winding stairs, and high back ]ie\vs. 
 Rev. Jacob Martin became the pastor in 1832, and with his advent 
 the church began to increase in numbers an,d prosperity. His pas- 
 torate continued, with the e.xce|)tion of several years, until 1849. In 
 1840, the church was without a pastor. In 184G Rev, Peter Anstadt 
 ministered to the congregation. In 1837, the congrr-ation — many 
 having now settled in Hollidaysburg — contemplated a removal. .Mr. 
 Christian Garber, accordingly donated to the church a piece of ground 
 on the hill where the cemetery now is, and in the spring of 1838, 
 ground was broken for a new church edifice. Ilenry L. Patterson, 
 Jacob Brumbaugh and John R. Martin composed the building com- 
 mittee. The ceremony of laying the corner stone was performed on 
 Saturday, May 14, 1838. The exercises were held in the then new 
 Presbyterian church. Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, of Baltimore, JId., and 
 Rev. Gibson, of Bedford, assisted in the devotional s(.'rvices. In a 
 few years, additional ground was purchased, and u.^-ed as a cemeterv. 
 This building did good service, and was, in its day, a comfortable 
 church. The basement of the church was ust^d for a short time by 
 the public school. During Rev. Martin's pastorate, there were re- 
 ceived into the church 466 members and he baptized 320 children. 
 In 1849, Rev. Lloyd Knight was called to, be the pastor, and he 
 
 l.T 
 
230 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 served the congregation until 1802. During his pastorate, the new- 
 church, on the corner of Allegh(^ny and Unioo streets, was built and 
 the old church taken down. The corner stone of the new church was 
 laid in June, 1853, amidst imposing ceremonies. Many articles of 
 ■interest were deposited, and it is to be regretted that a description of 
 them cannot be given. Rev. Daniel Schindlcr became the pastor in 
 1862 and served for three \-ears. He was an eloquent preacher and 
 a good man, but there was no notable prosperity during his pastor- 
 ate. He succeeded in procuring for the churcln an elegant pipe organ 
 which cost six hundred dollars. Kev. Charles L. Ehreufeld became- 
 the pastor during the summer of 1805, and served the congregation 
 acceptably for five years. He was succeededjby the present pastor,. 
 Hev. D- L. Ryder, who preached his first serriion as the regular min- 
 ister, in the month of January, 1872. Dflring his ministry the- 
 ehnrch edifice and parsonage have been remodeled and greatly im- 
 proved. The church is now very neat and comfortable. The walla 
 are handsomely frescoed; beautiful stained glass adorn the windows 
 and the floor is covered with a handsome carpet. The present mem- 
 bership is three hundred and fifty, and the Sabbath-school numbers 
 some two hundred scholars. 
 
 BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 The Baptist church of Hollidaysburg sprung from the church at 
 Williamsburg, which was admitted into the Juniata Baptist Associ- 
 ation in 1829. Ten members of that church had their residence in- 
 HoUidaj-sburg, and when it was determined that the canal basin 
 should he located there, and it became evident that the village of Hol- 
 lidaj'sburg was destined to become a large and prosperous town^ 
 these ten members deemed it expedient and proper for them to organ- 
 ize a church of their own. Accordingly, in August, 1833, they ob- 
 tained letters of dismission from the Williamsburg church. On No- 
 vember 17, following, a council of the association, which had beert 
 previously called, met in th(> public school building on Walnut street^ 
 (the old school building which was torn down some years since), and 
 then and there the Baptist church of Hollidaysburg was organized. 
 Rev. David Williams, pastor of the Williamsburg church, was called 
 and became the first pastor. Sutliff F. Henry and Joshua William- 
 son were elected deacons of the new organization. But it was not 
 until 1836 that the congregation felt themselves able to build a church 
 edifice. Although this small nucleus soon grew in numbers and in-, 
 fluence, their limited means would allow of the erection of but a 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 231 
 
 small brick building, which was built on the corner of Walnut and 
 Union streets, the site of the present church. Rev. Williams contin- 
 ued to serve the church for several years. Rev. Thomas E. Thomas 
 was the pastor for six months during the jear 1837. Rev. John P. 
 Rockafellar, an able and earnest divine, very zealous in the cause of 
 Christ, was called to the pastorate in 1837. He continued to labor 
 among the people, witnessing, in many instances, rich returns for 
 his labors, up to the time of bis death, « hirh occurred in 1849, ex- 
 cept an interval of three years. He died you'ng, and his early depart- 
 ure was much regretted. Rev. Rockafellar bad many warm and 
 trfte friends. During his ministry, the little brick church was dis- 
 covered to be too small for the accommodation of the rapidly increas- 
 ing congregation, and in 184(5 the neat edifice now used by the church 
 was built. In 1874 it was remodeled, and the auditorium has l)een 
 made ver\' comfortable and attractive. During the interval of three 
 years, before alluded to, the pulpit was filled by Rev. Dr. A K. Bell, 
 and Rev. Henry We.scott. In 1848 the congregation extended a call 
 to Rev. D. J. Yerkes, who continued in the pastorate until 1857. 
 Rev. Yerkes was a brilliant preacher, a good pastor and very suc- 
 cessful. He was succeeded by Rev. A. H. Taylor, who continued in 
 charge until 1862. Rev. C. S. Stineman was the pastor for one year. 
 In 1864 Rev. Dr. William Shadrack became the pastor, and contin- 
 ued, greatlv admired and respected by all his congregation, until 
 1868, when Rev. E. C- Clapp was called and served for two years. 
 He was regularly installed pastor in August, 1807, and served his 
 people faithfully until October, 1809. In the spring of 1870-Rev. H. 
 .F. King, the present pastor, received a call, which was a,ccepted, and 
 took charge of the congregation during the month of April of that 
 year. Rev. King is very acceptable to the people as a pastor. His 
 heart is in his work, and there is no question of his future success. 
 He is a young, earnest and arduous worker in the cause of his Master. 
 The Sabbath-school attached to the church is large and in a flour- 
 ishing condition. M. H. Baldridge, is its superintendent. A. M. 
 Lloyd takes an active interest and has charge of the Bible class — 
 called the "Judson Bible Class." 
 
 HOLTJD.iYSBURG SEMINARY FOR YOUNG L,\DIES. 
 
 On page 25 reference is made to this institution of learning, which 
 originated from a desire for higher education for young ladies. The 
 building is stone, four stories from the foundation, fronta,ge one .hun- 
 dred and fifty feet, and depth one hundred and sixty feet. ,It con- 
 
232 HISTORY OF ALTOOXA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 taius, in addition to a lai'ffe and commodious scliool hall, a laboratory, 
 recitation, rcadiujr, mu^k aud art rooms, besides apartments for tlic 
 principal and his family, and dormitories for boarding pui)ils. The 
 building- contains all the modern conveniences. The location of the 
 .Seminary, on an elevated campus, the grounds embracing four or live 
 acres, is a beautiful one, commanding a tine view in every direction. 
 In point of healthfulness the location is unexcelled. While, in no 
 sense, sectarian, the school is, in the best sense, moral and Christian. 
 The work is thorough, broad and liberal, in 'recognition of the fact 
 that the sphere of woman's activity and usefulness is constantly wi- 
 -dening. [See engraving on page 212.] 
 
 THE GREAT FIRE IN HOLLIDAYSBURO. 
 
 About four o'clock, p. m., on the 14th day of April, ISSO, a fire 
 ■tn-iginated, evidently the work of an incendiary, in an unoccupied 
 barn, formerly used as a livery stable by Charles Hewit, located on 
 '^Vayne street, between Allegheny aud Mulberry streets. The Phoe- 
 nix Steam Fire Engine company, Allegheny Hook and Ladder company 
 aud the Good Will hose company promptlv responded to an alarm 
 given by the whistle of furnace number one. The wind, however, 
 spread the flames over adjoining frame structures, and in a short time 
 two l)locks were on fire, rendering the eiforts of the fire department 
 to subdue the flames entirely unavailing. Ai telegram for aid was 
 transmitted to Chief Engineer Rose, of Altoona. Promptlv the 
 "\'igilant company with their apparatus, embarked on a special train, 
 consisting of an engine and truck, and the run was made (seven 
 miles) in eleven minutes. The Vigilant was followed b3- the Em-- 
 pire Hook and Ladder company, who drove to Hollidaysburg,'over a 
 rough road, in forty minutes. By this time the fire was under con- 
 trol. Its progress was stopped by the firemen confining their atten- 
 tion to preventing its farther spread. 
 
 After the fire there remained but. one statble, occupied liv James 
 Condron, on the two squares ravaged by the flames. The buildings 
 destroj'ed were the double cottage house ownted by the Ivollins broth- 
 ers ; green house, photogragh gallery and dwelling of Frank Proctor ; 
 the large brick house on the corner of Allegheny aud Penn streets, 
 owned bv Dr. C. Irwin and occupied by Dr. D. S. Hays; also two 
 frame houses adjoining, owned by Dr. Irwin, and a brick house owned 
 by Wm. Thomas, of Altoona, and a small hoase owned and occupied 
 "by the widow Lewis; also stables of A. L. Holliday, J. Borckheimer, 
 Samuel jNIcFadden, Hon. Thad. Banks, Samuel Milliken, William 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 233 
 
 William;?, A. F. OrJtei-loh, William Gardner, James Patton, Mrs. 
 Reynolds, Col. J. A. Lemon, Q. I. Davis, J. M. Kinports, C. G. 
 Loury, McFarlano heirs, the stables on the Dr. Irwin lots and the 
 AVilliam Thomas lot, and two others. A large number of out houses, 
 sheds, grape arbors, etc., were either broken, burned or damajred. 
 
 While the tire was in progre.s.>? the roof of the residence of Judge 
 Dean, and also on that of Hon. R. A. McMiirtrie, caught tire from' 
 flying sparks, but were extinguished before serious daniaiic resulted. 
 Several other buildings caught tire from sparks and blaziuLr shingles 
 carried by the "wind, among which were the residences of Dr. W. C. 
 Roller, Mrs. Charlotte Irvine, Hon. S. S. Blair, and the stable of 
 David Over, which sustained but little or no damage. 
 
 The losses amounted to about twenty thousand dollars, upon 
 which there was about ten thousand dollars of insurance. 
 
 BLAIR COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 From Rowan Clarke, 'Si. D., of Bellwood, we obtained a short 
 and conci.se history of the Blair County ^Medical Society. A ]irelim- 
 iuary meeting was held in Holliday.sburg, July 25, 184S, in pursu- 
 ance to a notice which appeared in the HolIidaysl)urg pajiers, signed 
 by James Coffey. M. D.; J. A. Laudis, M. D.-/a. Rodrigue, M. D.; 
 Robert W. Chri:-ty, .A[. D., and Harry T. Coffey, M. D, In addition 
 to the gentlemen just named, Wm. R. Findley, M. D., at that time 
 of Frankstown, and John Getty, M. D., of Martinsburg, were present. 
 Dr. John Getty presiding, and Dr. H. T. Coffey, acting as secretarj^. 
 Drs. J. A. Laudis, Win. R. Findley and H. T. CoITca' were appointed 
 a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. On the 16th jSTo- , 
 vember, 1848, an adjourned meeting was held at the Exchange hotel, 
 Hollidaysbuvg, which was composed of the gentlemen just named. 
 A eon.stitution and by-laws were adopted and signed liv those pres- 
 ent. The following officers were elected : President, James Coffev, 
 31. D., Hollidaysburg ; vice presidents, John Getty, M. 1)., Martins- 
 burg, and John D. Ross, M. D.; of Williamsburg; corresponding 
 secretary, Harry T. Coffey, M. D., Hollidaysburg; treasurer, Rob- 
 ert W. Christy, M. D., Hollidaysburg. The next meeting (the first 
 regulaj- meeting) was held on December 2(i, 1848, in the office of Dr. . 
 R. W. Christy in Hollidaysburg. 
 
 The constitution described the object of the society to be the ad- 
 vancement of medical knowledge, and to sustain and elevate the med- 
 ical profession, to protect the interests of its members, to extend the 
 bounds of medical .-m-ience, and to promote all measures calculated to . 
 
33-t HISTORY OF ALTOO.VA AND BLAII^ COUNTY. 
 
 relieve suflerinjr, to imin'ove the health and to* protect the lives of the 
 couimunity. Article 3, section l,say.s: "Xo one shall be admitted 
 as ii member unless he is a graduate in medicine of some respectable 
 school : or, has a license to practice from some board recognized by 
 the Stiite Medical Society; or, has been a practitioner of medicine 
 for at Irii.-t fifteen vears, and who is in good, moral standing in the 
 place where he resides." The balance of the constitution and by-laws 
 is for the troverument and discipline of its metabers. and has been but 
 slightly ameudi'd since its adoption. The society is also governed by 
 the code of ethics of the "American Medical A'ssociation," au adniira- 
 able code in everv respect. 
 
 Twenty-.-even names are on the roll at the present time, only one 
 of the original members, Dr. John D. Ross, of ^Marliiisbur.L;-, being 
 among the number. 
 
 The officers for the present year are as follows: President, G. E. 
 Brehman : vice presidents, C. H. Clossin, and R. \V. Christy ; see- 
 retarv, Rowan Clarke; treasurer, John D. Ross. 
 
 CO.N'CLUSION. 
 
 The first postmaster of Hollidaysburg was William Holliday. 
 He was po.stmaster in 1779, and it is probable was comniissioned by 
 the Supreme Executive Council of the Slate. He and several others 
 addressed a petition to the Council, to which-he signed his name as 
 postmaster, on the 29th of May, 1779. John ftolliday was postmaster 
 during the administrations of Madison and- Monroe, and probably 
 John Quimy .\dams. Peter Hewit served during the first part of 
 Jackson's administration. He was followed by Samuel ^iloore. 
 Wm. ]McFarland was appointed by Yan Buren ; Dr. James Coffev, 
 by President Harrison ; John Gorley, under James K Polk ; the 
 Rev. J. P. Rockafellar, under President Taylor. Rev, Rockafell^r's 
 health becoming poor he was unable to discbarge the duties and was 
 succeeded by Joseph Baldri^re. Col Wm. G Murray was commis- 
 sioned by Franklin Pierce in 18.^3, and was continued during the ad- 
 ministration of James Buchanan. James Bingham was appointed 
 by Abraham Lincoln in 18G1, and continued jn the office until 1SG9 
 or 1870, when John Lingafelt was commissioned by U. S. Grant, and 
 continued to discharge the duties in a very acceptable manner up to 
 the time of his death, in the spring of 1879. *His son, James M. Lin- 
 gafelt, succeeded to the office, and is the present incumbent. 
 
 Three of Hollidaysburg's citizens served in the supreme council 
 of the nation. David Bard served as a member of Conirress from 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 235 
 
 March 4, 1797, to March 4, 1801, during the Fourth and Fifth Con- 
 gresses, and again from March 4, 1803, to March 4, 1815 ; or, from 
 the Eighth to the Thirteenth Congresses inclusive. He died suddenly 
 on his return from Washington, at Alexandria, on March 12, 1816. 
 He was, as stated in another place, a Presbyterian minister, and up 
 to within a short time of his death, a citizen of the borough and 
 ■owned the lot now occupied by John Wigbaman, on Allegheny 
 street. At the time of his death he resided in Sinking Yalley. The 
 Hon. Samuel Calvin represented this district in the Thirteenth Con- 
 gress, and the Hon. Samuel S. Blair was its representative in the 
 Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Congresses. 
 
 The Hon. Hiram Price, who is a member of the present congress 
 from the Second Iowa district, was at one time an active and lead- 
 ing citizen of the borough. General Henry H. Bingham, present 
 member of the First district of this State spent his boyhood days in 
 Hollidaysburg, and his father, Mr. James Bingham, is still an hon- 
 ored citizen. Hon. Ed. Belch, now a prominent lawyer in Missouri, 
 and who served prominentlv for some years in the state senate, was 
 a citizen ; he studied law^in the office of Col. D. H. Hoflius, and hung 
 out his first shingle in Hollidaysburg. Hon. Geo. W. Martin, now 
 a prominent citizen of Kansas, and for many years the State printer, 
 looks upon Hollidaysburg as his old stamping ground, and recalls 
 with pleasure the many pleasant days he spent at his first home. 
 Robert Lowry, now a prominent citizen of Davenport, Iowa, was 
 ■once a leading citizen, and at one time proprietor of the "American 
 House." Man}" others could be named who have gone out and be- 
 come prominent members of society elsewhere, but the brief space 
 allowed for this narration, prevents it- ~ 
 
 Among the leading citizens may be mentioned the Hon. Geo. K. 
 McFarlane, He was fast rising in prominence, when his sudden and 
 ^jntimelf death, in September, 1852, cut short a career which bid fair 
 to be one of high rank in the nation. He was not -only a leading cit- 
 izen of the community, but was a leading and influential spirit in the 
 Democratic party, and through it, was, at the time of his death, on 
 the line of promotion to the gubernatorial chair. Hon. S. S. Blair, 
 a leading citizen, is a distinguished lawyer, standing in the front rank 
 of the Pennsylvania bar, and perhaps the most successful in this sec- 
 tion of the State. By many of bis -friends it is thought only a ques- 
 tion of time when he shall take his place on the Supreme Bench. 
 Hon. Samuel Calvin has been an active citizen for forty-four years, 
 and has done nuicli to advance the interests and promote the welfare 
 
236 HISTORY OF altoona and blair couxry. 
 
 of the boroiiyh. He held a distinguished place in tlx- old Whij,' and 
 the Kepabliean parties, and bis name was brought forwavd in several 
 of the State conventions for Governor, and would, perhaps, have suc- 
 ceeded in securing a nomination, had he not peremptorily declined 
 being a candidate. Rabin Wallace, the father of lion. William A. 
 Wallace, was for man}' years a citizen and a member of the Blair 
 county bar. Hon. Thad. Banks has been for forty years a leading 
 lawyer and distinguished citizen, and has always taken an interest in 
 all matters and movements calculated to promote the welfare of the 
 borough. Hon. John Dean, for many years an active and enterpris- 
 ing citizen, has, througii his own untiring exertions, attained promi. 
 nencc as a lawyer, and since bis elevation tp the bench has given 
 perfect satisfaction t-o the people of the Twentj'-fourth district, and 
 Hollidaysburg is proud of his legal attainments and his clear and im- 
 partial rulings and legal opinions. Hon. A. S". Landis, a lawyer rap- 
 idly rising in prominence, was a distinguished member of the late 
 constitutional convention. Hon. B. L. Hewitt, also a ju-ominent 
 member of the bar, has represented the people of the connty in the 
 Legislature for a number of years, and he bids'fair to distinguish him- 
 self in otlier and more promineut fields of uselulness. Hon. John A. 
 Lemon, who represented this district, for a number of years, in the 
 State Senate, is now the candidate on the Republican ticket for Audi- 
 tor General of the State. He has always beeji a prominent and use- 
 ful citizen, and the people are proud of his advancement. Hon. John 
 Cresswell, jr., has been a resident and a leading citizen for many 
 3-ears, and at one period of his life, a leader of'lhe Democracy in this 
 Senatorial district. He represented the district with honor and dig- 
 nity in the -State Senate, over which bod}- he presided as Speaker. 
 He was the first Blair county man to occupy the Speaker's chair. 
 Mr. Cresswell is also a lawyer of learning and abilit\-. 
 
 Hollidaysburg may be an old town and not a big town for it& 
 age, but it can truthfully boast of a large number of good and prom- 
 inent citizens at home and abroad. There are few prettier towns or 
 more healthful localities. Its streets are well shaded and there are 
 few streets that can e.xeel Allegheny for beautj*. The town is lacking 
 in but one thing, and that is a large, first-class' hotel. It could be- 
 made, on account of the pureness of its atmosphere, and beauty of its- 
 surrounding .scenerv, a very desirable summer resort. It is to be 
 hoped that the day is not far distant, v^-hen tbis much needed want, 
 will be supplied. 
 
HISTORY OP ALTOONA ANT) BLAIR COUNTY. 23T 
 
 TYRONE Borough. 
 
 To J. D. llick.-i, esq., of Tja'one, a promiHcnt member of the bar 
 of Blair count}-, we are indebted for the historical reminiscences con- 
 tained in the following : 
 
 "Tyrone* City," so called in its earliest day by its original pro- 
 prietors, is one of the comparatively new towns in the central part of 
 the State, and is, in nearly every respect, what may be called a "rail- 
 road town," owing-, as it does, its prosperity to the Pennsylvania 
 railroad and its branches. 
 
 FIRST BUILDINGS ERECTED. 
 
 It was originally laid out b}"- Messrs. Lyon,. Shorb ife Co., an old 
 and much respected iron firm, that, until a few years since, carried on 
 extensive iron-works in different parts of the State. John T. 
 Mathias, at the present day a venerable and highly respected citizen 
 of the town, in 1850, a.ssisted in planning the streets and laying out 
 the lots. He was then the superintendent of what was known as 
 Tyrone Forges. Hon. Jacob Burlej- built the first house and moved 
 'into it in Xovemljer, 1850, and Rev. John D. Stewart and Mr. Bur- 
 le}' started business together in the building first then completed, ad- 
 joining, or in close proximity to the same ground now occupied bv the 
 City hotel. In 1852 the Central hotel was erected by Joshua Burley, 
 and in 1853 Messrs. Edwin L. Study, Pius Sneeringer and Samuel 
 Berlin, on their waj' to the far west from Adams countj^, were in- 
 duced to interrupt their journey and look at the new town. They 
 were so favorabh^ impressed that they purchased lots and ever after- 
 wards identified themselves with the growth and prosperity of Ty- 
 rone. Mr. Study died about a year ago, after being widely and favor- 
 ably known over the entire State as an active and honorable business 
 man. He was president of the Blair County Banking company at 
 the time of his decease. Mr. Berlin commenced in the drug business, 
 in which he is still engaged. Mr. Sneeringer started in general mer- 
 chandising and retired but a year or two since. In 1852 the first 
 school-house and the Methodist B. church were added to the many 
 new buildings previously erected, and in the following year the Pre.s^ 
 byterian and United Brethren churches were built. 
 
 * Commencing its career as a town in 1849, Tyi-one was created, a borough in. 
 1857; East Tyrone in 1873. The name was . derived frojii tlie Tyrone. Iron jworkg, 
 about one mile ea.st of Tyrone. 
 
238 
 
 IirSTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTV. 
 
 RAILKOAD FACILITIES. 
 
 Tlie railroad facilities of T^vrone are second lo no town of like 
 population in the State, and the early completion of the Tyrone and 
 Lewisburg railroad (soon to be effected) makes Tyrone la reality 
 a railroad centre and a point which will be soutrht after by persons 
 whose inclinations and means would lead them into the manufactur- 
 ing business- 
 
 Throug-h the courtesy of Capt. C. S. W- Jones, editor of the 
 •"Herald," we are able to present a diagram (3f T\"rone : 
 
 fcc S 
 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUXTT. 239 
 
 TYRONE ANT) CI,BARFIT,T) RATTJROAD. 
 
 In 1853 the Bellefoiite Plank road was couiiilctcd. and in 18ri(; 
 the Tyrone and Clearfield railroad was coninieaeed. liy David J. 
 Priuicr, but owing to some difficulties the roa.d was in an inconijilete 
 condition until 1860, when the Pennsylvania railroad took ( Iia[\L''e of 
 it and soon laid the rails over what is said to be the steepest gradient 
 in the State, and Clearfield countv poured its coal and lumber into 
 the already flourishing" borough. 
 
 NEW DIVISION OF PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD. 
 
 In 18C2the Bald Eagle Talley railroad ssper.seded the old plank 
 road, and a new division of the Pennsylvania railroad was organized 
 with Mr. Samuel G. Black as superintendent, and D. D. Wood, a 
 well-known and tried railroad man, as train-master. From this time 
 the town grew rapidlv. 
 
 SLTERINTENDENTS AND CLERKS. 
 
 Superintendent Black was succeeded by James Lewis, a brother 
 of Enoch Lewis, purchasing agent, P. R. K., and, in turn, was suc- 
 ceeded by George C. Wilkins. Mr. Wilkins became much interested 
 in the growth of Tyrone and did much towards it; improvement. 
 In 1877 Mr. Wilkins was succeeded by S. S. Blair, the present efli- 
 cieut and gentlemanly officer. The first chief clerk of the road was 
 M. H. Taylor, son of the late Judge Taylor. In lSr.7 Mr. Taylor 
 was succeeded bv Josiah D. Hicks, residing in Tvrone. He removed 
 to Altoona in 1868, and was succeeded by Themas J. Maitlaud, who 
 was afterwards promoted to the general superintendent's ofiBee in Al- 
 toona. R. H. Powell succeeded Mr. Maitland, and upon the acces- 
 sion of Mr. Blair to the superintendency Mr. Powell was sueeeeded 
 by John H. Riley. 
 
 SHOPS OF PENNSYLVAN'IA RAILRO.\II. 
 
 The Pennsylvania railroad, as early as 1868, established shops for 
 repairs in this place, which, for a number of years were under the 
 management of Andrew Tauclaiu, sr., now of Altoona. He was 
 succeeded by William H. Jackson, at present also a resident of the 
 "Mountain City." Mr. Jackson was succeeded by William H. 
 Carothers, who is, to-day, the same genial fellow he used to be when 
 chief director of the Good Will Fire company of Altoona, in its 
 early history. These shops, from small beginnings, have grown to 
 be extensive, in which are now employed a large nnmlxjr of men. 
 
240 IITHTORY OF ALTOONA AXD ULAIR COUNTY. 
 
 BOILER AND MACHINE .SHOPS AND IMPROVEMENTS. 
 
 There are lariio boiler and maehiue shops ui .succes.-iful operation, 
 iiiider the mnnagenient of W. H. I'awling; two large planing mills, 
 owned by Samuel McCamant .t Co. and Boyer, Guyer & Co. ; a 
 large steam tannery, owned and conducted by D. P. Kay ; extensive 
 lime-stone works and quarries of A. S.Morris; saw-mill and shingle- 
 mill ; large steam flouring mill in town and others clo.se by ; new 
 process steel worksin the vicinity, as well as^ the e.xtensive Tyrone 
 forges, conducted by S. C. Stewart, proprietJjr, who has long been 
 identified with the prosperity of Tyrone, doiiir all that could be done 
 to further its interests, and especially in urging the completion of the 
 Tvrone and Lewisburg railroad, which nitist largely add to the fu- 
 ture prosperity of the place. The manufactm-e of illuminating gas, 
 by the Tvrone Gas & Water company, may ho considered as one of 
 the growing industries of the place. 
 
 PAPER .MILL. 
 
 A large paper mill has just been erected in the northero end of 
 the town by Morrison, Bare tt Cass, in which about eighty hands 
 receive em]ilo\-ment. With a front of 120 feet on Main street, 
 the building extends back 190 feet. The rear wiug, on a parallel 
 with the front, is TO feet, making the walls on three sides .380 feet. 
 Out-buildings in the immediate vicinity have al.4o been ei'ected to sub- 
 serve the purposes of the company. The interior of the main build- 
 ing is filled with improved and finely adjusted machinery. 
 
 BANKING HOUSES. 
 
 About lSn6 William M. Lloyd oi)ened the first bank in the ]ilace, 
 and was shortly after succeeded bj- the Tyrone bank, with Caleb 
 Guyer as its cashier. For a long time previously, Mr. Guyer had 
 acted as railroad agent, and in that capacity ac([uired an e.xtensive a c-' 
 quaintance. Both banks did a large busine.-s. The latter is still in 
 existence, and Mr. Guyer its efiicient head. In the year 1S"(; the 
 Blair County Banking company was organized, and it, also, has be- 
 come one of the fixed institutions of Tyrone. Ed-vvin L. Study be- 
 came its first president, and Gen. Robert A. McCoy, of the famed 
 Pennsylvania Reserves, and private secretary of Governor Cnrtin, 
 was made cashier. 
 
 CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 
 
 All the leading denominations have commodious churches, so that 
 persons who are inclined churchward cannot go amiss in Tyrone. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 241 
 
 The public school building is among the best in the county. The 
 schools are graded, and in a flourishing condition. There are also 
 private schools, and within a short distance of town, is located the 
 Mountain Seminar}', a college for ytiung kdies. Churches and 
 schools may not directly add money to the co'ffers of the people, but 
 they are safeguards thrown around society, and guardians of science, 
 intelligence, morality, and those national virtues for \vhich our fore- 
 fathers "pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacfed honor." 
 
 JUSTICES 01' THE PEACE. 
 
 J. jM. Calderwood and Samuel Jones were the first justices of the 
 peace. Both are living and do honor to the Constituency that elected 
 them. Mr. Calderwood is the Adams Express agent, and Mr. Jones 
 is still acting as magistrate. 
 
 [For history of Tyrone new.spa.pers see pages 53 and 54.] 
 
 MILITARY .MEM0R.\N1)A. 
 
 In ISof), eleven j-ears before the erection of Blair county, David 
 Kobinson, (killed by a runaway accident at Prank.stown, on Fridaj', 
 August a); J. G. Fleck, of Sinking Valley; Allen McGlathery, E. 
 B. Tipton, Robert Riddle, of Altoona; 0. P. Haggerty, of Logan 
 township, and Thomas Smith, of Scotch Valley, were seven of the 
 sixty persons who formed a military organization, called "The 
 Union Cavalry Company." The eompanv was organized iu Pleas- 
 ant Valley, and ^Martin Bell, of Elizabeth Furnace, uncle o*f ^[r. 
 Martin Bell, the Hollidaysburg- attorney, was made cajitaiu. James 
 Hutchison, now of Altoona, was made 6rst lieutenant, and Joseph 
 Irvin, of Hollidaysburg, was second lieutenant. ]Mr. Fleck has 
 made some researches in order to ascertain how many of the original 
 members of the Fnion cavalry are living to-day, and the result has 
 been as follows : B. F. Bell, now residing somewhere in the west, 
 about GT years old; James Hutchison, of this city, about "TO years; 
 Oliver P. Haggertv, of Logan township, OS years old; J. G. Fleck, 
 of Sinking Vallev, 60 vears old; John Hamilton, of Alloona, prob- 
 ably 65 years old; Smith Hamilton, living iu the west, 63 j^cars old; 
 Allen ^IcGlathery, of Altoona, '70 years old; David Henshey, of 
 Autis township, about 70 years old; Samuel Noble, who was born 
 iu the old log house that formerly marked the site of Altoona, but 
 who now resides in Iowa, aged 60 ; Thomas Smith, of Scotch Valley, 
 now about 65 'years of age; E. B. Tipton, then a resident of Logan 
 township, but now of Altoona, 69 years ot age; Robert Riddle, 
 now of this city, about 60 years old; Elias B. McClellan, at that 
 
243 HISTOEY OF ALTOONA AND DLAia COUNTV. 
 
 time clerk at Allegheny Furnace, now living* somewhere in the west, 
 lit the age of more than (JO ; Stephen Johnson, then living at Bell's 
 Mills, but now a resident of Indiana count}', about 60 ; Thomas 
 Trout, of Logan township, aljout 66 years of age ; 0. P. Trout, 
 then of Logan township, but now in Bedford county, about 60 ; Jo- 
 seph Irvin, then of Scotch Yalle}', but now of Ilollidaysburg, about 
 64 ; Elias Jloore, of Scotch Valley, about 65 : James Hopkins, then 
 of Logan township, now of Lee county, Illinois, about 65 ; A. K. 
 Bell, then of Bell's Mills, but now pastor o.f the Baptist church of 
 Altoona, about 65 vears. 
 
 The Sheridan Troop was organized July I'5, IsTl, with C. S. W. 
 Jones, captain, and J. C. Akers, first lieutenant. Mr. Jones was re- 
 elected captain in 1816. George Grenninger was elected first lieu- 
 tenant, July 1, 18'74, and re-elected to same position Juh^ 1, 18Y9. 
 T. M. Fleck was elected second lieutenant December 1, 18'75. The 
 company numbers fift}'-eight men, who, fully equipped with uniforais, 
 carbines, revolvers, saddles, bridles, etc., present a fine military ap- 
 pearance. Connected with the troop is a fine cornet band. 
 
 EXTENSIVE CONFLAGIIATIDN. 
 
 Up to the 8th day of July, 1880, Tyrone met with no serious re- 
 ver.<(!s. About three o'clock on the morning of that day a fire broke 
 ()\it ill the livery stable attached to the City hotel. The stable was 
 burned to the ground. Its contents, including nine horses, a number 
 of buggies, carriages, wagons, etc., were also destroyed. The third 
 story of the City liot«l, as well as a two-stoiy frame building occu- 
 pied ))y th(; Blair County Banking company, clothing firm of Mem- 
 inger t"t Stewart, and Ity Dr. J. M. Genimil as an office, disappeared 
 with the flames; also, a frame two-story house with a one-story addi- 
 tion owned liy James T. Owens, and occupied Tjy W. B. Stewart asa 
 shoe store and dwelling and by Mrs. S. G. Black as a notion and 
 stationery store. The ne.xt victim of the fire'was a two-storv frame 
 Ijuilding owned by John A. Crawford it Br.Q., of Sinking Valley, 
 and occupied h\ John W. Thomas as a dwejling and by Smith & 
 Gray, grocers. From this point the flames leaped across an allej' and 
 attackeda large brick building owned by the heirs of Weslej^ Nowliii, 
 deceas(!d, and occupied by Templetou, Crawford & Co., as a dry 
 goods stoi-e, the roof and upper story of which were partially de- 
 stro^'cd. A large frame warehouse in the roar of the store aud a 
 frame dwelling hou.se in the same locality', also belonging to the 
 Nowlin estate, met a similar fate. A frame dwelling house, owned 
 
UISTORY OP ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 243 
 
 b}^ W. Fisk Conrad, was next consumed. A- dwelling house adjoin- 
 ing, owned b)" Mrs. Reljecca Walker, was totally destroyed. The 
 "Herald" building, adjoining the City hotel, on Main street, the first 
 floor of which was occupied by D. B. TViLson as a book and, sta- 
 tionery store, the second floor by the "Her'ald" printing office, and 
 third floor by the Grand Army of the Republic, was partialh^ de- 
 stroj-ed — the first story remaining. Xext to'the "Herald" building 
 a two-story brick house, owned by Patrick Fh'nn, the first floor of 
 which was occupied b}- the Tyrone bank ajid the second floor as 
 offices by D. T. Caldwell and John A. Mathias, as well as a two- 
 storj- frame hall adjoining the bank building, also owned by Mr. 
 Fl3'-nn, yielded to the flames. The latter building was occupied on the 
 first floor by the post office ; P. Sneeringer & Sons, tobacco dealers, 
 and George H. Garner, dealer in drugs; second floor, "Democrat" 
 printing office. Xext destroyed was a frame building owned and oc- 
 cupied by P. Sneeringer as a dwelling, and by Messrs;. Van Valzah 
 ■& Wilson as a dr}" goods and grocery store ; also John Scullin's three- 
 .story brick building, occupied by him as a dwelling and merchant 
 tailoring establishment ; two-storj" frame building, used by I. P. 
 Walton as a dwelling and jewelr}' store. An inconsiderable portion 
 of personal property (goods, furniture, etc.,) was saved, and, in the 
 absence of insurance the loss fell -heavily upon many. The insur- 
 ance, altogether amounted to about $100,000. The value of property 
 destroyed was in- the neighborhood of $150,000. 
 
 In response to a telegram transmitted by=J..D. Hicks, of Tyrone, 
 to Chief Engineer Rose, of Altoona, about an hour after the fire 
 broke out, the latter gentleman with the Vigilant Steam Fire com- 
 pany hastened to the scene of the conflagration. When the call for 
 help was received. Chief Engineer Rose and -the firemen were in 
 bed. Notwithstanding, in fifty minutes thereafter they arrived in 
 Tyrone, fully equipped, and commenced the work of fighting the 
 fire. Huntingdon had been called upon, and it was not long before 
 it responded with a company of firemen and a steam fire engine. 
 The Empire Hook and Ladder company, of Altoona, next made its 
 appearance. These companies, with the Neptune, of Tyrone, all 
 eomposeddf fearless a;nda(itive firemen, by concert of action, soon 
 put an end to the devouring element. 
 
 BEBUrLDING COMMENCED. 
 
 'Removing the 'debris from the burnt district commenced immedi^ 
 ately aifter the fire, and it was not long before active preparations 
 
244 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIll COUNTY. 
 
 ^vel•e made for the erection of more substantial and iinjjosiag build- 
 ingii on the site of those destroyed. 
 
 NEW UAILKOAD DEPOT. 
 
 The new railroad depot, built on the site of the old one destroyed 
 by tire, has just been completed. The ground plan is 4T4x68 feet, 
 the basement is of the best and most durable stone, and the building 
 •consists of two storie.s above the basement. The north elevation 
 shows one door in the centre; the east and west elevations, each 
 two doors, and the south elevation, three doqi's, irrespective of the 
 basement openings and the doors above the fifst story. On the first 
 floor is the ticket office, dispatcher's ofBce, express office, and several 
 , other departments. The apartments on the -second floor are fitted 
 "and arranged for the oflice of the superintendent of the Tyrone di- 
 -vision, and his assistants. - The main front elevation, with its octag- 
 :onal faces and angles, presents a fine appearance; but the entire 
 building, finished in the best style of railroad architecture, is an im- 
 posing and magnificent structure. 
 
 NEW IRON BRIDGE. 
 
 Besides these industries and improvements we may mention a 
 new iron bridge which now spans the Bald Eagle creek. It is sev- 
 •enty-five feet in length — a very neat and firtn structure. It is of 
 sufficient width for wagons to pass each othfer, with extensions on 
 each side for foot passengers. Soon another bridge, spanning the Ju- 
 ,iiiata river, will be constructed. 
 
 TYRONE'S FUTURE PROSPECTS. 
 
 ; The iron-ore fields of Warriors-mark and jJittany vallej-s, and the 
 Spruce Creek and Half-moon valley mines on the east ; the inex- 
 haustible coal* fields and lumber districts of Clearfield and Centre 
 Counties on the north and west, and the zincf and lead mines of 
 Sinking Valley on the south — these resources, coupled with the beau- 
 
 ♦TlK- inoduct riinires from 40,000 to eo,000 tons per week. This coal is said to be 
 'superior to tliat niinett in any other bituminous district. It yielils, by analysis, 
 seventy-four per cent, carbon, is comijaratively free from impurities, makes but 
 little ash, and consequently adds to its combnstivc po^jcr a medium percentage of 
 volatile or inflammable sus. Large bodies of carbonate Iron-oro, which mixes ad- 
 vantageously with the hcmitite ami fossil ores of the Juniata valley, exists in part 
 of the coal fields. 
 
 tone of the lime-stone belts of the lower Devonian, cropping along the val- 
 ley, jields a considerable amount of lead and zinc, wliich, if properly developed 
 through scientific skill, would start a lemunerative business in the manufac- 
 tiirc of "oxides. Silcx, or silica, in the form of glass-sand, is iilso al)undant. 
 
SINKING SPRING CAVE, NEAR TYRONE. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 245 
 
 tiful Jiiiiiata]:, which sonds forth a never-failing .^upjily of pure wa- 
 ter, to,ti('th(.'r with its a^-riciiltural rosuurees;, n)Uj;t in the near future 
 make Tyrone one of the most important and populous railroad 
 towns of Pennsylvania. The health-iniparting influences of the at- 
 niosphi're, and the beauty of natural scenery, combined witli the ad- 
 vantages ab-eady recited, point with unerring certainty to this result. 
 
 DIRECTORY OF TYRONE. 
 
 nOROUGH OFfJOERS. 
 
 Chief l>nijr'.':>s. (J. s. W. Jones. Trensurer. c J. K><r(.'l. 
 
 A^sistuiit do. Joliii F. Unnj;. \ Solit iior. .7. 1 ). ilitk.-r. 
 
 TOWN Ct'rNCIL. 
 
 IriX Wjii'il— Samuel Uoiiiii. K. J. Frniier. 3il Wunl— A. G. Morris, M. -I. JMeCann. 
 2nd AVard^I. M. Smith. M. G. Crawford. 4tli Wuid— M. ytex;arl. J no. Fairfll, sr. 
 
 SCHOOL UiKECTOIty. 
 
 J. yi. Culderwood. I). P. Kav, *r. 
 
 A. li, Hoovrr. -J. s. PluVmher, 
 
 S. S. Rlair. -I. H. Iloltzingor. 
 
 Constable, IT. I. Harpliaiii. 
 
 iloioui^h Surveyor, 11. V. nocekiug. 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 Evangelieal Lutheran (German) church, organized in 18(i5i. 
 
 Fir;t Evungrlical Lutheran ( English) church, orj^anizc^l iu 1S7J. .1. H. AValtericlc, 
 
 pastor, 
 Methodi.-:-! Episcopal cUnreh, er«'(-te<l in 18.V>. Rev. J. F. Riddle, present i^astor. 
 rresb^terian oliureh, organized in IS.^7. Rev. s, jM. Moore, O. 1)., jiasirir. 
 St. Matthew's Roman Catholic church, orgauizetl originally in Sinking ^'olley o\'er 
 
 thirty-five years ago ; church built in Tyrone in IS*!. Rev. Father J. C. Farj-an. 
 
 l^astor. 
 Young 3!<_-n\-^ Chri.slian As>ociation, organized in IS'^d. Prcjiident, Ov. J. C. Han\- 
 
 ilton. 
 
 FIRE COMPANY. 
 
 The XeptuuL' Hose Company, Organized in 1S7'*. Ijicorporated as Xcptune Steam 
 Fire Engine Company in October, 1S.-^;I. 
 
 ]; The historic -Jnniata rlow^. through the valley, and at tlii^- point, iuii- 
 cut a narrow channel through the shale roclis of Rru^h mountain. Flowing nearly 
 in tlie oppositi^ <lireetion. and i-eN-er.-ely through tlie old prinuil l)ed of the Juniata, 
 i> the Raid Eagle cre<'lc. which joins the river at Tyrone, in its ceaseless '-march to 
 tiiesea/" Sinking Run. (see engraving of .-^inking Spring,) a beautiful mountain 
 -tream, enters a ^^ubterranean cavern at the upper end of town, conic^ to daylight 
 on the margin of tin* Juniata, and forms it.- coutlucnee with the ri\er a short dis- 
 tance abo\'e the mouth of the Jlald Eagle. Sinking run is lapped sonn; distance 
 above the "Sink," by the main water pipe, and supplies the town with pure and uu- 
 itdulteraled water. Two other very tine mountain streams Jlow together below the 
 ■- liig Kdl" on the Tyrone ami Clearfield railroad, and the pure, sparkling water 
 comes rushing, gnsliiug. foaming anil bounding over the rocks, until it enters the 
 Raid Eagle abo^"e Ea-t Tyrone. Numerous smaller runs and rivulets drain the 
 basins that enter the great valley. 
 
 10 
 
24r) HI^^TiiRY OF ALTdONA ASD BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 SKOUKT SOCIETIES. 
 
 TyroiH' Lo(i,i,^i\ ]:>L \. O. o! O. F., i-('-(ii-;,'ii)iixo(t In 1872. M<-eTs rvri'y \V<;'lii<-s,kiy 
 
 e\uiiinir in H<_'llt.T'> Hall, 
 Tyrone I.oil^^o, No. 4'J4. A. V. M.. ors^^iinizuil ii\ 1.S70. Meets tlie tliii<I Monday ol 
 
 each inuiith. 
 
 MTS( ELLANEUl'S ASSOCl ATIO:^. 
 
 Jlakt Ka^'le lJnil<lin;r ami Loan A:^soeiuli'>n, incorpomtctl in H7J. sani'l MeC:unaiit, 
 
 lire^iili'iii : -I. -M. CaUlerwood, r^ecretai'y. 
 Emerald Benerteiai A.-soeiaTioii, braneli 'iil, or^raniAMl in 187J. William Voyt, 
 
 l)re^i<!fnt. 
 TjTcnc lias aiiil ^^'att■r Company, incor]ii)j alcd in \^'>S. C (iii_\'er. jnc-idrnt ; A. A. 
 
 >-ti'\-.-n>. .-fciriary. 
 
 SHEiaDA> BAM>. 
 
 Tlio. Slieihlan J)aml le-oriratiized in l>7'.t. Meels every Tuesday eveniiiLC. 
 
 JIANKS. 
 
 TAione Ilank, or'_':inize(l in 1^71, (aleli Guycr, cashier. 
 
 IJlair Coinny r.ankiny Comjiany, organized in 1S7+. Kohr, A. .AlcCoy, caslner. 
 
 Bell's Mills, or Bellwood. 
 
 AVe ai'o indcljted to Mi.-^s Clarke, it dau^-hter of Rowaa Clafku, 
 M. r>., for the following- article: Bell's Mills or Bellwood is a vil- 
 IiiLre, on the line of the Pennsylvania railroad, seven miles north of 
 Altoona. It is named for Mr. Edward Bell, who was one of the first 
 permanent resiilents in the village. Quite a large number of Mr. 
 Bell's de.-eendants are now living in or near Bell's Mills. The village 
 is noted for its beautiful mountain scenery and pure healthy atmos- 
 phere. The Allegheny mountains almost completely surround this 
 valley. The only stream of water in it is theJuniata river, and it is 
 so small at this point, that it can scarcely claim the name of river. 
 There are quite a number of mills iu the imnlediate vicinitv of Bell- 
 -wood. It is also one of the principal coaling stations aloDg the Penn- 
 sylvania railroad. This place has become quite famous of late as 
 the point to which all parties come on their way over the Bell's Gap 
 railroad. This railroad was built eight years ago. Its chief object 
 was to bring coal from the mines on the mountain to the Pennsylva- 
 nia railroad cars; but it is much visited by strangers on account of. 
 the grand and romantic scenery surrounding it. The road is at 
 present eight miles iu length, but the conipan.v are building an ex- 
 tension, which, when completed, will make a road twentv miles in 
 length. The highest point is twelve hundred feet above Bell's Mills. 
 The road winds along the side of the mountain, and crosses goro-es 
 over seventy-five feet deep. On all sides are mountains, and far be- 
 low is the valley. On top of the mountain is a beautiful little re- 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 24t 
 
 aoi't, called Rhododendron Park. This is a favorite place for picnics 
 and excursions. The population of Bell's MilLs has increased quite 
 rapidly since the building- of this railroad, and the business capacities 
 of the place are much better than before. There arc two stores and 
 four churches in the village. In the cemetery are some graves bear- 
 ing the date of the first years of the century. Bell's Mills lias a 
 population of about five hundred people. Nature has done much to 
 make the village beautiful. A few touches from the hand of art 
 would make it as i)retty as any place of its size along the Pennsj-l- 
 vauia railroad. 
 
 ROARING SPRING. 
 
 This thrift}' little village is located in the southern part of the 
 county, about seventeen miles south of Altoona, on the Morrison 
 Cove railroad at the junction of the Bloomfield railroad. It has a 
 population of about 600 inhabitants. The .town derives its name 
 from the spring located on the land of G. H. Spang, of Bedford, Pa. 
 The spring sends forth large volumes of soft lime-stone water, and 
 the beautiful surroundings are used as a favorite picnic ground by 
 adjacent towns. The spring derived the name of "roaring" from 
 the sonorous sound produced by the flow of the water over a rocky 
 precipice at the fountain head, which could be heard for a mile or 
 more. The artificial improvements, made some 3-ears ago, had the 
 effect of destroving this gurgliug sound. -It still maintains its 
 former name of Roaring Spring. 
 
 Daniel Bare and his son, D. M. Bare, of the grist and paper 
 mills, purchased the major portion of the land on which the town is 
 located from Job Mann, of Bedford, in 1863. These enterprising 
 gentlemen at once saw that it was a very desirable location for a 
 paper manufactory and the powerful volume of water emanating 
 from the spring could be utilized to drive the machinery'. They, in 
 conjunction with John Eby and John Morrison, began the erection 
 of a paper mill which they operated successfully, but it was destroyed 
 by fire. It was again rebuilt and operated again for seven years 
 when it was destroyed by an explosion. Phoenix-like, it arose from 
 its ashes, and now it is one of the most complete paper manufac- 
 tories in the State, employing in its various departments over one 
 hundred persons. The enterprising firm have large stores in New- 
 York and Pittsburg. The mill is operated day and night, and the 
 
248 IIISTIIRY 111' ALTOON'A AM) BLAUl CdLNTV. 
 
 maniiiiotli Corliss (.'Uji'iin' is toiling its oeiisclOiSs rduiids IVruii Monday 
 uioniiny until Saturday aiubt williout tftoppiog-- 
 
 15esido,s the paper mill, Rtiariiij,'' Spriii,n' 'lias a larfrc i;rist iiiill, a 
 conuiiodious school cdilici', four ehiux'lies, telcii;rapli ollicc, I'tc. Tlie 
 spring- itsrlf, with its beauliful g-rove and ehurniing snrroundings, is a 
 favorite resort for lovers of i)leusure. 
 
 Martinsburg. 
 
 It i.s l.i'-autifully situated in ;\[orris(jn Cove.aljout twelve mik's from 
 ]Iolliday.~liur£.f, on a branch of the Pennsjivaaia railroad, starting 
 from Altoona. "(ireat Cove," in which it was situated, was settled 
 in 1749, but the name was changed to "ilorrison's Ce>ve," in honor 
 of a Mr. Morris, as earlv as 1770. It is an incorporated borough, 
 %vith burgL'SS and council. A number of rich ore mines are in the 
 vicinity. This is the seat of the Juniata Collegiate Institute. [See 
 page 25.] 
 
 This tr.wn was settled by Conrad Mai'tin, a well-to-do farmer 
 from Washington county, !Md. Among the^ early si-ttlers were cx- 
 iSbcriff Alexander Bobli, Abraham Stoner and Daniel Camerer. 
 There are six churches within the borough limits — Lutheran. Metho- 
 dist, I'resbyterian, Church of G<:id. Oerman Tvi-furmed, and German 
 Baptist. It contains a literary society and a cornet band. 
 
 About two and a half miles south of ^lartinsburg is a village 
 called Fredericksburg, with about two hundred inhabitants, situated 
 on Clover Creek, composed of "The Brethren." 
 
 WILLIAMSBURG. 
 
 This village is located in tlie southeastern part of the couutv, 
 pleasantlv situated on the Juniata ri\er. It was laid out in 17'J4 bv 
 a German named Jacob Ake, who purchased the land of Col. 
 Canan. It was calle,<i Akestown, but [U'evious to his death he 
 changed its name fo Williamsburg, as an honor to his oldest son, 
 William, who was about to leave him and settle in Tuckahoe Yalley. 
 The old plan of selling lots on lease, by |wynient of one Spanish 
 milled dollar yearly, forever, was adopted by him, and to this day, 
 most all the lots vield that tax. 
 
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COU.N'TY. 249 
 
 A spring- of very fine water flows throufi-ltthe centre of tlie town, 
 « liieli supplies several meeiianical works. TIk; furnace ]u-operty is 
 at pi-esent idle, l3ut five dry goods, one uroceVy, one hardware and 
 two druLT stores indicate business. Homer llewit lias erected on the 
 outskirts of the town an immense house for tlio propagation of poul- 
 trv of rare and valuable breeds, as well as swine. 
 
 Gaysport. 
 
 In his history of Hollidaysburg-, commencing with page -201, Mr. 
 Snyder makes allusions to (layspovt. We add that it was organized 
 as a borough on June 9, 1841. It contains about eight hundred in- 
 habitants, and is free from' debt. It is separated from HoUidaysljurg 
 bv the Juniata river. 
 
 BENNINGTON FURNACE. 
 
 This is a small village, composed, principstlly, of the employes of 
 the furnace located there. The Bennington shaft supplies Hollidays- 
 burg with coal for coke. In the neighborhood are the mines of Den- 
 niston. Porter it Co., which supply Gap furnace with coal; also the 
 mines ofKittanning Coal company, of Philadelphia, shippers to mar- 
 ket. The place is improving, the Cambria Iron company having re- 
 centlv erected ten double houses, in addition tto what they previously 
 built. A good boarding house or hotel is heeded. There are two 
 churches ; population about TOO. 
 
 KITTANNING POINT. 
 
 This place was so named from the great Indian path or trail, be- 
 tween Kittanning and the valley of the Delaware, which crosses the 
 mountain through this gorge. Coal is extensively mined in the 
 neighborhood, two branch railroads, each two miles in length, run- 
 ning up the ravines to the mines. Population about 250. The post 
 office jias been removed to Glen White. 
 
250 
 
 HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY. 
 
 ARCH SPRING. 
 
 This is a village with a population of 300 or 400, containing three 
 churches, a post office and a seminary for ydung- ladies. It lies in 
 the vicinity of Tyrone. It derives its nam'e from a natural arch 
 which spans the Sinking Spring. [See engraving on page 18.] 
 
 Tipton. 
 
 This village contains three churches, amohg them a new Metho- 
 dist church erected in place of the one recently destroyed by fire. 
 Its location is ten miles east of Altoona and four miles west of Ty- 
 rone, a station on the Pennsylvania railroad. Its population is about 
 three hundred. 
 
 NEWRY AND DUNCANSVILLE. 
 
 Kewn' (a borough) and Duncansville are towns containing be- 
 tween 300 or 400 inhabitants each. The othiT towns of the county 
 are small settlements from fifty to one huhdred inhabitants, all of 
 which contain post offices. Their names appear in the list of post 
 offices of the county, as follows: 
 
 POST OFFICES IN BLAIR COUNTl'. 
 
 Altoona, 
 Arch S])i"ing. 
 liellwood, 
 
 liciminylou Fniiuice, 
 Blue Kiiol), 
 Cunoe Cieeic. 
 Clo\'er Creole, 
 CuriTVille, 
 Duncansville, 
 Kasl, Frc<'iloin, 
 Eldorado, 
 
 Fostorla. 
 
 FiTinkstOAvn, 
 
 Henrietta, 
 
 Ilollidayeuur^, 
 
 CJlcn WliiTe, (Kit'g Pt..) 
 
 McKee's Gap, 
 
 Mai-tinsburg, 
 
 Minej*, 
 
 Xewrv, 
 
 Ulivia", 
 
 Ore Hill, 
 
 i Poplar Run, 
 
 j Roiiiiiig Spring, 
 
 j Koyer, 
 
 I Sabbath Ue3t, 
 
 Sarah, 
 
 Sinking Vallev, 
 
 Tiptou. 
 
 Tyrone, 
 
 \vilUiiinsburg, 
 
 Yellow- Spring. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 251 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 POPULATION. 
 
 The population of TSlaiv coimty in 1870 was 3S,0.t1. 
 of each Township was as tollows : 
 
 In that year the popukitioii 
 
 Allegheny townsliip 
 
 Altoona city 
 
 Antis township ...,.,,.,,.... 1^893 
 
 Elair township 1,.^71 
 
 Catliarine township Ii07 
 
 Fran k^t own township 1,5.53 
 
 Freedom townstiip 1,020 
 
 tiaysport borough 7!).q 
 
 Greentiel<l townshii^ 1,2:^^ 
 
 HolUclaTsburg borough 2,9 V2 
 
 Huston "township ' 1,335 
 
 1,913 I -Tuniata township (iil 
 
 10,610 I Logan towusliip 1,in 
 
 Martiirsimrff l)orouj^U \ .'>-ii' 
 
 Xorth \Vooi4I)ury township U."*;; 
 
 Snyder town^lnp 1,41:1 
 
 Taylor townsiiip 1,300 
 
 Tyrone townsliip- l.OtMi 
 
 Tyrone borougli 1.843 
 
 Wooflb uiy township 2,107 
 
 Total 
 
 In 1875 the population of Altoona was 15,329, distributed as follows 
 
 . 38,C51 
 
 Fami- 
 lies. 
 
 Sixth ward 4/S 
 
 Seventh wai-d 114 
 
 Eighth warfl ; 2(i2 
 
 Popu- 
 lation. 
 2.207 
 557 
 1,205 
 
 rami- Popu- 
 
 lies. lation. 
 
 First ward 418 2.322 
 
 Second ward 549 2.7g9 
 
 Third ward 373 2,o.S8 
 
 Fourth ward 417 2.003 
 
 Fifth ward 393 1,99S I 
 
 The population of tlie countj' in 1880 is 5. 
 
 .after tiie revised report is issued front Washi 
 
 \Ve give the townships: 
 
 Allegheny township 2.148 
 
 Altoona elty 19,740 
 
 Antis townsliip 2,2S2 
 
 Blair townsliip - 1,426 
 
 Catliarine Township. '. '579 
 
 Frankstown township 1,783 
 
 Freedoui township 1,214 
 
 Gaysport borough .-. 704 
 
 •Greenfield township 1,286 
 
 Hollidaysburg borough 3,150 
 
 Huston' township 1,533 
 
 It wDl bo observed that the population for tlie last ten years has increased 14,632. 
 
 Of this Increase Altoona is credited Avith 9,130 ; Tyrone and Hollidaysburg, 198. 
 is the enumeration of the various wards of Altoona forlSSO: 
 
 Sl^th ward 3,058 
 
 •Seventh ward 825 
 
 Totals 3,004 15,320 
 
 !,73;J. Ill one sense tliis is ottieial, but 
 igtoii slight inaccuracies may appear. 
 
 Juniata township 72;j 
 
 Logan towhship 4,582 
 
 JIaninsiiiirg borough .567 
 
 North Woodbury township 1,695 
 
 Snyder township l,S9i 
 
 Taylor township 2,011 
 
 Tyrone township. .. l,tKI2 
 
 Tyrone and East Tyrone borough. 2,957 
 
 Woodbury township 1,900- 
 
 Total. 
 
 .52,733 
 
 The followin^ 
 
 First ward 2,733 
 
 Second ward 3,343 
 
 Third ward 2,517 
 
 Fourth ward 2..W7 
 
 Fifth ward 2,708 
 
 Eighth ward- 1,907 
 
 Total 19,740 
 
 BUILDING. 
 
 Probably tlve hundred buildings of various kinds will have been erected forthe 
 year entllng on the 31st of December, 1880, in the city of Altoona. This is strong, 
 practical evidence of the enterprise and progressive spirit of the citizens. Fortu- 
 nately there lias been but little difliculty in procuring materials. Good building 
 stone can be obtained in the vieinitj-, and lumber can be trauaported froui any 
 lioint of the compass at very low rates. The best kind of clay for building brict 
 <;an be procured within a stones throw of the corporate limits. At the yards of Blr. 
 J. R. Vaughn, pressed, common, paving and angle brick can be procured in any 
 quantity, at any time. The Altoona Fire Clay works, oTHeially conducted by Dr. 
 S. C. Baker, president; M. Kinkead, secretary and treasurer and W. L. Winkle, su- 
 perialeiideut, produce the Isest article of fire clay brick. 
 
'25-2 APrENiiix. 
 
 \Vc i<'pi.i.lil<'';ui uitiflf uliitli iipi'L'-i'-i''' i" ""' AIUifM.il l);nly Sun of July «, 
 l<,-i(l: ••KvKloiKTdftln-pidsiKMity r.l the IniiUlin- Mn.l l,;.im i.ssm-iulioiis ol AUanmi 
 iuc pliiinly \ i^ililr. UnildinKs i-'i rcli-.l llnfuigh I licir jiistruiiu'nliility :n-u lo(aU:il. :it 
 sliort cli;-tl[ii.,'.-,.ivllr,\vr the city. Oul>iik- of tl.is a-eiuY. an.l Ije^idoi lliu Ijuililiii^'S 
 coiistiiKt.il by liKliyiauiUs ill iii.Uvi.liiul cost ami loi- in.livi.liial benefit, ii few citi- 
 zens of moans liave aiiled less prosjierous citizens in eiectinf^ ilwellings, atli-eeiiig- ■ 
 to leeeive wliat otliciwise wonlil be puid for rent as so iiiucli piiicliase money on 
 the property, cliaiKiiitr little or no interest on tin- miioniit iiiveslid, thus enabliii-j 
 the beneti claries to secure lioiiies of tlieirown. <hie of these ^'entleineii is yfr. \\'..J. 
 HeiiiKlint.'. wlio has been cnftagcil in this good work Ioi*sevcral years. He ha.s assis- 
 ted quite a iiumbei- in this way, thus settiiif; an example, to others, which, if follow- 
 ed, will resnlt in jii'i-manent benefit to the coniniunity." 
 
 THE riTY PLAMNil MILI, 
 
 Is located in flic .-ontli-westein portion of the cily. It was eicctcil in the ^]nini,' 
 of 1S7:1 by a jiMiit-stock company, wlio^-ave to it the title of "IV-oples' Plan ing mill.'' 
 The ollicers were : .John (.c<sey, president: ,7. W. ..Martip. sii peri utitndent ami treas- 
 urer. These. to^..tlier with .lames Clabangli, Fredorii'U Ilessi'r and Louis Plack, 
 eoiistituteil the board of ilirei tors. TIk- land, buildings, machiiieiy, etc., cost abont 
 s.ii.iKi(), After the expiration of a year or so, failing to idealize its expectations, and 
 con,scquently nnpicparcd to meet its Hnancial obligations, the company asked for 
 an extension of two yeai>, which was granted by the efuditofs. Then failing in ita 
 payments, an assignee was apiroiuted to dispone of its pvoperty. The property was 
 purchased by \\'illiam >tokc, who, in coiniian\- \\ itli other gentlemen of capital, 
 are now eiigageil ill its conduct, with pvoril, we trust. Id themselves, certainly with 
 eredittothe coinmunit.y. The pi ice paid by Mr. ^tokc was $ll,7ifi'. 
 
 Tlic City Planing mill, with its ortice, a ilwclliiig house, warehouses, slic<ls, sta- 
 ble?, etc.. covers tn o acres of gronni,. The main building, (the mill) and olticc are 
 composed of brick, the former iJOxh'jd feet. and the latter a crc<lit;lblcstructuvc. with 
 ample room foi the pcrfonniincc of clerical labor. Among oflier "conxeuienecs,' 
 so to term them, i.- a railroad siding capable of holding eight Of ten cars. Additions 
 have recently been made to the maeliiuer\-. ineluding the latest appliances for the 
 afiridgmcnt of labor. Having thus far satisfactorily met the ex iiectations of the 
 public, JI<'s.-rs. -Stoke ,.t Co. luive the best a\ i.shcsof the commnuity. 
 
 KXCELSIOR PI.ANl.Xli MILL' 
 
 Is located on Ninth avi'iuie, between Eleventh ali'd Twelfth streets. It was 
 erected in ISiV.i. John ^. llooth and IMurtin IL Macke\- have eomluetcd the ostahlish- 
 mcnt since ls7r.. The frcnuagc occuiiied b.v the Planing mill and its appurtenan- 
 ces consisting of various buildings — olticc, sheds lor the *toragcof lumber, etc. — meas- 
 tin- IrA) feet, ^incc Eooth ^S: ^lackey assumed control r>f the mill, of which they are 
 owners, much additional machinery has l-een added, and other improvements made 
 from time to time. Both these gentlcnn-n lieing practical ailfl cx|n-rienccd 
 ilraughtsmen. cariienters ami buihU'is, arc evidently, the right men in the 
 li.LflU place. Ileuce no .lilliculty is encounttucd l.)y*those who wish buildings 
 erected. lor ]ilans, c^timaxe- and siiecitications are qiiickl.v made out, ami the \vork 
 cxecnird in a inaiincr entirel.N" satisiactory. During tbt' entire period in which the.\' 
 have been en. imaged in business no complaints have be^-fl made by an^" of those who 
 lia\c ax'alh.'il thcniselvo of their services, for they h;lve conducted affairs, from 
 the commencement up to the yircsent time, upon the strictest ijrinciples of intog- 
 rity. Their l.)n>im'>s has increased in arithmetical, or Ve might say, in geometrical- 
 pro.LTression ever since. Xotwithstauding this, their fticilities for f he fullilment of 
 orders is fully equal to the demamls made upon them. 
 
 MOI XT-\IN CITY ST.\R MILL. 
 
 The Jlountain City .-tar Mill.of C. Hauser & Son,lo,catod at the corner of Eighth 
 avenue ami si.\Icentli street, .Vltotnul, is a large and substantial striuduro littcil- 
 with all 1hem<>>t approve»l machinerv for the ra]>id and economic iuoductit.ui of 
 -the V.'st grades of flour. The I'lrgiiie room is well adapted to its use ami contains 
 a forty lioi^c 1 lower engine of modern construction and is piioidcd, as are also the 
 
ArPENDix. 253 
 
 boiler:^, vith tlie best s:ifeguari.lsr iigaiiist acoidont. Mn Janit's Hiiu>i.r i.- tlio ciif^'in- 
 eer, and the splendid conditinn oftlie innclnnery, under liis t:;ire. proves ihal 1r- is 
 thu iiy;lit man for tlie pluot-. 
 
 A tweuty-four inch belt eoniieets the engine \vilh Wie main >lialtiny: ol UiC mill 
 which contain? four run of stone adapted to varioii>. wbrk. Tli<- buns, iil srieat ex- 
 pense, are provided with Holfner's patent eoiJ back lasli spring whicli -ecuri-^ a 
 steady and regular motion without jar. 
 
 All wheiit is put through one of C. D. Hannah, steamers and dryei-s before going 
 to the burrs and the linn make the celebrated new process flour wliich lind^ so 
 much favor with the best judges, a patent middlings purifier and a Eureka ^nuit 
 machine— the best in use— are among the nmchinery of the mill, whieli also eon- 
 tains one of Itiehmond'.s smut machines with cond:)incd breaker and cleaner. 
 
 From the tliird floor of the mill a tine view is obtained of tlie city and shops, 
 while the floor itself is crowded with machinery, all in active motion : tiiere being 
 four bolting reels on this floor, each 21>^ feel long, which bolt the flour and separate 
 the bran. etc. Here are stored eight thousand busliCls of choice Avlicat selected 
 with great care and especial reference to Its flouring qualities. The giiiin is re- 
 ceived at the second floor where ll is carefully inspected and weighe<l and dropped 
 into the receiving bin, and from thence is elevated to the fourth story and eon; 
 veyed to the smut and brush machines That we have spoken of. These machines 
 separate all Impurities and thoroughly cleanse the giain from dust and leave it In 
 a golden shower, pure and clean, on its way to the burrs which grind it. It is firsts 
 however, pa.ssed Ihrongh the steamer,and is steamed iftid dried before it is ground. 
 The burrs are tour feet in diameter, and grind fifteen bushels per hour each. 
 
 Tlie ground wheat is elevated again and goes through the bolts, purifiers, etc., on 
 the third floor. It descends to the second floor where it is weighed and packed into 
 sacks or barrels to suit the requirements of patrons. The miller is Harry G. Gard- 
 ner, a prince of good fellows and a practical man, who always makes A No. 1 flonr. 
 His assistant, AVilliam Hauser, is also a practiciil uiillcF of rare judgment and great 
 experience. 
 
 C. Hauser, sr.,one of -Vltoona's oldest, most reliable, energetic and safe business 
 men, is the senior partner and general managerof the flrm while the ottice business 
 is transacted by his -son, C. Haiiscr, jr., who, to all the goo<I qualities of his father,. 
 adds a genial pleasant manner that al \v:iys attracts and retains friends. 
 
 The "flour of these mills fin<.ls ready sale because of il^ excellent quality which is 
 e^en and can always be depended upon to give satisfaction. The Ihui also deal 
 largely in all kinds of mill products, bran, feed, shorts, grain, seeds, etc., and can 
 always be depended upon to sell at the lowest market prices. Their mill consti- 
 tute^ one of the institutions of which Altoona is deservedly proud and their popu- 
 laiity and business are daily increasing. 
 
 NEW AMERICAN SEWING MACHINE. 
 
 Agencies are established in every city of the United Stales, all the countries- 
 of Europe. ^Mexico, Canada and South ^Vmeiica. The "Americ-an"' has taken the 
 first ijreiuium at nearly' every public exhibition at which itappeared, includinjj the 
 Centennial, wliere it received two flrst-class awards, one for the ingenuity' and sim 
 plicity of its construction, the other for the work done on it. The company claim, 
 with propriet3". that it is the best familj' and light nian'ufacturing machine in exis- 
 tence. D. K. fietts, a polite nud couiteous gentleman, is the general agent of Cen- 
 tral Pennsylvania. His rcsi<lence is in Harrisbuig. E. C. lieese Is the popular 
 agent in Altooua. 
 
 TERRA COTTA WORKS. 
 
 In February, present year, John A. Canan erected a building on Margaret ave- 
 nue, near the Bi-aneh railroad, for the display and sale of Terra Ootta merchandise. 
 On the 20th March he commenced business, and has been doing well ever sinee. 
 He keeps a complete stock of chimney tops, lawn vases, etc., together ■with flre- 
 , brick flues, and other articles in consonance with, if i\ot legitimatelj- belonging to 
 the business. He deals also in linie, sand, hair, cement, brick, etc. He has the good 
 wishes of tlie communit\-. 
 
254 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 SKNATOltS AND IlEI'RESENTATIVES. 
 
 r.elow \i-c give II list of Senators und Ileiirc-;ieiUiitlvc.s of tlic Uistiicts to wlilcli 
 ISlair county was joiiieil, ■n-hcn not entitlcil to separate reiiresentutiou : 
 
 ASSEM|[LYME^^ 
 
 1847 
 
 184S 
 184i| 
 
 laio 
 
 ISol 
 
 1&J3 
 ISo-t 
 
 Blair— Henry Jlridenthall and David Itlair. 
 
 do. — Uenry Bridentliall. 
 
 do. —Josepli nigging. 
 
 do. — Cliarles Ivinkead. 
 Blair and Huntingdon— Setli I!. ."VIcCune and W. B. Smith. 
 
 do. do. do. do. 
 
 do. do. — .Jame-s I.. U\\in and s. S. \Vliarton. 
 
 do. do. do. and James .Maguire. 
 
 do. do. —George Leas and G. W. Sniitli. 
 
 do. do. — John M. Ull^bony and J, 11. \Vintro~e. 
 
 la'iT do. do. do. Jo, 
 
 LSoS do. do. — Roljert M'. Cliristy. 
 
 1S5!) do. tlo. —Jacob Bnrley. 
 
 ISfiO do. do. <lo, 
 
 18G1 do. do. —James Holler. 
 
 lS<'.-2 do. do. — Tliaddeus Banks. 
 
 1SG.3 do. do. — E. A. Me.Murtrie (diedin 18S0). 
 
 lS(i4 do. do. do. 
 
 1S6.'5 do. do. — James G. A<lluni. 
 
 lS6f. do. do. do. 
 
 1867 do. do. — Samuel MeCamant. 
 
 ISW do. do. do. 
 
 1869 do. do. —Jos. Robinson. 
 1?70 do. do. do. 
 
 1S71 do. do. — B. L. Hewitt. 
 
 1S7-- do. do. do. 
 
 1873 do. do. — Seth R. McCunc. 
 
 1S74 do. do. do. 
 
 1S7.'> do. do. —J. C. Everbart and I. H. Rawlins. 
 
 1870 do. do. do do. 
 
 1877 do, do. — Daniel Sbock and David M. .Jones. 
 
 1873 do, do. do. 51, Edgar King. 
 
 1879 do. do. — B. L. HewitaiKl D. A. GiUand, 
 
 SEXATOItS. 
 
 l.'viy Huntingdon and Bedford — rjohn Morrison. 
 
 1848-50 Huntingdon. Bedford and Blair — Alexander King. 
 
 lS.>l-53 Huntingdon, Blair and Cambria— Robert A. Mq,Jlurtrie. 
 
 1854-59 do. do. do. — John Cvesweii, ji-. 
 
 18e0-«2 Blair, Camljria and Clearfield— Louis W. Hall. 
 
 1863-64 do. do. do. — Wm. A. Wallace. 
 
 1865-67 Blair, Huntingdon, Centre, Mirtlin, Juniata and Perry — Louis \V. Hall and 
 
 Kirk Haines. 
 1808-70 [District the same]— Chas. J. T, Mclntyre and .s. T. Shugert -Shugert un- 
 seated by contest and .John K. Robinson, seated. 
 1871-73 do. do. —P. Bruce Petviken and D. M. Ci-awford. 
 
 1874-80 Blair and Cambria — .John A. Lemon, 
 
 COAL TRAFFIC OF THE CITY, 
 
 However it may have been before the erection of those immense receptacles for 
 coal, usually called "trestles," in the eastern part of the city, subsequently and ever 
 since our citizens have been supplied with both antliracite nivd bituniinons coals, 
 in large or small quantities, as they desired, at any^ and all periods of the year. 
 These depositories for coal were erected in 187S, and on July 11, tliat year, thej" 
 received the first car-load of coal. There are three "trestles," each (iOO feet in length 
 
ArPENDix. 255 
 
 aiul eiicU of sufficient widtli to admit ii tniiii of eight Ci^rs. luclucUiif; an engine. As 
 muuy as twenty-two cats, averaging twelve tons eueli,*huve been unloadetl in a sin- 
 gle (lay. We mention tliis as an instance of tlie aiiiounl of coal received in a sin- 
 gle day, not a? an illusliation of tlie celerity with wliicli cars are unloaded, for the 
 contents of one car can he discharged in three minutes' time. The capacity of each 
 "trestle" is about 1,000 tons— hence 3,0(K) tons at a time can recei\-e storage. We may 
 state, in this connection, that in addition to the quantity here deposited, 3,000 addi- 
 tional tons are consigned to dealers in other parts of the city. Turchasing coal in 
 such large quantities, and by watching the market closely enabled to buy at the 
 lowe.st rates, G. .\. McCorniick is prepared to sell coal in large or small quantities, 
 cither to dealers or consumers at low figures, resulting in bcneflt to the community. 
 And in proportion as the city increases in population, the business of this gentle- 
 man increases. As an instance, for the season of 187<i-S0, about 2,000 more tons were 
 sold than during the i)revious season. 
 
 THE ALTOOXA IRflN COMPANY 
 
 Was formed in 1S7-2, for the purpose of manufacturing merchant iron, and was 
 chartered July 10, 1S73. The construction of the rolling mill was commenced July 
 24, 18T2, and was put in operation April 16,1873, with a capacit,i of 3,000 tons manu- 
 facturing iron annually. Since 1874 extensive improvements have been made, and 
 lias now a capacity ot 10,000 tons manujacturing iron per annum. The officers arc: 
 S. C. Baker, president; W. M. WhcJitley, secretarj' and treasurer; S. C. Baker, 
 James tiardner, Robert Smiley, John P. Dean, D. Iv. Eumei' and John Fnllerton, 
 directors. 
 
 ALTOONA CAR WORKS. 
 
 In ISHS shops were erected on the site now occupied by the Altoona Car Works, 
 l)y the "Altoona >[anufacturing Company." A fire, which occurred on ]May '23,1879, 
 destroyed the huiltlings. Recently liew and better structures were reared, tilled 
 ■with improved machinery and such other appliances as enable the new manage- 
 ment to execute better work, uiore promptly, and at lower prices. Tlie principal 
 industry, as the title of the establishment indicates, is tlie manufacture of i-ailroad 
 cars; coal pit wagons, castings of e\ cry description, and general uiacliine work oc- 
 cupy a large share of the attention of the companj'. The works are located at 
 the extreme limits of the south-western portion of tliecity. 
 
 The following gentlemen compose the board of olllcers : S. C. Eaker, president ; 
 S. H. Smith, treasurer and secretary; M. A. Green, superintendent: C. Campbell, 
 Joliii Reiij-, S. C. Baker, S. H. Smith and SI. A. Green, stockholders. 
 
 MOUNTAIN CITV FLORAL ESTABLISHMENT. 
 
 Allen S. IMyers recently estaplished a tlorticulturai garden, so to call it, on 
 Howard avenue, between Ninth and Tenth streets, Altoona, and exhibits a stock of 
 rare plants and flowers, together with sueli as are in more general demand, at all 
 seasons of the year. He is meeting with success. 
 
 CITY PASSENGER RAILWAY. 
 
 At a special meeting of the city council, Iield on the evening of May 12, an ordi- 
 nance authorizing the construction of a street railwa}- w'as passed by a large major- 
 ity of that bodj', since whicli time books have been opened bj' the leaders of tlic en- 
 terprise, and a considerable amount of stock subscribed. The captal required was 
 $50,000; shares $50 each par value. The probability is that the road will soon be 
 built and equippe<l. 
 
 CONTEMPLATED ALTOONA AND CHERRYTREE RAILROAD. 
 
 The project of constructing a narrow gauge railroad between .Vltooiia and Cher- 
 rytree, has not, at this time ot writing, assumed a practical shape, further than that 
 several routes have been surveyed X>y engineers in the employ ot the parties inter- 
 ested, who are men of means, influence and energy, resi<ling here and at other 
 points along the proposed route, among whom we may mention James Ferrj', of 
 Chest Springs : Joseph Behe, of CarroUton ; George Meyers, of Gallitzen township, 
 and Dr. S. C. Baker and D. and C. Moore, of Altoona. 
 
2oG AI'l'KNDIX. 
 
 I.K.illT CIIMl'ANV. 
 
 iMulfi-.lHtoni -cplriiilMT 111, is-^i). tli.ir ivus gianlnl: liy tlu- coinmnnwcaltli ot 
 I'cnnsylv.iniuuclmitor loi-TliL' Alt...<i,u I.ijrht Conipuny/- th.' oiiipnniUni. to l.o 
 lioi-iH'tunl. Thi' imriKirfL- i>r tlii' f.iiiipuny is to .-.upply llif' public witll Ul'IiI l)y im-.iiis 
 otlicr tliaii irus— wliicli iiiwnis. us we unili'i-filiinil, liy cliotricily. It 1-^ I lir iutfiition 
 ol ;tlie m;niu;;.i-s to piisli llir iiiiiltcr at-livcly. nmi thPy arc. :i — in'-.l tlic-ir uv.'tll- 
 oil.s w ill l.c l.oth actcptal.lc to the i.coplc aiul siiocc^^lvii. Tlio ofliccrs of tlic loin- 
 pauy arc .Toliii I'. Lovaii. pi. -i. lent; T. II. Wi^'ton, tn'asuror: Joliu H. BinS!>l"!>"i 
 sct'iclary : N. P. Mcr\ inc. solicitor. 
 
 Mis('Eij..vxEfu s iti".:ms of interest. 
 
 Thk coiinoil of Altooiia lia.-; not. as yet, ilcti.'rmi:icil \\'llorr lllc new icscvMiir or 
 rcscrvoii ri s-iuill lie located. Tlie water question is treai?eil on jiaire- lit. il'i. l.i.i ami l.i4. 
 Thk teleplione, wliich was recently introiluced by .1. Che-ter Wilson lias pr.>veil 
 a success, niosl ot tile leailin,;; bnsiness men of Altooiialiaving ailopteil it. 
 
 The yterebaut.s' Exchan.^'C, recently orsanizeil, we trust will stay ^vitli ns. 
 .T.\MES I'HiLif Lo\VE, at the time of hi> death, whieki oeeurreil on Mayj.s, l.^SO, 
 AN-as the oiliest passenger engineer on the Pennsyh-ania railroail. 
 
 J. n. E>eiKo, practicing law in Ilarrisbnif; tauf-'hta select school or acaaemy in 
 "W. Altooua school hoits^-. coninicncin;^ April 1, 1S57. 
 
 We acknowleil.i,'e our indebtedness to the pres~ of Altoona. Hollidaysbur;;. anil 
 Tyrone, as well as tlie Philadelphia "Tunes" and ■■(.hronielc-Herabl." Ilarrisbur!; 
 "Patriot" and "Tele-rapli,'' and indeed to tlie press oi. the entire .state lor noticc.-5 
 and other t.-.tnrtesies extended to us. 
 
 H. II. .*>-VDEU. esq., ooiuinamler of William tr. Jltirray Post. No. 29, G. ,\. R.. of 
 llollidaysburtr, who -was a member of the same company as Lleuti'iiant. Stephen C. 
 Polls, prepared an alile biiiyraphy of that chivalrous yeullemrtll and soldier for 
 publication in tin' "tiraud Army Review," of riiiladelpha. the official or;.'an in the 
 department of Pennsylvania. It, as well as the historrtal delineation of IloIIidays- 
 burg in this book, evinces a ]iectiliar aptitttde for literary lal.'or. 
 
 Dt'ltiNC. tlic first six months of otlicial control {f;-oni .\pril until October, 18,^0), 
 Mayor JIo\vard has collccteil in flin-s, building )ierinits, etc.. ?1.31-2.',i7. 
 
 The foremen and clerks in the "lower shops." on .Inly -^-i, (ISsti) presented a cor- 
 ner stone for the now residence of .Jno. P. Levan. geni.'ral foieman. Altoona, which 
 ■was accompanied by a neat address. IMr. Eevan respo|ide<l in a few well chosen re- 
 marks, expressive of his appreciation of tlie gift. 
 
 One of the unerring signs of the rapid progress of a town is the e-tabllshiiient 
 of houses exclusively d<-\'Oted to one branch of a specialty of trai.e. sucli, lor in- 
 .stiince, as that of George A. streit, who deals exclusively in leather an<I shoe liud- 
 ings. 
 
 Wm. Fortenbaugh, Avasone of the se\ en voters who supported Peter Cooper as- 
 National GreenbacU-labor canilidate for President of the United States. We will 
 licre K.'iiiark that Cliarles C. -Stanl.iargt-r. "\rhO was nominated for ^layor tif -M- 
 toonaon the Xatiiuial Greenback-labor ticlict, in the spring bSS). but decline<l, was 
 elected slieri IT of iMirtl in county. In IS'id. for a term of tlux'c years, after which he was 
 sent to the legislatuie by a large majoritv- 
 
 ISAiAH P.rxKEit. Ilollidaysburg. was the fii'st blacksmith whose name appe^rreil 
 on the check-roll in the niadiiue deiiartment of the "u^ipcr shops." 
 
 .lon.N DoronEitTV, now between eighty and ninety Jears of age, residing at Mt. 
 Union, Pa., was the first eugiiii'cr on the olil Portage railroad. 
 
 Beux.\ko Kerr, father of li, A. O. and K. F. Kei'r. wlio died In the west about 
 nine years ago, kept the lirst store that was located on Tenth avenue, between 
 Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, Altoona He did a thriving business in iai5-5G. 
 
 Otrr.sinE the routine of otlicial duties as city treasurer. Dr. P.ittner assumes the 
 dual character of <Icntist and portrait painter. However wi<Icly-e-\teiuled his repu- 
 tjition as a dentist may be, it will be eclipsed, if he don't stop practicinii, b3- liis 
 newly assumed profession. The ])Ortraits of tleneral Hancock, General Garlicld ami 
 Kev. T)r. IlaniHn are really master pieces of art. 
 
Table of Contents. 
 
 rUKFACC ;j 
 
 IXTKUUrCTIOX 5 
 
 Ttu; Pateriuil Pureiit of Altoona 5 
 
 I'rimury Ait<.*iiii)l< iind Succ/^^e:? f) 
 
 I'uiiii sylvan ill ItuilrOiul 
 
 rorta^e Kuilvoail 7 
 
 ].5oat TiikfU *~tv(ii' AUL'^rlieny iMountuins Id 
 
 ^invdiiiil A^ciiiitor PennsylViLnia liailroiul .. 11 
 
 Suiiiiiuiry of Its l*ro^reS:i U 
 
 Bl^AlIt C'TXTV. 
 
 iiound.-. population . etc 15 
 
 A,a;riciiltuial and MineiJil li<*>."urci-'b 15 
 
 List of Ful■lKlO^_'!^ 17 
 
 Sinking \'Ml]ev 17 
 
 Xutural Curio'sity IS 
 
 Loi^an, ail Indian Chief.,,, , ...-■ . 19 
 
 Scotch Settle in Fraiikstown and C'allraiine Towiiphips 19 
 
 How and When To\vii:!-hips ^vere Formed li) 
 
 Kducational ITistory ■2-2 
 
 llescription of New Court Hour^e _ -^c 
 
 Discours^e of Judge Dean, giving History of the Courts and iSar 31 
 
 Ijist of ^I embers of tlie Bar ,..,._... i:\ 
 
 The New .Jail 4."> 
 
 Aluisliou-.e and llour^e of Employment 4.5 
 
 The Count \'.> Fiiianoes ' 47 
 
 Xame^ of Cf'UnLy <Jfnct_-i .•> and Yeju-.-i (tf Klection 47 
 
 New:<papei':> and Olher Publication:? .tO 
 
 OITV OF ALT<»«.>NA. 
 
 Introductory Kemark^: M 
 
 Hotel Accon'imodaiion.- Gl 
 
 Site of the Citv Selected i;i 
 
 Where the ^^h6p.s were T.O'-atcd i;j 
 
 Xames of I^ocalities t'>-2 
 
 When the Work was C<»ninienced _ _ _ (io 
 
 Instance of Increased Value <tf Real Estate Ui 
 
 Banking Houses _,.,.,_ _ (;;; 
 
 Churches 03 
 
 \\"ater Sup))ly 'i-*: 
 
 Centennial Celebration <i.'> 
 
 Centennial '-Fourth." 7(( 
 
 Railroad Kiots 70 
 
 W^hat Transpired in Altoona — , ,. 71 
 
 Order of Robert Pitcairn -. 71 
 
 Military on Their Way to Pitt^btirg 73 
 
 Strike Inaugurated 74 
 
 Sheriffs Proclamation. /4 
 
 Proclamation ot Mayor Cilland 75 
 
 Meeting at the Brant House 7.-. 
 
 Speech of James F. :siilliken 75 
 
 Speech of Frank P. Tierney 7j 
 
 Speech of Thomas H. 'xreevy 77 
 
 Patrolling the Streets 7> 
 
 Sunday, the culniiaatin^ Period of the Kxcitcment 7> 
 
 Meeting of the Railroad Men 7!i 
 
 Citizens' Meetiuir - 7'.' 
 
 Meeting of the Shopmen S-2 
 
 Adjourne'-l Meeting N> 
 
 Arrival of Governor H;irtranft S<; 
 
 His speech to Citizens. '. , — , - S(i 
 
 His Proclamation f^'- 
 
 Rumor Calculated Further to Excite the Populace 87 
 
 "Camp Beayer."" - ■-■ '^i 
 
 Grand Jury Presentment 8^ 
 
 liouting ot' Tramps... -,.,.- 87 
 
 Veteran Soldiers' Organization - 8^t 
 
 Firing Vp Engines '. 8;i 
 
 Additional Troops en route for Pittsburg 8!) 
 
 Clean ng the Dei^ot : : : - - , - . - JK) 
 
258 TABLE OF CONTENTS! ' 
 
 Vrvivul of Kleveii Car I. nails of Troojir- ^ ;M^ 
 
 >tiikc En.K-a li'> 
 
 TlK* Strike at Tyrone !H> 
 
 Conclave of Kii lights T<-n)ii!ar HI 
 
 Reliel for Ireland— Speech of iMr. pHniell ■- !tl 
 
 MeeUiii,^ ot tlie Central Peiinsvlvuuia Conference, 51. E. Church.. '.t.i 
 
 Kolief of the Milton Sutt'erer-; 94 
 
 MeetiniT of Mate Me'lical Society "■■> 
 
 Proliihitiou Convention « Iix 
 
 Deooratioii Day Ceremonies / !>~i 
 
 Onr National Anniver^^ury. (ISSO) and how it was celebrated '.li* 
 
 Meet in 1^ of P:\. State Eqniil Ulghts" League..*. ltd 
 
 I'LBLic A>"D Phitate Schools l(h? 
 
 The Fir^l School Hou^t- 10-2 
 
 Tassa'-^e of tln^ Common School Law , \\)l 
 
 Union Cliurch and School House * 1')-'; 
 
 Branches Tauglit In:r 
 
 Veteran Scliool Directors h'.'> 
 
 Establi-^luiient of Conntv Su])erinten(.lency lir. 
 
 ErecUon OI >chool liuildins^ ' Id.') 
 
 Citv Superintenvlent and Tertchers of High School Vh 
 
 Gnulin;: of Schools Irtt 
 
 More Substantial Building's Erected 100 
 
 Jlevised Course of Instruction , 110 
 
 Teachers" Institute 110 
 
 Lleatli of First City Superintendent ^ 110 
 
 Growth of tlie Public School System l Ill 
 
 Rapid Increase of School Population Ill 
 
 Xunibev of School Buildings 11 :> 
 
 Xaines of Teachers, Giade, Enrollment of Scholars', etc lit 
 
 Nauiey of Tc;ichers for lSSO-1 ]].% 
 
 Value of Public school jnoperty 115 
 
 Oiticeis of I"'ublic Schools, etc 117 
 
 Engli^ih anil German Private Schools 117 
 
 City CuvncHE-;. 
 
 liapticji— Eir.-t and Second .._... lb> 
 
 Catholic — En. Li) is h and German 1-21 
 
 Christ Kefornied 1-22 
 
 Church of God lij 
 
 Hebrew ^ynali:ogue _ _ , _ lii 
 
 Lutheran — First and Second ]-2"> 
 
 IMeihodi-l— First. Second. Third, :\lission and African '.. ]-.':r 
 
 rresbytorian— First and Second ,,, 130 
 
 St. I u'ke's Protestant Episcopal ix;; 
 
 The Brethren l;j4 
 
 Vnited Brethren 137 
 
 ChIUSTIAN ASSOri ATIOXS. 
 
 Young Men's Cliristuin Association ^ 139 
 
 Kaiiro'ad Men's Christian Association 141 
 
 Cemeteries. 
 
 FiiirvieA\- Cemetery,, , , 14-> 
 
 Oak Kidge Cemetery 143 
 
 St. John's Cemetery ^ I45. 
 
 St. Joseph'.- Cemetery "'.'.'.'. U'> 
 
 Eastern Light Cemetery ; ]45 
 
 City Fire Dei-artmext 145 
 
 Engine. Hose and Truck Houses U7 
 
 Board of F.re Department '.',,', .- .'.'./....'...'. 147 
 
 Chief Enpiueer> , _ ]4i| 
 
 Ofhcers and :\lembersof Good Will Con^panv. .. .' ['...]...[[[..[.. ]v.t 
 
 UlFicersand Mendfer.sof Empire Company.." li\} 
 
 Officers and Members of Vigilant Company ]:,;) 
 
 Otficersand Members Of Excelsior Company ' i,ii 
 
 Otfieers ami Members of Altoona Company."... \r>i 
 
 Gas and Water Department ,' ^ \ ........ i5;i 
 
 Pennsylvania Kailhoad Company's Shovs. 
 
 Intrttdnctory He marks 157 
 
 jNIotive Power Department, or Upper Sliojis .' ..'.,.. iks 
 
 Blacksmith Shop ,. '[' j_^i| 
 
 Machine Shop_ ^ '....,...'.'."..... i!vf 
 
 The Vise Shop \ .V. . . . . . W lid 
 
 Tlie Boiler Shop .""!.'.."!!!,..,'. Hi-> 
 
 The Foundry ](;.> 
 
 The First Erecting Shop \\ ][[[ ](;> 
 
 The second Krectiug Shop 10:1 
 
 The Paint Shoi) t ] n^ 
 
TABLE OF COiNTENTS. '259 
 
 Life ami Scvvicos of Locomotives I'^i 
 
 <_la>> -K" Kiii,-iiK',s I'o 
 
 lU'iortl oi MoviiuieiUb uud Coiulition <tl KiigiiK's l'-*' 
 
 Car Depautmkxt or Loweh Shops I'^T 
 
 :Machiiit.' Shop i"'+ 
 
 rass^'iig^CT Cur Shop 171 
 
 Freijiht Shop. lT;:t 
 
 lilacksniith Shop 17-t 
 
 rinniii^ Mill 17.t 
 
 Tin Shop 177 
 
 Cabinet Shop, or Clue Room 17S 
 
 raint Shops ,...,,., 17;> 
 
 Upholsttirinj; Shop 1>J 
 
 Beatty's Shop, .,, i>,> 
 
 Resident <.>fficers ^E^^■?VLVA^'IA Katluoad Comtanv. 
 
 In General Su peri iite mien t"< Ottice !<i 
 
 lu Ortice Snj">erin ten (lent Motive I'ower 1S.T 
 
 In Ollice Superintendent Transportation ]<> 
 
 Foreman and Assistants of Motive l^owei Shoji.- - . Is-; 
 
 loreiuananil Assistant:? of Car or -I.^wer Shnn^..'" ]-r, 
 
 Dispatcher, Sui)ervisor, and A*;;istant Trainmaster 1^7 
 
 AXTOOXA City Goveknmext. 
 
 Li^l of Buri;e^.-es 1-'.' 
 
 Mayors and^ Years of Election In* 
 
 City Treasurers and Term of Oil^ce , Ls* 
 
 City Recorder 189 
 
 ;M embers of uouucil '. isvf 
 
 Secretaries of Council I'.i-i 
 
 Solicitors _ liii 
 
 Civil Engineers iw 
 
 Superintendent. \\ ater Department _ I'.Ht 
 
 Policemen r.nj 
 
 Street Commissionei"S - ]hI 
 
 Aldermen 191 
 
 Constables IHl 
 
 City Fixaxcks of Altooxa. 
 
 Receipts anU Expenditures for IS79 I'jl 
 
 Xumboi' ot Trtxables, ami Valuation of Property 191 
 
 Assessments , ." l^'l 
 
 General Directory of Altooxa. 
 
 Avenues autl Street?: IKI 
 
 Miscellaneous Associations ]^'» 
 
 Building' an<l Loan Associations IH". 
 
 Orders of Red :Meu P^i 
 
 Orders of Odd Fello^\■s.. ]H'v 
 
 Knij^hTs of Pythias - 197 
 
 Masonic 197 
 
 Opei*a House 197 
 
 Silver Ci'e^' Social Club 197 
 
 Teleyrrapb'Oftlces 197 
 
 I'ost Ottice uours, . - , - 19* 
 
 MtSTCAL OrGAXIZATIOKS. 
 
 Altoona City Band ■ 197 
 
 Mountain City Jiand 19S 
 
 Junior Greys' Band 19S 
 
 Citizens* Cornet Band. - . . IMS 
 
 German Social Cornet Band 19S 
 
 Erobsiiin Sinijin^ S<ieiety l!iS 
 
 Conccudia SiiiL^iug Societ\ Vt< 
 
 The M ilitary. ~ ' 19S 
 
 Members ot Company I» ,, -^m* 
 
 HOLLlDAV^iJUPG. 
 
 Erection of the First Substantial House :^rl 
 
 First Survev nuide iHW 
 
 Fou rth of /n ly iN Vi 
 
 Billy Domilds'on's Tavern .., •_'(k; 
 
 Fraiikstown in the Lead 207 
 
 Advantageous Situation _ . . '317 
 
 Enterprise o| John Blair -20S 
 
 AiTival of the First Can:d Boat 209 
 
 Education Looked After..., ..; -20^ 
 
 Boroujih Ofticei-s 210 
 
 Tlieir first Meetintr 210 
 
 How Money was Provided 210 
 
 Railway from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. ., , 211 
 
 Xotable S tonus and Floods 213 
 
200 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 I' A (")[■: 
 
 FoniiHtioii of fikur (ouutv .,, -H 
 
 Military Alluirs ^i^i 
 
 \ i-^it of Ko^^uth 2-20 
 
 Discovery of Iron Ore —1' 
 
 Construction of the Keservoir - - 'i^Jl 
 
 File -V]i]iar!it(i>. and Fire Companies -■_'! 
 
 .^!arket Honse -*"-"- 
 
 ]I<.l!i'l:iysbuj-,i; in ]84:i '^-''J 
 
 Gas Introduced ^ "! 
 
 M'uTer W'ork^ and H4-seivol r . , * ^24 
 
 Pre.sln'teritm Clinrcli sind Its Tustors ^ 2*21 
 
 St, Micliael's Kouian Catholic Church 2'1~ 
 
 Lutheran Chuich 2-2*^1 
 
 Baiiti.st Churcl). 2;}(» 
 
 Ilollithivsbur^ Seniinarv for Vounj;; Latiicy 'SM 
 
 Tlie Gn-at Fire in Hollit'layshurg : 2:i-l 
 
 T.lair County ^fedical Society : JTl 
 
 l*rf>niineut Citizens* -:M 
 
 T V KGX E r.O P.Ol'Gil 2:^7 
 
 Fir^t Buildiiii^ Erected ii; 
 
 Hailroad Facilities : 2:>s 
 
 Tyrone and CleurtieUl Railroad 2-'^'-i 
 
 New Divi.=inn of Pennsylvania Railroad 'iin 
 
 Superintendents and Clerics 2:ilt 
 
 Shop.^ of Pennsylvania Hailroad 2:j<f 
 
 I'lOiler and jVfachine Shops and Improve menfs 240 
 
 Paper ^lill » 240 
 
 JSankinp: Houses , 240 
 
 Churches aud Schools 240 
 
 Justices of the Peace.. 211 
 
 j\[ilita.ry Menioianda ,,..,, ,,... 241 
 
 Extensive Conflairration 242 
 
 iLcbullding Commencefl- -..,,; , 24;J 
 
 Xe^v Hailroad Depot 244 
 
 Xew Iron I> rid ji:c 244 
 
 TyroiH-'s Future Prospects ^ 244 
 
 General Directory __, 24t 
 
 Bell's Mills _ 240 
 
 IlO.\iaNG SPftlXG 217 
 
 ]M.\UTIXSr,rRft A>-D "WlLLI-^MSBfUG 248 
 
 GAVSPORT, P.EyXlXOTOX FUltXACE AND KlTTAXXiyO POIXT 24!' 
 
 Arch Sruixti, Tiptox, XEa'itv akd Dcxcaxsville 2.^0 
 
 Post Offices tx JiLAiii Corxxv ^ 25(t 
 
 APFEXDIX _.. 2nl 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 FROXTISPIKCE— Glimpse of Altoona, 
 
 Arch :^prin2: ,- ,.. lietwecui pap;es 20 and ^I 
 
 Cresson '■ '"■ (;8 '' QH 
 
 Portrait of Mr. Parnell " " y; " s.i 
 
 Horseshoe Curve '^ ''100 "■ 101 
 
 Sylvnn Scene on the A!leglienles_ '■ '■ i4s '' 149 
 
 Sinlcingc 'Spring Cave *' " 244 " -yih 
 
 Locomotive and Tender pa'>-e ln8 
 
 Parlor. Sleeping and Passenger Cars '.'.'.'.'.'.'. . . ,."'.","..... ^. 170 
 
 Postal and ijaji;<?ag^e Cars 170 
 
 Interior of Parlor Car ..'..'........ '. 17'^ 
 
 Intei-iop of Sleeping: Car 1 .1 .11 ... .1. .[[.[[."...... .. isi 
 
 Interior of Passe n-ier Cur.,... " ' , [[ ' xSi 
 
 Court House in llollidaysburg .'.'.'.".!!.'!!!!"..'*!.!!!..!!! 201 
 
 Hollida\ sljur^ Seniinai'v...^, .'I ■.-.■,..... 'H'"* 
 
 Diagram of Tyrone '. l.lll^^l ...[]........]........ .. 2:J8 
 
Index to Advertisements. 
 
 r A a !■: 
 
 MeXovin Sl Yo:ij;er. stoves, llOS lltli nvfiiiu- 1-2 
 
 lliUtzell & Kouss. Ui->- ^oodii, lltli ftvonue near i:irli stm-t J<J 
 
 John Daily, photogniplis, 1311 lltli avenue ; 20 
 
 G. E. Ormes, liairdres^er, 8th avenue and 17th street '20 
 
 Irwin's Drujr Store. 11th avenue and HJtli slveet '24 
 
 iMoss Moser & Co.. jiroeeries. (>tli avenue and 7th htrcet; '24 
 
 W. J. Heiuj^ling, <li-v ^<x»ds and *rroeeries, 8th avenue an4l lllli street 2s 
 
 Will. Muiray, 4h->- goods, 1S17 Ulh aveune , -i* 
 
 E. S. Milh'r, pliysician. 10th street and 11th aveuuf^ '■'>''• 
 
 Hairy Szlnk. gioceriee. tjih avenue and 8th street -it! 
 
 Thomas W. Jackson, law.ver, lOlo V2ih street .I'i 
 
 D. F. Beegle, jeweler, 12tli street, bet^veea 8th and 9th«aveHues - ."^i 
 
 Franklin House, Al. Barg^oon, proprietor, 17th street 4(f 
 
 John M. Peters; meats, 8th avenue near 9th street 40 
 
 tieorge A. Streit, leather, 1117 5th avenue 40 
 
 J. R, Vaughn, dry goods and groceries, Sth avenue and '2Lst street 44 
 
 Josiah Arthur, (Lewis C. Tipton, succe?-sor), furniture, lOOS 11th avenue.. 48 
 
 D. G. McCuUougb. groeer, 11th avenue, between 11th and 12tli streetf^ 52 
 
 \V. K. Ward. eoal. 9th avenue and 17tli street 52 
 
 li. Jierkowitz, groeer, 131S 11th avenue 5(i 
 
 F. P. Ticrney, lawT,-er, 11th avenue and J 6th street 5G 
 
 Jacob E. Co wen, grocer, 8tli avenue and 19th street 56 
 
 Blair County Kadical, 11th avenue and IGth street 56 
 
 Tribune, daily and weekly, 12th street near r2th avenue 00 
 
 I. W. Toomey. merchant tailor, llth aveniie and 17tli stu-et GO 
 
 Sun, daily and weekly, llth street near llth a\ enue 04 
 
 M. J. Smith, blacksmith, llth street and lOtli avenue iM 
 
 Call, daily, weekly and Sun<lay, llth avenue near KUh street GS 
 
 S. M. Griffith, painter, llth avenue near llth street — , ,.,,, 08 
 
 VolksTuehrer, German paper, ll'>2 llth avenue 72 
 
 Henry Hench, paints, 13th avenue and IGth street. : 7'2 
 
 Kooth & Mackey, Excelsior Planing mill, 9th avenue near Pith street _ . 7G 
 
 W. W. Yon, grocer, 17th street near llth avenue 80 
 
 J. A. Canan & Co.. ten-a cotta, Margaret avenue and 19tb street 80 
 
 E. H. Keyes, gents" fui-nishing goods, llth avenue near 17th street :.. . S4 
 
 K. Luebbert, tobaeeo. HIO llth avenue - 84 
 
 Prof. R. C. Ward, music teacher, Sth avenue ai.d Pith street S4 
 
 S. K. Orr, eoal, llth avenue and 4th street 84 
 
 H. J. Cornman, clothing, 1107 llth avenue 88 
 
 William Stoke & Co., City Planing mill, ■20th street, (branch railroad) 92 
 
 E. C. Keese, Americ^an Sewing machine, oth avenue and 12th street 9G 
 
 C. W. Sickle^, meats. 1224 91b street 100 
 
 R. A. JBouiiH?, photographer, 141 h street near lltli avenue H)0 
 
 \Vm, M, Find ley, physician, 802 r>th street 104 
 
 J. D. Hughes, coal, 9th avenue and 19ch street 104 
 
 D. A. Bradley, marble works, llth avenue near llth sti'eet 104 
 
 iSriss Annie Sliofifner, milliner, P2th street. bet,ween 8th and 9th avenues 104 
 
 Philip Teats, auction house, 12 th street, between 8tli an*d 9th avenues 108 
 
 Alien E. Myers, floi-al establishment, Howard avenue bet. 9th and 10th streets.. . 112 
 
 D. R. Christian, grocer.s. 1018 Chestnxit avenue 11-2 
 
 D. & C. iMoore, grocers, llth avenue and 15th street IIG 
 
 Wm. MeOowell A Son, ilry goods and gi-oeeries, 7th avenue iind l.'Jth street P20 
 
2(i2 INUHX Tu APVBllTliJEMENTS. 
 
 l^indsoy & IlocUiiian. iiUMlieiiU's, lllli iiv^'iiuc, botwccn 14tli und JSlli sli-fots 1'20 
 
 [>. A. UiiVT, grncMT. ^'^>7 sih uvcniic I'i* 
 
 II. II. STiydor. liiwyer. Hnlliiliiysbin-.^ 1-4 
 
 J. C. I line?, di-n;r^ist. 9:h sti-i^et. below Gtli arenu** l-I 
 
 J. \V. Tsciiliei-f;, dentist. Stli a venue and 12lll street I'J-t 
 
 Jonatlian Foreman, funiiluie, 4tl] avenue anii lOih street I-"^ 
 
 C:. A. MeCorniiek, eoal. 41 li street ami Stli avenne ISi 
 
 A. F, lilackltuin, t)9 eeiir .-^lofe, opera houses i;l2 
 
 I>. \V. ( olyev. iKiinter. 12tli street nearfttli a venue, i i:Vi 
 
 ^\'. 15. Reese, stoyes anil tinware, 71i 9tli stieet l.'JC 
 
 J. Ti. Smitl). iMiot.sand slioe,^;, 1321 lltli avenue HO 
 
 H. J!. ,Miller. denti.st. 14101] tli avenne _. 140 
 
 (.limes* r.ro., meats. Iltli avenue between KStli anil 14tli streets 144 
 
 .tames W. Findley. insuniu'-e. lltli a^■en^e, between li'ili and l;Jtli streets . 144 
 
 .1. Wesley Allen, lihysician. WiflU lltli avenne 144 
 
 Terkel C. Nelson,, ieweler. llili lltli avenne 14* 
 
 J . V. Fnlton, physician, over Kandolph's (irnir store 14.S 
 
 v. Lnebliert, tobacco. lOOS ITtli street 14»^ 
 
 William R. Miller, dentist, isaii-j lltli avenue 14S 
 
 Paliner & Morse, oarriagre builders, .Sth .street, betjvecn 61 b and 7tli avenues I.v2 
 
 Curtis' Dollar Store, lltb avenue and l.ltb street l.Tfi 
 
 C. A. Dimond A Co., coal. 9tb avenue, between ITtili and 18tli streets IGI 
 
 51. G. Lingenfelter, gnoccr, 14fh street and I'itliavenne lOO 
 
 Rudisill Brotbers, jewelei-s, 1310 lltli avenue 180 
 
 J. M. Uownion, dry p:ooils. lltli avenne and 121 li street^ ItU 
 
 K. M. Kennedy & Co., Lotrantfiwn 16S 
 
 Altoona Lanndr,\ . lltb avenue and IGlll street ;,,,,.., , , .,- , ICS 
 
 Jolin K insel, c^ii-pets. 8(4 C'besl nut avenue IfiS 
 
 E. li. MabaHey, uiuslc floods, lAMy, 8ili avenue 16H 
 
 D Wylie, plumber, llOS 14tb street 17-3 
 
 Jlrs. Adam Oable, confectioner, 700 and Tus I2tli street 17(5 
 
 EUvay & Mauk, grocers, ureen avenue and ilth street 176 
 
 li. F. Rose, aldcruian, lltb a-\-eniie near l-2tli street l~ii 
 
 J. (.'. Conrad, eoal, lltb avenue betw een 17th and jVth streets 17(5 
 
 S. O. Adler, gcroeer, 131G 12ib avenue ^ ISO 
 
 I If, J. 11. AVeaver, drnggrist, ITrli street near lOtb avenue ISO 
 
 Piper & Co., stationers, 131(5 lOtb avenue ISO 
 
 F:d. J. Step, Youtb's Mirror, lr22 lull avenue l.-iO 
 
 A. F. l[eess,4.iukery, 713 13tb street ■ i«^ 
 
 Ed. Mountney, bouse and sign painter, in opera bouse buildin,* 1S4 
 
 Tbebault Kivailles, pb.ysieian, 1124 lltb avenue I)i4 
 
 IlOAvavd Tipton, livery stable^s, 1017 lltb avenue. n.ear lltb street lf« 
 
 Campbell i Cole, dry goods, Stli avenue and lltb street ISS 
 
 Fries Brotbei-s. hardware. 1313 lltb avenue 10-2 
 
 C. F. Kandolpb. cosmetiue. HOC 11th street Ifm 
 
 M. Fitzliarris. ixroeer. 12th avenne and ICtli street , i;k; 
 
 Xctr & Mervine, law-yers. ]3th street, between lotli and lltli avenius^.. . lixt 
 
 Jobn O'Toole. alderman. 11th avenue and ITtll .street Vm; 
 
 IIollidaysbiiTi.- .Seminar.v , .ij.> 
 
 s. M. Griffith, bouse and siijii painter, lltb avenue near lltb street -2113 
 
 .1. G. Vallade. confectioner, lotb avenue, lietw-eeli 13tli and 14th streets 2'^! 
 
 W. R. Vaugbn. plninber and gas litter. 7tb avenne and l.itli street -2ia 
 
 ERRA'IW. 
 
 Altbough Dr. Tbebault Kivailles can speak several lan'Mia'>-es • in bis prnfes- 
 pionnl card, pase 1S4. we should iiave printed "consultations in Freueli ami Kif- 
 Hsb" instead of -^French and (ierinaii." ^ 
 
 For "shows'' in fourth line from top of page 97 read -'crosses " 
 
 For "William" read "Wilbur " li. lilake. page Si. 
 
 For "alarcity," page 1<*?, lltb line from botloni read "alaeritv " 
 
HAVE YOUR CLOTHES MADE TO ORDER BY 
 
 ALFRED E. GOETZ, 
 
 MERCHilNT TAILOR, 
 
 ibiOh Eleventh Avekue, Altoona, Pa. 
 
V 
 
 V H 
 
 Jlut niirolc^iini iuiil liiiihlv :LitJslic M(.rk on |icnnuneiiV,('xliiliitioii u\\ over tlio city, 
 
 on tliB f.\Ufiinr:niil in i lir inti-ii.ir ol'sfvcial h.inilLciJ lioii-i~. spi-aks plainly, 
 
 liositi\-i'ly ;iiul untMtui^'Ocitlly ol'onr superioi'ity oyei- all i-i\'als in tht.' 
 
 PAINTING. GRAINING?^ KALSOMINING 
 
 IIusiiu'ss, wliutevi'i' their prett'n lions imxy Itf 
 
 S. M. GRIFFITH, 
 
 Coi-ner 11th Avenue and 11th Street, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 W. R. VAUGHN, 
 
 Plumber and Gas Fitter, 
 
 At his new eslablisliment. cnnsTrncted (^.specially for conducting his business 
 to the bedt adviuilat^e. U prepared to e.>:eouli' all kind's ©f work in his line, pionipt- 
 ly. In the best manner and at the lowest prices. He keeps in full stock. Gas Fix- 
 tures, includini^ cliamh.-liers, etc., nn<.l is pieparetl. at aTUoinent's notice, to e-\ccutc 
 all onlers entrusted to his care. 
 
 SEVEl^iTH AVENDE AiND FIFTEENTH STREET, ALTOONA, PA. 
 
 J. G. valla:de, 
 
 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DKALEIi IN 
 
 CONFECTIONERIES, TOYS, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, 
 
 SATCHELS, CHILDREN'S CARRIAGES, PERFUMERY, VASES, 
 Dolls, Foi'eign and Domestic Fruits, Notions, St'yars, Tol)a<-co, etc. 
 
 1324 Tenth Avenue, - - _ Altoona, Pa. 
 
 HARRY SLEP, 
 
 .r^LUm-llND^rMCY 
 
 ■u 
 
 D 
 
 RINTER, 
 
 Newspaper and Book Publisher, 
 
 ALTOONA, PA.