Widower Finds Housekeeper

1920

His Appeal Gets Results When He Adds "Object, Matrimony."

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania. — Joseph Duffel of Gloucester City, a shipworker and a widower for five months, found it impossible to get a housekeeper to answer an advertisement. So he added, "Object, matrimony."

Mrs. Rose Stafsky, 25 years old, also of Gloucester, a widow with three children ranging in age from 6 years to 6 months, found it impossible to get along comfortably without her husband. She saw the advertisement. The two were married at Elkton, Md.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Aug. 7, 1920, p. 5.

Porcupines Overrun a City

1920

KANE, Pennsylvania. — This place is overrun with porcupine which come out of the mountains near by. Damage is being done to gardens, fruit trees and dwellings. They are so tame they invade the houses and have to be driven away, which is no easy task. Several have been run over by autos, causing tire troubles.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Aug. 7, 1920, p. 5.

Salmon and Ice Cream Cause Death

1920

BELLEFONTE, Pa. — Canned salmon and ice cream caused the death of Clarence Musser of Spring Mills. Musser and Eugene Slegel purchased some canned salmon; later they followed up the eating of the fish with some of the frozen cream. Both became very ill. Slegel recovered, but Musser died from the poisoning.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Aug. 7, 1920, p. 3.

Goat Starts Farmer In Fight With Pigs

1920

Butts Man Into Pen and Porkers Resent His Intrusion.

MONTGOMERYVILLE, Pa. — While gazing with pride at his pen of fast fattening hogs and dreaming fond dreams of juicy hams during the coming winter season, Gustav Stoney, who lives near here, was awakened from his reverie when a goat butted him over the rail of the pigpen among the pigs.

The porkers crawled all over him, and Stoney and the pigs gave vent to a medley of grunts, squeals and yells.

Finally, when the pigpen calisthenics were at their height, Stoney's son came to his father's rescue. He chased away the pigs, and Stoney, the elder, emerged. His clothing was torn and he was cut and bruised.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Aug. 7, 1920, p. 3.

Train Passes Over Baby; She's Unhurt

1920

BUTLER, Pennsylvania. — Agnes Deamore, 2-year-old daughter of Antonio Deamore, has the movie picture actors beaten a mile when it comes to realities.

Agnes' home is near the Bessemer railroad. She wandered out of the back yard of her home onto the railroad. She was sitting between the rails of the main track playing when a double header freight train came along. The first locomotive struck Agnes, and she fell face down between the rails. The two locomotives and ten freight cars passed over her.

Witnesses who rushed to the scene expecting to find a mass of mangled bones and flesh found Agnes much alive and yelling for her mother. She sustained a few abrasions of the scalp and face, but was not seriously hurt.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Aug. 7, 1920, p. 1.

Strike to Help Jitneys?

1916

Wilkesbarre, Pa., Sept. 10. — A general strike of all crafts of labor, numbering approximately 75,000, is a contingency that faces Wilkesbarre and the Wyoming Valley as the result of efforts of labor union officials to obtain an immediate stay in the enforcement of the city ordinance which jitney owners say will make it impossible for them to continue in business. The result, union leaders say, would be to break the street car strike that has been in effect since October 14, 1915.

Mayor John V. Kosek announced on Friday that the ordinance will go into effect at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning.

—The Fryeburg Post, Fryeburg, Maine, Sept. 12, 1916, p. 7.

Hangs Self at Wife's Grave

1916

Man Who Mourned Four Years Commits Suicide.

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Four years ago Michael Streb, 76, knelt beside the body of his wife and prayed — prayed that he might join her in death. Patiently, he waited for the grim answer to his prayer.

Wednesday the caretaker of Northwood Cemetery passed a little grave in a remote corner. At its head was a birch tree and dangling from a limb was the limp body of a white-haired man. The headstone of the grave bore the inscription, "My Wife." When morgue officials searched the pockets of the dead man they found nothing but a wedding ring inscribed "Rachael Streb."

Death had been too tardy and Michael Streb had gone along the road to meet it — at the grave of his wife.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 5.

Gets $500 for Finding Gems

1916

Woman Rewards Hotel Maid Who Returns Jewels.

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — The recovery of $50,000 worth of gems lost by Mrs. Lee Meriwether of St. Louis in the William Penn Hotel in this city increased the bank account of Miss Margaret Casey of Bloomfield by $500.

The girl, employed as a maid in the hotel, found the jewels in the bed occupied by Mrs. Meriwether. On turning them over to their owner she received the $500 as a reward for her honesty.

Mrs. Meriwether was speeding toward Cleveland when she discovered her jewels were missing. The train was stopped and she disembarked, hired an automobile and hurried back to the hotel. Much to her astonishment and relief, she found the jewels awaiting her in the hotel office.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 5.

Golf Ball Kills Big Carp

1916

Man Comes to Town With Remarkable Fish Story.

BEDFORD SPRINGS, Pennsylvania — E. S. Kuhn of the Stanton Heights Golf Club, Pittsburgh, told how when he was playing the third hole, which is across a water hazard, the other day his tee shot landed in the water and killed a four-pound German carp, which was coming up to feed. He said his caddy waded into the water and returned with the fish, which he ate for dinner.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 7.

Gem From Mouth of A Corpse

1916

Dentist Removes $100 Diamond From Dead Man's Tooth.

ALTOONA, Pennsylvania. — Just before the funeral of Caramel Bave, a jewelry salesman, his $100 diamond which he had set between his two upper front teeth some years ago was removed by a dentist. His family had not thought of disturbing the gem in his mouth until it was suggested that grave robbers might attempt to recover it.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 4.

Married 60 Years

1916

Fifty-year wedding anniversaries are frequently heard of, but Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Boyer of Elizabethville, Pennsylvania, have just celebrated their sixtieth anniversary. They have spent the entire sixty years of their married life on the same farm. Mr. Boyer is 85 years old and his wife is two years younger. Three of their four children are living.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 11.

Restitution After Thirty-One Years

1916

MAN REPAYS MONEY HE WRONGFULLY TOOK.

Aged and Needy Recipient Made Comfortable With $200 Gold and $400 as Interest.

SOMERSET, Pa. — William Speicher, of Kantner, a news agent on the Somerset & Cambria Branch Railroad, received a letter from an aged resident of Quemahoning Township, in which is told how a man with a troubled conscience returned, with interest, $200, the theft of which enabled him to grow well off while the owner of the money was made poor for life by the loss of it.

"On May 31st, thirty-one years ago," wrote the aged man, "I started for Stoyestown with a pocketbook containing $200 to make the first payment on a home that I had purchased. When I arrived there the package was missing. I returned home at once, but could find no trace of it. It was money that I had earned by hard labor. I was much broken up over the loss, ill health followed and I never had a home of my own.

"A few days ago there came a rap at my door. I opened it and a stranger stood there. I invited him in and he seated himself. He sized me up, but spoke but little. After inquiring about my identity he took from his pocket $200 in gold and counted it out to me. He said it was my money and asked me to accept it. 'I owe you interest on it for 31 years,' he went on. 'Here is $400 more to cover that. Thank God, I am free once more,' he said. I was amazed. I could not understand his actions and asked an explanation.

"'Thirty-one years ago,' he replied, 'I was on my way from a part of Somerset County to Johnstown to take a train for Kansas. I had but a few dollars in money. I was walking on the road behind you while you were driving to Stoyestown and saw you drop the money. I picked it up and stowed it away in my pocket. At the latter town I got your name and went out West. I took up land near Leavenworth, Kansas, and fortune came my way. I took up more land. Returning to my native county I got married. I grew wealthy and I can now count my wealth by many thousands of dollars, but having your money in my possession always worried me, so I decided to return it to you and confess that I took it.'

"He said that he found out that his conscience, was worth more to him than his wealth, then he bade me good-by."

From almost destitute circumstances at 75 years of age, the old man has been placed in comparative comfort.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 11.

Cement For House Construction

1901

The construction of cement houses is under consideration in Pittsburg, where the millions of tons of furnace slag produced every year could thus be utilized, says the New York Post. It has been shown that this slag can be converted into cement by known processes at a less cost than the $1 a barrel suggested by Mr. Edison as the result of an invention on which he is experimenting.

This cement, it is claimed, can be made fully equal to the best that is known as portland, although a lower and a cheaper grade would suffice for house construction. Pulverized and mixed with lime, the slag has been converted into a superior plaster, showing a tensile strength greater than the ordinary sand and lime.

Cement made from the slag would not only be economical for house construction, but would make practically fireproof buildings. Such use of a product now wasted or used only to fill ravines would also be preservative of the forests.

Shoots Wild White Duck

1919

LANSDALE, Pennsylvania — Right in the center of the town under the rays of an arc light, Fire Chief John _. Detwiler shot a white duck. The chief was on his way to the firehouse when he saw three snow-white fowls huddling in the center of the street. He saw they were ducks, but thought they were domestic fowls until he took a closer look and found they were wild. Going home he got a 22-caliber rifle and bagged the one.

He thinks they were of an Arctic species.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Jan. 3, 1920, p. 8.

Note: John's middle initial isn't discernible. It has to be either B, P or R. But I saw another source that, I believe, had it as H. But it's not an H in this particular article.

Has Charmed Life

1919

Deer Holds Record of Many Close Escapes From Hunters.

LEWISTOWN, Pennsylvania. — In the Seven Mountain region near here there is a deer that seems to bear a charmed life. This deer, known as old "Barney," has been seen by hunters for many seasons, but they have failed to bag him. A few years ago a hunter managed to cripple him in one leg, but he got away. It left him with a stiff leg.

One day a hunter got close to Barney, but when he went to shoot his gun held fire and Barney got away.

At another time, three hunters were getting warm around a little bonfire when Barney, frightened, ran right into their midst. One of the hunters got a shot at him at close range, but missed.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Jan. 3, 1920, p. 8.

Boy's Finger Valued at $11,000

1919

SUNBURY, Pa. — Placing the value of his son's little finger on the left hand at $11,000, Idres Davies of Shamokin, brought suit against J. J. Martini for the amount. According to Davies, the boy was operating a meat slicer in Martini's place that was unprotected. The boy showed great talent as a violinist and now he will he unable to perform.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Jan. 3, 1920, p. 5.

Rats Lured Into Traps by Rodent Leader Who Acts as "Pied Piper"

1919

SHERMAN, Texas. — Sherman's Pied Piper, an aged, bewhiskered and tailless rodent, is no more. A frisky terrier, unaware of the importance of the tailless wonder, pounced upon him one day this week as he was leaving a trap where he had led hundreds of rats to their doom, and brought his useful career to an untimely end. And Sherman folks are sad. They feel like wearing mourning. Meanwhile rats which have infested the city have become "leery" of traps and are multiplying.

It was several weeks ago that the rat killing campaign was begun here. They were trapped by the hundreds. The killing was done by dogs assembled about the traps to pounce upon the captured rodents as they were turned out. One day what appeared to be the "daddy of all the rats" was found in one of the traps. One of the wise citizens suggested that this rodent's tail be amputated. He declared the old rat was the leader of the others and that his pride in leadership would make him leave the city. when his long tail was cropped off.

The operation was performed and the old rat turned loose, and admonished to leave the city.

But did he? Not much. The following morning the old rascal was found in one of the traps with forty others. The others were killed and the "leader" turned loose again. The following day he was back in the traps with more than a score of others. This continued from day to day. The people began to believe they would soon have the rats exterminated.

But the unusual happened. One morning this week in letting the captured rats out of a trap the "daddy" rat ran out with them. The terrier failed to recognize the "leader" and leaped upon him. Before any assistance could be given the old rat was killed. Since that time but few rats have been found in the big municipal rat trap.



Bullet Knocks His Hat Off

POTTSTOWN, Pa. — Only by the narrowest margin, John Stoudt, conductor on a trolley line, missed death when a bullet passed thru the number plate on his cap and knocked off his headgear. It is thought the bullet was fired by a would-be robber, who was scared off by the arrival of night-shift men.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Jan. 3, 1920, p. 5.

Society Girl Weds When Ill in Bed; Dies Three Hours After Ceremony

Dec. 1919

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Overcome by illness while dressing for her wedding, Miss Estelle English, a society girl of Wilkinsburg, had the ceremony performed while she lay in bed. Three hours later she was dead. The minister who officiated will conduct the young bride's funeral.

Miss English, daughter of Mrs. Estelle English, had issued invitations for her marriage at 10 o'clock a. m. with Herman Roush of Hummelstown. About an hour before the time set, while preparing for the ceremony, she complained of illness, though she apparently had been suffering from a slight cold only.

Dr. McClure, the family physician, was called. He promptly ordered Miss English to bed, stating she had pneumonia and that her condition was serious. The young bride insisted the marriage should not be postponed. The physician refused to permit his patient to leave her bed. It was then decided to have the ceremony performed while the bride lay in bed.

Miss English smilingly answered the questions put to her, and it was believed she was showing improvement. With the end of the ceremony, however, she sank rapidly, and at 1 o'clock she was dead.

Harry Potter Leaves Picnic, Attempts Suicide

Pennsylvania, 1935

Harry Potter, Well-Known Karthaus Man, Said To Have Shot Self Twice

Suffering from what was reported to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound below the heart, Harry Potter, aged about 28, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Potter of Karthaus, is a patient today in the Philipsburg State Hospital in a serious condition. Reports from that institution early this afternoon stated his condition was "very grave."

The tragic affair, which has been a distinct shock to the little community where the Potter family has held the esteem and respect of their fellow townsmen for many years, occurred at the home of George Potter, older brother of the victim, where the latter was staying, sometime early last evening.

According to reports received here, Harry Potter attended the Frenchville picnic during the afternoon and in company with some friends went to his home at Karthaus late in the afternoon. His brother and family was away when Harry arrived home and the first knowledge of the tragedy was when a neighbor boy, Abner Rolley, heard two shots. He rushed into the Potter home and found Harry unconscious with a bullet wound below the heart, apparently self-inflicted by a .38-calibre revolver which was nearby. The Rolley boy also found the Potter dog shot to death and from the mute evidence found in the house it was assumed the young man shot his dog before turning the gun on himself.

What may have prompted the young man to make an attempt on his own life is a mystery to the people of the community in which he lived and where he was known so well. He is single and has never been known to have any serious home worries. Also, reports from Karthaus today stated the young man had never shown a despondent disposition and his friends are at a loss to understand his untimely act.

—The Clearfield Progress, Clearfield, PA, Aug. 23, 1935, p. 1.

Harry Potter Dies of Pneumonia

Pennsylvania, 1916

Harry Potter, a native of this city, and well known here, died of pneumonia Wednesday at his home, 1414 La Clair street, Swissvale, following a short illness.

He was born in this city 57 years ago, and for 35 years, had been identified with the railway postal service. His father was the late John Potter. He had been an untiring and enthusiastic church and mission worker, and was teacher of class No. 1 of the Emory Methodist Episcopal Sunday school, and also a member of the church. He was also a member of the Mifflin Avenue M. E. Sunday school, Wilkinsburg, and lay preacher of the Pittsburgh conference. He was connected with the Trotter mission o£ Pittsburgh. During his residence in this city, he was an active worker in the Epworth M. E. church.

His widow, Mrs. Emily D. Potter, survives, with one son, Rev. James V. Potter, pastor of the Mount Morris Methodist Episcopal church; one daughter, Mrs. W. O. Bitzer, at home; also one brother, R. R. Potter, formerly a member of The News editorial staff, and two sisters, Mrs. B. B. Ramsey and Mrs. J. A. Cox.

His son, Rev. James V. Potter, is at present ill at the home, of the parents, suffering from diphtheria, which developed while he was visiting in their home.

The funeral services are to be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Mifflin avenue M. E. church, and interment will be made in Pittsburgh.

—New Castle News, New Castle, PA, April 6, 1916, p. 2.