Perry County PA Miscellaneous News Articles
Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
June 19 1822
Landisburgh, June 13
We are informed that in parts of Toboyne and Saville townships, the violence of the storm on the 4th instant, exceeded anything of the kind ever witnessed in that part of the county. It was accompanied with hail, which together with the wind, done considerable injury to some of the grain fields. The quantity of timber blown down in incalcable, and the roads were literally blocked up with fallen trees. We hear that in Tuscarora Valley several barns have been prostrated. -- Forester
The Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, PA)
13 Aug 1823 Page 3
Landisburg, Pa, July 31st
Horrible Transaction
For the last two or three days, an extraordinary sensation has prevailed among our citizens at the recital of a supposed murder, committed upon the body of Mr. Robert Nelson, late of Toboyne township, in this county. To prevent erroneous impressions and false statements, we have thought proper to give some of the particulars which have came to our knowledge through persons who were present immediately after the horrid affair and during the sitting of the Coroner's Inquest.
It appeared that the deceased, who was a married man, lived some miles from his mother's dwelling, where he had come for a few days during the harvest, to assist in gathering in the proceeds of the farm, of which he was entitled to a share. On Saturday evening last, while none but the family, consisting of the mother, the deceased, two brothers and three sisters, were about the premises, it is presumed the dreadful scene occurred. It is stated that Daniel Nelson, the younger brother of the deceased, left the house of his mother to go to a field a short distance from the house, to cradle oats - that on his way he called at his brother Joseph's, who is also married and lived in a house on the way, but a few rods from his mother's, and told him that "Bob and him (Daniel) had just some words." Joseph replied "Bob had been carrying on high since he has been here, but I will go over and settle him."
Daniel went on to the oats field and was there but a few minutes, when his attention was attracted by a noise at the house of his mother. He ran to the house, but when he came there, his brother Robert was in the agonies of death supported on the floor by two of the sisters, whilst Joseph had went off for a neighbor to bleed him. Joseph states, that when he went into the house of his mother, Robert and the rest were seated at the table in the kitchen, taking their evening piece - that he went to the dresser to get a drink - that Robert rose from the table and took him by the seat of his pantaloons, when a scuffle ensued and he (Robert) fell, but he did not think he had hurt him so much. The mother's statement is somewhat similar but the sisters deny having any knowledge whatever, of the transaction, though it was stated by one of the others before the Inquest that they had assisted to part the brothers.
A Coroner's Inquest was assembled sometime during the night, who after examining the body, pronounded a verdict of Death by Violent Hands. There appeared on different parts of the body, six distinct Stabs, supposed to be made with a butcher knife, one of which was thought, penetrated the heart. Joseph Nelson, charged with being the principal in, and Daniel his brother as an accessory to the commission of this "deed without a name," have been arrested and were on Sunday evening last, lodged in the jail of this county at Carlisle. This is truly a tragical event, and we could wish for the credit of our infant county, for the sake of human nature and the honor of a family who have heretofore held a respectable standing in society, that the foregoing statement was but an illusive dream, or that the whole affair was naught but the creature of fancy. - Forester.
Perry county Seat of Justice
June 11 1823 Page 2
Carlisle, June 5
We have been informed that the commissioners appointed agreeably to a law of the last legislature, have reported in favour of locating the seat of justice for Perry county at Barneit's, from seven to ten miles from Landisburg. Vol.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
September 8, 1824
County Prison
Mr. John Rice, of Mifflin county and formerly of Perry, has obtained the contract for building the prison for Perry county. We understand the contract is made under the commissioners plan at 3000 dollars, to be finished by the first of August next. The new town is named Bloomfield, and we are informed that several purchasers of lots are making preparations to build immediately. - Perry Forester
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) October 13 1824
From the Perry Forester
The celebrated doctress woman, whom we noticed some time since, as having located herself in the western part of this county, has again changed her headquarters, and taken a position on the farm of Mr. Myers, in Saville township, about six miles north of Landisburg. The concourse of people daily attending her in hopes of restoring health, has by no means abated. On a moderate calculation, it is supposed that she has, within the last two weeks, been visited by, and has now under her care, about one thousand patients. At her new residence she has in many respects adopted new regulations. It is now discovered that she eats and drinks as other people do, though she has never been known to sleep; at night she boils her medicines, and issues it out to her anxious patients by the gallon, half gallon, & c. during the day. A list of all those who partake of her precious draught, is regularly kept, which expedient will no doubt lessen her practice, as the people have a natural aversion to doctor's bills.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) October 13 1824
Reported Murder
A report was some time since put in circulation, that the body of a man, supposed to have been a drover, was found on the mountain a few miles below Sterrett's Gap, in this county. A notice of the same was gravely given in one of the Carlisle papers, and we have lately seen the article copied into the York Gazette, which surmises that this might be the body of Mr. Brown, a drover who is supposed to have been murdered, and several persons apprehended in York county, charged with the crime. This reported murder here, originated, as we understand as follows:
Some females on a whortleberry excursion came across what they correctly supposed was a new made grave. They became alarmed; and on their return to the settlement reported what they had seen. A worthy justice in the neighborhood immediately summoned a jury and proceeded to the spot, for the purpose of holding an inquest on the dead body contained in the grave. The grave was opened, and at the moment that all present wre looking for the abhorrent and mangled vision of a human corpse, they were only greeted with the ghastly grin of a dead dog. Where poor Toby was re-interred or not, by the Jury, we have not heard. - Perry Forester.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
Wednesday, September 28, 1825
Census
Agreeably to a census taken last month, the town of Landisburg contains 330 inhabitants; 160 males and 170 females; 57 heads of families; 67 taxables; 4 stores and 6 taverns. The population of Landisburg in 1820 was 288. - Perry Forester
William B. Mitchell's Snakes
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) July 27, 1825
Landisburg, Pa, July 14.
Snakes
William B. Mitchell, Esq., of this town has now in his possession, four living snakes, a rattlesnake, a copperhead, a spotted viper, and a black snake, well secured in a cage made for the purpose. They are all of the common size; the rattlesnake and viper, about a yard in length, the copperhead about three quarters of a yard and the black snake about four feet. The bite of the three first is considered of the most deadly nature, but it is not a little singular, that the whole coil together in the most perfect harmony. The rattle snake was the first taken, five or six weeks since and his companions were encaged with him about two weeks since and to this time it is not known that any of them have taken food. - Forester
Lightning Strikes Robert Burns, Mr. M'Kee and James Thompson
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) July 27, 1825
On Tuesday last, Messrs James M'Kee, Robert Burns and James Thompson, whilst engaged putting a roof on a barn near New Bloomfield, in this county, were struck by lightning. Mr. Thompson who was on the building with Mr. M'Kee at the time of the shock, fell to the ground by which he was so severely injured that his recovery is somewhat doubtful. The other two recovered so as to be able to walk about in two hours after the shock. - Ib.
Robert Thompson's and James Clark's Buildings Destroyed by Fire
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) May 3, 1826
Fires
A new building, occupied as a cabinet-maker's shop, &c. belonging to Col. Robert Thompson of Perry county was destroyed by fire on the 11th ult., together with a valuable set of tools and about 300 bushels of grain of different kinds. On the night of the 6th ult., a barn belonging to the heirs of James Clark, deceased of the same county was struck by lightning and consumed.
M'Kinley and M'Glaughlin Arrested for Theft
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) May 3, 1826
Landisburg, April 20
Pilferers
Two men, one named M'Kinley and the other M'Glaughlin, late residents of Mifflin county, were taken up in this town on Friday last on a charge of pilfering sundry articles out of the stores of Messrs. M'Clelland & M'Clure in daylight whilst the persons attending were engaged with customers. The circumstances attending their examination gave strong evidence of their guilt and they were committed to jail at Bloomfield. A number of articles were found on them not claimed here, amongst which was a pair of half worn scissors with a silver chain, an elegant double-bladed pen knife and case opening on the handle to which was attached a pair of scissors, sundry flag silk handkerchiefs, &c. They had about $70 in money in their possession of which upwards of twenty-three dollars were in ten cent pieces. - Forester
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
September 13, 1826
Town of Bloomfield
About three years since, the town of Bloomfield was laid out on the farm of Mr. Geo. Barnett, as the seat of justice for this county - two years ago it was an inclosed field; it now contains built or building, and will be finished by the first of April next, including the Court House and jail, Eighteen, snug and comfortable buildings, some of which are large and commodious, besides from 12 to 15 shops and stables - Perry Forester.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
September 20 1826
Landisburg, Sept 14
Major Long, of the engineer department, passed through Bloomfield, in this county, on Thursday last, engaged in the duty assigned to him by the United States Government of viewing a national military road from Washington to a point on our northern frontier. Several routes are spoken of for this road, but there is every probability, with a little vigilance on the part of the citizens of this county, and the exertions of our Representatives in Congress next winter, that it will pass through this county, and through our infant county town.-Perry Forester
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
Wednesday, July 11, 1827
Landisburg, June 28
The hay harvest, notwithstanding the extraordinary nature of the weather, has been pretty generally safe put in. So cold a day, accompanied with the most incessant high wind, has not been experienced at this season of the year, within the recollection of the oldest inhabitants, as that of Friday last. We are credibly informed, that many of our farmers, not possessed of as warm temperature of body, perhaps, as others, were actually engaged putting in their hay, rolled up in their great coats and plaid cloaks on that day. A severe frost, on Friday night destroyed many fine cucumber patches and we are informed the young corn has been somewhat injured in some places. Trees were unrooted, and fences leveled to the ground, by the force of the wind - Forester
Myers and M'Cafferty Killed in Accidents
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania), July 18, 1827
Accidents
A young man named Myers, as we are informed, was killed by the bursting of a small metal cannon, at the Ferry on Duncan's Island, on the 4th inst.
On the following day a man named M'Cafferty fell out of a boat into the river a short distance below Clark's Ferry and was drowned before assistance could be rendered. - Perry Forester
Abraham Hostetter Drowns
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania), December 26 1827
Accident
On Tuesday last, Mr. Abraham Hostetter, a respectable citizen and resident near Bloomfield in this county, was unfortunately drowned in a quarry hole near that place, whilst dipping for a bucket of water. Mr. Hostetter was subject to fits and it is supposed he was seized with one at the time he fell into the water. - Perry Forester, Dec. 18.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
February 18, 1829
A Bear Story
On Wednesday the 21st ult., Mr. George Hollabaugh, of Toboyne township started hunting, and had not been out long when he came upon bear tracks, which he followed until he reached a cavern, in which, he judged, at least one Bruin had entered. After a moment's hesitation he entered the cave, but had proceeded but a short distance when he was obliged to retreat by the advance of something "black as night". With gun prepared to meet the foe, he stood at the mouth of the cave, when the head of the family, a fine large Bear, made his appearance, and was laid low in the twinkling of an eye. Mr. H., reloaded as quick as possible, and had jut time to think of the prize he had gained, when another of the sable tribe made his appearance from the mouth of the cave - he was despatched in a moment. Mr. H. started home for assistance, and on his return, was proceeding to carry off the animals, when the third Bear made his appearance at the mouth of the cave, and having his trusty gun still at hand, this also, was added to the number of the slain. So singular and extraordinary an instance in the history of successful Bear hunting we will venture to say, has seldom, if ever, occurred in this section of the country. - Perry Forester.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
Wednesday, May 13, 1829
Bloomfield
There are now 29 dwelling houses, 21 hops and offices, a Court house and Jail, besides other out houses in this town. There are 4 stores, 5 taverns, 1 printing office, 2 shoemaker shops, 2 tailor shops, 1 saddler, 4 cabinet-makers, 1 hatter, 1 tinner, 2 blacksmith shops, 2 tanneries, 2 or 3 carpenters, more than half a dozen Lawyers, and half as many Doctors. The population of the town is about 220. Little more than four years ago, the site upon which the town stands was an inclosed cloverfield, without a solitary building upon it. - Perry Forester.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
March 22, 1831
We yesterday witnessed the horse power operation of Messrs Wilson's and Stroop's Threshing Machine. Four horses were attached to the shaft - their motion was an ordinary slow walk, at which rate the machine threshed one dozen sheaves of wheat, common bind, in two minutes; at which rate it would thresh 50 dozen in an hour or 360 dozen in a day of 12 hours long.
Perry Forester, March 24
Republican Banner (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
August 27, 1833
Married on the 15th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Shull, Mr. David A. Reed, Editor of the "Perry Forester," to Miss Catharine Attig - all of Bloomfield, Pa.
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
February 24, 1835
Mr. Jonas Ickes has become proprietor of the Perry Forester, in the place of Mr. David A. Reed. The editorial and mechanical management of the paper are under the direction Mr. Peleg Sturtevant.
The Peoples Press (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
November 6, 1835
Married on Tuesday, the 27th ult., by the Rev. Mr. Patterson, Mr. James Marshall, of New Bloomfield, Perry county, to Miss Maria V. Thompson, daughter of Mr. William Thompson, of this county.
The Adams Sentinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
December 7, 1840
Public Sale
The subscriber, executor of the Estate of James Diven, late of Tyrone township, Perry county, deceased, will expose to Public Sale, at the late residence of the deceased, on Friday the 15th day of January next, the following described Real Estate, viz:
A Valuable and Extensive Tannery, Late the property of James Diven, deceased, situate in the borough of Landisburg, Perry county, (14 miles northwest from the Cumberland Valley Railroad at Carlisle, and 15 miles southwest of the Juniata Canal at newport,) containing Fifty Vats, with the necessary Leeches, Limes, Bates, Pools and Cistern, connected by pipes, two Barkmills, Roller, Hidemills and a new steam apparatus of seven horse power, in a suitable building under roof, ready to attach Barkmills and other machinery - and there is also a large and substantial Fram Building, two stories high, including Dry house, Currying and Beam shop, with 20 Handlers on the reeling system. There is a good supply of running water. On the yard are all necessary buildings, comprising Miss house, Bark houses, Leather house, &c. &c.; and also a good Frame Stable. There is an inexhaustible supply of Bark in the neighborhood.
James A. Diven, Ex'r.
Of the Estate of James Diven, dec'd
Dec 7
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