Various Newspaper Articles From the Past
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Last updated on 24 JANUARY, 2012
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The Newspaper page for Philadelphia was started by Nancy Piper of Genealogy Trails
She started this page when she was host for Philadelphia. All articles not credited to someone else, were contributed and transcribed by Nancy. She is tireless in her quest for news articles. Thank you, Nancy.

1748
The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, PA
May 5, 1748

Whereas Thomas Bourne came over into America from Great-Britain, about the year 1670, and, as it was supposed, resided some time in Pennsylvania, and was possessed of a considerable estate and effects, and died without returning to England; If any person can give account of the said Thomas Bourne, and where he died, or with whom he left his effects, they are desired to acquaint Benjamin and Samuel Shoemaker, of Philadelphia, and they shall be suitably rewarded.

1754
The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, PA
October 17, 1754

Monday last the General Assemby of this Province met here, when Isaac Norris, Esq; was unanimously chosen Speaker for the ensuing Year.
We have Advice, the the Twightwees lately sent some of their Headmen to the Lower Shawana Town, on the River, Ohio, with the following Message, viz:
Brethren, the Shawaness

"You know that the French have invaded our Country on all Sides; --Why do you sit so still? --- Will you be Slaves to the French, and suffer them to be Masters of all the Land and all the Game? --- Rise up, take the Hatchet, and follow our Example. We kill’d not long ago, Fifty Frenchmen, all Warriors, in one Day. Five other Nations have join’d us; and if you, and your Grandfathers, the Delaware, will but stir, the French will soon be forced to fly." To which the Shawanees answer’d

Brethren, the Twightwees, "We are surpriz’d at your Request. The Six United Nations have desir’d us to sit still, and not mind the French; and that we must keep our Ears and Eyes towards the Six United Nations; and so do our Grandfathers the Delawares. We desire you would spare us and leave oru Twon before the French here of you, and come and kill you here, and plunge us into the War, before the Six United Nations begin it." Upon which, it is said, the Twightwees accordingly left the Shawana Town much disgusted.

We hear that Tanschirsson, otherwise called the Half King, one of the principal Chiefs of the Indian Nations settled on the Ohio, died at Harris’s Ferry, on Susquehanna, the fourth instant, after having been some Time indisposed.

From Cumberland County there is Advice that some time last month an Indian, named Israel, one of the Six Nations, kill’d an Indian Trader at the House of one Anthony Thomson, near the Foot of the Tuscarora Valley, and then made his escape.

1776

The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco, Calif.)
January 07, 1911

CONTINENTAL BILL FOR $8 FOUND IN BIBLE AFTER 100 YEARS' CONCEALMENT
Contributed by Barbara Z., Genealogy Trails

Note: see photos of the bill in the link.

1802

The yellow fever still rages in the city and liberties of Philadelphia, but not with much violence. By the reports of the Board of Health from the 6th to the 11th of August, both days included, the deaths by this disease, are from the City Hospital 9 - On the 6th inst., 14 remain sick in the Hospital; during the following week, 16 persons were admitted - on the 11th 12 remained in the Hospital. During the above period the deaths, by all diseases in the city and liberties, were 21 adults and 42 children.

1803
The Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
October 5 1803

Philadelphia

The number of deaths, all of diseases, in the different burial grounds of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, from the 16th to the 26th of September were - grown persons 123, children 44 - Total 167.

1805
The Centinel, Gettysburg, PA
September 11 1805

The Yellow Fever is now raging in Philadelphia. By we understand that it is chiefly confined to the southern liberties.

1806
The Sprig of Liberty, Gettysburg, PA
January 2, 1806

In the US Gaz., has appeared an account of Philadelphia, which, tho' it gives not the present population, assists to explain the great additions to the buildings in that city. At the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia was thought to contain 6,000 houses and 40,000 persons. In 1802 were added 464 new buildings, and the next year 885, and in 1804, 273. Above a third of these buildings were framed in wood, the rest were in brick. They have exported 400,000 barrels of flour in a year. A person is yet living whose mother arrived when there were but three houses in Philadelphia. In a late account of the Schuylkill bridge, near the city, we are assured, that the top of the rock on which part of this bridge rests, is above 41 feet below the common high sides, and that 800,000 feet of lumber, board measure, were employed in it. The bridge is 556 feet in length, and the whole feet of the work 1300 feet - the Middle-arch is 194 upon the chard. The toll for the first year, 1799, was 5000 dollars. The present toll on an average is 13,600 dollars.

The Sprig of Liberty, Gettysburg, PA
January 23, 1806

The property of the late William Bingham of Philadelphia, which he has left to his daughter and a son, is said to amount to a million of dollars.

The Centinel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
May 21 1806, Page 2

Philadelphia, May 14
Dreadful Fire

The Masonic Hall, in Philadelphia, was destroyed by fire on the night of the 9th inst.

The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA
August 11, 1819

Philadelphia, Aug 1
State Prison Conspiracy

An attempt was made this morning at 6 o'clock, by ten convicts to escape from the State prison. They first seized one of the keepers, inside, and took from him his pistol, which they threw over the prison wall - they offered no further violence to that keeper than this. Then they proceeded with a large piece of timber, 18 inches in circumference, and two feet long, and endeavored to force open the prison door by striking against the lock. The outside keeper immediately appeared at the door, and fired his pistol at one of them, which passed near him but did not hit him. They then left the front door and proceeded to the sewer, which runs under the prison yard, and attempted to break through in that direction, when they were seized and safely lodged in the cells. Kelly, who was tried and acquitted on the charge of murdering Garret, but convicted of burglary, was the ringleader in the conspiracy, which was thus promtly defeated by the energy and firmness of the keepers. Having received our information from one of the keepers, this concise account may be relied on as substantially correct.

1821
Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
July 4 1821

Philadelphia, June 25

A gang of desperate robbers at this time infest our city. Seven of them were brought before the Mayor on Saturday morning and committed. At their lodgings, goods to be a considerable amount were found, and are now at the Mayor's office, where persons who have lost may had better apply.

Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
August 8 1821

We have with great pleasure seen it announced in the Philadelphia papers (says the New York Journal) that the extensive dam across the Schuylkill at Fairmount, 2 miles above the city, is now completed, with the exception of a little filling in. This Dam, we understand, raises the water 9 ½ feet above the common level, and gives one of the most extensive water powers in the U.S., which is, essentially, to be appropriated to the raising of the water from the Schuylkill, into a Reservoir 100 feet high, and sufficiently large to contain10,000,000 of gallons; from which it is conducted in large cast iron pipes, and distributed throughout the city to the different Families, who pay a water tax of 5 dollars annually.

This Dam has been raised at an expense of upwards of150,000 dollars, and is one in a vast chain by which the Schuylkill is to be rendered navigable 100 miles into the interior of the State, and ultimately, connected by a Cross-canal with the Susquehenna, to command the produce of that river.

Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
October 10, 1821

Philadelphia Oct 3

Messrs. Strickland and Baldwin, the engineers, left this city yesterday morning, with several others engaged in the work, to commence operations on the Union Canal, which is to unite the waters of the Susquehanna and the Schuylkill. - Amer. Sen.

1822
Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
July 22 1822 Page 3

Albany, N.Y. July 2
A gentleman of this city lately visted the venerable Charles Thomson, secretary of the continental congress in the revolutionary war, at his seat, 12 miles from Philadelphia , on the old Lancaster road. Mr. Thomson has reached the advanced age of ninety-three, enjoys tolerable bodily health, and walks with apparent ease and pleasure to himself. His sight is so good as to enable him to read without spectacles, but he hears with difficulty. His mind is evidently in decay; it is the ruins of superior intellect. Far from being puerile, it still bears the impress of greatness, and a familiarity with the best ancient and modern authors. He dwells with peculiar interest on the scenes of the revolutionary war, and relates, with great precision, many anecdotes of its prominent characters.
On being asked what caused such implicit faith to be put in the documents signed by him, he answered “It was well known that he had resolved, in despite of consequences, never to put his official signature to any account, for the accuracy of which he could not vouch as a man of honor,” and so well was this understood, that when Mr. T. was adopted by the Six Nations of Indians, they emphatically named him “the man of truth.”

Gettysburg Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
October 9, 1822 Page 4

Pennsylvania Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb.
The parents and friends of the Deaf and Dumb throughout the Union are respectfully informed that an additional number of pupils will be received until the first of December next, into the Philadelphia Asylum, under the tuition of Mr. David G. Seixes. Applications for admission or further information, post paid, and addressed to either of the Subscribers, will meet with immediate attention.
The directors believe, that owing to the superior qualifications of their principal teacher, and to his judicious distribution of the pupils into small classes (not to exceed twelve in each) this institution affords peculiar advantages for the instruction of this bereaved portion of society. The terms are: 160 dollars a year, for boarding, washing, & C. and tuition.
Those however, whose circumstances will not admit of their paying that sum, will be received on such terms as may be agreed upon.
Dr. Richard Povall, No. 115 South Ninth street
Washington Jackson , No. 75 South Eighth street
Dr. William Price, No. 36 North Ninth street
John Swift, Esq. No. 107 South Tenth street
Dr. N. Co. Nancrede, Corner of Fifth and Powel streets,
Committee

Gettysburg Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
November 20 1822 Page 1

From the American Daily Advertiser

Great Dams
That over the River Schuykill, near Philadelphia, has an overfall of 1204 feet long, and is 1600 feet in length, from shore to shore; a part of the channel which it crosses is 36 feet in depth at high water, and the greatest volume of water that has at any one time passed the overfall, has been in depth on the top of it nine feet, and in velocity computed to be at the rate of 12 miles an hour.
This dam is 150 feet broad at its base, and 12 feet wide on the top, formed of solid stone and gravel – the whole height of it 56 feet, of which 44 feet under water and 12 feet above the top of the over-fall; it is coated with a stone wall three feet thick, from the water’s edge on its upper side, proceeding on an angle of 45 degrees to the top ot it, then continued horizontally 12 feet, until it meets a perpendicular solid stone wall on the lower side, firmly laid in mortar, and 6 feet in thickness, thus compactly securing the whole work.
The purposes for which this great dam was constructed, are for the Schuykill Canal Navigation, and for forming one of the greatest water powers known in the world, both of which objects it has effectually accomplished.
That styled the “great dam” over the Hudson near Fort Edward , is 900 feet in length, and 30 feet high, constructed of timber, after the manner called comb-work.

Gettysburg Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
November 20 1822 Page 4

Newspaper Establishment

Mr. J. Sanderson of Philadelphia , has become the proprietor and editor of the Philadelphia Aurora. Mr. Wilson, the previous purchaser, having been unable to dispose of his establishment in Ohio -- Nat. Intel.

The Lycoming Gazette, Williamsport, PA
December 4, 1822

Street Robbers

On Wednesday evening last about 9 o'clock, a gentleman on his way to his residence near the Arsenal, was attacked by two ruffians at the corner of __??__ 11th street, very severly beat and robbed of his watch, money, coat, waistcoat, hat, &c. And on Thursday evening about 8 o'clock, a person walking down South street, between Eighth and Ninth Streets, received two severe blows on the head, which instantly deprived him of recollection. Previous to being knocked down, he perused two persons, one on each side of the way, in conversation, whom he believes to be colored people , and that they were the perpetrators of the violence. The also stripped him of his coat, and rifled his pockets of what little they contained.  -- Phil. Gaz.

Gettysburg Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
December 18, 1822 Page 4

Robbery

On Tuesday the 3d inst. A gentleman on horseback, when within about a mile of widow Moore ’s tavern, nine miles from New Hope , was accosted by a man, apparently lame, who begged for a ride. It being very cold, the gentleman in the act of alighting from his horse, was seized by the throat, thrown down and his pocket book carried off, containing upwards of 500 dollars, principally of the United States Bank. A reward of one hundred dollars is offered. – Philad. Gaz.

1823
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
Dec. 9, 1823

Important Trial

The highly interesting trial of the commonwealth against Richard Allen and thirty-three others, which has occupied the court of Nisi Prius, held before Judge Duncan, during the last seven or eight days, terminated this morning with a verdict of “Guilty” against all the defendents. The charges in the indictment were for a conspiracy to excite a riot, and to take forcible possession of Wesley Church, in Lombard street, on the 11th of August, 1823: a riot with an assault and battery upon the preacher in charge of Wesley Church, Simon Murray; and an assault and battery upon the preacher in charge of Wesley Church, Simon Murray: and an assault and battery only upon Simon Murray and William Perkins. Very great ability and industry in developing and in refuting the imputed conspiracy were displayed on both sides by the counsel concerned: we understand that Judge Duncan distinctly pronounced the law to be in favor of the prosecution, while he commented upon the facts with a clearness and impartiality that left no room for doubt in the minds of the jury.

The cause of the commonwealth was sustained by David P. Brown, G. M. Dallas and Charles J. Ingersoll, Esquires; and that of the defendants by Daniel J. Desmond, Bloomfield M’Ilvaine and Samuel Levy, Esquires.

The arguments in this case, are said to have involved much nice learning, on the practice and discipline of African Methodist Episcopal churches, one of whose bishop was first among the defendants; and to have touched upon, it not settled many points which in this age of religious controversy, are important to the peace and good order of congregations and communities. Frank. Gaz.

1824
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
March 31 1824 Page 3

Philadelphia, March 26
Summary Justice

Yesterday morning, between 11 and 12 o’clock Michael Wumer and John Reading were brought before the Mayor by tow of the city watchmen, charged with having robbed three country wagons, standing in High street near Twelfth street . From tow of the wagons they each stole a great coat, and from the other a barrel of butter and two of eggs. They were committed by the Mayor for trial. The grand jury being in session, an application was made to the Deputy Attorney General, Charles S. Coxe, to the grand jury. He complied with the request; the witnesses were examined, the bills returned into Court, the defendants tried by the petit jury and found guilty. The Court, a few minutes before one o’clock, sentenced them each to undergo a servitude of four years at hard labor, making the space less than two hours from the time of their hearing before the Mayor until the sentences of the Court. – Amer. Sent

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
April 28 1824

Small Pox

It appears by the report of Doctors Mitchell and Ball to the Managers of the Philadelphia Alms House, that of 153 persons placed under their care, having the small pox, but 25 were known to have been previously vaccinated. These 25 all recovered, while of those who had neither been vaccinated nor had the small pox, 70 out of 110 died. Four persons died of the small pox who had had it before, two of whom had it vaccination, and two by (?). So it would seem that to have been vaccinated is a better security …?.... have had the small pox ….?.... orally or by inoculation.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
May 26 1824

Philadelphia, May 13
Incendiaries

The Mayor was on Tuesday much occupied investigating the conduct of Thomas Cole, Dennis M’Carty and John M. Henry, charged with having set fire to the State House, during the December session of the Mayor’s court. Henry has been permitted to turn State’s evidence, and has given much important information. J. M. Henry and John Carr, were indicted at the December session, for having cheated a countryman out of six hogs. The night the Jury were out in that case, a pane of glass was broken in one of the windows of the Mayor’s court, on the south side, the window opened, and the chairs, & c. being piled against the east side of the courtroom, they were all set on fire near midnight. Happily the flames were soon extinguished. The jury convicted Henry and Carr, who both absconded. Henry was subsequently arrested at Lancaster , as a fugitive from justice, and the Mayor, Alderman Carpenter, found on him a loaded pistol. It now appears it was intended by the above villains, to way-lay and murder the late Mayor, for what they were pleased to consider harshness towards them in the discharge of his official duties. It is also in evidence from Henry, that the gang, with which he was connected, had, from revengeful feelings, twice went at night for the purpose of setting fire to the property of Mayor Wharton, but were scared off, without accomplishing their object, by the barking of a dog. – Demo. Press.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
May 26 1824, pg3

New York, May 16
Boating Deaths in NY Explosion
Awful Occurrence

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
June 2 1824

Philadelphia, May 26

Thomas Cale, Dennis M’Carty and John Carr, were convicted within the last week, before the Court of Oyer and Terminer, of setting fire to the State House, and of conspiring to assassinate the Mayor. The only evidence of their guilt was the testimony of John M. Henry, an accomplice who has lately been sentenced to the state prison. Mr. Wharton deposed that Cole was a bad character. They were brought up yesterday and sentenced by Judge Hallowell, to twelve years imprisonment, nine years being for the arson, and three for the conspiracy. Cole appeared much affected and protested that he was innocent. – Colum. Obser.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
July 14, 1824

Philadelphia, June 29

The house of Mr. John Morton, in Front street, below Walnut, was struck by lightning yesterday morning. The shock was so violent that it tore the conductor from the wall. It then descended to the kitchen, and set fire to a towel, but did no further damage. – Amer. Sent.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
July 28, 1824

Small Pox

The Augusta Georgia Chronicle state that the small pox has appeared in the Cherokee nation, where it is spreading with serious mortality. Five Indians of the Nation, on their return from Philadelphia found their company attacked with this alarming disease on the journey – four of them died, and one unfortunately was attacked after he got home, and was the occasion of spreading the disease in the neighborhood. Sixteen persons, it is said, have already died with it, and in almost every case it proves mortal. An express was sent to Augusta for the purpose of procuring some of the vaccine matter, which it was hoped might be the instrument of arresting the course of this malignant and fatal disorder. (Contributed by Nancy Piper, Genealogy Trails

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
August 11 1824

The Flood

On Thursday evening the 29th ult, the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding country was visited with an uncommon quantity of Rain – it commenced with light showers about 9 o’clock, and from that time there were some intermissions until half after 11, when the rain re-commenced, and continued, with thunder and lightning, for the period of three hours, to pour down such powerful torrents of water as to deluge all the low lands in the City and the neighboring districts. In these situations many cellars were filled, in some of which Sugars and other perishable articles were destroyed, and other Goods were damaged. The embanked meadows on the borders of the Delaware and Schuylkill were much injured, and some of the Cattle were drowned. Two Bridges between Holmesburg and Frankford, and the Floating Bridge at Gray’s Ferry on Schuylkill , were carried away. The Bridge at the Flat Rock on Schuylkill, and Poole ’s Bridge in Front-street, were considerably damaged, and several Mill-dams, and Bridges across turnpike and other roads were either carried away or considerably injured. A large quantity of lumber and driftwood was carried down the stream from the borders of the Schuylkill , and a man, who was endeavoring to collect a portion of it, was unfortunately drowned below Fair Mount Dam. The loss in the County of Philadelphia , and to individuals, must be considerable.

It appears by the Rain Guage kept at the Health Office, that the quantity of water which fell during the night was four and a quarter inches. The quantity which had fallen during the preceding twenty-nine days, viz. from 1st to 29th of July, both days inclusive, was only two inches and ninety-eight-hundredths of an inch. – Daily Adv.

The water rose in Cohocksink Creek , four feet higher than is recollected by the oldest inhabitants in the neighborhood. It was nine inches deep on the lower floor of a house occupied by a Mr. White, and his family was apprised of the circumstance by the neighbors early this morning, having rested in confidence, of their being secure from the flood. The house is an ancient one, having been built before the war of the Revolution, and during the conflict was fired by the English; it was afterwards repaired, as many others in the vicinity of our city have been, which were burnt by order of the British.

We measured the height of the water mark left on the wall in the lower room of Messrs. Craige & Co.’s cotton factory, and found it four feet above the floor. The machinery was nearly covered with it, and about 40 bales of cotton goods were damaged; the dye-house belonging to the factory was inundated, and most of the dye-stuffs were destroyed; much of the fencing along the creek was swept away.

A family residing in a small brick house near Beaver and Third streets, were taken from the window of their bed chamber at about 2 o’clock on Friday morning, at which time the fresh was at its height.

All the tanneries, and other manufactories along the creek, sustained damage, some of them we apprehend to a large amount. In George-street, near Third, we saw a large stone, with its shaft attached, (such as are used for grinding bark) which had been removed a considerable distance from the house in which it was erected. We made frequent enquiry, and were gratified at not receiving any account of personal injury. A valuable dog, which was chained in one of the tan-yards, was relieved on Friday morning by a man who entered the water up to his breast to save him; the poor animal had been buffeting the flood during the night, and was nearly exhausted. – City Reg.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
September 15, 1824

Philadelphia, Sept 2
Foot-Race

On Tuesday afternoon, a foot race was run, in the vicinity of this city, by John Runner ( a butcher, of Spring Garden ), and John D. Lawrence, of New York , for four hundred dollars. The distance 150 yards. The ground on which they ran was prepared for the purpose, and was in excellent order. For the first 35 years they were lapped; at 50 years Runner was one foot ahead; at 75 yards, two feet; at 100 years, four and a half feet; and on coming out ten feet. Runner performed the race in thirteen seconds. – Amer. Sent.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
September 15, 1824

Philadelphia, Sept 8
A very serious Riot took place about 10 o’clock yesterday forenoon, near the County Court-House , Sixth and Chesnut Street . A Negro was brought before Judge Levy on a charge of being a runaway slave. The Judge remanded the prisoner to Jail. In the custody of the Deputy Sheriff and some of the Sheriff’s officers, he was on his way to Arch-street Prison, when, near the Theatre, about 150 negroes, some armed with large cord wood clubs, set on the Sheriff’s officers to effect a rescue. They beat back the officers, who, however, held on to their prisoner. So great was the noise and clamor that the Mayor’s Court was emptied and adjourned. The Magistrates, Constables, and all the officers of the Court, promptly went to the assistance of the Sheriff’s officers, who returned with their prisoner to the Court House. Seven of the ringleaders of the blacks were arrested, and , with the slave, have been committed to prison. – Dem. Press.
Contributed by Nancy P.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
September 29, 1824

Philadelphia, Sept. 15

The board of commissioners under the convention between America and England, concluded at St. Petersburg, on the subject of slaves captured by the British in the late war, decided on Saturday last, that the average compensation for slaves taken in Louisiana shall be 680 dollars; for those taken in Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia, 390 dollars, and 280 dollars for those taken in Virginia, Maryland, or any other state. The board adjourned to the 8th day of December next, when they will proceed to an examination of the claims which may be in a state of preparation for hearing. The Secretary of State has given notice to this effect, that the definite list of captured slaves will then be laid before the commissioners, and that all persons should exhibit their claims by that time. – Frank. Gaz. (Contributed by Nancy Piper, Genealogy Trails

1825
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
January 12, 1825

Philadelphia, Jan. 5

On Monday last, the judgment of the court of quarter sessions in this city, in the case of Nancy James, who was indicted and sentenced to be ducked as a common scold, was reversed by the Supreme Court, on the ground that no law of Pennsylvania, either statute or common, warranted the sentence of the court below. Judge Duncan considered that this inhuman and barbarous part of the English common law had become obsolete; that, at all events, it had never been brought to this country by our ancestors; that it was incompatible with their humane habits, as well as with the enlightened maxims of civil policy introduced into Pennsylvania by William penn; and that even if the punishment formerly inflicted upon common scolds had ever obtained here, it had, by implication, been repealed by the general spirit of our mild penal code. The decision of the Supreme Court must give universal satisfaction. – Aurora .

Melancholy-On Sunday morning the 2d inst., a shallop, which had anchored off Timbre creek in a storm, about 5 miles below Philadelphia , filled with water, and Benjamin Williams, captain, and Elisha Oldcraft, perished on the occasion – Frank. Gaz.
Contributed by Nancy P.

Philadelphia, Jan. 18

The Mayor’s court of this city, on Saturday, passed sentence on Hiram Smith, Maria Smith, John Hyde and Aaron Adams, all blacks, for having in the month of September last, with other colored persons, attempted to rescue from the sheriff’s officers a black man who had been recommitted to prison by Judge Levy as a runaway slave. Hiram Smith and his wife Maria Smith were each sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment and each fined fifty dollars and costs. Aaron Adams and John Hyde were sentenced to twelve months imprisonment and each fined twenty dollars and costs of prosecution. – Dem. Press.
Contributed by Nancy P.

Philadelphia, May 10

Fire - Yesterday afternoon, about 2 o'clock, a fire originated in the Comb Manufactory of Mr. Thaddeus WILLIAMS, situated in Third between Brown street and Poplar Lane, in the Northern Liberties, and before its progress could be arrested, 4 two-story brick houses, and 11 or 12 frame buildings occupied as dwellings and work-shops were totally destroyed, and four brick houses partially burnt.

The principal sufferers are Thadeus WILLIAMS, George KENSELL, Widow BENNER, Widow SAILENDER and Widow SHOWAKER. There are other persons who met with considerable losses, but we could not ascertain the particulars.

We learn with regret, that three persons fell from a roof - one of whom expired during the afternoon and the other two were severely injured. -- Amer. Sent.
Contributed by Nancy P.

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
June 1, 1825

Philadelphia, May 27

During the storm on Wednesday evening, a colored woman in passing along Seventh between Market and Allen streets, was instantly killed by lightning. The same flash shattered the axle of a gig near the same place; one horse disengaged himself from the shafts and he and the driver escaped unhurt.

The daughter of Mr. John PARHAM, residing in Eleventh street below Walnut was very severely injured by lightning on Wednesday evening during the storm. Several houses in the neighborhood were slightly injured by the electric fluid.

On Saturday morning last, a son of Mr. George CARTER, 14 or 15 years of age, living near Leesburg , Va. , was instantly lillled by lightning. – Amer. Sen.
Contributed by Nancy P.

1828

Republican Compiler( (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania))
January 28, 1828

From the U.S. Gazette, Dec. 27
Mayor’s Court
George Pearson, discharged from the Penitentiary on Friday last, at the expiration of 7 years sentence, &c. and James Payton in September, after a servitude of 6 years, were arrested on Sunday last, in the commission of larceny at a respectable boarding house in Market street, into which they entered, taking a lamp from the cellar, and proceeding to the room of one of the lodgers, attempted to rob it of various articles of clothing. The noise attracted the attention of the lady below, who on detecting the fellows in the act of leaving the house with the booty, courageously closed the front door, by which their escape was prevented. They were detained by the watch and brought before the Mayor on Monday morning. The Grand Jury being in session, a bill was found, to which the defendants pleaded guilty. They were promptly remanded to the Penitentiary under the sentence of three years each. Thus it is, that owing to the courage and presence of mind of the lady of the house deserving the highest commendation, these two offenders, on whom the law had in vain expended its penalties are one more brought to punishment.
Contributed by Nancy P.

Republican Compiler( (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania))
January 30, 1828

From the U.S. Gazette, Dec. 27
It is, we believe, generally known that one of the high constables, Mr. Garrigues, of this city (Philadelphia) was dispatched, some time since, to Missisippi, to take charge of several black children who had been kidnapped from this city and “sold into slavery” in that state. We now learn that Mr. G. has returned with the three children for whom he was sent. He has also discovered in that State, twelve other children, abducted in a similar manner, whom he has caused to be placed in security until he can obtain proper vouchers and formal orders for their redemption.
Contributed by Nancy P.

1846

Cumberland Alleganian (Cumberland, Maryland)
June 5 1846

"Ben Franklin's Narrative On his first day in Philadelphia"

1865

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
March 17, 1865, Page 1

"Exchange of Prisoners from Salisbury Prison, North Carolina"

1866

Albany Evening Journal, Albany, New York
December 17, 1866; Page 1

"The Records of Salisbury Prison, North Carolina"

1885

Wheeling Register, West Virginia
January 22, 1885

An Assignment. Mr. Frederick Eberwein Transfers His property to a Trustee for his Creditors

Yesterday a deed of assignment was admitted to record at Clerk Hook's office bearing a date of January 20, 1885, from Frederick Eberwein and wife to B.B. Dovener, trustee, in which assignment he transfers to a second party all lands, & stocks owned by him, and describes the land as follows: South 1/2 of lot 121, on the east side of Market Street, between Twenty-Third and Twenty0fourth streets; south 1/2 of lot No. 2 in square 17 of caldwell's addition to the city; lot No. 13 in square 12, of Caldwell's addition to the city. He gives the trustee full power to sell or dispose of the same in any manner deemed best, and the proceeds to first go toward paying the preferred creditors. First--All costs of executing this assignment to be deducted. Second--Pay off two notes, one for $3,000 with interest from date, the other for $1,000 both payable to the order of C.E. Stifel and dated respectively December 26, 1883 and October 14, 1884. Third--Pay off the judgement rendered against him in the Municipal Court for about $1,900, and costs of the suit in favor of Beltz & Flading. Also a judgement of $271 and cost, rendered by Squire Caldwell in favor of the People's Bank. Fourth--All other indebtedness to be paid if there be a sufficient sum realized from the sole and if there not be enough, then the trustee is ordered to pay them according to priorities of the liens if they be any. The assignor reserves from his personal effect the value of $200 worth. Mr Eberwein is a contractor and carpenter and has been very unfortunate. Only a few days ago he fell on the street, breaking his left wrist.
Contributed by Desiree, GT Host

The New York Times (New York, New York)
March 28 1885

"DEATH OF A MUSEUM FREAK"-Philadelphia, March 27

Zanie Zanobia--
Contributed by Shawna W.

1887

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
8 June, 1887, pg2

"ELECTRICITY IS NOT SAFE"

WILLIE HEFT TESTIFIES.

The Singular Replies to Questions Asked Him by the Lawyer.

Another hearing took place yesterday afternoon before Commissioner W. T. Aldrich in the insanity case of William Heft, who recently married Bessie Weaver, of Germantown. Heft was present during tbe inquiry and was an attentive listener to the proceedings. The report of Mr. McLean, the commissioner in the Caspar Heft lunacy case, which was submitted four years ago and which stated that Willie Heft was an imbecile at that time, was offered in evidence. Attorney G. Harry Davis, representing tbe petitioners, called Willie Heft to the stand. He was sworn, and Mr. Davis asked him:

"Do you know what these proceedings are?"
"I am not able to take care of myself."
"Have you counsel"
"No; but I want Magill and Williams."
"What for?"
"To put it in my favor if they can."
"Why should tbey do that?"
"So I can have her"

Dr.J. H. Webner testified that he was the Heft family physician since 1875.  He knew Willie Heft for about twelve years, and noticed his peculiar actions and speecb. He thought the young man was incapable of forming a clear opinion, his powers of conception were weak, and he knew that to could not make change. The physician give as his belief that Heft would remain an Imbecile

Dr. R. W. Deaber was next examined, and stated that he had frequently observed Heft's low mental calibre. The witness corroborated the evidence of Drs. Chase and Wood, who had been examined at the previous hearing. The Inquiry was continued until next Tuesday.

EXCURSIONS TO THE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Two excursions to the Yellowstone National Park are to be carried out this summer under tbe direction of Mesers. Raymond and Whitcomb. The parties will leave Philadelphia July 25 and August 24, and be absent 27 days.  Ten days, twice the usual allowance of time, will be spent making a grand round of the park, with halts at all the Interesting points. These trips present unusual facilities for inspecting the American wonderland. Only a limited number of passengers will be taken. Circulars descriptive of these tours maybe obtained of H.F. Shields, No.111 South Ninth street, under the Continental Hotel.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.

An Appeal to the Public for Funds to Carry it Out

Tha committed appointed by the Mayor to arrange for the People's Fourth of July celabration met at Mr. Wanamaker's office at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Tho committeemen, present were John Wanamaker, Thomns Dolan, Thomas Cochran, Colonel Tbeo. E. Wiedersheim, Colonel Robert P. Dechert, Col. S. Bonnaffon, Jr., and Darwin C. Fenco. Mr. Wanamaker was unanimously elected chairman and Mr. Fenno secretary. Resolutions were  passed requesting Drexel & Co. to act as treasurer for the fund. A rather informal discussion followed as to the best way of celebratlng the day. A partial programme, comprising music, orations and a military display, was agreed upon and various sub-committees were appointed to arrange details. As soon as a complete programme can be flxed it will be published.  The committee adopted and signed the following appeal:

   TO THE PEOPLE OF PHILADELPHIA:  The committee appointed by the Mayor of the city of Philadelphia to arrange for the proper celebration of the Fourth of July accept the appointment in the belief that citizens generally desire to have such a celebration, and to have it on a scale worthy of the city where the Declaration of Independence was given to the world

   As the only funds at the command of the committee will be what is contributed by the citizens, tbe extent of the celebration is entirely dependent upon the public spirit and generosity of the people.

   Messrs. Drexel A Co. have consented to act an treasurors of the fund, and citizens generally are invited to send in their contributions as early as
possible that proper arrangements may be perfected.

Very respectfully submltted,
        JOHN WANAMAKER
        THOMAS DOLAN
        THOMAS COCHRAN
        WILLIAM M. SINGERLY (sp?)
        THEO. E. WIEDERSHEIM
        ROBERT P. DECHERT
        S. BONNAFFON, JR.
        GEORGE P. KIMHALL (SP?)
        D. C. FENNO

THE NEW GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Description of the Magnificent Theatre to be Opened on North Broad Street.

An Idea of what the new Grand Opera House at Broad street and Montgomery avenue, now in course erection, will be like can be obtained from the description furnished by the architect.

The lot front on the southwest corner of Broad Street is 1406 1/2 feet, and on Montgomery Avenue it stretches back 238 feet. The main entrance on Broad street is a portal fifty feet wide by forty depth and height, leading into a broad lobby, with wide staircases on either side ending at the balconies. Level with the entrance, and right and left, are suites of apartments which can be used as offices, or for any other purpose desired by a ball or entertainment committee.

Passing these the great space of the theatre will be reached, a sea of parquet chairs, on an inclined plane, leading to the stage, and accommodating 1100 persons. Each seat is to be a broad, deep arm chair, 3 1/2 feet from back to back, giving not only full room to stretch the limbs at ease, but also sufficient space to walk between each row of chairs without disturbing the occupants. Forming a horseshoe round the parquet comes the parquet circle, which will seat 900, exclusive of the two stage boxes on either side, which will contain twelve chairs.  The balcony above will contain 1500 seats, also ending in a pair of boxes for the use of private theatre parties of a dozen or more guests.

Dividing the stage from the auditorium and joining with an iron curtain are fire walls of twenty-seven inches in thickness.  The width across the curtain from fire wall to fire wall is 11? feet—the widest stage in the world—and the depth back is fifty-eight feet.  Two stories of dressing rooms are being built at the rear of the wings.  The stage exits, right and left, in case of fire are wide enough to drive a chariot with three horses abreast, and the whole of the Montgomery avenue side of the theatre is broken up into ground-reaching windows and wide doorways.  Indeed, the whole of one length of the new grand opera house is a vast exit when necessary.  When the theatre is leased for a ball the dancing flooring across the parquet will be 83x150 feet clear of the columns supporting the balcony.  Several applications for the autumn and winter are being considered.

Mr. W. H. MORTON is to be lessee and manager, assisted by Mr. C. M. SOUTHWELL, recently of McCaull's Opera House. The finest comic operatic companies are being engaged for the summer and winter seasons, and the list of artists will include several of the singers who gained so much popularity at McCaull's Opera House.  The stage company will include a chorus of seventy voices. The orchestra will number thirty five instruments. It is at present arranged that Prince Methusalem is to be the opening opera.

THE BERNHARDT FAREWELL.

Tickets for sittings are now on sale at the Chestnnt Street Opera House for Madame Sara BERNHARDT's two performances of Theodora next Monday and Tuesday evenings.

GRADUATES IN ELOCUTION,

Fourteenth Commencement of the National School of Elocution and Oratory.

An audience seldom equaled in size and character in this city witnessed the fourteenth annual commencement exercises of the National School of Elocution and Oratory in the Academy of Music last evening. Thirty-eight students, thirty ladies and eight gentlemen, who had completed their course of study at the institution, received their diplomas.  The graduates were seated upon the stage with the faculty, while their friends filled the parquet and the first two galleries to overflowing.

Rev. Dr. George K MORRIS opened the exercises with prayer, after which Rev. Dr. A. J. F. BEHRENDS, of New York, delivered the commencement oration.   His theme was: "The Place of the Imagination in the Art of Expression." Two oratorical exercises followed, Miss THELPS speaking on 'The Modern Sphinx," referring to the liquor traffic, and Mr. TYNDALL'S subject being "Eloquence In Nature"  Miss REIS recited "The Night Watch," Miss ALEXANDER a scene from Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Miss GERAID recited "Jimmy Hay." All the speakers reflected the training that had been bestowed upon them, and they were frequently interrupted with applause. Handsome floral pieces and bouquets were presented to the speakers and to the graduates when they received their diplomas. The graduating class consisted of the following:

Graduates in Elocution--Minnie E. BAER, Camp Hill, Pa.; Margaret BAKER, Des Moines, Iowa; Sadie B. BARBER, Lewisburg. Pa.; Clifton K. BECHTEl, Philadelphia; Belle D. BROOKS, Philadelphia; Mrs. Helen L. CARPENTER, Oneonta, N. Y; M. Adeline CRAWFORD, Philadelphia; Mary E. CULVERT, Carlisle,Pa; E.Myrtle DRUM, Mt. Carmel, Pa.; Mrs. Ada E. GAULD, Woodstock, Canada; M. Bertha HARPER, Collinswood, Canada; Susan G. HAYDOCK, Philadelphia; Joseph A. HUDSON, Philadelphia; Laura G. KIBB?E, Highlands, N. C.; Anna LO??A?I, Columbus, Ohio; E. Craig PAXON, New Athens, Ohio; M. Lizzie RIDGE, Bensalem, Pa; Carrie L. ?AGE, Rochester, N. Y; Sallie A. SMITH, Salem, N.J.; D.C. STUNKARD, Well's Tannery, Pa ; Emily H. WEST, West Ches ter, Pa,; Lide S. WETMORE, Salem, Ohio; Martha WHITSON.A?glen, Pa.

Admitted to the Degree of BE.--Jessie ALEXANDER, Toronto, Canada; M. Agnes BRODIE, Caledonia. N. Y; Richard CHAMBERS, Philadelphia; Fannie F. CUNNINGHAM, Fairfleld, Pa.; Rosalind FORSTER, Pittsburg, Pa.; Fannie S. GRIMES, R?ta?, Pa.;Rebecca L LEIBENSPERGER, Br???gsville, Pa.; ?. PHILLIPS, Collegeville, Pa; Lillian R. REIS, Pittsburg, Pa.; Mary C. REMS, Macungie, Pa; Florence WLLLIAMS, Schellsburg, Pa.

Graduates in oratory admitted to the Degree of B. O.—Rev.
 Joseph Stinson BROMLEY, Philadelphia; Ada M. MARINER, Bushnell, Ill.; Lillian Sophia PHELPS, St. Catherine's, Ont, Canada; Edwin Theodore TYNDALL, London, Ont, Canada.

HEALTH OF THE CITY.

New Regulations and Other Protective Measures Before the Health Board

New rules are being formulated by the Health Board Committee, consisting of Messrs. DAVIS, FORD and ALLISON, they have not yet been promulgated, but it is known that the intention is to improve the service by making the regulations much more strict than they have ever been before. Under the new code which is to be submitted, the hours during which the office will be kept open are to be extended to 4 o'clock. Employees of the department will be expected to confine themselves religiously to its duties, and as one or two vessels have recently passed up the river, and been sent back to quarantine it is believed that the committee will, If possible, submit suggestions for improvement in that direction if necessary.  Another of the dally meetings of the board was held yesterday.

A communication came in from the Lazaretto Physician in reference to the practical nurse which he had been informed the city proposed to supply to be on duty and in readiness at all times. He urged that the nurse be sent down at once in view of the condition of things in the yellow fever regions to the South. The matter was referred to the Lazaretto Committee.

Medical Inspector TAYLOR submitted a report in reference to the sanitary condition of the public school house at Nineteenth and Reed streets, recommending that the Sectional Board furnish the janitors of the building with disinfectants and the suggestion was ordered to be carried out. Complaints about the condition of Wingohocking creek were referred to Councils, with a request that drainage construction be made to abate the annoyance from it.  A declaration that Nos, 504 and 506 Beach street were nuisances owing to the state of their cellars, which came in from the Second district committee, was adopted, and an order issued for the remedy of the same within ten days from the date of notice.

1890
The Altanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia)
January 7, 1890

'LA GRIPPE' PROSTRATES PHILADELPHIA POLICEMEN

1893
Daily Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, Pennsylvania)
April 25 1893

Punished For Killing Her Son (Davis)
- Mrs. Targgert Sentenced to Four Years and a Half
Contributed by Nancy P

Old Liberty Bell on the Car
By United Press

Philadelphia, April 24: The liberty bell was transferred this afternoon from Independence Hall on the car on which it will be transported to Chicago. No event since the bi-Centennial in 1887 has created such widepread interest and enthusiasm as the transfer. The streets throughout which the procession passed were crowded by thousands, who cheered and waved hankerchiefs as though the historic relic was a thing of life.

1895
The Morning Times
July 7, 1895,pg 1

Transcribed by Nancy Overlander

For Breach of Promise
Jay Gould’s Nephew Sued by Miss Margaret May Thompson

Philadelphia, Pa., July 6. – A rule to show cause why the breach of promise suit brought by Margaret May Thompson against Dr. Gilbert Joseph Palien. Jay Gould’s nephew, should not be quashed, was filed by defendants counsel to-day.

Accompanying the writ to quash the case counsel filed a second rule calling on the plaintiff to show cause why the defendant should not be discharged on common bail.

The effect of these rules, if granted, would be to throw Miss Thompson’s case entirely out of court, or reduce the suit to one of common law releasing the defendant at once from the responsibility of bail and the farther arrest.

Dr. Palien and his bride sailed today for Europe on the steamer Southwark.

1896
Indiana Journal
March 11 1896 p 5 col 2
Contributed by our Barbara Ziegenmeyer

Death Warrant Read to Holmes.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., March 9.—The death warrant was read to H. L. Holmes, the murderer of B. F. Piizel. to-day, by Sheriff Clement. Holmes remained perfectly cool during; the reading and appeared less concerned than did the sheriff. Holmes ex- pressed himself as willing to die.

1903
The Evening Herald, Bellingham, WA
October 12, 1903
donated by our Host Marla Snow

“Easy” Warden is Fired
The warden of the Eastern penitentiary of Pennsylvania has just lost his job. All there was the matter with his administration was that a still was run by the prisoners, a counterfeiting plant was in full operation, 6,000 cigars had been stolen, and a plot for the release of all the prisoners came within an ace of being successful. They must be getting particular back in Pennsylvania. -Tacoma Ledger.

1905
Associated Press to The Patriot
28 AUGUST, 1905
Transcribed By: Desiree

SHOT HIMSELF ACCIDENTALLY
 
Harry Rodkey, Philadelphia & Reading Railway detective, shot himself in the left leg Saturday afternoon, while handling a revolver.
 
The pistol was an old one and when Rodkey took it from his pocket and was arranging the barrel, it went off prematurely. The ball passed through the leg.
 
Rodkey was taken to the Harrisburg Hospital, where the wound was dressed.
 
He went to his home at 722 Capital street yesterday morning. His condition is not serious.

1906
The Garland Globe
Feb. 17, 1906, pg 7
Transcribed By: Maggie Coleman

Sarah Jones, a seventy-year-old woman, was convicted of murder in the first degree at Philadelphia , for the killing of her foster daughter’s child within a few hours after it was born.

1908
Evening Telegraph,
May 9, 1908
donated by our Host Sara Hemp

BEAR LOOSE IN MOUNT AIRY

Bruin, Teased by Boys, Broke Leash and is at Large

Perhaps his name was Pietro, no one knows and apparently no one cares.  Anyway the man was an Italian, and he was going up Germantown avenue with his dancing bear, and all went well until Mt. Airy avenue was reached. Here a crowd of boys spied the man and his bear, which was a black bear and perfectly harmless, unless aroused. The boys were mischievous and began to pelt the foreigner and his bear, but they did not reckon rightly, for when a missile lodged behind the ear of Mr. Bruin he snorted, and with a mighty tug he freed himself from his owner’s grasp.  The boys saw the shaggy animal make his escape, and speedily the preceded to do likewise as expeditiously as possible. Over fences and in and about every street went the lads, with the bear in hot pursuit. The tormenters did escape all right and when the bear saw this he started on a rampage, with his owner in hot pursuit. He first confined his uninvited visits to the vicinity of Mt. Airy and Germantown avenues, and after he had frightened the residents of this section of Chestnut Hill and given them the fright of their lives, he wended his way toward Mt. Pleasant avenue, stopping here and there to drop in on a family who, on the approach of the shaggy visitor, fled precipitately.  About this time the telephone bells in the police stations at Germantown and Chestnut Hill began to ring.  “Oh, please send someone to my home quick, there is a bear going to kill us,” was the way the house sergeants got it and under the circumstances they did the best they could by sending a detail to look up Mr. Bruin. However, this did not stop the telephone bell from jingling, and it fell to thr lot of the dog watch to quiet the alarm of those who sought refuge in appealing to the police.  The police detail went forth looking for the shaggy bear that had created so much disturbance and caused the residents of Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy to flee from their homes at the approach of the animal. The last seen of the bluecoats they were dodging in and about Chestnut Hill avenue looking for the bear that is somewhere in that vicinity but just where is not known at least not to the police or to Pietro, who is searching high and lowlands out Germantown avenue looking for his dancing bear, and vowing vengeance on the boys that started the racket.

1913
Philadelphia Inquirer
October 30, 1913
Contributed by Desiree, GT Host

80 year old man Kills Wife: Fight over Gift to Son

Woman's Head Crushed with Ironing Board in Parlor of Home.
Senile Fury Aroused Over Presentation of Stove to One of Their Children
During a quarrel over a gift to a son yesterday afternoon, John Eberwein, a Civil War Veteran, aged eighty years, killed his wife, Elizabeth 65 years old, in the parlor of their home 2940 North Orkney Street. The aged man's weapon was an ironing board, which he wielded with deadly effect upon the defenseless head of his helpmate for thirty years. After the crime had been committed the octogenarian tried to hide the evidence of his guilt. To the police he presented a stolid front, reiterating that his wife's death had been due to a fall down the stairs. Only when confronted by the ironing board, from which he had tried vainly to wash the blood spots, did he break down and confess. Even then the aged murderer seemed unaware of the gravity of his crime. He shed a few tears when he told of the quarrel and his attack upon his wife, but by the time the police were ready to remove him to City Hall he had fully regained his composure. He will be given a hearing today. Particularly pathetic is the cause of the quarrel which led to the murder. Mrs. Eberwein several days ago gave to their son, John, a small cooking stove. The husband objected, and constantly fretted over the matter until he had aroused himself to the frenzy which resulted in the attack. -Came from Virginia- The Eberweins moved to the North Orkney street address from Virginia about three years ago. In Philadelphia at the time were living two married sons, John and Frank, and it was a desire to be near them that the aged couple made the trip North. Mrs. Elizabeth Eberwein was a second wife, the first having died in Virginia. The police were unable to learn anything of her family, nor were they able to locate either of the sons, both of whom are said to live in Kensington. During the time that they have lived here, John Eberwein has spent almost his time at home. According to the neighbors, Mrs. Eberwein feared his temper, which he had displayed frequently. In the past he had upon a number of occasions almost reached the point of striking her, she had told some of her friends. it was with memory of her fears that the neighbors about 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon heard the signs of a quarrel
Contributed by Desiree, GT Host

Philadelphia Inquirer
October 31, 1913
Contributed by Desiree, GT Host

Aged War Veteran Denies Killing Wife

Stands before Magistrate Apparently Unmoved by Charges Held to Await Coroner
Although he was credited with having comfessed to committing the crime, John Eberwein, of 2940 North Orkney street, a Civil War veteran, when arraigned at the Central Police Court yesterday on the charge of killing his wife Elizabeth, 65 years old, denied the accusation. It was alleged that the aged man, following a quarrel with his wife over a cook stove worth $3, attacked her on Wednesday and crushed her skull with an ironing board. Eberwein, who is 80 years old, stood before Magistrate Eisenbrown, another Civil War Veteran, without manifesting any great concern. Special Policeman Knox, of the Front and Westmoreland streets station, had given testimony regarding the tragedy and when the aged prisoner was asked if he desired to make any statement he suprised everybody by announcing that he was deaf and that he had not heard a word that the officer had said. "If that's the case we are not going to take advantage of your affliction." remared the magistrate in a loud voice, "and in order that you may know of everything that has been said against you, I am going to instruct the policeman to summarize his testimony in writing." When the policeman had finished reading his testimony Eberwein lifted both arms and spoke incoherently. Afterward he was led to a cell having been remanded pending action by the Coroner.
Contributed by Desiree, GT Host

1917
Evening Ledger, Philadelphia
November 12, 1917
Transcribed by our Host, Barbara Z.

41 SUFFRAGISTS FOUND GUILTY

Three Philadelphia Women Among Those Convicted of Picketing
SENTENCE IS DEFERRED
With One Exception Bond of Convicted Was Supplied by Miss Mary Ingham
WASHINGTON. Nov 12

The forty-one women arrested last Saturday afternoon for picketing the White House on behalf of suffrage were found guilty in police court this afternoon. Judge Mullowney did not sentence the women, but took the case under advisement and said he would give It "deep consideration" before making the sentences known.
Three women from Philadelphia: Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Miss Elizabeth McShane and Miss Catharine Lincoln were among those found guilty.

Attorneys for Mrs. Harvey Wiley, wife of the pure food specialist, gave notice of an appeal and she was released under $100 bond. The others, among them are Mrs. John Winters Brannan. social leader of New York, and Mrs. William Kent, wife of the former California Congressman, were released under the $1025 collateral put up by Miss Mary Ingham, of Philadelphia, when they were arrested Saturday.

The suffragists were arraigned in Court in groups of fours, sixes and eights. Just as they marched in different groups to the White House Saturday, and after each group was tried and found guilty they were asked by Judge Mullowney to step aside until all forty-one had been tried, when he said he would pronounce sentence

By his careful questioning of each of the prisoners as to whether they had been arrested and sentenced before for a similar offense, It was plain that Judge Mullowney intended to give "repeaters" a sentence of perhaps six months and first offenders only thirty days in jail.

Court opened promptly at nine, but it was eleven o'clock before the cases of the Suffragists were reached on the dockets.
During the long wait the prisoners and their friends who crowded the court amused themselves exchanging newspaper clippings about their arrest, knitting socks and sweaters and discussing the recent suffrage victory In New York.

Many of the prisoners brought suitcases, handbags and bundles containing toilet articles, clean underclothing and other articles which they intended taking to jail, as all were determined not to pay fines.

DOCTOR WILEY AIDS HIS WIFE
Dr. Harvey Wiley, of "pure food" fame, was in court with Mrs. Wiley, who was among the picketers, and took a seat alongside his wife on the front bench. With him was Raymond H. Dickey, a Washington Lawyer. who had been retained as counsel for Mrs. Wiley
Police Sergeant Lee, in charge of the detail which made the arrests, was the first witness for the Government. The forty-one suffragists, bearing their banners, came to the White House in eight groups at 4:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon at a time when the Government departments were letting out. By stopping at the west gate of the White House they had drawn a tremendous crowd, which obstructed the sidewalks

He had told each of the pickets that they were violating the law, he said, and told them to move on. Only one of the forty-one made any response, and when they declined to move they were arrested and taken in patrol wagons to the station house. The one picket who made a response, he said, replied: "I cannot move until I get directions from our leader."

The suffragists called witnesses who said the crowd was not dense; and that it had formed because the news had been broadcast that the pickets would be arrested when they appeared, rather than because the pickets were there. Pickets had stood at the White House gates for six months and nobody paid attention to them, the witnesses said, until it was announced they would be arrested, when great crowds gathered.

Mrs. John Winters Brannan of New York, who was In the first group arraigned, made a scathing address to the Court when Judge Mullowney asked If any of the women wished to say anything before sentence was pronounced.

HOLDS PRESIDENT RESPONSIBLE
"We will hold the President responsible for this whole thing, because he will not urge the passage of equal suffrage legislature for us," shouted Mrs. Brannan.

"Your courts, your policemen, your jails, cannot stop us in this effort to obtain equal suffrage. Whatever the verdict of this Court may be we shall go on picketing, we shall picket again at once and keep it up

The responsibility for this thing will rest upon you and not upon us."

This aroused the ire of Judge Mullowney, who handed out a vitriolic rebuke for what be declared their wanton and willful breach of the laws of the country .

"Do you think it is the duty of the police to make the crowd move on and leave you women standing there with your banners" he asked. "I've tried to explain in your various trials here that you are breaking the law and that the practice must be stopped.

"You are attacking the foundations and standards of democracy, and we shall not permit you nor any other organizations to stand above the law. To say that your organization is to adopt methods which the statutes condemn is a dangerous doctrine and an outrage against this country.

Look over in Russia," he went on; see what happens there, when the people abandon law and order and there is nothing but a mob and everybody stands on rights he imagines he has. I tell you It's dangerous.

He then adjudged them guilty and said he would announce sentence at the conclusion of the trial of them all.

Mrs. William Kent, of California, wife of the tariff commissioner and former Congressman was in the second group arraigned. "I want you to tell me what the Democratic party had me arrested for." shouted Mrs. R. B. Quay, of Salt Lake City, who was in the next group, when asked by Judge Mullowney If she had anything to, say. "I come from Utah, where I have been a political worker for the Democratic party. I came here to help In this cause, and now I want to know why the Democratic party had me arrested." This question convulsed the courtroom in laughter and the bailiffs rapped and shouted for order.

Judge Mullowney also bent almost double with laughter. When he recovered his composure he said: "I'm sure I don't know, madam: you'll have to ask somebody else." When the group was called, which Mrs. Wiley was a member. Lawyer Dickey said he would represent Mrs. Wiley, but wanted to explain carefully that he was not representing the other women. He asked for a separate jury trial for his client, but this was denied by the court on the ground that the statutes do not allow a trial by jury in a breach of traffic regulation cases.

1922
The Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, New York; Friday 06 Jan 1922
donated by our New York State Host Melissa Rodriguez

FORMER AMERICAN IS REPORTED BANDIT VICTIM
Mexico City, Jan. 6 - A former Philadelphian and an American citizen, Y. Dostello was today reported to have been killed and mutilated by bandits at his ranch, 18 miles from the capital on Wednesday evening. James Pelley, his partner, was assisted by Mexican employees to escape.
The American embassy here is stated to have taken action in the matter and troops are pursuing the bandits, who were driven from Dostello’s ranch after a fight.

1923
Time Magazine, Saturday, Apr. 21, 1923
Donated by Kim Torp

Died. Arthur Chambers, 75, former lightweight champion of the world, at Philadelphia. In 1879 at Chippewa Falls, Canada, he fought the longest bout on record, 136 rounds. The fight was under the old .London rules whereby a knockdown counted as a round. When the late Marquis of Queensbury decided to formulate rules to elevate the sport, he consulted Chambers and their joint efforts resulted in the regulations under which boxing contests are now held.

1931
Lebanon Daily News, Thursday Evening, November 5, 1931, Page 5
Donated by Kim Torp

Hazleton Charles Nordland, 41, Philadelphia critically injured when train strikes his car on grade crossing at Baddocktown, near here. - Transcribed by Nancy Piper

1942
The Philadelphia Record (Philadelphia, PA)
4 July, 1942
Article used with permission from the Author's son and submitted by Kimmer

REPORTER TAKING SNAPSHOT OF LIBERTY BELL ARRESTED; YOU CAN BUY ONE FOR 5¢

1988
SPECIAL TO THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 18, 1988
Philadelphia Journal; Reunion of Clan Marks A Heritage of 300 Years
By WILLIAM K. STEVENS
Submitted by Kimmer

Rittenhouse Reunion

2011

The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco, Calif.)
January 07, 1911

CONTINENTAL BILL FOR $8 FOUND IN BIBLE AFTER 100 YEARS' CONCEALMENT
Contributed by Barbara Z., Genealogy Trails

Note: see photos of the bill in the link.

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