PABERKS-L Archives
Archiver > PABERKS > 2004-05 > 1085366661
From:
Subject: News from Pennsburg - May 14, 1901
Date: Sun, 23 May 2004 22:44:21 EDT
Ref: Town and Country Newspaper
Pennsburg, Montgomery County, PA
Saturday - May 14, 1901
DEATH OF WM. M. GEARY
In the death of William M. GEARY, the superintendent of Blockley Insane
Asylum in Philadelphia and formerly the occupant of many offices of distinction in
the Quaker City, Upper Hanover township loses one of its sons who not only
added lustre to its name but who always was proud to refer to the Upper End as
his birthplace. Mr. GEARY, who was a member of the Perkiomen family of GERY's
that has lived in the valley since before the Revolutionary war, died in the
Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia last Saturday, having been there since April
26. Born on June 14, 1845 he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan GERY who
lived in Upper Hanover township, in the home opposite East Greenville depot. His
father was a poor farmer. He was given thirteen weeks' study in the Bucks
County Normal School, and had to leave to go to work on the farm. Mr. GEARY when
but 11 years old, took sides with the Abolitionists. His parents were
pro-slavery, and the boy had to leave home when he was 14 years old. He obtained
employment with Adam FREES, a farmer, at Wissahickon Station, on the Pennsylvania
Railroad. He resumed his studies under Mrs. FREES, and for the two years he was
there he devoted himself to cultivating his mind. Several times he attempted to
enlist, but his father, whose sympathies were with the South, had him
discharged on the plea that he was a minor. Before he reached his majority, he became
a brakeman on the North Penn railroad and, in successive stages, rose to the
position of master of transportation. After successfully holding that job
until 1892 he accepted the superintendency of the Philadelphia, Newton and New
York Railroad, retaining it until January 1896 when, having been elected Recorder
of Deeds, of Philadelphia County, by an immense majority he took his first
political office of importance, though he had been elected in 1889 to the City
Common Council and re-elected for several successive terms. During the greater
part of his residence in Philadelphia he took an active interest in city and
state politics and for nearly twenty-five years was the Republican leader in
the nineteeth ward. In 1892 he was elected president of the Anti-Cobden Club
which was a power in its time. After his term of Register of Wills expired, Mr.
GEARY was appointed to the superintendency of Blockley and was most successful.
He was compelled to resign a few years ago on account of ill health. In March
1865, he married Miss L.A. KELLER, of Sellersville. He was a member of the
New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church and a Knight Templar.
HEN HAS A RECORD OF LAYING LARGE EGGS
J.W. BUTZ, the feed dealer, at Palm, has a hen which during last week laid
three eggs of the follwoing sizes: six and three-fourths by seven and one-half
inches; six and one-half by seven and one-half inches and seven and one-half by
eight and three-fourth inches.
OFFERED HER CHILD AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE
The Quakertown Times says that at a public sale at Zion Hill, last week, a
young woman from Allentown appeared and offered to sell her two-month-old child
either at public or private sale. She had no offers upon either condition.
DONATED $100 TOWARDS A CHURCH ORGAN
The well known cigar manufacuring firm, of Otto EISENLOHR and Bros., of
Philadelphia, recently sent a check of $100 to the Trumbauersville congregations to
help pay the new church organ. One thousand dollars will be paid by Andrew
CARNEGIE.
PERKASIE WOMAN HANGS HERSELF WITH BED SHEET
Mrs. Oliver CURTIS, of South Perkasie, committed suicide by hanging herself
with a sheet from the rafters of the house. The third floor of the house being
too low to hang in, the woman utilized the garret stairs. When the body was
discovered life was not yet extinct, but she died soon afterward. This was her
second attempt at suicide. The day preceding she had swallowed a lot of
landanum, but evidently took an overdose. She remarked to some one that "This will
never do," and that she would finish this thing up soon. The reason for the
suicide is not known, but is supposed to have been caused by the financial
troubles of her husband. She was the wife of Oliver CURTIS, who is employed as
bartender at the Trio House, Perkasie. The couple only moved to Perkasie a few weeks
ago from New Galena, where they kept hotel, until the Sheriff seized the
property. The woman was about 35 years old and weighed about 200 pounds. The
family consisted of the husband, wife and two children.
INJURED HORSE KILLED BY INSURANCE COMPANY
The horse belonging to Isaac HUBER, of New Hanover, that was injured in the
runaway from the Town and Country office at Pennsburg, several weeks ago was on
Sunday killed. The animal was stabled at Haring's Hotel and in spite of the
careful veterinary attendance lockjaw developed. The President of the insurance
company was notified of the condition and after looking at the animal he
ordered it killed.
LANDLORD ENTERTAINS HIS NEIGHBORS AT DINNER
Nathan LEESER, the new landlord at the Palm Hotel, extended an invitation to
his neighbors to take dinner with him on Ascension Day. The invitation was
accepted by the neighbors and between forty and fifty partook of the bounteous
collation which he had prepared. A general good time was spent and the treat was
appreciated by all.
HOUSE WAS SAVED BY NEIGHBORS
The dwelling house of Adam BIERLY, of Tylersport, narrowly escaped from being
burned down on Tuesday morning. But with the aid of the neighbors the fire
was brought under control. A defective flue was supposed to have been the cause
of the conflagration.
TEAMS COLLIDE IN EAST GREENVILLE
The teams of David HELMORE, of East Greenville and Dr. A.O. GERY, of Chapel,
collided on Main street, East Greenville, on Wednesday evening. Luckily no one
was injured and only a few spokes were broken out of the buggy of Dr. GERY.
WILL SPEND THE SUMMER IN GERMANY
Mr. and Mrs. Hermann S. ROTH and daughter Lizzie, of Pennsburg, will spend
the summer in Germany. They will sail on the steamer Palatia on Wednesday, May
25. They expect to return some time in August.
APPOINTED CONSTABLE OF FREDERICK TOWNSHIP
Samuel K. SLONAKER, of Perkiomenville, has been appointed constable of
Frederick township, in place of Harry MOORE, who moved to Boyertown and caused a
vacancy.
This thread: