NEWS TRIBUNE
APRIL 28, 1911

 
ELK GARDEN MINE DISASTER
GAS EXPLOSION IN NO. 20 MINE
The Town in Deepest Mourning - Twenty-Three Dead
Heroic Work of Rescuers

For more than 30 years Elk Garden, Mineral County W Va, has been the center of one of the most noted mining districts in the eastern section of the United States. Thousands of miners have worked in the different openings in that section and many millions of tons of coal have been shipped from that point, and, as has been the history in all mining districts, there have been numerous accidents and sad fatalities, but never before has there been a mine disaster in that region that paralleled, or even approximated, the shocking calamity of last Mon. morning, when twenty-three men, all citizens of Elk Garden, except one, were suddenly ushered into eternity by an explosion in Mine No. 20, which is owned and operated by the Davis Coal and Coke Company. This mine is at the foot of the mountain about half a mile below Elk Garden, and on the main line of the Western Maryland Railway, between Chaffee and Blaine. Mr. Robert Grant is superintendent of that and all the other mines owned and operated by the same company in the Elk Garden region.
Work in all mining districts has been slack all winter and No 20 has been working regularly only two days in each week. Monday was not a regular work day for that mine, had it been many more men would have lost their lives in that awful disaster. the twenty three victims of that explosion were there cleaning up - sprinkling the mine and arranging for the next day's work.
The explosion occurred about 8:30 AM and soon the sad intelligence was carried to wives, mothers and children that their loved ones who had left them but two hours before for a day of toil by which to win bread, were entombed in that mine. Within a short time, hundreds of men, women and children had assembled at the mine opening and the lamentations of the bereaved were heart-rending. Superintendent Grant at once assembled all of the men available and began the work of rescue. Men were dispatched from other sections. A large number came from Thomas WV. The officials of the Davis Coal and Coke Co. immediately called the Dept of Mines at Washington and the Government hurried their rescue car to the scene of disaster from Wilkes-Barre Penn, where it was stationed. Regular and special trains brought crowds of sympathizers and rescue workers from different sections and the work was kept up day and night with frequent relays of forces of men. The parties could work in the mines only an hour at a time because of the poisonous gasses, and the work was necessarily slow. four of the rescuing party, Wm Willis, Geo. May, Martin Garvey, Mine Supt. of Thomas and Supt. J W Paul, of the Government Bureau of Mines, were overcome by gas Tues afternoon and were revived only after very heroic treatment by mine expert rescuers and physicians.
By Mon. night they had found but one body, that of Wilbur Shears; about midnight five more were taken out. During the day Tues nine other bodies were found and Tues evening they found five others. Not until Wed noon were all of the bodies found and brought out of the mine.
Some of the bodies were blackened, burned and mangled. In many instances they were buried under tons of slate; in other instances death came solely from inhaling the heat. A temporary morgue was made of a nearby building and inquests were held there.
The miners have been working on short time all winter and it is feared that the families of some of the victims may be in want. It is thought that some action looking to their relief will be taken by the directors of the Company.
It is thought that the explosion was due to the accumulation of gas and dust inn the mine. The fan had not been running for some time until it was started Monday morning.
the bodies of thirteen men were recovered Tues. morning.
They were:
John Pritchard, married, hair and moustache burned off, body burned, asphyxiated.
Arthur Pritchard, single, head burned and squeezed, death from fractured skull.
William Pearson, married, death from fractured skull.
John F White, Sr., widower, death from lacerated thorax.
William Hetzel, married, death from carbon monoxide.
James Brown, married, death from asphyxiation.
Hawthorne Patton, single, death caused by shock.
Leo Dempsy, single, suffocated.
James Dempsy, married, slightly burned, death from inhaling heat.
Harry Trainum, married, death from inhaling heat.
Charles Wilson, single, death from inhaling heat.
Edward Hershberger, married, death from inhaling heat, slightly burned.
Thomas Wilson, face lacerated and head fractured, death from inhaling heat.
The body of Wilbur Shears, who died from asphyxiation, was taken out Mon. night.
Five of the bodies were buried Wed and the rest were buried Thurs. In another part of this paper can bee seen a complete list of the 23 names.

FROM OUR ELK GARDEN CORRESPONDENT

Monday morning April 24, at 8:30 o'clock a violent gas explosion occurred in mine No 20 by which 23 men lost their lives. The force of the explosion seems to have been in Dean and Baldwin headings.
As soon as the report went out that a violent gas explosion had occurred in No 20 mine, a feeling of horror came over the people as the rushed to the scene of the accident. The fan, which had been started early that morning, was uninjured. Supt. Robert Grant, mine foreman, John Kenny, cashier, R M Dean, and mine foreman, B S Coleman of 14 mine were soon on the ground and had the situation in hand. A guard was placed at the different openings. Crowds of people collected but good order prevailed. Bolts of bed ticking and other goods were hurriedly brought to the mine to construct temporary brattishing to get air into the mine. All the brattice had been blown out by the force of the explosion.
During the day, Supt Orestes Tibbetts, with 6 or 8 picked men from the WV Junction; Supt Martin Garvey, of Thomas; Supt P J Branan of Coketon, arrived. They assisted in an pushed forward the work of braddishing the mine headings. Mine Inspector, Mr Plaster, arrived in the afternoon. Larger grew the crowd as the work progressed. Men, women and children made their way to the scene, but the women and children kept at a distance from the openings.
Wilbur Shears was found first, several hours before any of the others were reached. He was some distance from the others. No other bodies were rescued until Mon night. five special trains came to the scene on Mon. This mine is but a few hundred yards from the Western Md RR at the foot of the mountain below Elk Garden. Mon night a special train brought General Superintendent Lee Ott from Cumberland. He had been at Baltimore. C H Smith, Vice President, and Gen Manager Durham, Coal & Iron Co, Ky, former assistant of B F Bush, with others arrived Mon night on special train.
D C Hershiser, train dispatcher from Cumberland, arrived Tues morning and established telegraphic communication from the mines. The Government Rescue Car No 1, Wilkes-Barre, Pa, arrived early Tues morning. Conductor D A Moran was in charge of this train, which made the run in eleven hours and thirty minutes. The rescuers began at once to train miners in the use of oxygen helmet which would enable them to go ahead of the air in the work of the rescue. These helmets aided materially in the work. By eight o'clock, fourteen bodies had been rescued, one in the Atlantic and thirteen in the Dean heading. The other nine bodies are in the Baldwin heading. The work is beginning to tell on the men, though they work by section. The bodies of the fourteen miners were brought out in mine cars, two at a time, and taken to a building for identification. Wagons were provided and the bodies were conveyed to Elk Garden where undertakers, F C Rolman and Wm H Kight took charge of them jointly. Festival and Moody's halls were both converted into morgues. The undertakers from Blaine are assisting in embalming the bodies, and Gordon B Greer, of the Clarksburg casket Co, is assisting. By nine o'clock Tues night all the entombed men were rescued. Some are badly bruised by falling rocks and faces and hands are burned. The hair is entirely burned off the heads of several. The morgues were open to the public an hour or more late Tues afternoon. It was then that the full realization of the disaster came in full force. No funerals will be held until Thursday. Following is a list of the 23 dead:
James Dempsey, married
Leo Dempsey, single
Ed Hershbarger, married
Wm Buski, single
Thomas Yost, married
Harry Trainum, married
Wilbur Shears, married
John White, widower
Wm Pearson, married
Geet White, single
Hawthore Patton, single
Frank Pugh, single
Wm Pugh, single
James Brown, married
Temor Runion, single
John Prichard, married
Arthur Pritchard, single
Wm Hetzel, married
John R Wilson, married
Charles Wilson, single
Thomas Wilson, married
Lester Wilson, married
Roy Wilson, married
All the dead are Americans except Wm Buski. Some of our best citizens are numbered with the dead. Our town is in deepest mourning. Everyone feels the heavy stroke. People retired Mon night, but could not sleep. The suspense was awful. May we never witness such a scene again.
Tues afternoon afternoon several of the rescuers were overcome by the after-damp. Geo May was brought from the mine unconscious an the physicians worked with him for some time. Martin Garvey, superintendent from Thomas, was also in a critical condition for a time. Drs Keim, Copeland, and two other physicians were at the mines at the time.
coroner F C Rollman has begun an inquest, but it will not be concluded until after the funeral services.
A free commissary was established at the mine by the Company and lunches given to everybody that came to the scene of the disaster, which was open night and day.
Inspector L D Vaugh, formerly of this place, was on the ground today. Friends and relatives of the deceased are coming in on every train. The remains of Wm Pearsonn were taken to Lonaconing Wed. morning where the body will be interred on Thurs.
Roland

ANTIOCH

Misses Blanch and Mary Babb, of Falls were pleasant callers here one day last week as they were going to Keyser.
Miss Mida Brown, of Keyser came out last Friday, and was a pleasant visitor in our village until Tues.
The entertainment Sat night was well attended and appreciated by all that were there. Those that had part in the program (besides the school's pupils" were Misses Mida Brown, Alma Grayson, Eva Mott and Hattie Dettinburn; Messrs. Henry Chamberlin, Will Junkins, Jesse Hull and Harry Parrill. It was said by some of those that were there, that it was the best program of the kind they have attended. so much for our home talent.
Miss Bertha Whipp and brother, Seymour, of Burlington, and Mr A N Gollady of Rio, Hampshire Co, came up Sat for the exhibition and remained until Sun.
Victoria

BEAVER RUN ITEMS

Aunt Matilda Kline is still poorly, can sit up in bed some but is very weak.
Born unto I I Whipp and wife, a daughter.
D B Arnold returned home last week, but Mrs Arnold will remain down awhile and visit among us.
Miss Josie Leatherman, daughter of Alpheus Leatherman, is making her home at R W Smith.
W A Leatherman and family of New Creek, came over Sat and returned home Mon.
Mrs James H Arnold spent a few days visiting home folks down at Augusta.
It is reported that J W Leatherman has bought a small farm on Eastern Shore for their daughter and son in law. When they went to Eastern Shore they and Our's brother who has lived with them since bought the farm they have since occupied. for some time the farm has been offered for sale. Ours and family have been desirous to make a change and not having sold their own home to make the desired change the purchase as named above was made. Ours brother will remain on the farm they now occupy.
S W Whipp is supplying some of the people with young hogs at 8 1/2 cents, to put in the pen. This beats buying pigs at $10, $8, $6 or $5 per pair, the prices heard of.
Most of the oats have been sown but not all yet.
E J Allen has finished his job of work at Dan Arnold's the poultry house and yard, etc.
J W Leatherman and Miss Beulah Shoemaker accompanied Will Leatherman and family home Mon.
The subject for the social meeting Sun evening was "Kindness," for Sun evening it is "Purity."
G S A

ELK GARDEN NEWS

Cecil Bane, of Keyser, visited friends here this week.
Mrs I H Bane and daughter, Helen, returned from their trip to Buena Vista last week. They visited the Natural Bridge and other places of interest.
Our City Fathers are making some improvements. They have improved the lights and have hauled rock to improve a number of street and alley crossings >
Rev J W Bernard preached to a well filled church last Sun evening and made a very favorable impression upon his hearers, a Mr Wm E Oates, of Gormania, spent Sun in town greeting his many friends.
It snowed again last Sat night.
Mr Ferdinand Warnick moved this week to Howesville, Preston Co, where he is conducting the business of merchandising. We are sorry to lose him and his family, but wish them the best of success in their new home.
The terrible mine disaster at No 20 mine has caused all business to be suspended except work of necessity. This is a sad, sad week to the people of our town. See another column for an account of the explosion.
Walter Adams and family returned from New York state last week. His father came with him
Roland

PATTERSONS CREEK

Dear Tribune:
Easter was very quiet in our town.
There was a play in the hall Sat night by the home talent of this place which was fine, said to be the best of the season, it was for the benefit of the church here, for repairs, which are badly needed.
Messrs William Grace, Charles Long and Harry Duckworth, of Short Gap, spent Sunday as guests of J H Long's family at this place, also Mr and Mrs Oscar Johnson.
Mr John Murray and family have moved to Havre De Grace Md to work in the stone quarry at that place.
Mr Emory Runion and family came down Sat to visit Mr Ad. Runion's, his parents, also his wife's parents, Mr Henry Ash and wife.
Mr Joe Grimes little son, Karl, is ill with diphtheria.
Mrs C E Wagoner has been sick two weeks or more with the grippe, does not improve very much.
Mrs George Ward has been very ill, but she is on the road to recovery now, we are glad to note.
There was a bad wreck at Turkey Foot Mountain a short time ago, there were 17 cars thrown off the track, 13 car loads of cattle and hogs killed and crippled. We learn that it was caused by a run in of trains.
Miss Willie Smith has been sick for a few days, her sister, Miss Helen, is spending Easter in Cumberland.
Mr Guss Wagoner, of Sulphur Springs, Mr T Robinette, of Alleghany Co, spent Sat evening at Mr J E Long's, Pattersons Creek.
Mr C E Robinson, of Cumberland, was in our town Sat, calling on his many friends.

TWENTY FIRST BRIDGE

April 23, Snow on the Allegany Mountains, and cold enough to freeze. I hope the ground hogs time will soon be out.
Mr and Mrs Dora Saville, of Terra Alta, are spending a few days at her old home at Twenty First Bridge.
Mr Abe Ravenscroft has moved his saw mill to a new set on Mr G M Fink's place.
Mr and Mrs George Folk and little daughter, visited the formers father last week.
Last Sun morning Uncle Jeff Folk had a stroke of paralysis, he is much improved now and is able to walk about the house at present.
Rev J F Dayton called on Mr T J Folk last Sun.
Lee and Olive Sheppe are on a visit to Mr Clarence Clarks, in McCoole.
Mr Robert Baker, who has had a very sore hand, is, we are glad to say very much better.
Mr G A Ravenscroft, of Westernport, was down among home folks last week.
Occasionally

PERSONALS

Phone your orders for ice cream to Brown Bros, 69 Armstrong Street.
Prof J Harrison Isles, the leader of the popular Isles Orchestra, spent last Sun in Newark, O.
Ice Cream, $1.00 per gallon, all flavors. A P Brown & Bro.
Miss Flora Markwood is visiting relatives in Keyser.
Chief of Police F G Davis was in Cumberland on business Wed.
Buy your shoes of Weimer, and he will give a pair to the baby.
Mr Norvel Glover now has a position with the Home Laundry.
Ice cream, wholesale and retail. All orders receive prompt attention, large or small.
A P Brown & Bro.
Mr Robert Walsh spent Mon night with friends in Piedmont.
Mr L K Jacobs, of Newburg, spent Sun here with his family.
Miss Mollie Brown, the milliner, can please you in a spring hat or ladies' fancy work.
Miss Cora Kidwell has returned to her home on James Street from a visit to Clarksburg, Fairmont and Monongah, W Va.
Mr Geo R Dye, attended the marriage of his brother, Mr T C Dye, in Piedmont Tues evening.
Mr Harry Kight was called to Elk Garden on Tues by the death of his cousin, Mr Hawthorne Patton, who was killed in the mine explosion at Elk Garden on Mon Morning.
One of the best announcements that we have to make to our readers this week is that we have really had a few days of spring like weather, and it is believed that there is more to follow.
Mr O M Rizer of Piedmont, was a business visitor here on Tues.
Mrs George Bean and baby are guests of relatives here.
W S Davis & Son can furnish you with a first class Sun dinner.
The little son of Mr and Mrs Geo Freeland, Jr, has been ill for the past few days.
Mr J G Koelz was up the W M Line on business this week.
Mrs I H Offner and Mrs W A Liller returned home last Friday from a visit to their brother, Dr Kalbaugh, Piedmont.
Mr H B Carlton has just received some pure bred Rhode Island Red eggs from which he expects to raise birds that will win first place in any show.
L C McDonald has the best seed potatoes.
The auditorium of the I H Bane Building on Main St, is completed and next week Mr Wertheimer will open his picture show in it.
Aaron C Gouldizen and Laura Ira Barger, both of Jordan Run WVa, were licensed to marry in Cumberland this week.
Leave your orders for sherbets, ices, plain and fancy cream at Brown Bros., 69 Armstrong St.
Mr and Mrs Charles Babb, who have been in Texas since last November, spent Wed night with Mr and Mrs J C Arnold. They were enroute to their home at Medley.
Mr W J Cheshire, who lived on St James St, moved his family to Elkins this week where he is a boss in the car shops.
We have a full line of garden and flower seeds - Frye and Sons.
Have you planted your potatoes?
Dr Suter of Piedmont was in Keyser on business Mon.
Mrs Carrie Sharpless visited her son in Gormania this week.
Michael Kuykendall was in Keyser on business Sat.
Making garden has been strictly in style this week.
Miss Elizabeth Arnold visited Miss Katherine Sharpless this week.
The old cow laughs to see the buds swell and the grass start to grow.
Atty. W H Griffith was in Cumberland Thurs in the interest of one of his clients.
Mr Krebs of the Daniel Miller Co, Baltimore, was calling on our merchants this week.
75 or 100 bushel seed potatoes wanted for immediate use. Advise use the variety and price. Western Maryland Orchards, 80 Main St, Keyser WV.
Mr A C Wells, was called to Garret Ind, last Fri by the illness of Mrs Wells, who was there on a visit.
If you want to talk about an interesting proposition in the first class orchard stock, call at the Tribune office.
For Sale: We have thirty five thousand peach trees to offer to the planters this spring. Consult Mr N C Taylor as to variety and price. The Mountain View Nursery Co.
Mr J H Cunningham, of near Cresaptown, made us a pleasant call Mon.
Garden making times is now here and you can get all sorts of garden tools of Frye and Sons.
The small boy will have his inning by and bys - the circus is coming.
Next Mon will be the first day of May. After that we hope for spring like weather and flowers.
Miss Virginia Michael was visiting her sister, Miss May at Cross from Wed until Tues.
Miss Gertrude Selman and Mr George Hennen spent the day at Cross with Miss May Michael.
Miss May Michael came home on Wed evening from her school.
Mrs A L Liller, after being confined to her room for the past five or six weeks with Lagrippe and other ailments is able to be around again.
Miss Stella Hosken and Miss Anna Hanson of Frostburg, were guests of Miss Nellie Ravenscroft last Sat and Sun.
Messrs Harley and Harry Kight attended the funeral of their cousin, Hawthorne Patton yesterday, at Elk Garden.
Mr Geo W Bane was in Cumberland and Romney on business this week.
A A Welton of Williamsport, was in Keyser Tues and Wed.
Mrs E P Hoffman had a new metal roof put on her dwelling this week. Mr D A Kesner did the work.
Mr John T Sincell, who had been in Pittsburg on a week's trip, returned home yesterday.
Mr J Clarence Smith, visited in Keyser from Fri until Sun.
Hon C P Light, the Road Man, was in Keyser Mon and Tues in the interest of good roads.
Mr J W Carskadon, was in Keyser on business Mon.
Sheriff L O Davis, went to Elk Garden Mon night to take in the mine disaster situation.
P S Carnell, was in Keyser on business Tues.
Mr Harry Kuykendall and sister, Miss Lucy, visited in Romney this week.
Miss Carrie Arnold, of Piedmont visited in Keyser Sat. evening.
Miss Mary Malloy, of Piedmont, spent last Sat in Keyser.
Mr N U Bond was here on business last Sat.
Atty A J Welton attended court this week.
Mr W H Wood, of Moorefield, is in Keyser, acquainting himself with the process of making ice.
P R Wotring of Piedmont was here on business Monday.
Mr and Mrs H P Byron of the Tannery was shopping in Keyser Mon.
Mr H S Richardson of Piedmont, spent Monday in Keyser on business.
Mr and Mrs B B Cavitt who spent the winter in Washington, have returned to their home in Keyser.
Mr David Kessner was in Cumberland as a witness in a case yesterday.
Mr T H Davis, delivered a Model T Ford Torpedo Runabout Automobile to Mr J H Flanagan, at Alaska last Thursday.
Dr A G Livengood went to Fairmont the first of the week.
C E Nethken was in Elk Garden Wed.
The oyster has entered upon his summer vacation.
Mrs Howard Hoffman and daughter returned home Sun night from a visit to Pittsburg.
Mrs Patrick Marona and son are visiting Mrs Marona's sister, Mrs Casey.
Mrs J C Liller went to Washington today for a few day's visit to her sister.
Rev Samuel Umstot, received a car load of stock cattle from Chicago this morning.
Dr S W Umstot, of Hagerstown, visited relatives this week and looked after his orchard interests in this county. He made this office a pleasant call.
the days of heroism have not passed. The courage and devotion displayed by men at Elk Garden this week in their efforts to rescue the bodies of their comrades and fellow laborers from that pit of death have never been exceeded even on the field of battle.
Rev June Kuykendall, who has been a missionary to China for the past seven years, made interesting addresses at the Presbyterian Church last Sunday at the morning and evening services. Mr Kuykendall is now at home on a much deserved and needed furlough for rest.
Col Geo. T Carskadon will move his store next week into the First National Bank building, 61 Main St, just across the street from his present stand, where he will be pleased to see and serve all of his friends both old an new. He continues to sell the best goods for the least money.
By a vote of 178 to 99 the National House of Representatives yesterday passed the representation reappointment bill increasing the House membership from 391 to 433. West Virginia will gain one congressman.
Rev A A P Neel, Dr Baker and Mrs Markwood came over from Burlington Mon in Mr Neel's auto. They came by way of Headsville, but found rough roads even on that line. We are sorry to see Dr Baker on crutches, he and a colt had a falling out.

 DYE - GOUPT

A very pretty event took place at the residence of Mr John W Cox, a brother of the bride, at Luke MD, at 8 o'clock Tues evening, when Mr Thornton C Dye, general manager of the Piedmont Grocery Company, was married to Mrs Lottie Baldwin Gompt, of Luke MD by the Rev Dr John Brubaker, pastor of the Lutheran Church of Westernport MD. The ceremony took place in the parlors under a canopy banked with cut and potted flowers with a large electric wedding bell over the top of the canopy. Miss Isabella Smith, of Luke MD, was bridesmaid and Mr Firman G Pugh, of Cumberland, groomsman. Miss Ethel Cox, a niece of the bride, played in the fine technique Mendelssohn's wedding march.
After the ceremony there was a reception attended by over 150 friends. Ices and cakes were served. Mr and Mrs Dye left on train No 7, Baltimore and Ohio railroad for an extended trip to relatives in various parts of Indiana. After May 15, they will be "at home" in the handsome residence of the groom situated on the east end of Hampshire St. A large number of valuable and useful presents were given the bride.
Mr T C Dye's only brother, Mr G R Dye, of Ridgeville, and his son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs W E Dye, were present, also Mr Dye's son, Mr Robert C Dye, of Piedmont and his adopted daughter, Miss Margaret Swanger, Piedmont.

DEATHS

HARRY GAINES

Harry Gaines, aged 30 years, one of the best known passenger conductors on the B&O lines, died Sat evening at Grafton, after illness of typhoid fever. When 16 years of age, Gaines started railroading, with the B&O and was steadily promoted until given a passenger as conductor.

AGED CITIZEN DEAD

Daniel Rotruck, aged 80 years of Martin, Grant County, died on Thurs last. He is survived by two sons, Hinkle and Thompson Rotruck, and his aged wife. He was generally respected in the community of his acquaintance for his honesty and neighborliness.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Rev Logan Fish, Rector of St Paul's Church, Sisterville, will conduct services in Emmanuel Church, Keyser, on Sunday next April 30th.
Morning at Eleven o'clock and evening at half past Seven.
A cordial invitation is extended to all to attend their services.

A SAD ACCIDENT

Last Sun evening, several small boys were playing along the B&O tracks this side of Twenty First Bridge when a west bound freight came along and they attempted to hang on and ride into Keyser. Marvin, the eleven year old son of Mr and Mrs A W Dean, who live at 42 Spring St, in attempting to get on to a car, caught hold of a rod that was loose, and failing to support him, his left foot swung under the cars and was so crushed that it was necessary to amputate it about midway between the ankle and knee. The operation was performed at the Hoffman Hospital Sun night. He stood the operation well. Mr Dean is in the employ of the B&O and has his office in Cumberland.

TOWN PROPERTY FOR SALE

For sale in Town of Keyser W Va, one house and lot on West Piedmont St. House is nearly new and contains six good sized rooms, water in the house, lot 40X138 feet, house is now rented for $11.00 per month, price of house and lot $1700.00. One hundred dollars down, balance in payments of five dollars per month with accrued interest, which would require only two dollars more for the first month then it rents for.
Of course the payments will become less each month.
Also one vacant lot adjoining the above, 40X138 feet price $425.00, twenty five dollars cash down and the balance in monthly payments of three dollars with accrued interest. The purchaser of either of the above properties may make larger payments if be wishes to do so.
Geo W Kildow, 25 S Church St, Keyser WV

PARSON SETS NEW "SPLICING" RECORD

From Pendleton county comes a story of a marrying parson extraordinary. Wile Rev J W Stearn was on his way to North Fork to preach, he met John Rader and Mrs Propst and married them in the big road. Further along a Seneca Church, Ollie Hedrick and Miss Vernie Kisamore were wed on short notice. Next, he married Bud Raines and Miss Minnie Vance, and finally Roy Vance and Miss Delphia Sites were made one. The parson got to High Rock in time for 3 o'clock preaching.

CIRCUIT COURT

The Sale of the Ritzell Shop property to Green and Willhide for $3500 was confirmed.
J R Bane, J Sloan Arnold, E M Stottlemyer, F H Babb and John Sloan were appointed commissioners to allot to Mrs Sarah Abernathy, widow of Ezekiel E Abernathy, her dowry in the lands owned by her husband.
Edward H Oates vs J W Rees, verdict: We the jury find that the defendant, John W Rees did unlawfully with-hold from the plaintiff, Edward H Oates, at the time of the institution of this suit the premises described in the summons in this case, and we therefore find for the Plaintiff said premises as described in said summons. Defendant moved the court to set aside the verdict and grant a new trial. Court takes time to consider.
The Babcock Lumber and Boom Co vs The Three Forks Coal and Mining Co. the jury found for the plaintiff and assessed the damages at $1100. The defendant made a motion for arrest of judgment and a new trial. Court takes time to consider.
James Moomau vs Warren Harr, Samuel Stewart and James Saunders, officers for the Town of South Keyser. Jury found for defendants.
State vs Edward Atchinson, verdict not guilty.
Abrams Creek Coal and Coke Co vs E L Mohn trading as E L Mohn Coal and Iron Co. The jury found for the plaintiff and assessed its damages at $4409.64.
H G Fisher vs Town of South Keyser. Jury found for the defendant.
Thurs the Jury was discharged for the term.

COUNTY COURT

At a special meeting of the County Court held last Tues. Mr P F McNally and Mrs Nathan Warnick were granted licenses to keep hotels in the town of Elk Garden.
It was reported that the bridge over the B&O RR at Piedmont was completed and it was ordered that the balance due on the contract be paid.

FARM SEEDS

I have received a fine stock of seed from Iowa Illinois - 1910 - and the best quality, such as CLOVER, ALFALFA, TIMOTY, BLUE GRASS, MILLET, REDTOP, COW PEAS, ORCHARD GRASS AND ALSYKE CLOVER, etc.
Grass seeds are going up every week. I bought mine ahead. Get your supply at once.
I also have a full line of Farming Implements, all at the lowest prices for first-class goods. I have the Best Orchard Plow on the market.
Also a full line of Paints, Oils and White Lead.
C P PETERS, C&P 25-k Keyser, WVa

PLANTING LARGE ORCHARD

John B Dugger, has moved to a point in Mineral County across the river from Pinto, where he will have supervision of an orchard on Knobley Mt for Shank & Co. This company will soon have some twenty thousand peaches and apples set.

NEW WAGON

The Champion Wagon Work have completed a handsome new spring wagon fro Mr C Fout of Purgittsville. Mr Fout will use this wagon for marketing his produce.

COL DAVIS HAS BIRTHDAY

Col T B Davis had his eighty third birthday last Tues, April 25. Quite a number of his friends called to extend their congratulations and wish him many returns of the anniversary.
The day was bright and pleasant and the Col enjoyed a drive in the afternoon. He is a land mark in Keyser, the touch of his hand can be seen in many places, and he is still interested in our present success and future prosperity. We hope to have the benefit of his wise counsel for many more years.

PEACH TREES

I have for sale a few choice peach trees of standard varieties. L C McDonald, Keyser WV

IN THE TOILS

Mon night the Post Office at Ocean Md, was broken into and stamps were stolen to the amount of $194. Tues night C W Minear, chief of police of Piedmont, arrested two men who are charged with the offense.
When arrested, they had a large number of stamps in their possession and had disposed of some of them in Piedmont.
Wed forenoon the same officer brought the two men to Keyser and that afternoon they were taken to Cumberland jail.
The men refused to give their true names.

A CLEAN TOWN

The authorities made a tour of inspecting the premises in the town of Keyser last week and found that our people keep their back yards clean. Perhaps a one horse wagon could carry at one load, all of the trash and filth that they thought needed to be removed. This speaks well for our citizens. Now that warm weather is coming, we need to be extra cautious.

ALICE STREET PROPERTY SOLD

Mr Chas M Miller of Swanton Md has bought the property owned by W T Arnold, and will later move his family to Keyser, deal made through J E Leps.

THE BASKET FACTORY

A large number of Keyser's representative citizens assembled at the Council Chamber Tues evening to consider the question of having Mr Leon Miller of Williamsport Penn, locate a Baskey Factory here. Mr Miller was present and stated his plans and purposes.
A committee consisting of R A Welch, F H Babb and R H Richardson was appointed to secure a location for such a plan and W C Bowden, J E Leps and I M Long were appointed a committee to elicit the interest of the horticulturists of the county.
It is hoped that Keyser may soon have established here and running successfully such a factory. There is every reason why we should have it. Col T Davis is deeply interested in the movement and especially anxious that the factory be established here.
The meeting was held under the auspices of the Keyser Commercial Club and Mayor Welch, its president, occupied the chair. Mr W C Bowden, the secretary stated the object of the meeting and kept the minutes.

INJUNCTION DISSOLVED

The supreme court of West Virginia has dissolved the injunction and dismissed the bill in the case of Dr C S Hoffman against Charles Shoemaker. This is a case that in several forms was before the circuit court of Mineral County for several terms. It grew out of the question of the right of Shoemaker to pass over and use a road certain parts of a property purchased by Hoffman and adjoining said Shoemaker.

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