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May 09 1919/2019

Montrose –The death of William Spence occurred suddenly on May 3, 1919, at the home where he had long resided. The funeral services were held from the home and at [AME] Zion church, of which he had long been a faithful member. The bearers were Walter Thompson, George Cruser, Jesse Thompson, Luther Smith, Archie Berg and Bruce Cuff. The deceased was born at Snow Hill, Maryland, on Jan. 11, 1831, coming to this place following the Civil War, after his freedom from slavery occurred. He was married to Sarah Thomas, of Montrose, on Sept. 6, 1871, she preceding him in death by several years. Nine children were born to them, two of which survive, Mrs. Daniel Wilson and Isaiah Spence. Noted for his faithfulness to duty, he was a valued employee of Sayre Bros., W. G. Parke and the late James D. Smilie for many years. He was a deeply religious man and gifted in prayer, and had served Zion church well for many years. ALSO A complaint was made at the Borough Council meeting that there was speeding on Grow Avenue, which was discussed at length by the Council and drastic steps will be taken by the Boro authorities to arrest and prosecute drivers who ignore the speed limit.


Hop Bottom – Pupils of the Primary Dept. of the school, who were perfect in attendance during the seventh month, were as follows: Ralph Rettberg, Leo Serino, Tony Serino, Arnold Glass, Milo Tiffany, Harold Roberts, Clyde Cook, Edwin Scott, Charles Millard, David West, Albert Churchill, Roberta Roberts, Marian Yeomans, Janette Grabiele, Mayme Titus, Virginia Filan.


Silver Lake - Hon. and Mrs. Henry Rose leave this week to spend the summer on the old homestead farm, on the shores of Silver Lake, sharing the house occupied by Carmalt C. Rose, their brother, whose wife, a former Montrose girl, who will be remembered as Miss French Hill, is obliged to remain in the south, owing to poor health.


Harford – Howard Mead spent the weekend with his grandmother, Mrs. H.E. Baxter. Howard is one of Susquehanna county’s bravest and best sons. He entered the service Sept. 15, 1917, and was honorably discharged April 10, serving 19 months, 13 of which were spent overseas He was a member of the 301st Heavy Tank Battalion, whose casualties in one battle at the Hindenburg line were 60% of the men engaged, with a loss of 37 out of 48 tanks.


South Gibson – Mrs. Frank F. Resseguie died at her home here, April 28, 1919. Deceased was a well-known lady in the eastern part of the county and her death came as a shock to a wide circle of friends, who loved her for her character and womanly nature. Besides her husband she is survived by six children, the youngest of whom was but three days old.


Gibson – My wife, Abbie, having left my home without just cause or provocation, I hereby notify all persons not to trust or harbor her at my expense. Clarence Kelley


Thompson – The popular drama, “What happened to Braggs,” will be given by Thompson high school next Friday evening, May 9, in Odd Fellows hall, in Jackson. All who wish an enjoyable diversion, “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag” [and] attend the drama next Friday night and you will “smile” all the evening.


Forest City – Unwelcome visitors were at the homes of all the Catholic clergy. Their object was robbery. In two instances they were foiled. Rev. M.F. Manley, pastorr of St. Agnes, was aroused from his slumbers, hastily dressed and proceeded to investigate. An open window in the pantry was noticed and the flower pots thrust from their places. The sound of retreating footsteps was heard as Father Manley arrived. Footprints revealed four men. Windows were found open at St. Joseph’s but nothing was taken. At Sacred Heart rectory Rev. Roman Wandolowski’s office was rifled but nothing taken, but in another room many articles belonging to the pastor were found missing. A haul was made at St. Anthony’s rectory where over $100 in money and two valuable gold watches were taken.


The Circus Comes to Town: Walter L. Main’s circus arrived in Montrose, coming from Pittston. The show travelled over the Lehigh Valley Railroad, coming in two sections. Despite the rain there were large crowds at both the afternoon and evening performances. The show has always had a good reputation from the days it traveled to Montrose by wagon, nearly 25 years ago, and it sustained its reputation for a clean, sparkling aggregation of acrobats, jugglers, riders, etc., while the trained animals and menagerie were also excellent. On Drinker street, in the morning, several heavy vans got mired and the herd of elephants was called into effective use, the huge pachyderms gently resting their heads against the vans and pushed them out of the ditches, while the straining teams of eight and ten horses pulled the vehicles out. Owing to weather conditions there was no noon parade, but all who attended the shows said they “got their money’s worth.”


News Briefs: Missouri and Tennessee, two Democratic states, have joined the suffrage column. Missouri extends the ballot to women in Presidential elections and Tennessee in Presidential and municipal elections. They add thirty electors to the 259 already in the suffrage column. ALSO More than 100 towns and cities with a population of 2,500 or more have established citizenship classes in public schools for the teaching of the principles of Americanism. This is a part of the Americanization program of the Department of Labor. Aside from 200,000 naturalized through military service, the number of persons naturalized last year was twice as great as in any preceding year.


*In the 100 Years column, April 18, 1919, a mention was made of an airplane flying under automatic control. A question was asked about the airplane and information was found that “automatic control” was actually autopilot, invented by Lawrence Sperry in 1914. You can read more about this, on line, either by searching autopilot or Lawrence Sperry. Sperry’s father, Elmer Ambrose Sperry, invented the gyroscope and was known as the father of modern navigation technology.


200 Years Ago from the Montrose Gazette, May 8, 1819.

*SPLENDID EDITION OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. In answer to letters from various parts of the Union, we would state that the Plate is now in the hands of the last Engraver, and the Proprietor has the strongest assurances that copies will be ready for delivery before the next Anniversary of American Independence. Care shall be taken to forward them to our Agents with all possible diligence. We want respectable active Agents in many of the Cities and States, to collect Subscribers, deliver the Prints and promptly forward the money.—Letters post-paid, addressed to John Binns, Philadelphia, shall be speedily answered. It is requested that in the letter be stated what district the person applying would wish to engage to supply. We have expended so much money on this publication, that we can give no credit. The money must be paid on delivery of the print.   D. Press

*Thirty Dollars Reward, Will be given for the apprehension of SETH JUDSON, ANDREW DANY AND AMATUS DEANS, if delivered to the jail of Susquehanna County. –Said persons broke the jail of Susquehanna County on the evening of the 10th inst. Judson is about 5 feet 9 inches high, heavy beard, dark eyes and is a guilty looking wretch; he was confined for an attempt to murder, and is about 23 years old. Dany is about 6 feet high, and carries the stamp of a villain in his countenance; he is addicted to telling large stories and boasts much of his courage and strength—he was confined for larceny, and is about 25 years old. Deans is about 17 years old, light complexion, about 5 feet 9 inches in height, walks with an Indian gait, and has a thievish countenance.—The above reward will be given for the delivery of the whole to the jail aforesaid, or ten dollars for either of them. J. CLARK, Jailor. Montrose, April 3, 1819.

Compiled By: Betty Smith

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