William L. McFarland

McFarland retirement

Railroader On Last Roundup
After having served fifty-two consecutive years in the employ of four railroads, William L. McFarland, 65, general round house foreman at the Western Maryland Railway shops at Maryland Junction, will retire from active service today. He started his long railroad career as an engine wiper for the Baltimore and Ohio railroad at Piedmont, W.Ca., shops in 1889, and later learned his trade as a machinist. He followed his trad at the Cumberland and Pennsylvania railroad shops at Mt. Savage in 1897 and for the past forty-four years he has beenwith the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh and Western Maryland railway companies. McFarland has served as general foreman at Ridgeley, W.VA., since 907. He is pictured alongside one of the Western Maryland's powerful mallet type locomotives, which he describes as being the "finest" he had ever seen in his long career. A dinner in McFarland's honor is scheduled for the Ali Ghan Shrine Country club, Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p. m.

Friends To Honor 'Mac' McFarland Railway Foremen ~ Retires Today after 52 Years Service; Dinner Planned March 18
Friends of William L. McFarland, 65, of Ridgeley, W. Va., general round house foreman of the Western Maryland Railway shops at Maryland Junction, will honor the veteran railroader at a dinne Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p. m. at the Ali Ghan Shrine Country Club, the occasion marking his retirement after fifty-two years of service with four different railroads. The committee, comprising employes of the Western Maryland Railway company, is composed of A. A. Ridgeway, chairman; F. H. Ansel, treasurer, and H. L. E. Growden, secretary.
15 March 1941; Piedmont Herald (WV)
(Courtesy of John Fazenbaker/Sheryl Kelso)

RAWLINGS, Col. Moses  (1740-1809)

Bronze Tablet To A Brave Revolutionary Soldier. ~ [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.]
Cumberland, Md., Oct. 16. -- A bronze tablet was erected today in Rose Hill Cemetery at the grave of Col. Moses Rawlings, of Revolutionary fame. Col. William Ridgeley Griffith, of Baltimore, on behalf of the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution of Maryland, made the address of presentation. Colonel Griffith told of Colonel Rawlings' march with two companies of Western Maryland troops from Oldtown, Allegany county, to Boston; of his part in the battle of Fort Washington, his subsequent capture and imprisonment by the British and his daring escape, in company with three others, to the American lines. Mr. Lloyd Rawlings, a great-grandchild, placed the marker in position. The memorial is in the shape of a Maltese cross entwined with a laurel wreath. In the center of the front side a Revolutionary soldier stands, encircled with 13 stars, representing the original States. In the points of the cross are the letters S. A. R. and the figures 1775. The remarks of Colonel Griffith were responded to by Capt. Robert H. Gordon, a member of the Allegany county bar, who said the very ground they stood on overlooked the historic old Fort Cumberland, rich with the memories of Washington and Braddock. The following descendants of Colonel Rawlings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, witnessed the ceremonies: Messrs. George Rawlings, William R. Rawlings and Lloyd Rawlings, Mrs. Alexander King and Misses Margaret Sprigg and Helen Cook.
THE SUN, Baltimore, Maryland; October 17, 1902, Page 10
(Courtesy of Charles Riend/transcribed by Genie)
Posted January 21, 2016

“Church's Fiftieth Anniversary--

The First M. E. Church at the corner of Jones and Third Streets, Piedmont, was dedicated Sept. 19, 1869, just fifty years ago next Friday.  The anniversary will be celebrated with a number of services beginning that evening.  The original church dates back many years previous, even before Piedmont was in existence, and when the church was located in Westernport, moving thence to the building on Jones street, now known as Eagles'Hall.  The anniversary season opening on Friday will continue each night, except Saturday, until Sunday, Sept. 28, when Bishop McDowell, resident bishop of this area, will preach. This will doubtless be followed by an evangelistic meeting.  On Friday, the 19th, historic sketches and reminiscences by the original members, singing by some of the original choir, and greetings from former pastors will be special features.  The first couple married in the church will also be present.”
Evening Times, Cumberland, Maryland, September 15, 1919
(Courtesy of Shawn McGreevy)
Posted February 19, 2014
 

ANCESTOR OF EVANS' IN BOSTON TEA PARTY

Frostburg Man is Great Grandson of Thomas White, Only Pennsylvanian in Party

"Everybody knows the story of the Boston Tea Party, but few of us know anything about those men who took part in it. D. G. Lubold, who has always been interested in Pennsylvania history, unearthed the story of at least one of the members of that historic group.

"Thomas White was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, March 19, 1739. He was a tailor by trade. He came to Philadelphia about 1771. There he married Elizabeth Jones and later he went to Boston. He joined St. Andrew's Lodge shortly after arriving in Boston and was active in all protests against the tyranny of the crown.

"The next heard of him was his fighting in the war which he helped to start. His stay in Boston could not have been very long, for in the Revolutionary War, his record is that of a Continental soldier in the Second Pennsylvania Regiment. He served from 1771 to 1781, part of that time as a member of Captain John McTeer's company of the Cumberland County Militia. He also served as a member of Captain James Horrell's volunteer company against the Indians in August 1782. He lived then in what is now part of Perry county.

"Mr. White died in his frontier home on September 13, 1820, and was buried in a cemetery which is known as the Evans Cemetery. The inscription on the monument reads:

              In Memorium
                      of
              Thomas White
       One of the Brave Heroes
                    of the
   Boston Tea Party, Dec. 16, 1773
  Revolutionary Soldier and Patriot
      for American Independence
   Was a Free and Accepted Mason
Was Born in Ireland, March 19, 1739
      Died September 13, 1820

The Evans Cemetery, referred to in the sketch, is on a part of the farm owned by Joseph Evans, this place, and is located about 12 miles from Bedford, Pa.
The Cumberland Evening Times, May 14, 1925
(Courtesy of Sheryl Kelso)
Posted March 4, 2011

"REV. R. J. FANNON RETURNS FROM ROME--Will Sing His First Solemn High Mass At Mt. Savage Next Sunday.
Mt. Savage, June 25-Rev. Ronald J. Fannon, of Mt. Savage, who has been studying at the North American College in Rome, Itlay, for the past four years is expected to arrive home the latter part of June. Fr. Fannon was ordained to the Catholic priesthood by Cardinal Marchetti in the Chapel of North American College on December 8, 1931. He completed his course of studies on June 2, 1932, and with two of his classmates has been touring Genoa, Nice, Marseilles, Lourdes, Paris, Lisieux and London. On June 18 he set sail from Plymouth, England, on the new French Liner "Champlain" now on her maiden voyage to America. Rev. Father Fannon arrived in New York today. He will sing his first solemn high mass in St. Patrick's Church. Mt. Savage, next Sunday at 10 o'clock. He will be assisted by his uncle, Rev. John Fannon, pastor of Nativity Church, Washington, as deacon; and a cousin, Rev. George Larkin, assistant pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church, Baltimore, as sub-deacon; Rev. G. H. Tragesesr, pastor St. Patrick's Church will serve as arch-priest. Rev. John W. Dowling, who was pastor of St. Patrick's when Fr. Fannon began his studies for the priesthood and who is now pastor of Holy Name Church Washington, will deliver the sermon. Father Dowling will be master of ceremonies. Edgar Fannon a brother, and Thomas Fannon, a cousin of the celebrant will be acolytes. A number of little boys followed by little girls in white with little Rose Marie Fannon as the spiritual bride carrying a floral chalice and having as her attendants Winifred Moran and Puline McDermitt, carrying shower bouquets, will lead the procession from the rectory to the church. The Holy Name Men will act as guards of honor. After mass Father Fannon will bestow his blessing to the congregation. A reception for relatives and friends will be held at his home on Sunday evening from 7 until 9. Rev. Ronald Fannon is the son of Michael and the late Bertha Fannon and a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Farrell. He has two sisters, Evelyn and Helen and a brother Edgar, at home. His mother died in October, 1918. Father Fannon was born in Mt. Savage and received his early education in St. Patrick's parochial school. In the fall of 1920 he entered St. Charles' College, Cantonsville, Md., to begin his studies for the priesthood. After graduation from St. Charles in June, 1926, he entered St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore. After completing two years at St. Mary's, he was appointed by Archbishop Curley to begin his theological studies at the North American College in Rome, Itlay. Father Fannon with three of his classmates from St. Mary's sailed from New York in September, 1928 on the steamship "Augustus" and for the past four years has been studying at the North American  College in Rome. Rev. Fatter Fannon has been appointed assistant Pastor at St. Jerome's Church, Baltimore, and will take up his new duties two weeks after his return from Rome."
Cumberland Sunday Times, Cumberland, Maryland 26 May 1932
(Courtesy of Shawn McGreevy)
Posted January 29 2011

Miss Alice McAteer left tor Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, to enter the convent to be a nun in the Order of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
13 January 1921; Cumberland Evening Times
Posted February 26, 2011

Grantsville, Md., Nov. 28 - The Clay H. Murray family residing near Salisbury, Pa., five miles north of here, composed of seventeen members, could claim a record today. Every member of the family was baptized by the Rev. S. D. Sigler, pastor of Grantsville Lutheran Church. Murray, 37, and his wife, Elsie Mae Murray, 36, are the parents of fifteen children, six sons and nine daughters. The oldest is fifteen years, and the youngest two months. This group baptism set an all-time record in this territory. Murray is a farmer.
The Cumberland Evening Times, November 28, 1938
(Courtesy of Sheryl Kelso)
Posted March 12, 2011

The seventh Niner reunion was held recently at John Miner's home on Brant Road, Cresaptown.
The basket picnic was opened with Rev. Carol Werner of St. Ambrose Church of Cresaptown, offering a blessing.
Games and stiring music were played during the day. Russell Durst sang several selections and closed the reunion with a hymn, "Blest Be The Tide That Binds."
Attending were Mr. and Mrs. Paul George, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brailer, Cumberland; Mr. and Mrs. George Niner, Billy Wilson, James Niner, Mr. and Mrs. John Niner, Linda Niner, Pinto; Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Winebrenner, Fairgo; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Durst and grandchildren, Midland; James Miller, Kenneth Miller, Pittsburgh; Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Lease and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. James Scott and son, Mrs. Catherine Smilh, Jo Ann Smith, Mrs. Mary Winter, Mrs. Delores Shipe and children, Cresaptown; Karen Rankin, Eckhart; Mrs. Colleen Brodie, Alama Broclie, Londa Brodie, Ronald Mersing, Mrs. Lillian Mersing, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Crowe, Froslburg; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Niner and children, Baltimore; William Holt Schneider, Deer Park, Mr. and Mrs. John Scally, Sr. and sons, Hagerstown; Mr. and Mrs. John E. Scally, Jr. and children, Adelphi; Mr. and Mrs. Omar Ambrose and children, Hyattsville; Mr. and Mrs. Rob Scally and children, Seven Corners, Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Hirshel Niner, Hyatlsville; Ernest Ullery, William Milleson, Cresaptown; Irvin Ullery, Rockville, and Mrs. Pearl Minnicks, Eckhart.
11 August 1964; Cumberland Evening Times
~Genie
Posted January 28, 2011

The Senate has not yet disposed of the Oregon question. 
Within the last week, Messrs. Allen, Webster and Cass have made speeches upon the subject. Mr. Webster said that public opinion was settling on the line of 49 as a general basis of agreement between the two nations; and he felt pursuaded that a great majority of the people of the United States are content now to abide by what their government offered to Great Britain in 1826. Mr. Allen differed with Mr. Webster; he declared that he had "no idea that public opinion in this country has fixed or will fix on any line South of the Russian Boundary." Mr. Cass argued that 51 40 and not 49 ought to be the boundary; and that the offer of 49 having been four times made by us and rejected by England, we were no longer bound by any proposition which had once been made in reference to this question. He also took the ground that in the present state of the world it was all nonsense to talk about universal peace, and that any nation that would not defend itself, would very soon have nothing left to defend.
    In Senate March 30th, Mr. Rusk presented the credentials of the Hon. Samuel Houston, a Senator from the State of Texas, who was then qualified and took his seat.
    On motion of Mr. Speight the Senate proceeded to determine the respective terms of service of the Senators from Texas. Three ballots, numbered 1, 2, and 3, were placed in a box by the Secretary.
    Mr. Houston drew No. 1, which entitles him to serve until the 4th March 1847.
    Mr. Rusk drew No. 3, which entitled him to serve until the 4th March, 1851.
    The House has been mainly occupied, during the last week in the consideration of the Independent Treasury Bill. By vote of the House, it was determined to close the debate on the 2d instant.
    Mr. Perry presented the petition of Isaac Beall praying compensation and pay for the services of his father, Thomas Beall, of Samuel, a revolutionary officer; referred to the Committee on Revolutionary claims. Also the petition of Gabriel Friend, of Allegany county, Maryland, praying to be released from the payment of a note given for arrears due the Post Office Department as postmaster at Friendsville, Maryland; referred to the committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.
The Alleganian; Cumberland, Maryland; Friday, April 3, 1846.
(Courtesy of Wendy Mammoliti)
Posted January 6, 2011

DICKIE, Mr. & Mrs. Charles

STORK LEAVES NINETEENTH
The nineteenth child has just been born in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dickie, Mount Savage. Eighteen children are living. The eldest son was killed several years ago while attempting to board a train of the Cumberland railroad, near Frostburg.
Cumberland Evening Times - June 16, 1920 pg 12, col 5
(Courtesy of Pat Dailey)
[Pat Dailey notes "The name has as many different spellings as the person writing it.  The MDA has it as Dickel"]
Posted September 16, 2010

So far as the Review can recall them, this is a list of the confederates who have died since the last reunion: John Phares, Isaac Arbaugh and Sampson M. Jordon, Co "C", 92nd Regiment; Wm H. Bodkin and Edward Walker, Co "K", 62nd Regiment; Lieut James W. Kee, Franklin Guards; Lieut Absalom Propst, Co "E", 25th Regiment and Martin V. Keister, Co "A", Pendleton Reserve. If any one can recall others, let us have the names at once.
Keyser Tribune, August 30, 1912 (Review (Franklin) of 22nd)
(Courtesy of Patti McDonald)
Posted August 8, 2010

FROSTBURG ~ NEW PAPER TO BE SEMI-WEEKLY
Frostburg, Md., Feb. 19 The Frostburg Journal will be the name of a Democratic weekly newspaper shortly to be issued here. It will appear Tuesday and Friday. The promoters say that it hoped eventually to make it a daily publication. The establishment of the paper, which is backed by home capital, is due to the efforts of T. C. Carrington, secretary of the Frostburg Commercial Club.
The stockholders of the paper are Clifton Jeffries, Emery Hitchins, Frank Watts, John A. Caldwell, Davisson A. Benson, George E. Pearce, Irvin Prichard, T.C Carrington, Dr. J. Marshall Price, A. Charles Stewart, J.J. Thompson, Horace G. Evans, William A. Gunter, Otto Hohing, Dr. J.C. Cobey, John A. Sullivan, George Stern, David Gunter, Milton W. Raes, George Wittig, Hilary Lancaster, Paul L. Hitchins, Benjamin Bradley, Robert T. Shaw, Henry McKee, W.L. Mayer, Frank G. Ort, Alexander Sloan, J. Glen Beall, WW. Strain, Hugh Speir.
Cumberland Evening Times, Cumberland, MD - Tuesday - February 19, 1924 - Page 14
(Courtesy of Bob Thompson)
Posted July 31, 2010

Electric Light Company Meeting
The Midland Electric Light Company held its annual stockholders meeting Monday evening. The following directors were elected: Wm. B. Phillips, president; Frank C. Ort, secretary; Miles J. Stakem, treasurer. J. Edwin Winters, Conrad Lutz, James Paul Stakem, Peter V. Firlie, C.A. Eyler, Cumberland, attended the meeting.
Cumberland Evening Times - Cumberland, Maryland - Saturday - February 23, 1924 - Page 12
(Courtesy of Bob Thompson)
Posted July 31, 2010

MONOXIDE POISONING
ELOSSER ~ TWIGG
It is announced that the authorities in Cumberland have accepted the theory of Monoxide Gas Poisoning in the Twigg - Elosser case and have dropped further proceeding. According to this theory, the death of C. E. Twigg and Grace Elosser was accidental and no blame can be attached to anyone, but the people of this vicinity do not accept that theory.
2-17-1911
Posted July 31, 2010

MINING REGION NEWS
Bureau of the Evening Times, Midland, Md., Aug. 28.
Attend Convention
Messrs. E.F. Creegan, Jas. Stakem, Sr. and Jos. Broderick will represent Division No. 5, A.O.H., of this place, in the convention of the Federation of of Catholic Societies to be held in Cumberland on Sunday next.
The above named, together with Messrs. Michael McGeady and Owen McGeavy, will attend the A.O.H. convention to be held in Westernport Sept. 9th.
Evening Times - Cumberland, Maryland - Tuesday - August 28, 1906 - Page 2
(Courtesy of Bob Thompson)
Posted July 25, 2010

Biggs Missing In Raid in Germany

One of Four Sons of Herbert Biggs In Service
Westernport, Md.., Jan 25 - Staff Sergeant Clarence Henry Biggs, 30, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Biggs, 225 Walnut street, Westernport, is missing in action in a raid over Germany since January 11, according to a telegram received by his parents yesterday evening from the War Department.
Staff Sergeant Biggs was a tail gunner on a Flying Fortress, 8th A.A.A.S., who completed an intensive training course in aircraft armament at Lowry Field and at Salt Lake City Armorers school.  He graduated from aerial gunnery school, Fort Myers, Florida and arrived overseas three months ago.
He graduated from Bruce High School, 1931, and attended Potomac State School, Keyser.  When inducted into the service was employed at the Luke plant. He was a former Evening Times carrier.
A brother, Staff Sergeant Wallace Biggs, home on a 28 day stoppage from Alaska will leave tomorrow for Atlantic City to report.
Another brother, Pvt. Harry Lee Biggs, stationed in Oklahoma arrived home last night for a visit and another brother, Royland Biggs is in New Guinea.  Two brothers, Charles and Gene Biggs and two sisters Misses Shirley and Mary Louise Biggs are at home.
The Cumberland Evening Times, Tuesday, 25 January 1944
(Courtesy of Lee Deetz Fasnacht)
Posted November 29, 2009

Liberated Flier Home on Leave

Staff Sgt. Clarence H. Biggs Bales Out of Plane Which Caught Fire.
Tri-Towns, June 9 - Staff Sgt. Clarence H. Biggs, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Biggs, 225 Walnut street, Westernport, a waist gunner on a Flying Fortress who was a prisoner of war in Germany for 16 months and liberated May 3, returned home Thursday night for a 60 day leave.
Sgt. Biggs, a former Evening and Sunday times carrier, was a member of the First division of the Eighth Air Force.
On January 11, 1944, his plane caught fire when enemy aircraft bullets broke an oil line while they were 20,000 ft. in the air.  The crew parachuted.  Biggs suffered a cut on his cheek from flying fragments.  None of the crew was seriously injured.
About April 13  they started walking them from their camp near Vienna.  They  traveled about 260 miles and were released by the Thirteenth Armored Division near Braunau, Austria, on the Innes, Hitler's birthplace.  While a prisoner he lost about 20 pounds.  Sgt Jennings Liller, Baltimore, formerly of Piedmont, W. Va., was in the same camp with him.
He is a graduate of Bruce High School and attended Potomac State College at Keyser and when he entered the service was employed at the Luke plant of the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company.
He has three brothers in the service.  Tech Sgt. Wallace Biggs, in Holland, Pfc. Royland Biggs in the East Indies and Pfc. Harry L. Biggs in Italy.
The Cumberland News, June 10, 1945:
(Courtesy of Lee Deetz Fasnacht)
Posted November 29, 2009

DRUMM REUNION AT GUNNING'S GROVE

Frostburg, Md,( Sept. 2,) — The annual reunion of the Drumm family was held at Gunning's Grove Sunday.  Music was  furnished by Lou Smith, Buck Humberson, George Rtchardson and Ranch Richardson.  The following were present:
 Mr. and Mrs. Earle Ross, Joan Ross, Mrs. Mary Halloran, Mrs. Elizabeth Flanagan, Mrs. Lawrence Laitta and children, Margaret Mary, Lawrence Jr., and Richard, Mr. and Mrs. John Halloran, Miss Anna Mary Flanagan, Francis and Thomas Flanagan, Miss Margaret McCarthy, Joe Suttton, Charles Schell and James Close all of Pittsburgh; Mr. and Mrs. James Henry, Charles and Marie Henry, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Henry, Woodlawn. Pa.; Mrs. Dennis Boyle, Edward Boyle, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Byrnes, John, Bill, Bernard Jr., Tom Byrnes, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Drumm, Mary, Ellen, Joseph, James Drumm, Eckhart, Md.; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sleeman, Veronica, Ursula, Anna Margaret, John, Joseph. George Sleeman, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Flanagan, Mrs. Ellen Nolan. Frostburg;  George Barncord, Mt. Savage; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Drumm, Mrs. Rose Loibel, Mrs. Priscilla Drumm, John Drumm, Sadie Flanagan, Walter Drumm, Mrs. Annie Flanagan, Bernadette Flanagan, Vada Drumm, Mrs. Mattingly. Virginia Drumm, Cumberand Md.; Joe Mattingly, Joseph Flanagan, Pittsburgh; Margaret Feldman, Frostburg; Mary and James Bechie, Jim Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith, Francis, Thomas and Loretta Smith, Vale Summit; Rosemary Smith and Louise Ryon, Washington, D. C.; Mr. and Mrs. James Drumm, Connellsville, Pa.
Cumberland Evening Times; Cumberland, Allegany Co, Md
September 2, 1930 - pg 12, col 2
(Courtesy of Pat Dailey)

Miscellaneous News
It was erroneously reported that John Dyke , who lost his arm in a railroad accident at Piedmont last week, was dead. Mr. Dyke is in the Hoffman Hospital and will be able to go home in a few days.
Keyser Tribune, June 21, 1912
(Courtesy of Patti McDonald)
Posted August 7, 2010

HARTSOCK, John

A Narrow Escape from Sudden Death.
Mr. John Hartsock, an old gentleman living with his granddaughter, Mrs. John Oster, on Flintstone Creek, and father of H. H. Hartsock, of this city, was badly hurt Tuesday. He was hale and hearty and very industrious. While out chopping down some timber he was struck by a tree which had lodged against the tree he was cutting down. The tree fell upon him, injuring his side and breast. The old gentleman managed to extricate himself and walk home, but his condition is considered rather critical. It was a narrow escape from sudden death.
Source: The Evening Times; Cumberland, Maryland; February 2, 1894; page 1.
(Courtesy of Wendy Mammoliti)
Posted June 15, 2013

HARTMONSVILLE - Uncle Wase Hollars, who was reported dead several months ago, was visiting relatives in Wabash last week, and he don't act a bit like a dead man.
Keyser Tribune, June 16, 1911
(Courtesy of Patti McDonald)
Posted July 25, 2010

WANT MONUMENT TO FRANK HOLME WHOSE REMAINS REST AT EUSEBIA, MINERAL COUNTY. POET AND ARTIST.

In the lonely churchyard at Eusebia Presbyterian church, five miles south of Alaska (Frankfort) Mineral county, West Virginia, on a beautiful knoll overlooking the Patterson Creek valley, seventeen miles south of Cumberland and twelve miles northeast of Keyser, rests the ashes of the late Frank Holme, poet, author, artist, a native of the above county. Death stilled in Holme, perhaps, the most remarkable pen genius of his time. There was something unusual about him, people paused even in the midst of the mad rush of business to pay a tribute to him while he was yet alive. Chief Justice Fuller, Mark Twain, Lashelle, McCutcheon, Ade, Depew, Roosevelt, Cleveland and scores of others eulogized him and praised his genius.
Holme had scarcely entered the newspaper world before he began to be noticed; notice that soon passed to distinction, and then to fame. As a cartoonist he was a genius; as illustrations his sketches were unsurpassable. Speed and accuracy were inseparable characteristics of his work. The sketches of the famous Luertgert murder trial were made in the back of the court room, and copied throughout the world. The Calamut Lake case and a score of others he did on his cuffs, match case, old letters, or whatever came handy.
Once a likeness of Richard Mansfield was drawn in two minutes; the time it took the actor to refuse an audience for a drawing; a sketch so remarkable that Mansfield offered a fabulous price for it and received it as a present.
Holme was not without his sense of humor. For months he supported an armless beggar who daily asked alms on one of the fashionable corners. "Go down on Blank Street," Holme at length told him, naming a street in the tenant section.
"What luck?" he inquired a year later.
"I want for nothing now," replied the beggar. "I have money, friends, and sympathy in plenty."
Holme's ambition cost him his life; his generosity left him penniless in the hour of need. His famous school of art; his lavish hospitality; his three-year losing fight against the dread tuberculosis, in Colorado, in Carolina, and finally in Arizona, where a last blaze of splendor shone out in the "Bandar Log Press," are all too well known to need recount. Never during life did he allow his neighbor to want a friend. Shall he want for one in death? All that marks the resting place of his ashes is a small mount; half-covered with lonely wild flowers; with a single wild-briar serving as a headstone. As his memorial only the birds chant a requiem, while the wind whispers through the boughs of the virgin forest bordering his grave on that lonely West Virginia hill.
We, of the Holme Memorial Association, have resolved that Holme shall have a monument. Believing that no one who has the means will say him nay, we are addressing this circular to those who have shown themselves to be public spirited, and whom we believe will be generous enough to help in so righteous a cause.

We solicit your subscription. Make all remittances payable and address all communications to the secretary of the association, Mr. Wade Leese, Alaska, W. Va.
Fraternally, we remain,
The Holme Memorial Association

S. W. Whipp, President
R. H. Armstrong, Treasurer
NOTE: Mr. Holme, when but a youth, began his brilliant career as a newspaper man in the Keyser Tribune printing office. In connection with the above article, calling for an appropriate memorial of one of the most distinguished citizens that Keyser has produced, we run a few of the many cuts that are still in this office that were made by him.
Keyser Tribune, January 5, 1912
(Courtesy of Patti McDonald)
Posted July 30, 2010

HUMBERTSON, George

Strange Disappearance of a Salesman
Much interest is manifested in the mysterious disappearance from Frostburg of George Humbertson.  He has an uncle in Frostburg and he went there from Mt. Pleasant, Pa., a month ago selling patent rights upon dish-washing machines.  He drove to the town with a team of horses and a sales wagon.  He disappeared after a week's stay at the Central Hotel, leaving his team in the stable and his hat in the house.  He was last seen at about 9 o'clock on the night of February 5(?).
The Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb 1894
(Courtesy of Theresa Burba)

KOELKER, William
 
Might Have Been a Fatality.
Mr. Wm. Koelker, employed by the Adams Express company in this city, met with quite a serious accident this afternoon. Mr. Koelker, with his brother, was engaged in transfering express goods from the West Virginia Central of the Pennsylvania train and had just loaded a four wheel truck with boxes which together weighed about one thousand pounds, when the wheels of one of the truck slipped between the rail and boards of the platform, upsetting the whole upon Mr. Koelker, throwing him to the ground and bruising his lower limbs very badly. Dr. Duke was summoned and dressed the man's injuries. He was then taken to his home on Hanover street, where he will be confined for some time.
Source: The Evening Times; Cumberland, Maryland; February 19, 1894; page 1
(Courtesy of Wendy Mammoliti)
Posted June 15, 2013

Re: Funeral Train of LAYMAN, George Lewis
Bureau of the Evening Times,
J. Benson Oder, Editor
Shea Building, Phone 113k.
Frostburg, Md., July 14.
Small Passenger Train Wanted.
Carlos, Md., July 13, 1914.
To Evening Times Department, Frostburg, Md.
The passenger train run from this place  yesterday for the first time—on a branch of the Cumberland and Pennsylvania  railroad, completed 27 years ago, carried 349 passengers going, including, of course, many who do not live here.
Hence, returning, some got off at homes at Shaft, Carlos Junction and Klondyke, dwindling the number for this city to about 125.
But all were pleased with the accommodation afforded, the attentions received and last, not least, with the reasonable fare—10 cents,, or 20 cents for round trip.
As you know, the train was run on account of Mr. George L. Layman's funeral, and although the family and many relatives went to the cemetery in hacks and other conveyances, the train furnished transportation for many friends besides.
It was Sunday afternoon, too, when many were able to go who could have not done so on a week-day.
Now, the question arises in my mind, why not a round-trip passenger train, of one car at least over the Carlos branch every Saturday evening connecting at Carlos Junction with the Saturday evening special on the main line?
I believe an accommodation like this would be well patronized, as Saturday is the only evening in the week that people here can do business after working hours.
A Citizen.
Cumberland Evening Times, Tuesday, July 14, 1914
Posted June 16, 2010

Lashbaugh Ready For Jap Strike
Petty Officer About to Make Bombing Haul When End Of War News Broke
Lonnconing, Sept. 4.—Petty Officer Harold U. Lashbaugh, who was
30 miles off the coast of Japan the day the war ended, related his experience to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lashbaugh, Charlestown street.
He wrote, "I was transferred from the Monterey carrier to the Hellean Wind carrier [unreadable, but that's what it looks like] on June 16____________the day the war ended, ready to make a strike from a dive bomber on an electronic plant where they made radio tubes and radar, I guess we were all down in spirits as we knew there was a hard battle ahead. I was scared stiff and I prayed, all the way there. Suddenly prayers were answered all over the world, and the radio told us to return to our carriers, drop our bombs where we were. I actually cried with joy.
"We learned afterwards there had been over 600 heavy guns below us
and they had balloons over all their targets with 100 pounds tied on each
one. These balloons were so arranged that if we didn't see them, we would run into them, and if we did see them and tried to investigate, the enemy planes overhead would make a run for us.
"I saw fighter planes do a slow roll with joy, heard fellows yelling
 'California here I come' and other shouts of joy. I lost my pal at Kure
Harbor on July 24. We were both on Leyte at the same time, but didn't
know It. I have only 34 points yet so unless they change it, I will still
be in the Navy for a while. Eddie McKenzie. of Pekin, Md., is still my mess cook. He was an old school~ mate at Central.
"We are allowed to tell you a few things you will want to know. I am safe and well, with not a scratch.  First, I think we should thank God as he was behind our success.
Tuesday, 04 September 1945, Cumberland Evening Times
~Genie
Posted July 8, 2010

His Abode In the Fastnesses Of Great Savage Mountain.  FROSTBURG HUNTER'S DISCOVERY ~ A Thrilling and Interesting Story of A Man Who Lived Alone and Died Before He Could Finish the Recital of His Romantic Life.
A special to the Baltimore American of today from its correspondent at Frostburg, relates the following interesting and decidedly romantic story, located in the fastnesses of the Great Savage Mountains:

James Watts, who lives on Great Savage Mountain, four miles from Frostburg, today returned from a hunting trip through the wilds of Garrett county, and tells an interesting story of the discovery of a hermit and the location of a vein of silver ore.
There has long existed in this section a firm belief that in Garrett county there is a deposit of rich silver ore. A mountaineer named Layman, who died a few years ago, claimed that he had once discovered the place where the deposit is located, but on leaving it he was never able to relocate the place.
The story is corroborated by the experience of Mr. Watts. Watts left home on Friday morning last to hunt for game.
About noon he came upon the tracks of a wildcat in tbe snow, and following it for several miles, be found himself in a locality never before visited by him. In a deep gorge, surrounded by a dense thicket, he discovered a rude cabin. It being near nightfall, Watts sought admission and found within the cabin an old man lying upon a couch, who said he bad been ill for several days. The hunter prepared supper and spent the night in the cabin.
Next morning the old man was worse, and Watts decided to remain with him all day. In the afternoon the hermit called Watts to his bedside and said he wished to tell him the story of his life, as he knew that he could live but a few hours. He said his name was Henry Lembach, and was born in Munich in 1814. He was educated at the University of Heidelberg, and while there fell in love with a pretty girl named Katherine Reiff, who jilted him to become the wife of a banker in order to please her father. He then determined never to marry, and in 1841 came to America, and in 1849 went to California to join in the search for gold.
After spending ten years there, he came East and settled in these mountains, having learned that somewhere in this vicinity was a deposit of precious metal. He had a general description of the locality in which the metal was to be found. Not wishing his object to become known, he built his cabin in a secure place, and only when absolutely necessary made trips to neighboring towns to purchase food. He brought with him from the West a snug fortune, and for nearly three years kept up the search for hidden treasure.
At length, almost by accident, he discovered a vein of silver ore assaying nearly $100 a ton. He constructed a smelting furnace in his cabin and reduced ores till he had silver bullion to the value of $35,000. He directed Watts to take from under his bed, after his death a box containing papers of value. The old man's voice then became weaker, and he was too much exhausted to talk further. Late Saturday evening he died, Watts dug a grave near the cabin, and the next day he buried Lembach in a coffin which had evidently been made by the latter. Sunday night Watts spent in the cabin, and found the place where the silver bricks were hidden. He found the box to contain $540 in gold, and a small amount of silver change, a map showing the route from the cabin to the deposit of ore, and several letters addressed to persons in Germany.
Watts started for home at daylight this morning, bringing with him the papers and the gold. He followed his tracks made in the snow on Friday until he reached a portion of the mountain with which he was familiar. He is confident he can find the place again after the snow melts. Lembach has been seen in Frostburg at various times during the past twenty-five or thirty years, but no one ever knew where he lived or what his occupation was. He was evidently well educated and a man of culture.
Watts contemplates a visit to the cabin this week, and he will also try to locate the place where the silver ore was found.
(Cumberland) Evening times, March 6, 1894.

Purchased Land
Messrs. Wesley and Charles Wesley Loar, father and son, have purchased of John N. Layman, about 15 acres of the Walnut Level tract or what is known as the old Graham place, with a view of establishing a dairy farm.  The land lying on the northern side or end of the Level is very fertile and well adapted to the purpose and its proximity to town makes the same especially valuable.  It will be equipped with a large silo now almost indespensible to an establishment of this character.  Messrs. Loar, who are engaged in the dairy business at the Vale farm, near Vale Summit, hope to begin work at an early date.
February 26, 1907, Cumberland Evening Times

Miscellaneous Shower
A miscellaneous shower was given Monday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Long, 1109 Virginia avenue in honor of their daughter, Laura Marie, who was married Jan. 31 to Mr. George L. Johns, this city. Rev. A.J. Meckley performed the ceremony. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Philip Long, Mr. and Mrs. George Johns, Misses Carrie Reckley, Esther Reckley, Hazel Reckley, Mildred Ryan, Myrtle Wigfield, Margaret Johnson, Miriam Brinkman, Garland McElfish, Catherine Taylor, Amelia McKenny, George Long, Edward Long, Earl Long, Elmer Ryan, Herman Athey, Arthur Athey, Hartley Wigfield, Dora Lewis, Mr. Clark.
Cumberland Evening Times - Cumberland, Maryland - Wednesday - February 04, 1925 - Page 9
(Courtesy of Bob Thompson)
Posted July 25, 2010

A Valentine party was given by Mrs. John McGreevy, Piedmont, Wednesday evening. The home was decorated with cupids and hearts. Tiny baskets and hats were favors. Games and music featured. Those present were: Ira J. Cheshire, Jess Arnold, John Dick, Elva Shanholtz, Lewis Schramm, Alfred Zimmerman, Harry Reel, Horace Richards, Mr and Mrs. Ed. Cheshire, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Mullen and daugher, Maxine, Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, Mr.s and Mrs. William McKene. Mr. and Mrs. William Seaber, Mrs. Russell Kight, Mrs. John Casey, Mrs. Joseph Samuels, Mrs. George Nealis, Mrs. Mollie DeVore, Mrs. Annie Reed, Mrs. Fred Schramm, Mrs. Willis McCombs, Mrs. James Ott, Mrs. Mary Frankland, Mrs. Bernard Kenealy, Mrs. Mary Burke, Misses Nellie and Mary White, Miss Blanche Reed, Miss Katherine Crabtree, Miss Nina Legge, Miss Irene Bryant, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Richards and son, Charles, Mr. and Mrs. George Lewis and son, Meredith, Mrs. Claude Ravenscroft, of the Tri-Towns: Joseph Weaver and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Harrison and son, Junior, Keyser, W. Va.
Cumberland Evening Times, Cumberland, MD - Monday - February 18, 1924 - Page 14
(Courtesy of Bob Thompson)
Posted July 25, 2010

The Ladies Guild of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Keyser W VA, through the special committee appointed Feb 19, 1913, wishes to express in some small measure, its profound sorrow and abiding sense of loss at the death, on Feb 12, 1913, of Mrs A B Murray. Whereas, Mrs Murry was primarily instrumental in the organization of the Guild, served as the first President and labored long and earnestly on its behalf. Whereas her prayers and efforts are now immortalized in the growing life of Emmanuel church. And Whereas the Church Militant has lost a devoted and faithful member who is to be henceforth enrolled in the Church Triumphant. Be it resolved: First that while we bow in resignation to the inscrutable decree of the Divine Will, we nevertheless hereby formally express our sorrow at her death, and our gratitude for her example while present with us. Second, That a copy of these resolutions, along with our sincere sympathy, be presented to her bereaved sister, Miss Bunnell. Third, that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the Guild, and published in the two Keyser papers.
Keyser Tribune, February 21, 1913
(Courtesy of Patti McDonald)
Posted August 25, 2010

The Sun School convention at this place last week was quite a success. Notwithstanding the rain, there was a good attendance, people were responsive and everybody went home feeling that it was good to have been there.
Rev Ray M Bosler was at the convention and distributed a number of bibles and testaments. Rev J May, a retired minister of the Reformed church, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and who now lives at Bayard, was at the S S convention, and took an active part in the program. Rev May said he had been a Sun School worker for half a century and is still an enthusiastic teacher in two Sun Schools.
KEYSER TRIBUNE, KEYSER, MINERAL COUNTY W VA., FRIDAY SEPT 20, 1907
(Courtesy of Patti McDonald)
Posted July 25, 2010

Reunion
The annual reunion of the Tippen, Garlitz and Prout families was held Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Guffy, Clairton, Pa.  Activities included a picnic lunch served on the lawn of the home, a tour of the city and home movies.
Attending were Mrs. EllaTippen, Mrs. Clara Tippen, Gomer Tippen, Mr and Mrs. Donald Robertson, Borden Shaft; Mr. and Mrs. George Tippen and family; Mr. and Mrs. Lester Bender and family, Eckhart; Mrs. Ada Prout, Mr. and Mrs. Willllam Prout, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Miller, Youngstown. Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. David Linebaugh, Struthers, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs Robert Guffy and family, Mr. and Mrs. Grant Garlitz, Clairton; Pa.; Mrs. Clark Garlitz, Pittsburgh; Mrs. Jenny Porter, Cleveland; Mr. .and Mrs. Pete Hamish, Miss Phyllis Guelick, Fred Stein, Tiffin, Ohio, and Mrs. H. F Weber and family, Washington.
Thursday, 4 September 1947; Cumberland Evening Times
Posted February 19, 2011

TROUTMAN ~ WINEBRENNER DOUBLE WEDDING

MEYERSDALE, Nov. 12 — When young Johnny TROUTMAN and pretty Evelyn Marie WINEBRENNER said "I do" before the preacher Monday, (7 November 1938) Ma TROUTMAN shed none of the usual tears, and Pa WINEBRENNER had no fatherly lump in his throat. That's because Ma TROUTMAN, a widow, and Pa WINEBRENNER, a widower, up and got married, too. And off went the two happy couples to the elder bride's farm near Sand Patch, for their honeymoon.
The likes of that wedding he had never seen, declared Rev. Edgar W. Beckett, of Frostburg, Md., who performed the ceremony. Officials who issue marriage licenses at the Allegany county courthouse at Cumberland, Md., were astounded, too.
For what happened, you see, is that the young groom's mother and the young bride's father had joined their children in a double wedding. It all began when John Edward TROUTMAN, 25, started coming over the mountain from Sand Patch to Frostburg to court Evelyn Marie. As the romance began to flower, Mrs. Cecelia Agnes TROUTMAN naturally got acquainted with her son's sweetheart. Just as naturally, she also got acquainted with Evelyn Marie's father, Roy Raymond WINEBRENNER, 43, of Frostburg, worker at the brickyard of the Big Savage Refactories Corporation.
Mrs. TROUTMAN was the widow of Amos TROUTMAN, who died in August, 1937.  Mr. WINEBRENNER's wife, the former Bess PORTER, had died in January. So young love and middle-aged love flourished side by side, and Monday the double-knot was tied.
Thereby, Mr. WINEBRENNER acquired a wife, a step-son, a son-in-law, and step-daughter-in-law. Mrs TROUTMAN, in turn acquired a husband, a step-daughter, a daughter- in-law, and a step-son-in-law. Johnny acquired a wife, a step-sister, a mother-in-law, and a step-father-in-law.  And Evelyn Marie, who is 18, acquired a husband, a step-brother, a father-in-law, and a step-mother-in-law.
The Daily Courier, Connellsville, November 12, 1938

Resolution regarding Mrs. Thomas WAGLEY

The following resolutions were passed by Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of Burlington M E Church, South.
Where as it has been the will of our Heavenly Father to call our dear sister, Mrs. Thomas Wagley from her labors here to her eternal reward, therefore be it Resolved - First. That in her death we have lost a valuable member of our Society, one who was always willing to do what she could, and while we bow to the will of Providence we will miss her assistance and kindly advice in many ways, but will cherish her memory and her triumphant death will stimulate us to greater endeavor.
Resolved - Second. that we tender our deepest sympathy to those who are bereft and commend them to Him who is "to wise to err and too good to be unkind" and earnestly pray that our Heavenly Father may sustain, and comfort them in this hour of sorrow.
Resolved - Third. That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of our Society, that a copy be sent to the family and that a copy be sent to our county papers for publication.
Mrs D W Eagle
Miss Estella Hott
Mrs D A Arnold
Committee
Keyser Tribune, May 26, 1911
(Courtesy of Patti McDonald)
Posted July 25, 2010

Will Receive Two Thousand Dollars
The family of Morris Winebrenner, the miner killed at Ocean, and whose remains were interred in Rose Hill cemetery will receive two thousand dollars from Frostburg Lodge No. 3(?)90 Knights of Honor, of which order the deceased had only been a member six weeks.  The deceased was not a member of the Shield of Honor, as this paper was erroneously informed.
April 13, 1898, The Cumberland Evening Times