1904 Wilkes-Barre Record Almanac
RECORDS OF EVENTS for 1903

Daily Record of Events in Luzerne County for Twelve Months, from December 1st, 1902,
 to November 30th, 1903.

DECEMBER 1902

1.  New rules of court adopted giving four more weeks of Common Pleas Court.
2.  Baptist Young People’s Union and Wyoming Baptist Association in convention in Pittston.  
Court decides that Mayor Corcoran of Pittston cannot legally take the raise of his salary to 
$1000 from $600 a year granted him by councils.  Wyoming Seminary foot ball team holds 
annual banquet.
3.  First of a series of Wednesday evenings for the promotion of sociability by the ladies of 
First Presbyterian Church.
4.  Formal transfer of “Cannon Ball” railroad purchases of property in Wilkes-Barre.
5.  Eight inches of snow, street cars stalled most of the day and trains late, good sleighing.  
Banquet of Independent Society of Wyoming Seminary Degree teams of Berwick and Wilkes-
Barre Odd Fellows lodges contest and Wilkes-Barre wins by one point.
7.  Elks annual memorial exercises.  Rev. Alexander J. Kerr occupies for the first time his new 
pulpit at Memorial Church.  Bishop Spalding of Illinois lectures in St. Mary’s Church on “the 
Meaning and Worth of Education.” 
8.  Campbell Morgan meetings begun in First Presbyterian Church.  Mission begun in St. 
Cecilia’s Catholic Church at Wyoming for non-Catholics.  Coal companies a week behind in 
their orders owing to great demand for coal.
9.  Five men killed and a dozen seriously injured by a box of dynamite falling while being carried 
into No. 5 mine of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. in South Wilkes-Barre.  Four Pittston 
constables removed from office by the court for refusing to return alleged liquor law violators 
when requested by the court to do so.  John McGeady of Freeland dies in church.
10.  Coldest morning of the season 11 above.
11.  Three men killed by a trip of runaway cars while walking up a slope in the Edwardsville 
mine.  Llewellyn Jones of Spring Brook killed accidentally while hunting.
13.  Four inches more of snow—excellent sleighing.  Coroner’s jury in South Wilkes-Barre mine 
dynamite explosion unable to find out what caused the dynamite to explode.  Case of smallpox 
at Kingston—woman from a town in the West where there was an epidemic.
14.  A congregation of 2,500 at the final Campbell Morgan meeting in Central M. E. Church.  
Coldest of the season—7 above zero.
15.  Court refuses to allow Michael Yushkis to change his plea from guilty of murder in the 
second degree to not guilty in connection with the Sweeney murder.  Snow, sleet and rain all day.
16.  Rev. Dr. Harshaw of West Pittston lectures in Y. M.C.A. on “Jerusalem the Holy.”  J. Reed 
Powell lectures in Nelson Memorial Hall on “The Destruction of St. Pierre.”
17.  John J. Robinson, serving sentence of eighteen years in connection with the Barney Reick 
murder, pardoned by Board of Pardons after having served seven years ad three months.  Luzerne 
County Medical Society favors removal of Nanticoke dam from a sanitary standpoint.  Reception 
at Memorial Church for the new pastor, Rev. Alexander J. Kerr and wife.
19.  Banquet of Shekinah Chapter, Royal Arch Masons.  Annual New England Society banquet at 
Scranton.  Jacob Rice, formerly of Trucksville, killed in Virginia accident.
20.  Jury in the case of Hines against Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. brings in a verdict for Hines,
 involving un-mined coal valued at about $2000,000.
21.  Heavy rain all day and fears of freshet.
22.  First social affair of the holiday season---debut of Miss Mae Anthony at Hotel Sterling.  Mrs. 
Annie Lahas of Hazelton suicides by cutting her throat.  Albert Collins, formerly of Pittston, killed 
in Colorado.
24.  Patrolman John Schmidt appointed as the new sergeant of police in Wilkes-Barre. Presentation
 to Timothy Theophilus foreman of Red Ash No. 2 who had resigned.  Judge Lynch hands down 
opinion deciding that the district attorney’s salary shall be $4,000.  Four hundred children of poor
 parents entertained with refreshments and a Christmas tree at the United Charities.  A case of 
smallpox at Edwardsville.  
25.  Good Christmas weather---a couple of inches of snow and thermometer at 25 degrees above
 zero.  Second dance of the Cotillion Club.  Impressive services by Dieu le Veut Commandery, 
Knights Templar.
26.  St. John’s Day banquets by Masonic lodges.  Court decides that county treasurer is not entitled
 to commission on that portion of the State tax which is returned to the county.
27.  Mrs. C. I. A. Chapman of Port Blanchard dies on Pittston Street car.  Attonrney Howard Ellis, 
formerly of Wilkes-Barre, dies in New York City.  Herman Gocht of Wilkes-Barre killed by 
a train in Lackawanna County.  Coal scarcity continues and people have trouble getting enough to 
heat their houses---coal companies do not promise delivery in less than two weeks.  Lincoln Brown, 
superintendent of B. I. A., resigns.
28.  Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mackin of Wilkes-Barre celebrate fortieth anniversary of their marriage.  
Edifice of the O. Z.A. H. Jewish congregation dedicated.  
29.  Death of Andrew J. Elliott at Merryall, Bradford County, his grandfather one of the two who 
escaped death at the hands of Queen Esther at Wyoming, escaping by plunging into the Susquehanna
 and swimming away wounded.  Commissioners tax sale of seated and unseated lands.
30.  Annual dinner for newsboys, messenger boys and bootblacks at Y.M.C.A.  Carpenters of 
Wyoming Valley demand increase from $2.25 to $3 a day, to take effect Feb. 1.
31.  Twenty-fourth annual Assembly ball.  Five more failures in Wilkes-Barre in 1902 than in 
1901 and one more in the entire county.

JANUARY, 1903

1.  Three thousand people attend New Year reception at Y. M. C. A.  Pleasant weather---mercury 
at 40 and sunshine most of the day.  Annual fire department inspection and open house at some 
of the engine houses.  Moriah Eisteddfod at Nanticoke.  Surprise and presentations to Rev. and Mrs. 
J. Dwight Roberts of Wilkes-Barre.  Miss Nina G. Tague of Luzerne Borough becomes 
superintendent of the B. L.A.
2.  Court decides that deputy constables have no standing under the law and cannot, therefore, 
collect money for services rendered.  Argument before court on new court house injunction.  
Thawing weather.
3.  Yale men’s annual banquet at Westmoreland Club.  Woodward breaker damaged by fire.  
Wilkes-Barre Leader sold to new company.
4.  The sum of $1,415 raised by Central M. E. Church for the Methodist thank offering.
5.  Y. M. H. A. New Year ball.  Moving day in the court house---newly elected officials take charge.
6.  Wilkes-Barre City Republican convention; Crawford County system of conducting primaries 
abolished.  Court decides the Fourth district legislative contest between Harvey and Ferry in 
favor of the latter.
7.  Individual coal companies shut off the supply from local speculators in coal.
8.  Coal famine in Wilkes-Barre, companies a month behind in their orders.  J. B. Patterson 
succeeds C. H.R. Jackson as physical director of Y. M. C. A.
9.  Princeton alumni dinner in Scranton.  Cold wave---mercury 18 above zero.
10.  Susquehanna River Improvement Association formulates plans for removing Nanitcoke dam.  
Emil Hasir, convicted of murdering John Shigo at Freeland, sentenced to three years in jail.
12.  Mercury five degrees above zero.  Some Lehigh Valley coal hauler stike for an increase of 
from 50 to 75 cents a load.  Concordia humorous and musical entertainment.
13.  Mayor Price sends his first message to councils.  Rev. Dr. Kerr Boyce Tupper lectures in 
First M. E. Church on “Twentieth Century Knighthood.”  Sox degrees above zero in Wilkes-Barre
 at 6 a. m. and six below at Harvey’s Lake.
14.  Annual Luzerne County Medical Society banquet at Hotel Sterling.  Mrs. Daniel Rowlands 
burned to death in a Berwick fire---formerly of Edwardsville and Plymouth.  Installation of Rev. 
Alexander J. Kerr as pastor of Memorial Presbyterian Church.  Peter Kosler of Exeter Borough, 
who cut his throat with a razor, dies at Pittston Hospital.
15.  Equitable insurance agents have banquet at Hotel Sterling.  Moderating weather---40 degrees.
16.  Maj. Montrose Barnard, D., L. & W. district superintendent, severs his connection with that 
company to take a position in the bituminous region. Local McAll Mission branch celebrates the 
mission’s thirty-first anniversary.  Dr. Frederick B. Peck of Lafayette lectures in the HIstoriacal 
Society rooms on “Atlantosaur and Tritanotherium Beds of Wyoming.”  Sorosis and Cliosophic 
societies annual debate in high school again won by the former.
17.  M. F. Coons & Co.’s store in Nanticoke gutted by fire.
18.  Installation of Rev. F. Kern as pastor of McKinley Memorial Chapel.  C. T. A. U. quarterly 
convention in Plymouth Meeting in the Washington Street Temple in interest of Order B’nai Brith.
19.  Announcement that D. & H. will grant increase to its employees.
20.  Professor Foster lectures in Y. M. C. A. course on liquid air and “The Fugitive Sunbeam.”  
Opening of Wyoming Valley Camera Club’s photographic exhibit at Y. M. C. A.  Dental Society’s 
annual banquet.
21.  Notification that the D. & H. R. R. Co. has advanced wages.
22.  Witness faints in court while being put through severe cross examination. 
23.  Architect Meyers of Michigan causes notice to be served though the United States Court 
upon the county commissioners for $25,000 damages for failure to pay balance due him on 
contract for court house plans, the sum due being $10,000.  Dr. Mason Glee Club banquet.  D. & H. 
Coal Co. lowers the price of coal to what it was before the famine prices took effect.
24.  Harry F. Keiser and Norton L. Houser killed by Lehigh Valley train while on an errand of mercy to 
notify a woman that her son was dying.
25.  Thirtieth anniversary of Zion’s Reformed Church.  Eleventh anniversary of Kripplein Christi Church.
26.  Breaker of the Melville Coal Co. at Lee destroyed by fire.  Smallpox appears at Niner’s Mills---son 
of M. J. Ruddy.  Burns anniversary banquet at Wyoming Valley Hotel by the Caledonian Club.  Opening 
session of the Archdeaconry of Scranton in St. Stephen’s Church.
27.  Opening of Sisters of Mercy bazaar in Columbus Hall.  Remains of John Gerrity of Edwardsville, 
who disappeared Dec. 2 found in a reservoir at that place.  Smallpox at Hudson, a young woman in a 
family of foreigners.
28.  Conyngham Post, G. A. R., adopts resolutions against the proposed erection of a monument to 
Gen. Lee at Gettysburg.  ‘Women’s Auxiliary of the Episcopal Archdeanconry meets in St. Stephen’s.
29.  Knights of Columbus annual banquet.
30.  Rev. Frank B. Gamewell, D. D., lectures in First M. E. Chhurch on the siege of Pekin.  Pennsylvania 
flyer wrecked near Lofty and engineer and fireman of Lehigh Valley engine killed.  Dieu le Vuet
 Commandery reception and banquet at Concordia Hall.
31.  Thomas Caswell of Missouri dies while on a visit in Plains.

FEBRUARY

1.  Col. W. C. Price speaks in Calvary Church on “Lincoln’s Manhood.”  Constanti Sabulewski 
of Plymouth Township beaten and stabbed to death by a mob after a quarrel in a saloon—
twenty-one men arrested and jailed.  George A. Reichert of Hazleton dies of bullet wound 
inflicted by his wife, with whom he had frequently quarreled.  Thomas Ruddy of Miner’s Mills 
dies of smallpox, 25 years of age.
2.  Two Pittston street cars collie in the fog—a motorman badly hurt and several passengers
 injured.  Supreme Court reverses the lower court and grants a new trial in the case of Victor 
Zorambo, convicted of murder in the first degree.
3.  Blue Front saloon  in Wilkes-Barre has its license revoked by court---juror seen coming
 from the saloon while case was on trial and the juror severely arraigned.  Fourteenth anniversary
 banquet of the Elks.  William Lyons, a young man of Larksville, secures the automobile at the 
Sisters of Mercy fair.
4.  James Pollock escapes from jail for the third time.
5.  Several convictions on the charge of selling liquor at Harvey’s Lake.  James Pollock, who 
escaped from jail, captured at Noxen.
6.  William Airey appointed deputy jail warden in place of Arthur E. Detro, resigned.  Shooting
 tournament at Dallas.  Many objections in court to Wilkes-Barre Township nominations.
7.  many election contests heard by court.
9.  Rev. Dr. Berry lectures in Central M. E. Church on “What a Tramp Saw in Ireland.”  Rev. Dr. 
William E. Griffis lectures on “Holland” at T. H. Atherton’s residence.  Two more smallpox cases 
at Hudson.
10.  Councils pass curfew ordinance, authorizing the police to arrest all children under 14 years 
of age on the streets after 9 p. m. unless accompanied by parents or guardian.
11. Historical Society annual meeting.  A Georgetown foreigner hears of serious to his son and 
drops dead.
12.  Death in Philadelphia of Rev. Dr. Manley S. Hard, formerly presiding elder of Wyoming district. 
 Carpenters reject compromise offer of the builders.  Thomas J. Benedict suicides at Pittston by hanging.
13.  Farewell reception to Rev. Victor H. Lukens at First Presbyterian Church.  Seven post office
 sub-stations established in Wilkes-Barre.
14.  Attorneys and others engaged before the strike commission return home.  Court knocks 
out the Wilkes-Barre ordinance imposing a heavy fine on those engaged in the transient auction business.
15.  Christ Lutheran Church eighth anniversary.  Ralph H. Wadhams delivers another of the 
series of lay addresses at Calvary Church on “The Sunday School Teacher.”
16.  Nineteen of the twenty-five men charged with Plymouth Township murder held without
 bail and the others discharged.
17.  Light vote polled at the municipal elections.  Blizzard weather—nearly a foot of snow, 
high wind and 10 degrees above zero—street car traffic almost entirely suspended for the day.  
Many attend the funeral of  Rev. Dr. Manley S. Hard at Binghamton.  Bamford silk ribbon mill at 
Georgetown sold to a Paterson, N.J., syndicate.
18.  Many remonstrance’s to the granting of liquor licenses.
19.  Three degrees below zero in Wilkes-Barre.  Body of Patrick Keepf of Swoyerville found in 
the snow, frozen to death.
21.  Dedication of new East End school building.  A case of smallpox at Nanticoke.
22.  Rees evangelistic meetings begun at Central M. E. Church.
23.  Another smallpox case at Miner’s Mills---postmaster Beyan.  Nesbitt prizes in oratory at 
Wyoming Seminary.  United Charities donation day.
24.  Concordia concert.  Junior Association banquet.  Muhlenberg College Glee Club concert 
at Y. M. C. S. auditorium  Mayor signs curfew ordinance.
25.  Adam Koch, Sr., of West Hazleton suicides by shooting.  Henry Lipfert of North Wilkes-Barre 
suicides by jumping into the river.  Thirty-first anniversary banquet and mortgage burning at Y. M. C.A.
26.  Father MacCorry delivers his lecture, “The Story Beautiful,” in Holy Savior Church.
27.  Young Women’s Christian Association tenth anniversary.
28.  Burglars blow open a safe in Waite’s drug store at Sugar Notch.  Carpenters issue a 
lengthy statement relative to their strike.

MARCH

1.  Flood feared---river at 21.2 at 1- p. m., people moving belongings from first to second 
stories on the lowlands.  Dr. Parry memorial in Edwardsville Welsh Congregational Church.  
John M. Morris, 14 years old, formerly of Plains, killed in Arkansas.
2.  St. David’s Day banquet at Wyoming Valley Hotel.  Sheet Metal Workers strike, for advance 
from $2.25 abd $2.75 to $3 a day as a maximum.  Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schloss celebrate tenth 
anniversary of their marriage at Concordia Hall.  Fifty-wix liquor licenses refused by the court.  
Carpenters’ strike settled, the contractors granting $2.60 a day as minimum wage.
3.  Carpenters repudiate action of their committee in settling the strike and more meetings are held. 
 Rev. Dr. James M. Buckley lectures at Nelson Memorial hall on “Peculiarities of Great Orators.”  
Ladies Auxiliary Y. M. H. A. fifteenth anniversary.  Methodist Ministerial Association’s 164th session 
at Dorranceton.  Women’s Missionary Department of Wyoming Baptist Association.
4.  Robert Emmet Club commemorates Emmet anniversary.
5.  Alexander Mitchell and Joseph Langford appointed prison commissioners by the court.  
Carpenters’ strike officially declared off—the minimum wage to be $2.60 a day.
6.  Stanley F. Jenkins of Wilkes-Barre becomes assistant physical director in the new Scranton 
Y. M. C. A.
8.  Forty Hours’ devotion in Holy Savior Church.  Special Rees meetings at Central M. E. come to a close.
9.  Court in an elaborate opinion approves the court house contract with Wilson J. Smith.  Welsh 
Baptist Sunday school convention in Parrish Street Baptist Church.  Boys find in the cellar of an 
old Plymouth house a box containing the crumbling bones of a human being.
10.  River rises to 10.4 feet.  All bosses and workmen of the “Cannon Ball” trolley company working
 in Pittston arrested on the ground that the company has no right to operate in Pittston, permission 
not having been granted by councils.
11.  Rev. Dr. Forbush lectures at St. Stephen’s on “The Heart of the Boy.”  American Machine & 
Foundry Co.’s plant at Kingston passes into the hands of Scranton parties.  Formal opening of the 
Y. M. C. A. at Ashley.
12.  Curfew law goes into effect, fire gongs blow at 9 o’clock.  Ladies’ Missionary convention in St. 
John’s Lutheran Church.
13.  Bishop Fowler lectures on “Abraham Lincoln” in Central M. E. Church.  Luzerne Borough council
 breaks the deadlock over the election of a president after eleven day’s balloting
14.  Last of the liquor license hearings in court.
15.  Anthony McHugh shot to death on a street of Pittston during a fight among a crowd of men; 
James Kearney badly wounded and ides next day.
16.  Contractor Wilson J. Smith begins excavating on river common for the new court house. 
 Sheet Metal Worker’s strike off at a compromise of $2.75 as a minimum rate---wanted $3.
17.  St. Patrick’s Day celebrated by the A. O. H. societies.  Annual Cynonfardd Society eisteddfod
 at Edwardsville.
18.  Women’s Foreign Missionary Society convention in Kingston M. E. Church.  Body of a woman 
identified by neighbors as Mrs. Martin Brennan of Wilkes-Barre, found in the river; husband denies
 that it is the body of his wife.  Mrs. Emma Shaw Colclough delivers her lecture.  “Alone to the Dark 
Continent,” in St. Stephen’s parish building.
19.  P. R. Raife, after being in the building and contraction business in Wilkes-Barre for many years,
 disposes of his interests to Wilson J. Smith.
20.  County commissioners decide upon a special two-mill levy for court house project.  First official 
trip over the new Wilkes-Barre & Hazleton Railway.  Dr. Charles W. Stiles of Washington, D. C., 
lectures before the local physicians on the hook worm in anemia.
21.  Announcement of the strike commission’s award causes great interest—miners generally 
dissatisfied with it for the reason that it did not provide for the weighing of coal.  Deputy factory 
inspector causes the arrest of three justices of the peace on the charge that they gave certificates
 to children not entitled to them.  Fred D. Kirkendall reelected Democratic county chairman.  Identity 
of the women found in the river March 18 identified as that of Mrs. Peter Mathews of Wilkes-Barre; 
body had been taken to the home of Martin Brennan, who consented to bury it on the assertion of 
many neighbors and two sisters that it was that of his wife, although he protested that it was not; 
many marks of resemblance between the two women.  Body of Edward Toole, 80 years old, who 
it is supposed jumped from the West Market street bridge Feb. 14, found at Sunbury.  Court refuses 
seven more applications for liquor license—six at Pittston and one at Luzerne Borough.
22.  Father Olert, a Redemptorist missionary, begins a series of sermons at St. Mary’s Church.
23.  Heaviest rain of the season—1.55 inches in twelve hours.  Peter W. Gruver falls four stories at 
the North Wilkes-Barre lace mill and is killed.  Thomas Carter of Plymouth elected jail warden.  See 
April 11.  Miners meet in North Wilkes-Barre to consider plans for securing the weighing of coal.
24.  River reaches the highest point of the year---22.2 feet.  Jacob A. Riis delivers lecture on the New 
York slums in Y. M. C. A. course.  Wilkes-Barre school board’s attorney gives an opinion that it would 
not be advisable to have the law providing for a separate receiver of taxes repealed.
25.  W. C.T.U. convention at Kingston.  Boilermakers at the Vulcan Works get 10 per cent. advance.  
Large new corn mill of the Miner-Hillard Co. put in operation.
26. Mrs. Martin Brennan, who was thought to be drowned )see March 21), is found in Scranton, brought
 to police headquarters and her husband promises to take her back; they repair to a priest and patch
 up their differences.  Chess champion Emanuel Lasker plays thirty local people and defeats all but 
Lewis W. DeWitt and plays a draw with him.  
28.  Brewers of the lower end go on strike for higher wages.
29.  Ice forms in some places.
30.  Dr. G. W. Guthrie and Edward Williams elected delegates from Wilkes-Barre district to Republican 
State convention.  Conference between molders and representatives of the employers of the Wyoming 
and Lackawanna valleys results in a raise in wages, but not in a shortening of the hours.
31.  Company of Luzerne and Lackawanna people formed to pump water from the Susquehanna at 
Campbell’s Ledge to Scranton and vicinity.

APRIL

1.  Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D. D., lectures in Memorial Church on “Soul Winning.”  Jeffries and 
Fitzsimmons at Nesbitt.  Award of the strike commission giving firemen an eight-hour day and company 
hands a nine-hour day goes into effect.
2.  Interpretation of strike commission’s award causes confusion at some of the colleries.

3.  Driver boys at the Dorrance mine strike owing to misunderstanding as to the nine-hour day—matter
 referred to conciliation committee.  George Howell of Scranton lectures in the high school auditorium 
on “Books.”
4.  Great flock of ducks along the river and many of them slaughtered.  St Stephen’s and First Presbyterian 
Church industrial schools’ closing exercises.  William Harris, a West Pittston young man, drowned while 
after wild ducks and two unidentified bodies found in the river, one at Forty Fort and one at Pittston Junction.  
Enos W. Leavenworth of Wilkes-Barre found dead in a Scranton hotel, having taken morphine to induce 
sleep.  Freezing weather---mercury 28 degrees above zero.
5.  Palm Sunday---confirmation in Lutheran and Reformed churches.  Mrs. Fred Barney of Wilkes-Barre
 killed by a bullet in her home, not determined whether suicide or accident.  An aeire of the Order of Eagles
 instituted in Wilkes-Barre.
7.  Oratorio “Redemption” in St. Mary’s Church.  M. E. Stone appointed chaplain for Luzerne County jail. 
 Amphictyon Society of Wyoming Seminary celebrates fiftieth anniversary with a Banquet.  
8.  Women’s Foreign Missionary Society of Lackawanna Presbytery in First Presbyterian Church.  
Coroner’s jury says that Mrs. Fred Barney of Wilkes-Barr came to her death at the hands of her husband, 
who was jailed April 6.
9.  Charles Hanna, alias George Williams, in jail on the charge of larceny, dies within eight days of the
 expiration of his sentence of consumption.
10.  Manhattan Club raided and twenty-one colored and white people spend the night in the lockup.
11.  Court turns down the appointment of Thomas Carter as Jail warden. Together with all of the other 
appointments made in by the prison commissioners.  Ex-Judge Rhone and others ask for an injunction
 to restrain the county commissioners from proceeding with the erection of the new court house, on the 
ground that the contract calls for an incomplete structure and that the amount required cannot legally be
 raised by taxation.
12.  Gloomy Easter---rain in the morning and cloudy in the afternoon.  St. Stephen’s and First M. E. 
Sunday school anniversaries and mission anniversary at the First Presbyterian.  Dieu le Veut Commandery, 
Knights Templar, attends services at Central M. E.  Anthony Kolas stabbed to death at Sturmerville.
13.  St. Kasimer’s Catholic Church in Plymouth Township dedicated.  Mr. Osterling paid $10,000 on
 account of court house plans.
14.  District meeting of New York Conference of Swedish Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre.  Receptions
 for Rev. John T. Griffiths, the new pastor of Emanuel Baptist Church, Edwardsville.
15.  Opening of Wyoming Conference at Binghamton, N. Y. Opening of the national convention of Young
 Women’s Christian Association.  Dr. Mason Glee Club concert with Gwilym Davies,, baritone.
16.  Seven boys placed under bail for court on the charge of robbing freight cars.
18.  Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre machine shops at the Empire destroyed.
19.  Y. W. C. A. delegates conduct services in the various churches.
20.  President John Mitchell of the United Mine Workers comes to Wilkes-Barre to confer with the district 
officers regarding trouble over the interpretation of the strike commission’s award.  Charity ball for the 
benefit of City Hospital.  Wilson J. Smith files an answer to the application for an injunction to restrain the
 erection of the proposed new court house.  Conference of national secretaries of the Y. W. C. A.
21.  Paul Tomchek acquitted of murder of Daniel Sweeney of Nanticoke.  John Golightly of Plymouth 
named as prison warden, but afterwards rejected.
22.  East End St. Aloysius Society banquet.  County commissioners answer court house equity allegations.
23.  Annual banquet of Father Mathew Society of St. Mary’s.
24.  W. E. Woodruff lectures in St. Stephen’s parish house on “Some American Humorists.”  Mrs. Rosie 
Reichart of Hazleton convicted of manslaughter in the killing of her husband and sentenced to one year 
in jail.  Annual Y. M. C. A. gymnastic exhibition.
25.  Very Rev. Alexis G. Toth of the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates twenty-fifth anniversary of his 
ordination and is decorated with the Order of St. Ann and presented with a jeweled mitre, both by order
 of the Czar of Russia.  C. T. A. U. quarterly convention in Avoca.  Rev. J. H. Bickford of First M. E. 
Church preaches special sermon to Odd Fellows in observance of eighty-fifth anniversary of the order.
27.  Patrick Hennessy on trial for murder of Daniel Dorris at West Nanticoke committed to insane 
asylum at Retreat.  St. Conrad’s Glee Club concert.
28.  Dieu le Veut Commandery installation with imposing ceremonies.
29. Many Wilkes-Barre people attend Nordica-DeReszke-Duss concert at Scranton.  Knights of 
Columbus degree and banquet.
30.  Receiver’s sale of the W. A. Higgins shoe stock.  “Jim” Watts knocks out “Yock” Hayden at
 Edwardsville in eleventh round.

MAY

1.  Professor Bradley of Wesleyan lectures on “Liquid Air” at St. Stephen’s parish house.  First 
literary contest between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton high schools at the latter place---Wilkes-Barre
 wins three out of four.  Hod carriers of Wilkes-Barre, about eighty-five strike for an increase of from
 $2 to $2.50 a day of eight hours.  Miners at No. 4 mine of the Kingston Coal Co. strike on account 
of the docking boss being discharged and some other grievances.  Barbers’ strike of one day declared
 off, the barbers to have a minimum wage of $12 a week and some other concessions. 
2.  Second trial of Victor Zorambo results in verdict of murder in second degree.  John Masulis assaulted
 by a gang of young men in Plymouth, dies in Mercy Hospital.  Emanuel Kreesley, 34 years old, suicides 
in Hazleton lockup.  Mercury drops from 35 to 30 degrees---much damage by frost.
3.  At the St. Nicholas Church 125 children receive first communion.  Rock miners meet and appoint a c
ommittee to see employers, claiming that they do not receive the 10 per cent advance.  Annual temperance 
repledging at Holy Savior Church.  Smallpox case at Glen Lyon.
4.  Wilkes-Barre Conference of the Ministerium in Pennsylvania opens in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  
Concordia spring concert.
5.  Victor Zorambo, John Smith and Michael Yuskis each sentenced to twenty years in penitentiary on 
charge of murder.  Court turns down nomination of John Golightly as Jail warden.  James Sweeney, 
charged with murder of Joseph Gullen at Nanticoke, pleads guilty.  Mrs. Mary Tougher of Pittston, 78 
years, suicides by hanging.
6.  Cantata “Ruth” at Central M. E. Church.
7.  George D. Bowman, born in Wilkes-Barre in 1827 dies in New Mexico.  Lee Park Y. M. C. A. opening. 
 Patrick O’Donnell, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, killed on a Pittsburg railroad.
8.  John C. Williams of Plains, born in that township eighty-one years ago, dies.  Dr. Coras reads paper
 before Historical Society on “The Buried Valley of Wyoming.”  Primitive Methodist Conference in 
session at Hazleton. 
9.  Interclass track meet at Wyoming Seminary.  Body of the man found yesterday in reservoir on the 
mountain identified as that of Peter Molucula of Keystone; murder suspected.  James Sweeney of 
Nanticoke convicted of the murder of Joseph Gullen, sentenced to twenty years in penitentiary.
10.  Rock men granted advance of per cent, but they also want back pay from the time of the strike 
commission’s award.
11.  Hillman Academy Linonia boys produce “The Private Secretary.”  Prison commissioners again
 nominate candidate for jail warden, Fred Roth of Wilkes-Barre, and appointment is subsequently 
approved by the judges.
12.  Republican delegate elections in four districts.  State convention of Royal Arcanum.  National 
convention of Funeral Benefit Association of Jr. O. U. A. M.  Explosion at Gracedale powder mill—
one mill destroyed, one man killed.
13.  Intercounty shoot at Luzerne Borough.  Royal Arcanum delegates taken to Harvey’s Lake for dinner.
  Launching of boat Kingston at Harvey’s Lake.
14.  First passenger car over the Laurel Line, “Cannon Ball,” from Pittston to Scranton.  Hod carriers 
and contractors have a conference, but no agreement reached  Albert Bisbing of Harvey’s Lake found 
dead on boat landing at that place.  Pittston Coal Mining Co., capital $100,000, formed t mine from the 
Maffet estate, Sugar Notch, many improvements made.  First thunder storm of season.
15.  Second literary and athletic contest between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton high schools—bas ball 
game won by Scranton and debate a tie.  Body of William Harris, drowned in Pittston April 4, found at 
Port Bowkley.  Net receipts of the Charity ball for the benefit of this City Hospital $1,466.
16.  Semi-centennial of the Fr. O. U. A. M. celebrated with parade and mass meeting at armory.
17.  Welsh Baptist Sunday school and church convention in Second Welsh Baptist Church.
18.  Supreme Court refuses to grant new trial in case of Peter Lenouskey, convicted of murder in the
 first degree for killing Anthony Sennek.  Opening of convention of the Episcopal Church Diocese of 
Central Pennsylvania, in Carbondale. 
19.  Building contractors meet and take initial steps to fight the labor unions.  Reception at Mallinckrodt
 Convent---twenty take the final vows and fifteen the novitiate.  Temperature 90 degrees.
20.  Annual C. T. A. U. convention, Scranton Diocese, at Jermyn.  Hours of Mrs. Rhodes and Mrs. Fassett,
 near Parsons, burned and a son of the former, 4 years old, burned to death, another boy badly injured.
21.  Annual Cliosophic and Sorosis high school banquet and Concordia Hall.  Deu le Veut Commandery, 
Knights Templar, attends services at St. Stephen’s and takes supper at Central M. E.  Hillman Academy 
annual athletic tournament.  Word from Rome that Father P. C. Nagel of St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre, 
has been raised to the rank of domestic prelate, with the title of monsignor.
22.  William J. Goeckel appointed receiver of taxes fro the City of Wilkes-Barre for county taxes, P. F. 
Joyce for Pittston and Henry Walser for Hazleton.  This gives Wilkes-Barre three separate receivers.  
Calvinistic Methodist Presbyterian Synod of Pennsylvania in session at Plymouth.
23.  John Noonan of Warrior Run shot through the thigh and robbed of $385 while on his way home 
along a lonely road near Askam.
24.  Rev. A. J. Kerr of Memorial Church preaches annual sermon to Conyngham Post.
25.  Court approves the nomination of Fred Roth for prison commissioner and the other appointments 
also.  Strike at Raub mine at Luzerne Borough for the reason that the price of yardage was reduced; 
when men wished to return to work the same day pending a settlement mine was shut down.  Nearly 
400 foreigners take out citizen papers.  Body found on the Wilkes-Barre Mountain identified as that 
of William F. Rogers of Homer, N. Y.  William Lynch of Wilkes-Barre appointed inspector of work in 
connection with the new court house.
26.  Judge Rhone files an amended bill against the new court house, showing the debt of the county 
and the manner in which it is intended to increase it.  Barnum’s circus.
27.  Kingston high school commencement.  Mass meeting in Plymouth to protest against Jewish 
masacre in Russia.  Concilliation board holds its first meeting in Wilkes-Barre, but owing to some
 hitch over organization, which was not given out, nothing is done.
28.  Avoca councilmen restrained from interfering with those regularly elected.
29.  William P. Airey named as deputy jail warden.
30.  Beautiful Memorial Day.  Fourth annual convention of the State Letter Carriers’ Association.  
First annual B. T.A. eisteddfod
31.  Sodality reception at St. Mary’s and St. Nicholas churches.

JUNE

Board of School Government reorganizes.  District presidents and executive boards of the three 
districts meet in Wilkes-Barre with reference to conciliation board.  Robert S. Mecur takes charge
 of management of Kingston coal Co.  Fred Roth takes charge of county prison as warden.
2.  Contractors and hod carriers have conference but fail to reach an agreement.  Banquet of the 
F. L. C. Club of high school.  Excitement caused by a statement by the executive boards of the Mine 
Workers that a strike would be inaugurated unless operators agree to the conciliation board appointed
 under the commission’s award.  Harry Evans of Pittston named as deputy jail warden.
3.  Commencement of the City Hospital nurses---eight graduates.  District executive boards issue call
 for convention of miners at Pottsville June 15;  operators’ representatives made statement with reference 
to their position;  meeting place later changed to Scranton.  Concordia concert at armory---Baltimore 
saengerfest prize song rendered.  Luzerne Borough Gun cub wins Phelps, Straw & Co. trophy from 
Wilkes-Barre Club.
4.  State Adventists hold camp meeting at Kingston.
5.  Very smoky for several days on account of forest fires in Adirondacks.
6.  Hod carriers’ strike settled, the hod carriers are turning to work at the contractors’ offer of a 10 per
 cent increase;  struck for an increase of from $2 to $2.80 a day for eight hours.  Strike at the Red Ash 
mine settled by a compromise; trouble over yardage.  Miner’s meeting and picnic at Hanover Park.
7.  Commercial Club outing at Bear Lakee, guest of W. H. Hines.  Lloyd F. Mowery resigns at Lehigh 
Valley ticket agent to take a similar position in Denver.
8.  State convention of German Catholic societies.  Two highwaymen hold up three delegates to German
 Catholic convention, rob them and kill John Baltes of Wilkes-Barre and slightly wound Benedict Kessler 
of Altoona.  Beginning of commencement in Wilkes-Barre public schools.
9.  Very Rev. P. C. Nagel, rector of St. Nicholas German Catholic Church invested with the insignia of a 
prelate of the Pope’s household with elaborate ceremonies at the church followed by a banquet.  Nationa
l convention of Emerald Beneficial Association.  Annual high school field day.    Linonia Society banquet 
Wyoming Valley Hotel.  Mrs. R. H. Meyer, wife of Nanticoke druggist dies of heart trouble in a carriage on 
way to Lake Nuangola.
10.  Local bank cashiers entertained by bond agents with banquet at Westmoreland Club.  Testimonial and 
presentation to G. M. Williams, late manager of Kingston Coal Co.
11.  Wilkes-Barre Institute annual commencement.  Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Paulksztis of Edwardsville 
celebrated silver wedding anniversary.  Heavy rain all afternoon and night, the first good rain in over a month.
12.  High school commencement---class of 100 graduated.  Hillman Academy commencement and prize 
speaking.  Wyoming Seminary annual contest in declamation.
13.  Strike at Raub colliery settled; yardage dispute compromised.  Spencer Robbins of Plymouth drops
 dead while at work; may have been due to injury on the head sustained the day previous by being assaulted 
by highwaymen.  County commissioners offer a reward of $1,500 for the capture of murderers of John Baltes.
14.  Baccalaureate sermon to Wyoming Seminary graduates by Rev. Dr. Raymond, president of Wesleyan 
University.  Children’s Day in Sunday schools.  St Mary’s Polish Catholic Church At Plymouth badly damaged by fire.
15.  School Board decides to establish free kindergartens in two of the school buildings.  Annual retreat of
 priests at Glen Summit.
16.  James E. Rees and John Lloyd Hopwood ordained to ministry of Congregational Church at Plymouth 
Miners’ convention in Scranton adjourns; convention affirms selection of members of the conciliation board
 and receives word that the selection will not be objected to by the operators.
17.  Great shooting tourney at Hanover Park.  Concordia chorus wins first honors at Baltimore saengerfest.
  Wyoming Seminary commencement.  Death of ex-policeman Frederick W. Meyer, for forty years a
 resident of Wilkes-Barre.
19.  Guiseppe Mitchke convicted of murder in the second degree for killing Anthony McHugh at Pittston 
March 15.  Concordia given rousing welcome home from Baltimore saengerfest.  Six new attorneys 
admitted to the bar.  Body of Thomas Fleming Jr., formerly of Plymouth, missing since December, found 
in North River, New York City. 
20.  Contractor Smith and the county commissioners file their answer to application for injunction against
 new court house.  Word received that Leonie Rueter, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, suicided by drowning in
 Lake Constance, Switzerland.
21.  Complimentary excursion to Wilkes-Barre for railroad men composing the Black Diamond and Keystone
 clubs.  Death of Josiah J. McDermott of Wilkes-Barre, a hero of the Mexican and Civil wars, shot several
 times and confined in Southern prisons.  Joseph Burns, formerly of Ashley, killed in railroad wreck in Ohio. 
 Blessed Virgin Sodality reception at Georgetown Catholic Church.  The Three Children of Mr. and Mrs. John
 Raber of Wilkes-Barre die within a week of scarlet fever.
22.  Schuetzen Verein annual king shoot.  Injunction asked for in court to restrain T. A. Gillespie Coal Co. of 
Latimer from operating its mines on the ground that the company does not prevent employees from riding 
on mine cars.
23.  St. Ann’s Academy commencement at Mallinckrodt Convent.  St. Mary’s Academy commencement at 
the Nesbitt Royal Arcanum Day celebrated with banquet at Harvey’s Lake, Luzerne County.  Anti-Saloon
 League convention.   Stephen Conmey, formerly of Ashley, killed at Camden, N. J. by falling from a scaffold.
24.  Commencement of Atlantic School of Osteopathy.  Wyoming district Epworth League convention in 
First M. E. Church.	
25.  mercy Hospital training school commencement.  Excursion to New York and up the Hudson given 
newspaper people by Central R. R. of New Jersey.  St. Aloysius Society celebrates twenty-third anniversary
 with a smoker.  Board of conciliation organizes in Wilkes-Barre by the electio9n of William L. Connell 
president and T. D. Nicholls secretary.
27.  Fred Barney convicted of murder in the second degree and sentenced to twenty years for the murder
 of his wife April 5.  David Thomas of Plymouth acquitted of the murder of John Masulis.
28.  dedication of memorial windows at McKinley Memorial Chapel.  Death of Rev. Dr. N. G. Parke for 
over fifty years engaged in the ministry of Presbyterian Church in Wyoming and Lackawanna valleys.
29.  Dividend of three-fourths of 1 per cent. declared to depositors in the Rockafellow bank.
30.  Forty-eight annual session of Pennsylvania State Educational Association.  Strike at the postoffice 
building for the reason that a stone trimmer would not join the Stonecutters’ Union.

JULY

1.  Cornerstone of Dorranceton M. E. Church laid.
2.  Board of conciliation has it second session in Wilkes-Barre.
3.  Dr. William Elliot Griffis of Ithaca N. Y., delivers the address at Wyoming monument exercises, the 
address relating to Sullivan’s expedition.  Flag raising at the Lehigh Valley shops.
4.  Big celebration in Wilkes-Barre; parade in the morning: exercises on the rover common following the
 parade, Judge Gray of the anthracite strike commission the principal speaker; fire-works in the evening. 
 Ideal weather.  Two fire alarms, with small damage.  County socialists have annual convention.  Cornerstone
 of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church at Kingston laid.  Thomas J. McGourty of Wilkes-Barre, Patrick J. Gaffikin
 of Nanticoke, Edward Gaffney of Freeland and Paul O’Neill of Pleasant Mount ordained as priests in St. 
Mary’s Church, the first ordination to occur in that church.  James Vanover of Wyalusing killed by the Black
 Diamond train.  Elias D. Trimble drowned in canal at West Nanticoke while trying to rescue a boy, Wesley 
Kyttle, who was also drowned.  Body of John Nolan of Dupont, missing from home for several days,
 founding a pond.
5.  Anniversary service at Grace Lutheran Church.
6.  First case of lockjaw from Fourth July accident---Michael Eally of Wilkes-Barre, 10 years. old.  Second
 annual commencement of graduate attendants at Retreat hospital for the insane.  Rev. Glenn A. Baldwin,
 formerly of Wilkes-Barre, goes to South Africa to engage in pastoral work.
7.  State Dental Society convention.  Wilkes-Barre school board elects officers.  Reception for Rev. 
James F. Beates and his bride at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Rev. and Mrs. David Savage of East 
End celebrate golden wedding anniversary.
8.  James Pollock again breaks jail, the third time in seventeen months, by picking locks on his cell, in 
the corridor and in the warden’s apartments.  Opening of Ninth Regiment’s new rifle range near Sugar 
Notch.  Wilkes-Bare sub-district Epworth League at Central N. E. Church.
9.  mercury 93, highest yet.  Board of conciliation hold a meeting at Glen Summit---settles some grievances
 and refers other to the miners and operators.  Supreme Court decides that Plains Township must pay a 
heavy burden of debt, about $80,000.  Engineer William Smith of Wilkes-Barre drops dead at Mauch 
Chunk while waiting for a train.  
10.  Hottest yet---94 degrees.
11.  Ninth Regiment arrives in camp at Mt. Gretna.
13.  Three men killed and two seriously injured by the explosion of three mills at the Laflin powder works. 
 Seven deaths from lockjaw due to Fourth of July accidents with blank cartridges, have occurred in Wilkes-
Barre and vicinity.  Cameron Dulucca, who stabbed to death Joseph Bote in Hazleton July 4, 1902, caught in
 Italy, after being chased over three continents.  W. M. W. convention of District No. 1 in Plymouth.
14.  Concordia Society celebrates the Baltimore victory—director Hansen presented with a purse and given 
an increase in salary of $100 a year.  Dr. A. J. Clark, a former pastor of the Christian Church in Plymouth killed 
in Colorado.  Ordinance to provide for borrowing $542,000 for municipal improvements int4oduced into councils.
15.  Rev. William Wallace Ketchum installed as pastor of Forty Fort Presbyterian Church.  Contract for stone 
and brick work for a new court house awarded to George T. Dickover.
16.  Injunction asked by mine inspector Reynolds to restrain Wilkes-Barre & Scranton Coal Co. from erection
 breaker too near mouth of shaft.  Rev. Henry E. Spayd of the Plains Presbyterian Church celebrates fiftieth 
year in the ministry.  Conciliation board makes know its first decisions—Marlke & Co. driver boys must be 
paid when working during the noon hour: Coxe Bros. & Co. shall recognize the check weighmen appointed 
by the men: complaint that Coxe Bros. & Co. have raised the price of coal for domestice use not considered, 
the board having no authority.
18.  Ninth Regiment returns from camp at Mt. Gretna.
19.  District C. T. A. U. convention in Wilkes-Barre.  Will of Miss Martha Bennet laves large sums to local 
charitable institutions and endows an orphan home.  Memorial services in Broad Street Presbyterian Church 
Pittston, for Rev. Dr. N. G. Parke.
20.  Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Seeley of Nescopeck celebrate golden wedding anniversary.  Bell of St. Mary’s Church
 tolled, announcing death of Pope Leo.
21.  Blackman family reunion at Glen Summit.
23.  Eighth lockjaw victim as a result of Fourth of July accident---Miss Jessie Brader of Plains.  Conciliation 
board meets at Pottsville, and settles a few more grievances,---complaint as to the slowness of the proceedings.
24.  John Gildea, a former resident of Port Bowkley, killed near Pittsburg.
25.  A Pittston Italian marries a girl 13 years old and the father has him sent to jail.  Pennsylvania Co. leases 
farms in Salem Township to prospect for coal.
26.  Joshua Butler, his wife and child of Westmoor killed by being struck by the Lehigh Valley Black Diamond 
while driving at Port Bowkley.  Rev. F. L. Flinchbaug, assistant at St. Stephen’s ordained to the priesthood by 
Bishop Talbot at Laurel Run Chapel.  Very Rev. Father Toth of the Greek Church presented with a gold crown 
by the Czar of Russia.
27.  Red Ash employees strike owing to the discharge of one of the men.  Phillip Garrett (colored), stabbed 
during a fight at Hanover Park, dies at Mercy Hospital.  Seven young men admitted as attorneys.  Court decides 
that county treasurer is entitled to mercantile license fees.
28.  Bids for river common coal---Wilkes-Barre & Scranton Coal & Iron Co., $2,500 per acre for sale outright 
and for lease from 6 ½  to 60 cents a ton., according to vein and size; P. M. Gilligan, $2,700 for sale outright 
and for lease from 5 ½ to 50 cents at ton.  Requiem services in the Catholic churches for the soul of the dead 
Pope.  Mine foremen’s and miners’ examining boards appointed by the court.
29.  Mercury up to 90 for a couple of days.
30.  Ninth lockjaw victim in the county resulting from blank cartridge, Fred W. Ehrman of Freeland.  Half a hundred
 merchants arrested, charged with violating the pure food law---some fined and others placed under bail for court.  
Conciliation board at Pottsville passes a resolution that if miners strike and do not return to work while their 
grievances are referred to the board, said board will not consider them.  Prospect Rock Lodge K. of P.,
 twentieth anniversary.  George W. Radford, and attorney of Detroit, awarded the $14,750 due on the Meyers
 court house plans, architect Meyers having assigned and interest to his son and the son to the attorney named.
31.  Tenth victim as a result of blank cartridge accident---Paul Bittenbender of Nescopeck.

AUGUST

1.  Sir Thomas Lipton stops at the Lehigh Valley station for twenty minutes while on his way to Niagara Falls 
and a crowd of 2,000 people greets him.
2.  Daniel Sheehan, committed to jail by a Nanticoke officer on the charge of vagrancy, dies in jail.
3.  Rev. Harry L. Brenner, a Hebrew Christian, becomes pastor of the Sherman Street M. E. Church.  
Trouble at the Buttonwood settled, officials agreeing to hoist the men first.
4.  Mr. and Mrs. John Doran celebrate silver wedding anniversary.
5.  United Mine Workers order striking miners at the Red Ash back to work, but they reuse to go.
6.   Board of conciliation in session at Pottsville decides to call in an umpire, having failed to agree on 
some important grievances.
8.  Republican primaries.
9.  Military mass celebrated by Father Dunn at camp of the C. T. A. U. regiment at Harvey’s Lake.
10.  Gershon Crawford, a young man formerly of Freeland, murdered in the West.  Laflin powder mill 
permanently closed.  Request sent to Judge Gray of Delaware asking him to act as umpire for the 
conciliation board.
11.  Pepublican county convention.  George Thomas Forve of Wilkes-Barre ordained to priesthood at 
St. Nicholas Church.  Heaviest rain storm of the season.
12.  Grand Lodge of American Protestant Association.
13.  Frank Glasser of Wilkes-Barre dies from tking carbolic acid.  Conciliation board in session at 
Pottsville disposes of more grievances.
16.  Cornerstone of St. Mary’s Church of the Nativity laid at Plymouth.
17.  Shakeup in the court house---court crier and seven tipstaves superseded.  Jack Courtright of 
Meshoppen falls under a train while returning from excursion at Harvey’s Lake and has both legs cut 
off, dying a few hours later.
18.  Democratic county convention.
19.  E. J. Wimple of Brooklyn, N. Y.,suicides in Redington’s hotel by taking carbolic acid.  Wilkes-Barre 
committee calls on President Roosevelt at Oyster Bay and invites him to come to Wilkes-Barre on the
 occasion of the convention of State Republican clubs.
20.  Schooley’s Battery reunion at Scranton.
22.  Dedication of Hanover Township school building.
24.  Police force sensation,---partrolman ordered before mayor to answer the charge of entering 
bawdy house, drink, etc.
25.  Patrolman Edward T. Evans dismissed from the force.  Nanticoke dam purchase by private company.
26.  Odd Fellows secure Collins property on South Franklin street for an Odd Fellows’ hall.  Judge Ferris 
decides that city has no right to interfere with laying of tracks across the streets by the “Cannon Ball”
 people, as they acquire the right from the Lehigh Valley R. R. Co.
27.  “Cannon Ball” begins laying tracks across the streets long the canal bed.
28.  William J. Stephens of Dushore suicides by hanging in Wilkes-Barre lockup.
29.  Caledonian games at Hanover Park.
30.  Susquehanna freshet owing to several days’ rain---water goes to 20 feet, destroying truck 
on the flats farms.

SEPTEMBER

1.  Death of Mother Agnes at St. Mary’s Convent.  Complimentary banquet at the Wyoming Valley
 Hotel in honor of Gwilym M. Williams, who retires from the sphere of mining; presentation of  diamond ring.
2.  Death warrant read to Peter Lemouskey at county jail.
3.  President Roosevelt sends letter that he cannot come to convention of State Republican League. 
 Kleybolte & Co. of New York City purchase $200,000 worth of the county 4 per cent. bonds at a 
premium of $1,000.
4.  Arions of Brooklyn at Harvey’s Lake for annual outing.
6.  Harvey’s Lake traction car goes over embankment near Luzerne Borough, one woman killed 
and ten passengers slightly injured.
7.  Labor Day parade,  Opening of the public schools.
8.  Umpire Wright hands down first decisions from the conciliation board—three in favor of the 
operators and two in favor of the miners.  Mrs. Michael Fabian of Smithville jumps in front of a train
 and is killed.  Opening of court after the summer vacation.
9.  State Millers’ Assocation convention.
10.  Maj. Gen. Brooke speaks at Fernbrook Park at reunion of 53rd Regt.  Wallace circus at 
West Side Park.
11.  News received of the death in Scotland of Rev. David D. Torbet, formerly of Wilkes-Barre 
who became a Catholic priest.
12.  Grand jury submits a report condemning the court house site and advising that the question
 be submitted to a vote of the people; Judge Wheaton rebukes the jury for its “unwarranted assumption” 
and stares that the jury was instructed to inspect the work already done.
13.  Ninth anniversary of Calvary Church.  Harvest Home in Lutheran and Reformed churches.
14.  Public meeting in City hall under the auspices of the tow Improvement Society adopts resolutions 
in favor of accepting the lease for the river common coal with the Scranton Coal & Iron Co.  Mr. and Mrs.
 W. N. Jennings celebrate golden anniversary.
15.  Opening of the Laurel Line from Pittston to Hancock station, Plains.
16.  W. J. Richards, general superintendent of Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co., promoted to be general
 superintendent of Reading coal & Iron Co.
17.  Local authorities suspect two young men in Columbia County jail, one from Wilkes-Barre and one from 
Hazleton, of being implicated in the holdup and murder of John Baltes in Wilkes-Barre and put them through 
an examination, but fail to get a confession.
18.  Charles F. Huber, civil engineer for the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co., succeeds W. J. Richards as 
general superintendent.  East End young woman works at lace mill until 1 p. m. at 2 a child is born to her, 
unassisted, along the roadway and she throws it into a pond and drowns it.  Strike at the Reesinger coal 
washery,  Plymouth, on account of pay.
19.  Anthony Shuhaskey Exeter Borough sentenced to five years for killing of Anthony Klokis
20.  Rockmen of the mines decide to form a separate union.  Funeral of Joseph Turner of Parson and 
Robert Shoemaker of Warrior Run, who died in the Philppines.
21.  Jewish New Year, 5664.  Coal sales agents of the Lehigh Valley Co. arrive at Glen Summit for an outing.
22.  Big Republican mass meeting at armory, Governor Pennypacker present, State League of Republican Clubs.
23.  Presbytery of Lackawanna meets at Athens.  Press Club tenders a reception to Ben. F. Dilley on 
his birthday anniversary.  Pickpockets get about $200 owing to Republican League convention.
24.  Coal companies begin restricting the production by working short time.  Three young women take 
final vows of the sisterhood at St. Mary’s Convent.
25.  Strike at Reesinger Bros’. washery at Plymouth terminated by the men receiving their pay.  Death
 of two well known Wilkes-Barre residents---attorney William ??R. Gibbons and Mrs. Priscilia G. Bennet. 
 John Iscavitiz of Pittston suicides by hanging.
26.  Peter Lenosky forty-eight hours before the time for his execution confesses that he killed Anthony 
Sennek in Exeter mine.  Lawrence Gallagher, assaulted at a Harvey’s Lake restaurant two weeks ago, 
dies At Mercy Hospital.
27.  Rockmen, after lengthy discussion on the question of affiliating with the United Mine Workers or 
forming a union of their own, decide upon the latter.  Forty Hours’ devotion in St. Mary’s Church.  Rally
 day in Sunday schools.
28.  Select Council of Wilkes-Barre kills the loan ordinance, six member of the branch refusing to vote for it.
29.  Nineteenth annual W. C. T. U. convention in Plymouth.  Hanging of Peter Lenousky for the murder 
of Anthony Sennek.  Opening of Dallas fair.  Board of conciliation meets in Wilkes-Barre.  William Green
 charged with the murder of Philip Garrett, both colored, convicted of voluntary manslaughter.  Gets twelve years.
30.  Douglass Bunting appointed chief engineer of the Lehigh& & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. in place
 of C. F. Huber, promoted.

OCTOBER

1.  Rev. J. B. Umberger installed as pastor of Wyoming Presbyterian Church.
3.  A. O. H. quarterly convention.  Banquet and presentation of gold watch and chain to retiring general 
superintendent William J. Richards of the Lehigh & Wilkes-Barre Coal Co. by fellow officials and employees.
4.  Cambro-American Society organized on the West Side.  Wilkes-Barre, Pittston and Plymouth Central 
Labor unions raise the boycott on the Laurel Line.
5.  Methodist Ministerial Association convention in Central M. E. Church.  First anniversary banquet of the 
Wilkes-Barre First Universalist Church.  Seventeen freight handlers at the Lehigh Valley depot discharged 
for refusing to work on Sunday, men wanting a readjustment of wages.  Court adjourns out of respect to the 
memory of Chief Justice J. Brewster McCollum.  Michael Duffy, formerly of Hazleton, killed in Utah by accident.  
Seven men injured by an explosion of gas in Dodson mine at Plymouth.
6.  Morgan B. Williams disposes of his 1,175 shares of stock in the Red Ash Coal Co. to Harry B. Schooley. 
 Wilkes-Barre Conference of the Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania in session at St. John.  Merchants of 
Wilkes-Barre and vicinity meet and take action against trading stamps.  St. Aloysius Society smoker and 
entertainment.
7.  Lehigh Valley R. R. Co. purchases the A. Ryman & Sons’ lumber yard site under the South street bridge
 for $165, 000 it is said.  Women’s Home Missionary Society of Lackawanna Presbytery in the church at 
Kingston.  Ralph A. Shaver of Scranton, engineer on the Central Flyer, killed near Glen Onoko.  John S. 
Phillips, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, killed by a train at Berwick.
8.  Carroll d. Wright reappointed conciliation board umpire by Judge Gray.  Wilkes-Barre Central Labor 
Union formally declares a Laurel Line boycott off, but Pittston union decides to retain it until the road is 
more thoroughly organized.
9.  High water, caused by heavy rain for forty-eight hours, causes alarm; people taken from their homes 
at Brockside in boats; rising rapidly.  Union street property owners meet and protest against the third rail 
of the Laurel Line passing in the rear of that thoroughfare.
10.  Court renders an opinion declaring the removal of E. O. Kemmerer as alderman of the Fifteenth ward 
Wilkes-Barre illegal.  Bad weather interferes with Father Mathew parade at Hazleton.  Serious damage by 
flood in Lackawanna region; no further damage in Wilkes-Barre section.
11.  River reaches height of 22 feet.
12.  Ninth Regiment goes to Scranton to participate in reception to Governor Pennypacker and staff.  John 
Gruener of Wilkes-Barre dies of lockjaw, the result of being pecked by a rooster.  James Caffrey of Sugar 
Notch killed in England by falling from building.
13.  Convention of Wyoming Association of Congregational Churches.  Common council defeats the loan 
ordinance as Select had done.
14.  Conciliation board meets at Pottsville.  Morris Williams, general manager of the Pennsylvania R. R. Coal 
companies elected president and director also.  John Yates, formerly of Hazleton, killed in a Maryland mine.  
Rev. F. W. E. Peschau D. D., of Ohio lectures in St. John’s church on “The Germans and Their Achievements.”
15.  Record prints sketches of Andersonville prison survivors in Wilkes-Barre.  Robert A. Quinn superintendent 
of the Mineral R. R. & Mining Co., Shamokin, succeeds Morris Williams as manager of the Pennsylvania R. R. 
coal Companies, headquarters in Wilkes-Barre.
16.  The Bertels tinware factory destroyed by fire.  Lecture before Town Improvement Society By E. G. Routzahn,
 field secretary of American League for Civic Improvement.
17.  Eugene A. Rhoads, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, succeeds Robert A. Quinn as president of the Mineral R. R. &
 Mining Co., headquarters at Shamokin.
18.  C. T. A. U. district convention at East End.  Eighteenth anniversary of Immanuel Baptist Church, Edwardsville.
19.  Polish Alliance national convention.  Supreme Circle Brotherhood of the Union.
20.  Members of the Luzerne county bar meet to boom Judge Rice for Supreme Court vacancy.
21.  Dedication of Bennet Presbyterian Church, Luzerne Borough.  Episcopal Archdeaconry in session at
 Towanda.
22.  Unknown man jumps into the river from North street bridge and is drowned.  Fire department inspection
 and parade broken up by an alarm for fire---several houses destroyed on Cummiskey street.  Railroads lay
 off many men.  Jack Bonner of Harwood dies in the lockup at Miner’s Mills.
23.  Reception at St. Aloysius Church for new Pastor, Father Griffin.
24.  National Polish Alliance convention adjourns.
25.  Richard Little of Scranton takes charge of the Wilkes-Barre News by purchase.  Michael J. Gorahan, 
formerly of Ashley, killed in Pittsburg.
26.  Thirty-sixth annual Luzerne County teachers’ institute.  Methodist Ministerial Association banquets at Becker’s.
27.  Coroner’s jury says William Keefe, whose body was found in Plymouth Township along the highway 
covered with filth, was murdered.  John T. Lenahan celebrates thirtieth anniversary as an attorney.  Frank
 Dixon lectures on “The Threat of Socialism” at Y. M. C. A.  Great Council of the Degree of Pocahontas of 
the State in session in Wilkes-Barre.
28.  Most of the mines closed for a week, the first general suspension since the strike.  Democratic rally at
 the armory—ex-Governor Pattison the principal speaker.  Farewell reception to Rev. W. J. John of the First 
Welsh Baptist Church.  Home for Friendless Children annual donation day.
29.  Bloomsburg alumni banquet at Hotel Sterling.  Mitchell Day parade in Scranton---about 10,000 go from
 Wyoming Valley Odd Fellows’ district convention in Memorial Hall.  Eisteddfod in Nanticoke under auspices 
of Ladies’ United Workers of Bethel congregational Church.
30.  Annual Luzerne County Loyal Temperance Legion convention at Forty Fort.
31.  Hallowe’en celebrated with a great deal of rowdyism.  Mad dog bites nineteen cows belonging to Albert
 Lewis at Bear Creek, and several contract rabies.

NOVEMBER

1.  Autumn anniversary of St. Stephen’s Sunday schools.  Rev. J. T. Logan preaches farewell sermon at the 
Free Methodist Church previous to going to Chicago to take the editorship of the church paper.
2.  Mass meeting of mine workers at Landmesser Hall.  Memorial services at G. A. R. hall for deceased 
members of the relief corps and of the post for the year.  Session of Presbytery of Lackawanna at Scranton.
3.  Ideal election weather.  Conciliation board holds session in Wilkes-Barre.
4.  Mallinckrodt Convent observes twenty-fifth anniversary.  Banquet at P;ymouth in honor of William E. 
Jones, late foreman of lance colliery.
6.  County Christian Endeavor convention at Ashley, Record publishes official vote of county election.
7.  Rally of mission bands in Memorial Presbyterian Church.  Banquet at Wyoming Valley Hotel in honor 
of Morris Williams, the newly elected president of the coal companies of the Pennsylvania R. R.
9.  Reception tendered George J. Stegmaier by the Wilkes-Barre Aerie of the Order of Eagles.  Judge Lynch
 decides that the Lily Lake boom must be removed.
10.  Resolution introduced into councils to go before the legislature with a bill to simplify the tax collections 
and assessing in the third class cities, the object being to have only one tax collector and one board of assessors.
11.  Luzerne County Sunday School Association annual convention in Calvary Church.  First lecture in 
Knights of Columbus course---Rev. Hugh T. Henry on “Religion of Shakespere.”  Camp 234 P. O. S. of 
A., Kingston, celebrates eighteenth anniversary at Becker’s .  Oscar W. Sword of Parsons, who wandered
 away from a sanitarium at Hornellsville, N. Y. found dead in the woods at Susquehanna, Pa.
12.  Women’s Foreign Missionary Society convention of Wyoming district in Central M. E. Church.
13.  conciliation board meets in New York City with umpire Wright and the latter hears argument with 
reference to the short Saturday work day in Schuylkill region.  Body of man who jumped from North 
street bridge Oct. 23 found near Plymouth—that of Anthony Mazcinnia of Luzerne Borough.
14.  Guiseppe Mitchke, convicted of the murder of Anthony McHugh of Pittston, sentenced to nineteen years.
15.  Nearly 400 people confirmed at St. Mary’s Church.
16.  Patrick Corrigan dies in Wilkes-Barre at the age of 101 years.
17.  Lecture by Capt. Hobson of Merrimac fame in the Y. M. C. A. auditorium.  St. Conrad’s Glee Club fall concert.  
Annual distribution of garments by the local branch of the Needlework Guild.
18.  St. Vincent’s Society of Plymouth celebrates its thirty-second anniversary with a banquet.  
Coldest of the season—one degree below freezing.
19.  State convention of the Brotherhood of St. Paul in Central M. E. Church.
20.  Powder keg fund associations meet at Pittston to protest against the reduction in the price of returned 
kegs from 10 to 8 cents.
22.  Committee of First Presbyterian Church given greater power in the selection of a pastor.
23.  Judge Halsey renders an opinion to the effect that coal companies must pay royalty on the smaller sizes
 into which coal is now broken and which were not contemplated when the leases were made out.  Concordia 
fall concert.  Melba concert in Scranton.
24.  home dressed Thanksgiving turkey selling at 25 cents a pound.  Conciliation board in session at Scranton.  
Cantata “Shiloh” in the Y. M. C. A. auditorium.  Burglars blow open safe in Nanticoke postoffice and secure 
$2, 500 in stamps and cash.
25.  Court hands down an opinion that the county treasurer is entitled to fees collected from mercantile licenses.
26.  Union Thanksgiving services in First Presbyterian Church.  Dr. Parry memorial eisteddfod in Broad Street
 Theatre, Pittston.  Central Labor Union smoker and entertainment.  Cornerstone laying of Swoyerville Holy 
Name Catholic Church.  Cornerstone laying of Broad Street M. E. Church, Pittston.
27.  Y. M. C. A. building fire does damage to the extent of $10,500.  Many miners and their families leaving 
for the Texas soft coal fields.
29.  Rev. A. J. Kerr preaches annual Thanksgiving sermon to Jr. O. U. A. M.
30.  Twenty-fifth anniversary of Co. B. Ninth Regiment, originally the Wilkes-Barre Fencibles, celebrated
 with a banquet at Redington’s.  Patrolman Jeff Ruddy appointed city detective in place of Michael Brown. 
 Incorporation of Huntsville as a borough refused by court.

Transcribed by Cheryl Moore, 14 Jan 2009