125 Years Ago

Herald of April 22, 1897

A fatal explosion of dynamite occurred last Friday at the Franklin Forge stone quarries of the Pittsburgh Limestone Company. James Leonard and Joseph Patterson of Claysburg and the 10-year old son of William Carbury of Saxton were loading a block hole when the explosion occurred. The Carbury boy, who was visiting his father at work, died during the night. Leonard was admitted to Altoona hospital with serious injuries, and Patterson was also badly hurt. Dr. D. I. Heatherman rendered medical aid at the scene.

An effort was being made to form a baseball league to be composed of clubs at Bedford, Cumberland, Hyndman, Everett, Saxton and Huntingdon. The goal was to have a game in each of the towns every two weeks.

Joseph Rutledge of Williamsburg, was held up by footpads (thieves on foot instead of horses) near Altoona and robbed of a silver watch bearing his initials.