August 3

President Harding Dead

President Harding died almost instantly, Thursday night in San Francisco, due to a stroke. He was taken ill on the return journey from Alaska with ptomaine poisoning, which developed into pneumonia, and for nearly a week was critically ill; but his attending physicians were about ready to issue a bulletin saying he was out of danger, when the fatal stroke came.

Mrs. Harding and two nurses were in the room at the time, and Mrs. Harding was reading to the President. Then, without warning, a slight shutter passed through the body of the President, he collapsed and the end came. He was 57 years of age.

President Harding was perhaps the gentlest, kindest man ever occupying the Presidency and has had less harsh criticism than any other. His honesty was above suspicion, and there was nothing of the calculating politician in him. He was a gentleman of the old school.

It is a general expectation that Mr. Coolidge will rush to Washington and be prepared to take the oath of office as President at once, the sixth Vice-President to assume such duties by succession.

Oil Drilling To Start Again In Thurmont

After lying dormant for more than a year, six stockholders of the Annie Laurel Oil and Gas Company, claiming to own the majority of the stock of the corporation, called a meeting of the shareholders in the Town hall.

It seems that the stockholders are anxious for operations to resume. It will be recalled that delays and difficulties have plagued this oil drilling company. The place where the effort to secure oil is on the farm of Caleb Merritt. Machinery was purchased and drilling began. It was claimed that the depth of 1,000 feet was reached and that they were excellent signs of oil.

Geologist have made a study of this section and reported favorably on the prospects for oil. It was a result of the scientific reports that the effort was undertake. One of the men interested in the company stated that the best option was that no oil could be expected unless a depth of 1,500 feet was reached. One expert oilman says the minimum depth for oil at 2,500 feet.

For a time excitement ran high when it was rumored that oil was near. Should the work be resumed it is expected that interest will be revived in this unusual project.

Heavy Rains Break Drought, Brings Flooding

The rains that began last Saturday and continued through Monday have broken the long drought.

On Sunday afternoon during the heavy rains, while Gordon Smith was returning from Keymar, he found that Big Pipe Creek had risen so that the road was impossible to travel with horse and buggy. He left the buggy at Charlie Willhide’s, and started to ride the horse home. As he started to cross the cement bridge, a falling limb frightened the horse, causing her to plunge over the side of the bridge into the deep water.

The horse went under the water, while Smith held onto the rains. As she came up, he threw himself across her back. The horse then swam to a tree on a inland in the creek. With Smith still on the horse, they spent nearly one hour there against the tree.

Fortunately David Harmon and son rescued the man by riding horses in as far as they could to meet the other horse. She then started to swim to meet their horses, and soon they were brought to safety. Neither Smith nor the horse was hurt.

Flooding did much damage along Rock Creek in Harney. We were told that the water was much higher than it was ever known. Harry Heintselman house was partially flooded, the water being up to the doorknobs of the first floor. About 25 bee hives were washed away and all of his large flock of chickens, but 17, where drowned.

At Murray Fuss’s, the water covered the porch flooring and was only about 2 inches from running through the kitchen. Further down the creek, corn was washed flat and fences are all gone. Firewood, logs and lumber of all kinds were taking down the streem. At David Yingling’s, a fine lot of black walnut timber was taken away by the water.

Oiling Earth Roads

The State Highway Department will apply in oil treatment to the Gettysburg –Fairfield Road in order to lay the dust for the convenience of the motorist. This is an application of oil, which quickly soaks into an earth road and dries within a few hours, so the cars are not splattered. Oil application has aided very materially in the past and reducing the dust nuisance from both the motorists and for those who live along earth highways.

August 10

Banks & Businesses Close for Harding Funeral

The banks are closed today, and stores and other businesses will be closed either all, or part of the afternoon in respect to the late President Harding. Post Offices in every town had the fronts appropriately draped in morning out of respect for the death of President Harding, a procedure that was no doubt generally observed throughout the country.

Accident In Bridgeport

Frank Chambers is in serious condition as a result of an accident, which occurred on Tuesday morning, on the State Road at Cattail Branch Bridge. A herd of cattle, belonging to Ernest Smith, being driven by Mr. Chambers to the pasture, became frightened by a passing car, throwing him to the ground and rendering him unconscious. Mr. Chambers was at once removed to the hospital, where he was examined and found to have five broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Rocky Ridge Community Picnic

The annual picnic at Mount Tabor Park, Rocky Ridge, will be held, on Saturday, August 11. The people of Rocky Ridge have shown a community spirit rare in the small rural communities of the state. They work together for the good of the whole people, in a spirit of harmony, back by unusual energy.

They have purchased 10 acres of ground in a large forest of oaks, from which the place is famous, having fitted up a large comfortable, and substantial pavilion were all sorts of meetings, both religious and secular, are held from time to time, greatly to the pleasure and edification of the people. The grounds are lighted with electricity, an artesian well supplies in abundance of excellent water, and swings and other necessary amusements are scattered throughout the grounds. A more delightful place to spend a day in picnicking cannot be found anywhere in Maryland.

The people of Rocky Ridge and vicinity are largely thrifty farmers, and many are engaged and working in various capacities for the Western Maryland Railroad. They’re always ready to work together for the common good, and a more moral and law-abiding set of people does not exist anywhere in the country. It is one of the oldest settlements in Frederick County, having been establish years before the revolution, more than a century and a half ago.

Annual Church Picnic Held

The largest crowd in history attended the annual picnic of the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church at the Fireman’s Field, in Emmitsburg, Wednesday afternoon. This is the first time the picnic has been held at any place other than the rectory grounds. The picnic opened at one o’clock and the grounds were crowded by hundreds of people from Emmitsburg, Taneytown, Rocky Ridge and surrounding sections.

Towards the evening the Emmett Coronet Band gave a concert, which was enjoy by the large crowd. A new attraction was the baseball game play between the Emmitsburg team and the Fairfield team. The Fairfield team won the game 13 to 5.

August 17

Tolling of Belles for President Harding

The tolling of all the bells in the towns, last Friday afternoon, from four to 5 o’clock, will likely be remembered by the younger generation, for many years. It ought to be remembered, not as a mere fact, but that it represented the countries morning for its beloved President – an expression of universal honor.

Cool Weather Succeeds Heat

Comfortably cool weather settled down upon the area on Monday, but it will be taking its departure quickly, according to the weather sharks. The highest temperature was 74 and the low for the day was 65. A cool breeze prevailed during the greater part of the day. And with the coming of the evening the wind became cooler and at midnight all indications pointed to the coldest night for the month of August, ensuring all the harassed inhabitants of the County a comfortable nights rest.

Arrest Made In Harris Brothers Break-in

On Tuesday, August 7, night thieves entered Harris Brothers Store in Taneytown, and wearing apparel and a suitcase were stolen, total value about $75. On Monday of this week the suitcase was found in James Hill’s cellar, which afterwards was removed to George Frealing’s cellar, and Frealing reported it to Harris Brothers and an investigation was started, with the results that Webster Bartlett was arrested at Samuel Hill’s home, and while the handcuffs were being applied, made his getaway from Sheriff Martin and deputies. Several shots were fired, one of which lodged in Bartlett’s leg.

On Wednesday morning, another search was made, and Bartlett was located at the Harris’ home, on the Emmitsburg Road, about a mile from Taneytown, and he was re-arrested, and placed in jail for action of the grand jury. Bartlett is also wanted in Reading, for assault, also on theft of an auto.

Rush Work On State Road

Work is being rushed to completion on the various state highways in Frederick Counties according to information given out at the office of the district engineer. The work of constructing one mile of concrete highway from the end of the concrete on West Main St., Emmitsburg, to the Pennsylvania state line will be completed next week.

The constructing an 80-foot concrete bridge to replace the old covered Bridge over Toms Creek, south of Emmetsburg, will begin on Monday. It is expected to take only two days to tear down the old dilapidate bridge.

A force of hands have commence to work on constructing one mile of concrete road from Graceham to Rocky Ridge. Since this work is mostly relocation no detour is necessary.

Car Hit by Train

Carroll Lescaleet, of Four Points, was driving a truck for Frank Sneeringer of Bruceville, was caught by the Pennsylvania passenger train which is called the short run, coming out from Frederick, last Saturday evening. Mr. Lescaleet and his little son were crossing the railroad about one mile south of Taneytown when he was caught by the train. The train stopped and brought him to Keymar station where he was cared for by a nurse and doctor, and then rush to the Frederick City Hospital. The little son escaped with no injuries. The truck was turned upside down and Mr. Lescaleet and his son made a very narrow escape from death.

Crop Conditions In Maryland

The bulk of the corn crop is making a quick recovery from the effects of the prolong dry spell. It is now growing rapidly and is earring well. Harvesting of sugar corn continues. But the thrashing of wheat and rye and cutting of oats has been delayed by the showers of last week. Pastures show further improvement, and in general are better than any time since early Spring.

Taking of early potatoes has ended generally, except in the mountain regions. Sweet potatoes are also being dug. Tomatoes are ripening, and are doing well generally and harvesting is becoming general. Tobacco has improved, is in good condition and is nearing a ripening stage. Harvesting of cantaloupes, early varieties of apples, peaches, pears and trunk crops continues. The ground continues well saturated.

August 24

Cold Snap

The cold snap that suddenly develop early this week, has been pretty wide, with near freezing in some sections; and the temperatures were below 50E in the County Wednesday night, and Thursday night, is said to be the lowest record for August since 1896.

Farm Bureau Picnic Held

A picnic was held in Shriver’s Woods, near Emmitsburg, on Wednesday, under the auspice is of the Emmitsburg Farm Bureau local. There will be contest including cash prices and other events of interest are scheduled. A cash prize will be given for the largest pig raised by any member of the pig club of Emmetsburg; prizes will be awarded for draft horses and poultry. The scenic ground, a short distance from Emmitsburg, is an ideal spot to spend a days outing.

August 31

Creditors Seek Action Against Annans

The Frederick County Grand jury will be asked to investigate the matter of conducting the business of the bankrupt banking firm of Annan & Horner Co. of Emmitsburg, leading towards possible criminal proceedings against members of the firm.

Testimony was taken at the courthouse, last week, after creditors notified the States Attorney that they would appear and submit evidence, which in their opinion justified criminal proceedings against the firm.

Dr. Jamison and others testified to the fact that they had transacted business with the bank at a time when the institution was insolvent, but were assured by Annan Horner, one of the firms members, that the bank was solvent.

The transactions including depositing money which they have not been able to withdraw and making payments to loans which were not credited to their accounts, but instead, the money was deposited with another bank as collateral security, and upon which judgments were obtained against the original signers.

Depositors claim that practically no assets are available and that they will lose all their savings. They also allege misappropriation of the banks funds and are now seeking to institute a criminal proceeding against its individuals.

Dies After Leg Cut Off

Charles Kelly, age 42, of Thurmont, died shortly after his leg had been cut off at the knee while at work in the Western Maryland Railroad yard. Kelly entered the employ of the railroad company only a few days ago. He was gauging tracks and was standing against a caboose when a shifting rail struck the car, sanding it towards Kelly, who is kneeling. Kelly perceive the danger but was unable to totally extract himself in time to escape the oncoming car, which struck his left leg near the knee and left it hanging by a thread.

He was rushed to the hospital but died soon after his leg was amputated. Death was due to shock and hemorrhage. The body was brought to Thurmont Monday afternoon and later removed to his father’s home.

Loses Second Mill

Fire, believed to have been started by robbers, destroyed the Mount Hope Mill in Franklin County, Tuesday morning. The mill was built of stone 100 years ago and was one of the oldest flower mills in the county, but was equipped with modern machinery.

Henry Bean, owner of the mill, arrived on the scene only after the fire was so fierce that he was unable to enter the office to get his books. The mill burn to the ground with a loss of $15,000. There was 1,200 bushels of wheat, corn, flour and feed in it.

Mr. Bean has been operating the mill for two years. Three years ago his mill at Zora, was burnt. It was after this misfortune that he moved to Franklin County.

When Mr. Bean dug into the ruins of the fire to find his books, he found the lock of the safe had been blown off, and this causes him to believe that robbers had entered the safe, which contain no money, and accidentally started the fire.

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