History Tidbits
he Daily Tribune – January 15, 1904
Young People Enjoy Outing
A sleighing party from the Marion Hill area visited the home of Charles Ferguson, Daugherty Township, last evening. They enjoyed a bonfire after several hours of sledding.
The Daily Tribune – October 31, 1904
POLLING PLACE
Daugherty Township residents will vote in the building on the farm of L.C. Goehring, erected for that purpose.
The Daily Tribune – June 13, 1906
Horse Killed Near Pottery
The shifting engine on the Blockhouse Run switch near the Elverson Pottery struck a horse owned by Jake Bowers, a teamster of Daugherty Township, yesterday afternoon and was killed. The point where the accident occurred is a dangerous one, several similar ones having occurred there before.
The Daily Tribune – October 31, 1906
DAUGHERTY RESIDENTS TO VOTE
Daugherty Township will meet in the building on the farm of L.C. Goehring, erected for that purpose, in said township. The voters will vote on the changing of the voting place from the present place of voting to the township building on Blockhouse Run.
The Daily Times – July 3, 1907
DAUGHERTY GROVE DANCE
Dancing parties will be held both afternoon and evening on July 4th at the Daugherty Grove dance platform on Wise’s Grove Road outside of New Brighton.
The Daily Times – September 14, 1908
BIBLE CLASS ENJOYS CORN ROAST
The corn roast held last Friday evening on the Rombold farm in Daugherty by the members of the Berean Bible Class, was a very enjoyable affair.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette – June 4, 1910
HAD A TERRIBLE FALL
Clark Humes, of Daugherty Township, sustains serious injuries while repairing barn.
Falling a distance of twenty feet, and landing on a wheelbarrow, Mr. Humes sustained four crushed ribs and a large head wound.
Mr. Humes had just gone up on the barn roof when he lost his balance and fell. Dr. Mead of New Brighton was summoned to tend to the farmer’s injuries.
The Daily Times – August 27, 1912
TRUSTEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AND BRICK PLANT
Pursuant to a decree of the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, sitting in Equity at Number 6, March Term, 1912, and by virtue of the authority contained in a mortgage or deed of trust recorded in the Recorders’ Office of Beaver County.
On Wednesday, September 25, 1912, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, on the premises, the Borough of Eastvale and the Township of Daugherty, in the County of Beaver and state of Pennsylvania.
All that certain tract of land containing 125 acres and also the coal, clay, stone, shale and other minerals in and under all that certain parcel or tract of land and being situated in Daugherty Township.
Together with all and singular, the buildings, tenements, machinery, and personal property, and all easements, privileges, franchises and rights of every kind, now owned or acquired by the company.
Having thereon a going brick manufacturing plant, consisting of machinery, tools and appliances, brick kilns, storage sheds, office buildings, drying sheds, tenant houses and other buildings.
Terms of sale are ten percent cash on day of sale, balance on confirmation of sale by the Court and delivery of deed.
The Daily Times – March 12, 1919
DEMONSTRATIONS TO BE HELD
Tractor demonstrations showing the Fordson Tractor in operation will be held Wednesday on the Charles Klein and Theo. Brenner farms in Daugherty Township. These demonstrations will show time and power tests, belt work, etc. The public is invited.
The Evening Tribune – August 9, 1917
MARKET COMMITTEE WILL CONFER WITH DAUGHERTY GRANGERS
Next Tuesday, Aug. 14, the curb market committee of the Chamber of Commerce will visit Daugherty Township Grange and will confer with the farmers of that section relative to institution of a curb market in Beaver Falls.
The committee has been active lately in visiting the different granges in this vicinity for the purpose of interesting the farmers in the curb market project. Their efforts have been met with considerable encouragement, especially in Chippewa Township, where the farmers have appointed a committee to work in the interest of the market.
Beaver County Courthouse Records Auditors’ Report
DAUGHERTY TOWNSHIP TAX LEVY FOR THE YEAR 1919
Valuation $457,559
County Tax $2,280.10
State Tax $133.69
Poor Tax $457.32
Registration Tax $1.20
Soldier Tax $.80
The Daily Times – January 12, 1921
COUNTY AGENT TO MEET WITH FARMERS
The County Agent will meet with a group of men in Daugherty Township tonight for the purpose of organizing a Pig Breeding and Feeding Club and planning other lines of work for community betterment.
The Evening Tribune – January 12, 1921
BLACK KNOT WARNING ISSUED
Daugherty Township orchard owners are being warned that the Black Knot Disease are destroying fruit trees. Black knot disfigures cherry and plum trees and interferes with the growth that the trees which will ultimately become unfruitful. Experts warn there is just one way to get rid of it, that is to cut out all infestations, cutting back far enough on the limb to have nothing but healthy wood. Burn the pruning so that there will be no possibility of the old knots spreading the disease which they will do if they are not destroyed.
Beaver Falls Tribune – May 2, 1921
FAILED IN ATTEMPT TO GET CASH AT BANK IN NEW BRIGHTON
Alleged to have been fraudulently soliciting funds for the Salvation Army, a negro, who was given a check for one dollar by Harry G. Wise, a storekeeper of Daugherty Township, raised the check to $100. and attempted to pass it at the Old National Bank, New Brighton.
The bank officials refused to cash the check and immediately notified Mr. Wise, who stopped payment on the check.
The experience of Mr. Wise was detailed in a letter dated April 29th and sent to Captain Benjamin Jones in charge of the Salvation Army Barracks, Beaver Falls.
According to the letter, the negro came to the store of Mr. Wise armed with credentials made out to “Bro. J. Peters.” Mrs. Wise made out a check to the man for one dollar. When he learned that the fake solicitor had raised the check he notified Captain Jones.
“We have no agents soliciting funds for the Salvation Army in the Beaver Valley at the present time,” said Captain Jones, in commenting on the experience of Mr. Wise. “We have warned our people to beware of fake solicitors. We have a budget which was given us by the people of the valley and all money that is solicited at the present time is solicited at our street meetings.”
Captain Jones states that the negro solicited over the greater part of Daugherty Township and a part of New Brighton. The matter has been taken up with the police departments and the state troopers.
Beaver Falls Tribune – October 28, 1921
NOTICE GIVEN
Notice is hereby given to all Electors of the County of Beaver, in the State of Pennsylvania, in pursuance and by authority of a resolution adopted at a regular and duly held meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Beaver, Pennsylvania, on the 6th day of October, A.D. 1921, that a public election will be held on Tuesday, the eighth day of November, A.D. 1921, between the hours of 7 o’clock A.M. and 7 o’clock p.m. a the usual place or places for holding municipal elections in said County of Beaver, for the purpose of obtaining the assent of the electors of the Count to increase of the indebtedness as hereinafter set forth:
Following are the proposed increase of the County of Beaver, and the purposes for which indebtedness is to be increased, is set out in the following question, which will be submitted to the Electors o the County:
“Shall the indebtedness of the County of Beaver be increased in the amount of Three Million ($3,000,000) dollars, for the purpose of paying such part of he cost of construction, paving and improvement, as may legally constitute the County’s share thereof, with respect to the following roads in said County, to-wit: October 1921
Road beginning at a point in Township on State-aid Application 1487, at forks of road on Blockhouse Run, beyond the sewer pipe works, and extending thence north toward Silver Spring, one mile, more or less.
Road beginning at a point in Daugherty Township on Sate-aid Application 1487, at forks of road on Blockhouse Run, beyond sewer pipe works, and extending thence east toward Brush Creek, one mile, more or less.
The Daily Times – January 4, 1922
EDUCATIONAL FILM VIEWED
Members of the Daugherty Chester White Swine Breeders’ Association, an organization of a few farmers in Daugherty Township that has taken up the breeding of pure bred Chester Whites of approved and present day type, viewed the first of a series of educational motion pictures that will be shown this winter at the Beaver Theatre. An audience of 400 county farmers attended the event.
The Evening Tribune – January 4, 1922
FARMERS POST LAND
Some farmers are now posting their farms with signs reading “No Trespassing, Hunting or Distilling on this farm.”
The Daily Times – April 8, 1922
DAUGHERTY TOWNSHIP FARM NEWS
Disease-free potato seed will be distributed in the township this spring. Farmers will compare this seed with home grown. The demand for this seed has been greater than we were able to supply.
W.J. Hoey has constructed a homemade power sprayer. This machine is equipped with a Prof. Nixon boom for potato spraying. By replacing the boom with a hose and pilot rod the machine may be used for orchard work.
August Rombold has ordered a Prof. Nixon boom sprayer, which he will attach to his orchard prayer and use in spraying his potatoes.
John Yeager has ordered a combination sprayer, manufactured by the Bean Company.
Pruning demonstrations were held last week on the Hoey and Rombold farms. It was brought out that apple trees should be cut lightly. Thinning of the twigs to admit sunlight and ventilation is usually ample. Peach trees can stand heavy pruning.
The Daugherty Chester White Swine Breeders’ Association are fostering the boys’ and girls’ pig club in their community. Present indications are that a large enrollment will be secured.
The Daily Times – April 17, 1922
STARTS ROAD WORK
H.V. Kirker & Co., of Beaver Falls, will on Monday begin the work of the construction for the road in Blockhouse Run, from the New Brighton borough line to the Daugherty and Pulaski township lines. Material has already been hauled out onto the road. Mr. Kirker was awarded this contract last fall by the State Department.
Beaver Falls Tribune – July 22, 1922
PRESBYTERIANS ENJOY OUTING
500 People Enjoy Pleasures of Annual Outing at Wise’s Grove
Ideal weather conditions prevailed and added considerable to the enjoyment of the annual picnic and outing of the Sunday School and congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, held Friday at Wise’s Grove, Daugherty Township.
A crowd of five hundred attended the affair and all day long a fleet of automobiles operated between the church and the picnic grounds; Henry M. Myers and Merton L. McGaughey were in charge of transportation.
A program of sports, including a baseball game between Wilmer Martin’s class team and the “Yanigans”, which ended in a tie. The children had fun racing in the 50-yard and 100-yard dash. Winners included Lyle Lutton, Clotilda Januzzi, Russell Chambers, Dorothy Boots, and George Reader.
Winner of the shoe race was Wilbur Howarth. Mrs. Frank McPherson won the ball throwing contest and Dorothy Boots won the girls potato sack race.
A committee of churchwomen served a picnic dinner.
The Daily News – November 2, 1922
FOREST FIRE DOES DAMAGE
In Daugherty Township, back of New Brighton, approximately 400 acres of land has been burned over, being contained in the farms of H.A. Gestrich and the Daniels and Fisher places. The fire raged three days, with the damage estimated at $2,400. Hardwood and fences were destroyed. It is reported to have been started by a hunter, though the hunter has not been located.
The Daily Times – November 28, 1922
CRUELTY CHARGE
Howard Bunzo, of Daugherty Township, was given a hearing before Justice Lewis on Friday. He was charged with cruelty to animals in which it is alleged Bunzo left his horse or horses out in the open in all kinds of weather, day and night, and otherwise neglected to properly care for them. The information was made by Humane Officer W. H. Garber, of New Brighton. Bunzo was fined $20.00 and costs.
The Daily Times – January 20, 1923
MEMBER OF COUNTY POTATO CLUB WINS STATE SHOW PLACE
Miss Clara Rombold of Daugherty Gets Third Prize at State Display
One member of the Beaver County Potato club was successful at the State Farm Products Show at Harrisburg last week. The entry of Miss Clara Rombold, a member of the Daugherty Township Club, was awarded third place. This is the first year that potato club members have made entries from Beaver County. To secure third place in a sate contest is by no means a minor achievement. This is another demonstration of the fact that the results of the Beaver County Potato club members is gaining recognition over the entire state. Miss Rombold was sponsored in the local club by Miss Emma B. Dewhirst, of New Brighton.
Beaver Falls Tribune – July 9, 1923
SECOND GET-TOGETHER MEETING IS SET FOR JULY 17
Arrangements for the second Get Together meeting for townspeople and farmers at Daugherty Grange on Sunflower Road, July 17th, from 7 to 11 o’clock, were made at a meeting of the Farmer’s Advisory Committee and the Agricultural Committee.
The invitation for the second Get Together Meeting was made by W.J. Hoey on behalf of the members of the Daugherty Township Grange. “We appreciated the visit paid us by the citizens of greater Beaver Falls last year. The meeting on the occasion was the largest in the history of the Daugherty Township Grange. We hope that the Get Together Meeting this year will be even larger. You are assured a hearty welcome whether you live in town or country.”
Movies and music will constitute the main features of the evening’s entertainment, while the ladies of the Grange will hold an ice cream festival. All citizens of the Beaver Valley are welcome to attend the meeting.
Beaver Falls Tribune – August 1, 1924
GOOD ROADS ADVOCATE
A delegation of good roads advocate from Daugherty Township conferred yesterday with the Beaver County commissioners at their offices in Beaver over the building of slag roads in the township. The roads are to be built under the state award plan. The state pays 50 per cent of the cost while the county pays 25 per cent and the township 25 per cent. The commissioners promised their support in the road projects of the township.
Beaver Falls Tribune – August 21, 1924
POSSE SEIZES STILL, BOOZE AND MASH
The way of the transgressor is hard and the moonshiners of Beaver County are learning this fact. County officers yesterday renewed their activities.
Under the leadership of County Detective Dan Baker, and Investigator William Davidson, a posse composed of Constables Kidd, Baer and Henderson, first swooped down on the home of Louis Luka in Daugherty Township. There they found a 10-gallon still in operation. The still and 5 gallons of moonshine were confiscated for evidence and six 1/2 barrels of mash destroyed. Louis was taken before Justice Al T. Busch where he gave $2,000.00 bail for his appearance at the September term of court.
The Daily Times – August 30, 1924
MAJORS REUNION
The annual Majors reunion was held on the farm of Mr. And Mrs. Hugh Majors o the Flower Road, Daugherty Township, Monday. The event was well attended, there being 80 of the Majors family present. The home was beautifully decorated in the national colors and potted flowers. A table 50 feet in length was set on the lawn, where the members of the family enjoyed “a good old fashioned” meal. A ball game, horseshoe pitching and races were attractive out-of-door sports. The Majors orchestra furnished music for the day. Officers for the coming year were elected as follows: President, Henry Majors, Daugherty Township; secretary, S.H. Warren, Brighton Township; and treasurer, Hugh Majors, Daugherty Township.
Beaver Falls Tribune – April 15, 1926
DAIRY HERDS ARE INSPECTED
The tuberculin testing of cattle in Beaver County townships by the state and federal bureaus of animal industry has progressed to a point where nine townships including Daugherty Township have been completed.
The only charge to cattle owners is for the services of a local man who assists the veterinarian with the work and takes him to the various herds. This charge covers the two necessary visits to each premise to complete the test.
Animals reacting to the test are removed from the premise and slaughtered, and the owner receives indemnity according to the current market value of the reacting animal.
Beaver Falls Tribune – March 6, 1928
LIQUOR LAW VIOLATION
George Ruich, of Daugherty Township, arraigned on charges of violating the liquor laws was sentenced by Judge Frank E. Reader to pay the costs, a fine of $200.00 and serve 30 days in the county jail, with the provision that if the fine and costs are paid the jail sentence will be remitted.
The Daily Times – March 14, 1928
HEALTH DRIVE BY COUNTY OFFICERS
Unqualified endorsement of the early diagnosis campaign against tuberculosis was given this morning by the three County Health Officers, Howard Ellis, Beaver Falls; H.W. Sohn Ambridge, and Frank Figley, New Sheffield, in a statement issued to the public.
Mr. Sohn’s territory will include the township of Daugherty, Pulaski, New Sewickley, Rochester, and North Sewickley.
Mr. Ellis and Mr. Figley will spilt the other communities.
The Health Officers said it was a well-known fact that the greatest obstacle to the elimination of tuberculosis from the community is that it is not always diagnosed until the disease has progressed to a considerable degree, or, in some instances, beyond hope of recovery.
The Daily Times – October 1, 1928
DAUGHERTY TOWNSHIP IN TWO DISTRICTS
Daugherty Township was divided into two voting precincts in an order made by the court today. A few days ago a petition signed by many qualified voters of the west end of the township was presented in court. The petition stated it was very inconvenient for the people living in the westerly end of the township to get to the polls. The voting place for the new precinct, to be known as Daugherty Township District No. 2, will be at Bran Hill Schoolhouse.
The Daily Times – August 28, 1929
COMMUNITY PICNIC
The Community Picnic for the residents of the Second precinct of Daugherty Township will be held at Wise’s Grove on Friday. This affair is being arranged as a get-together when all residents of the district will be given an opportunity to meet and enjoy a good supper and a program of sports of various kinds.
The committee having charge of the affair includes Mrs. Willis, chairman; Mrs. Martsolf, Mrs. McCreery, Mrs. Grant Thompson, Howard Stuber and H.A. Gestrich.
The Daily Times – July 30, 1929
NEWS AND VIEWS
That court investigation of the election in Daugherty Township did one thing. It proved to the satisfaction of all the original count was right.
The Daily Times – February 18, 1930
NOTICE GIVEN
A majority of the residents, freeholders of the Village sometimes called Crescent Heights and sometimes called Brighton Heights, presented their petition to the court, praying that said Village be incorporated as a Borough. The hearing will be held Monday, March 3. The village, now part of Daugherty Township, and lies northeast of New Brighton along Mercer Road. It is said to be one of the prettiest residence sections in the Beaver Valley.
The Daily Times – April 21, 1930
MARSHALL’S BARN BURNS
Fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a frame barn at the home of J.R. Marshall, superintendent of transportation at the Beaver Valley Traction Company, along the Blockhouse Run Road, Daugherty Township, at 3 o’clock Sunday morning.
The Marshall home, near the barn, was endangered, but fortunately, the wind carried the flames away from the house and it was undamaged.
Due to lack of water, efforts of the Marshall family to check the blaze were futile, and nothing was saved from the barn, in which hay and grain were stored. The loss, is reported, is covered by insurance.
The Daily Times – May 23, 1930
ARGUE BOROUGH CASE
The petition of residents of the Brighton Heights district of Daugherty Township for leave to incorporate as a borough was argued in court this morning before Judge Frank E. Reader. Attorney Joseph Tritschler spoke for the petitioner and ex-Judge George A. Baldwin argued for the township, which is opposing the proposal.
The Daily Times – May 3, 1930
STOLEN ITEMS RECOVERED
Clifford B. Wallace, New Brighton, has recovered a Victoria and other goods stolen, he alleges, from his summer cottage on the Fish Farm in Daugherty Township. Clyde Henry and Ray Stobart, charged with the offense alleged, were held for court by Justice Walter Lewis.
The Daily Times – August 20, 1930
CLUBS PLAN CORN ROAST
The Twenty-Year Club of the Beaver Valley Traction Company, will hold a corn roast Friday evening at the home of J.R. Marshall, Daugherty Township. A special bus will take the men to the scene of the festivities at 5 o’clock. There are about 30 men in the club.
The annual corn roast and fish fry of Beaver Valley Caravan No. 6 Syria Temple will be held at Wise’s Grove, Daugherty Township, rain or shine, tomorrow afternoon and evening. Secretary Joseph J. Zimmerman stated this morning.
A large tent will be erected in the grove tomorrow and in case of rain will be utilized for the dinner, which will begin at 6 o’clock. Corn, wieners, fish, watermelon, etc. are on the bill of fare. A crowd of 400 or more is expected.
The News Tribune – November 11, 1931
BRIGHTON BOY DIES
Melvin T. Rose, son of Mr. And Mrs. Alfred Rose of Blockhouse Run Road, Daugherty Township, died in the Beaver Valley General hospital at 9 o’clock last night of a fractured skull received the previous evening when he was struck by a machine operated by Andrew Greiner, jr., of near New Brighton on the highway near his home.
Greiner according to this own story had swerved his machine to avoid hitting another car approaching from the opposite direction without lights. His machine ran into a ditch, but he turned it back onto the roadway, not seeing the Rose boy walking along the highway until too late to avoid hitting him. The machine struck the youth and careened across the road colliding with a parked car owned by Steve Ragula of Blockhouse Run.
Highway patrolmen to whom Greiner reported the accident freed the man on his own recognizance pending further investigation by Coroner H.C. McCarter.
Melvin was born in West Bridgewater on September 27, 1916. He was a freshman in New Brighton High School and was a member of the Nazarene church.
He leaves in addition to his parents five brothers, Francis, Junior, Robert, Roy and Norman and three sisters, Dorothy, Violet May and Evelyn.
Funeral services will be held from the home of his uncle and aunt, Mr. And Mrs. L.H. Speece, 620 Penn Avenue, at a time not as yet announced.
The Pittsburgh Press – June 21, 1931
OUTDOOR WEDDING
On the lawn of the home of Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Goehring, Daugherty Township, their daughter Grace, became the bride of Joseph R. Hardy, of New Brighton. Rev. Charles R. Van Arsdale read the service. Miss Helen Goehring, of Pittsburgh, sister of the bride, and Robert Hardy, of New Brighton, brother of the groom, were attendants.
The Daily Times – November 13, 1931
FATHER TAKES SON BEFORE THE COURT
“Decayed” company was given as a reason for an erring son by an irate father in court before Judges Frank E. Rader and William A. McConnel today when William H. Keeton, colored, of Daugherty Township, had his son Howard, 20, accused of forgery and larceny.
The elder Keeton told the court that he had had more trouble with his children than any other colored man in Beaver County. He asked the court to pass judgment upon his son. The youth was accused of stealing $10 from his mother and of forging two bank checks against his mother’s account. The first check, the father said, was for $5. The second alleged forgery was futile, as the bank account had been exhausted, Keeton declared.
The father said that he was willing to take his son back under his roof and give him food and shelter, but the son would have to behave himself, be a dutiful son, and remain away from “decayed” company.
Young Keeton asserted that he had employment waiting for his release. He has been in jail 62 days.
He was placed on probation for three years and directed to pay the costs, be of good behavior and to reimburse his father for any expense that he had caused his father by his alleged misconduct.
The Daily Times – November 13, 1931
LARGE CACHE OF LIQUOR IS FOUND
An underground cellar containing 632 gallons of moonshine was found by County Detectives and State Police on a farm owned by William J. Hoey, 62, Daugherty Township constable, Saturday, the officers reported today.
It is said to be the largest cache of liquor ever discovered in Beaver County. The cellar was completely underground and built of tile. A majority of the liquor was in 50-gallon barrels. A gasoline burner and some other equipment was found, but no still.
Hoey and his son-in-law, Rudolph H. Rumbold, 36, were arrested at the farm, and Charles Kraska, 40, Sixth Avenue, Beaver Falls, alleged owner of the liquor, was taken into custody at his home. All three were held for court under $2,000 bail each by Justice of the Peace J. Walter Lewis of New Brighton.
Hoey was elected constable in Daugherty Township two years ago and still holds the office.
County Detectives today reported the arrest of Watson Biesekel, 40, Industry Township, proprietor of Beezie’s Service Station, on charges of possession of liquor. About 80 pints of beer were found, they said. Biesekel was held for court under $2,000 bail by Justice of the Peace Lewis.
The Daily Times – March 9, 1932
INDICTED
An indictment was returned against Andrew J. Greiner, Jr., New Brighton, charging involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Melvin Rose in Daugherty Township on November 9, 1931. Trial begins next Monday.
The News Tribune – March 18, 1932
COURT DIRECTS ACQUITTAL OF BRIGHTON MAN
Andrew J. Greiner, Jr., New Brighton was acquitted of a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Melvin Rose, 15, before Judge Frank E. Reader at Beaver yesterday at the direction of the court.
The prosecution failed to prove negligence on the part of Greiner in a fatal accident last November 9th and upon motion of Dan Stone, defense counsel, the jury was directed by Judge Rader to return a verdict of acquittal. The matter of the costs was submitted to the jury who placed them upon the defendant in their verdict.
A motion to set aside the verdict as regards the costs was filed with the clerk of courts today.
The Daily Times – September 30, 1932
AUCTION SET
Community sale at Henry Klein’s Riding Academy, Mercer Road, Daugherty Township, 1 mile from New Brighton, 2 miles from Beaver Falls, Tuesday October 4, 1982 at 10 o’clock a.m.
Twelve head of horses, including 8 good draught horses, and 4 saddle horses. Also cows, calves, poultry, hogs, pigs, farm implements, 3 automobiles, 1 truck, rigs, new harness, all kinds of hardware, furniture and other articles too numerous to mention. Henry Klein, phone 1523-M, New Brighton. John Morris, auctioneer. Bring what you have to sell.
The Daily Times – April 27, 1934
AWAIT RAIN TO LESSEN DANGER OF MORE FIRES
State forest firemen and rural residents today anxiously hoped for rain to end the long spring dry spell. As forest fires continued to rage in many sections of the county they hoped for a heavy rain, which will wet the parched forest and brush lands, lessening danger of more serious fires.
Seventy-five acres of brush and wasteland on the Irvin property in Rochester and Daugherty townships were burned over by fire Tuesday afternoon.
The Unionville State Forest Fire Company, under the direction of Fire Warden William Mohrbacher, prevented the flames from reaching the valuable timberland on Rich Hill and protects several homes and other buildings, which were endangered. It was believed to have been started by boys playing in the vicinity, Mohrbacher said.
The Unionville Company also was called to fight a small fire on the Duncan and Wahl farms in New Sewickley Township. The fire, which threatened nearby woods, was extinguished after it had covered five acres.
Sparks which were blown several hundred feet by a high wind burned the clothing of several of the firemen as they backfired to halt the spread of the flames. Chief Mohrbacher said that he believed that a cigarette tossed from an automobile, which had been seen parked in the neighborhood, caused the fire.
The Daily Times – January 20, 1936
RED FLARE CAUSED FEAR AIRPLANE CRASHED
IN DAUGHERTY TOWNSHIP
Fears that an airplane had been forced down in the wooded section of Daugherty Township overlooking the Eastvale pumping station of the Beaver Valley Water Company were aroused when residents of College Hill and Darlington Road noticed a red flare being waved frantically on the brow of the hill about 9:30 o’clock Sunday evening.
Numerous calls were quickly made to Beaver Falls Police, state highway patrolmen and Forest Fire Warden Frank K. Kennedy, Jr., Marion Hill.
Realizing that a life might be at stake, the latter and Corporal J.J. Burke of the highway patrol immediately started out to rescue the victims.
Meeting at the New Brighton Police station, they proceeded to a little-used country road, but were forced to abandon their automobile as the snow drifts several feet deep prevented passage. On and on through the deep snow the two trudged with the cold wind swirling snow about them.
Finally they came to a clearing and discovered the footprints of two men and the cap from the flare. They then followed the tracks through the woods to several houses some distance away. Here they found that two boys had stopped to get warm and, giving their names as Paul Hoback and Paul Balzer, both of Beaver Falls, explained that they were “just out for a walk.”
Doubting this story and thinking that something might be wrong, the two officers resumed their trek, following the tracks down through the woods toward Eastvale. Ascertaining that the boys had reached Eastvale, they returned to their automobile and drove to Beaver Falls, arriving there about 2 o’clock in the morning.
At the boys’ homes they were told that the pair during a discussion about the weather and heavy snow had made a bet that they could hike over the hillside through the woods, come out on the road and return to Eastvale. They had taken the red flare along to signal their position on the brow of the hill and prove that they had successfully made the trip.
Warning the boys against repetition of the act, the officers, knowing that they had only done their duty although it proved a “wild goose chase,” returned to their homes for a well-earned rest.
News Tribune May 13, 1936
DAUGHERTY TOWNSHIP NATIVE KILLED BY TRAIN
Harley C. Majors, 69, former well-known business man of Rochester until a few years ago when he moved to Canton, Ohio, was instantly killed by a Pennsylvania Railroad train at the Third Street crossing, Canton, early Thursday morning while en route to work at the State Metal and Steel Company plant.
The body was badly mangled and a dinner pail carried by Mr. Majors and found near the scene of the accident made identification possible.
Charles E. Johnson, Canton, a nephew, identified the dinner pail as one that had been in the Johnson family for a number of years, Majors had borrowed the pail recently. Johnson, also identified keys, shoes and overshoes as those of his uncle. Majors was employed at the State Metal and Steel plant as fireman and was due at work at 6 o’clock. When he failed to appear officials at the plant inquired of Johnson, also employed at the plant, as to his whereabouts, Johnson went to Majors’ home, where he lived alone, and found the place locked.
Mr. Majors, son of the late Abner and Anna Majors, was born in Daugherty Township and spent his entire life in Beaver County until he moved to Canton. He was engaged in the manufacture and sale of horseradish in Rochester for many years.
At Canton he operated the Majors Food Products Company, specializing in horseradish, which business he sold a few years ago. He was a member of the Free Methodist Church at Canton.
Surviving are three daughters: Mrs. Ralph B. Batto, Rochester; Mrs. Michael Smith, Youngstown, Ohio; and Miss Dora Delia Majors, Canton; two sons, Harrison Majors, Rochester, and Gilbert Majors, Canton; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held this evening at 8 o’clock in the William Jenkins Funeral Home, Canton. Interment will take place Saturday afternoon in the Irvin Cemetery, Rochester, with a brief service at the grave at 3 o’clock.
The Daily Times – July 16, 1937
LIQUOR VOTE
Residents of eleven Beaver County communities, including Daugherty Township, will vote September 14 whether the sale of beer or liquor shall be banned in their townships. Petitions have been filed by “dry groups” in each of the municipalities requesting a referendum on the wet and dry question. Today at four o’clock is the deadline for filing petitions.
Each petition contains the signatures of qualified electors to the number of at least 25 per cent of the highest vote received by any candidate at the last election, as is required by law.
The Daily News – September 4, 1937
BEER AND LIQUOR LICENSES ON BALLOT
The County Commissioners today were directed by Judge Frank E. Reader to go ahead with plans for local option referenda on the granting of liquor and beer licenses in ten districts including Daugherty Township.
As a result of Judge Reader’s decision today, referenda on the granting of liquor and beer licenses in the township will be held on September 14, in conjunction with the Fall Primary.
The Daily News – September 10, 1937
PENNSYLVANIA DRY LEADERS CONTINUE FIGHT
Pennsylvania dry leaders pledge to “kill the liquor traffic”. The drys worked quietly in rural areas and obtained petitions to place the local option question on the ballots. Retail sales of both beer and liquor are at stake in 165 localities including Daugherty Township.
Challengers of dry petitions developed a new obstacle this year in questioning the courts the right of persons not registered under the terms of the new permanent registration law to sign the papers, Judges disagreed with one another and the state elections bureau refused to take a hand, contending the Supreme Court eventually would be compelled to interpret the term “qualified elector” as contained in state elections code.
The Daily Times – November 12, 1937
TWO BRUSH FIRES
Hunters were blamed again today for two more brush fires in Beaver County on Armistice Day. Marion Hill State Forest Firemen were called to the Killigan farm in Hopewell Township early Thursday afternoon when fire burned over nine acres of brush and young timberland, causing slight damage.
Later Thursday afternoon the firemen were called to Wise’s Grove, a picnic spot in Daugherty Township. There fire burned about five acres threatening picnic buildings. The damage was slight.
The Daily Times – March 11, 1938
SNOW ENDS THREAT OF BRUSH FIRES
Snow today ended the mild epidemic of forest and brush fires which occurred Wednesday as a result of several days of fair weather.
Marion Hill State Forest Firemen were called to Daugherty’s Woods, near Marion Hill, where a fire burned over several acres. It was believed to have started from a carelessly discarded match or cigarette, dropped by someone passing through the woods.
The Daily Times – September 10, 1938
REPUBLICANS GAIN IN REGISTRATIONS
The last of the special registration days was held in several county communities Friday. However, valley residents may register at the Court House on or before Saturday, October 8.
The largest Republican gain was in New Brighton where 212 new Republican voters were registered to 101 Democrats.
However, the Democrats reported a substantial gain in Pulaski Township, number 38 to 10 Republicans. Daugherty Township reported 13 Republicans and seven Democrats.
The Daily Times – November 17, 1938
BRADFORD ESTATE TO BE PREACHER TRAINING SCHOOL
Once one of the show places of the county and later a roadhouse, the big Bradford estate in Daugherty Township has been leased to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, religious group, as a training school for younger preachers, according to an official of the real estate division of the Fidelity Trust Company in Pittsburgh. Located on a wooded knoll just off the Marion Hill-Sunflower road, the largest brick residence is surrounded by several acres of beautiful rolling ground.
The Daily Times – March 23, 1939
TOWNSHIP MEETING SET
Daugherty Township supervisors have invited all property owners to meet with them in the Brewer School, Sunflower Road, at 8 o’clock Thursday evening for an informal discussion of “Taxes and Road Improvement for 1938.”
The Daily Times – Dec 16, 1940
BIG BARN BURNS
NB and Pulaski Twp. fire departments were called shortly after noon Sunday to the farm of Mrs. Nora Wise, Blockhouse Run Road, Daugherty Township, where a large barn had caught fire.
Efforts on the part of the firemen to extinguish the blaze proved futile and they concentrated their efforts on saving the house and other outbuildings nearby.
Thirty tons of hay, 150 bushels of oats and 100 bushels of wheat owned by John Hoey were destroyed with the barn. Mr. Hoey had been farming the land for Mrs. Wise. The barn was partially covered by insurance but there was no insurance on the contents, firemen reported today.