January 3

Spanish Flu Strikes At Stony Branch

Edgar Alan Shealy, and his uncle William Stansberry, both died this past week in their homes near the Stony Branch Schoolhouse. Edgar Shealy was the son of James Shealy and Mary Stansberry. He was born on October 26, 1882. In September 1915, he was united in holy wedlock with Grace Troxell. On April 18, he was received into the fellowship of the Graceham Moravian Church. On December 23rd, he was taken sick with the Spanish influenza, which soon developed into pneumonia, and on Sunday, January 1st, he departed this life, having reached the age of 34 years.

Two days later, his uncle, William Stansberry, died after a short illness due to the Spanish flu. His death occurred a few minutes prior to the time for the funeral services of his nephew. The deceased man was a single man and made his home with Edgars parents.

Our Role Of Honor

On January 1, the War Department issued the final tragedy list for the Great War. Local boys killed in action included: Capt. Henry Higbee, Frank Elder, and Martin Hahn, of Emmitsburg; Raymond Stull, Benjamin Cline and Lewis Adams of Thurmont; and Murry Baker of New Midway. Died of wounds sustained in battle: 1st Lt. Edger Eyler, Stanley Toms, and Clifford Stitely of Thurmont. Killed in accident: First Lieut. John Schley of Stony Branch. Died of disease: Francis Rowe, Arthur Bentzel, Vernon Ohler, and Charles Gelwiks of Emmitsburg; James Waters of Thurmont; and William Fraley of Catoctin Furnace. Wounded in action: Capt. Sterling Gult, Webb Felix, Thomas Little, Charles Rowe, Luther Harner and Bennit Sebold of Emmitsburg; Vernon Moseberg of Lime Kiln; Luther Kelly, Osba McAffe, Eddie Frezze, Ernest Hitchens and Robert Weddle of Thurmont; Maurice Martin of Harney; and, Elvin Schildt of Rocky Ridge. Missing in action: George Rose of Emmitsburg.

January 10

Mr. And Mrs. Plank Die

Charlotte Plank, wife of Daniel Plank, died at her home on Emmitsburg Road, early on Tuesday morning, and the same day 20 hours later, her husband died at the same place. The wife was in her 80th year and her husband in his 79th year. Mrs. Plank’s illness started several weeks ago with the influenza. Mr. Plank had sunstroke in 1901 and had been an invalid since then. Mr. Plank was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the 101st Regiment Pennsylvania infantry. Both were members of Trinity Reformed Church and enjoyed the esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. A double funeral will be held this Saturday afternoon at two o'clock and services will be private by reasons of the illness of their son, and interment will be made in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Pastor Narrowly Escapes Rectory

Rev. and Mrs. Clarence Wolfe, the Rector of the Episcopal church in Thurmont, narrowly escaped asphyxiation from coal gas in the early hours Wednesday morning. Dazed and almost overcome by the fumes, Mr. Wolfe dragged his wife to an open window and cried for assistance. Neighbors immediately responded. The timely discovery of the gas filled room prevented the fatal results, which would have followed soon afterwards. Earlier, at about four o'clock Mr. Wolfe was awakened by a beating sensation in his temples accompanied by pain and difficulty breathing. He immediately discovered that the room was filled with gas. He attempted to arouse his wife and found her unconscious. He then lifted her from the bed and managed to make his way to an open window, although weak from his narrow escape. The gas came from the furnace and was probably due to a defective flue. On previous occasions gas has given trouble at the rectory. Before retiring, Mr. Wolfe closed the register, opened the doors, and raised the windows. The gas, however, came through the partition and crevices in the floor.

January 17

Chronicle To Resume

The publication of the Emmitsburg Chronicle, which was suspended last June, may be resumed in a few weeks. The fixtures and good will of the old plant had been purchased by Mr. Shugers who has been connected with the Westminster Sentinel who will assume charge with Sterling Galt, the former owner and editor, putting in an editorial capacity as before. The Gelwicks Building, at the east end of town, will likely be the new home of the paper.

Unseemly Noise Cost $6.90

Monday evening three Thurmont men were arrested for disturbing the peace. The charge against them was making unseemly noises on the street at night. Two of them pleaded guilty. After hearing evidence, the Justice of the Peace imposed fines of $6.90 on two, and $6.80 on the other. During the hearing before the magistrate, Deputy Lidie made a statement to the boys on whom fines had been opposed that he did not care how much yelling they did, but because citizens complain to him he was required to try and keep order. He also gave warning that misconduct on the streets would not be tolerated.

January 24

Two Thurmont Boys Return Home

Privates Edward Freeze and Edgar Angle, who were wounded in action, have landed in the good old United States again. Private Freeze went through the big battle northwest of Verdun where he was wounded in action. Little could be learned about Private Angle, as there is no telephone at his home. No one knows where he served ‘over there.’ His name has never appeared on the casualty list and so far as is known his family has never been notified of his being wounded, but it is thought that his return at this time would have been improbable unless he had been hurt in some way. The arrival of both soldiers in this country came as a surprise to their relatives.

Boozers Hold Anti-Prohibition Rally

Wailing and whining was heard throughout Emmitsburg upon the news that Nebraska had passed the Prohibition amendment, making it the 36th state to do so, and thereby officially outlawing booze. Members of the Former Former Boozers Association held a rally that night on the square condemning the amendment stating that no woman had the right to take away a man’s God given right to lubricate his mind when and where he should choose. The members voted to triple the production of their stills during the upcoming year, before Prohibition takes effect, to ensure a ready supply is available until such time as men put women back into their rightful position and overturn the amendment. Mayor Annan, meanwhile, stated that once prohibition takes place, he would not support any effort by revenuers to shut down stills of hard working men.

January 31

Speculation On Camp Colt’s Wood

There has been much speculation on what is to become of the 6,000 cords of wood that had been cut in the summer in anticipation that Camp Colt, located just outside of Gettysburg, would be operating through the winter. The fact that there is no indication whatsoever of changing any of the semi-permanent fixtures about the camp continues to lead, in credit, to the belief that a permanent Army post is to be established here and that at least some of the equipment here will be put to use for the prospect of a new post.

Local Stocks At Public Auction

A number of local stocks were offered at a public sale on Tuesday in front of the Hotel Gettysburg, including ten shares of the Fairfield Bank. The sale of the Fairfield Bank shares was slow in getting started, beginning first at $100, and then, after a slight pause, made big jumps of $5 and $10 until the block was declared sold to William McSherry at $170 a share.

Cited For Bravery

Sgt. Ernest Hitchens, of Thurmont, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action near Crepion, France. Hitchens and four members of his platoon were wounded by shellfire. After he had taken the four wounded comrades to a first-aid station, he immediately returned without treatment to himself, despite his severe suffering from three body wounds, and remained with his platoon until they were relieved.

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