Juniata County PA Miscellaneous News Articles
The Star (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
July 5 1831
Lewistown, Penn. June 17
We learn by letter from an authentic source that the seat of justice of Juniata county has been located at Mifflintown - the ground staked off, &c.
Mifflintown was obviously the most central location the commissioners could have made, unless they had made it off the Canal and Turnpike, and then the centre would have varied but little from Mifflin. But apart from locality, all the leading roads in the new county point to Mifflin, and the large and fertile valley of Tuscarora has an immediate connextion with Mifflintown, by an excellent bridge across the Juniata. Our knowledge of the new county satisfies us that the location is the best that could have been made, and we have little doubt but it will give general satisfaction. - Eagle
Republican Banner (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
May 28, 1834
From the Juniata Free Press
Mifflin county, was divided in March 1831, and in June of the same year, Mifflintown was selected as the seat of Justice of the new county of Juniata. It is situated on the Juniata division of the Pennsylvania canal, with the great northern turnpike from Harrisburg to Pittsburg passing through its main street; it is about midway between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, and situate centrally between Huntingdon and Harrisburg. There are two lines of stages pass through it regularly - one daily - the other tri-weekly. It also enjoys the advantage of Mr. Leech's Daily line of packet boats, affording a cheap and comfortable means of travelling east and west.
The town has greatly increased within the last two or three years, and promises at present, a further extension in improvement. Several large ware-houses have been erected on the bank of the canal, wherein are stored the surplus products of the fruitful soil of the valleys of the county; a splendid bridge, which cost about $14,000, is thrown across the Juniata river at this place, on the road leading from the Susquehanna river to the Southern turnpike.
The town now contains between 50 and 60 dwelling houses, with many additional buildings occupied as stores and shops. The population is about 400. There are 5 stores, 2 apothecaries, 3 taverns 1 cabint-maker, 2 chair-makers, &c., 2 tailors, 2 milliners, 1 wagon-maker, 3 carpenter shops, 2 saddlers, 2 hatters, 1 tinner, 1 watch-maker, 1 brewery, 2 tanneries, 1 printing-office, 3 black-smiths, 1 stone mason and bricklayer, 1 plasterer, 4 shoemakers, 3 physicians, 3 lawyers, 3 justices of the peace, 2 schools, 2 churches, a jaoil (without tenants), and a court house, &c. &c.
Mifflintown holds forth inducements to men of wealth and enterprise, which should be embraced. Dwelling houses are scarce - two and three families are not unfrequently found in one house. Rents are high - yielding to property holders, from 8 to 15 per cent. There are a number of beautiful building lots in market at present, (60 by 120) at various prices, from $100, upwards.
Daily Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, Pennsylvania)
July 13, 1871
A correspondent of the State Journal, writing from Mifflintown says: All are aware that this beautiful town was sadly disfigured by the great fire last winter, from the effects of which it has not fully recovered, although a great many buildings are going up. The fine brick "palace" at the canal bridge will have a three story brick in its stead, 50 by 80 feet. Mifflintown Lodge I.O of O.F. is also putting up a three story brick, the upper stories to be occupied by secret societies and the lower story will be used as a store room. Mr. E.S. Doty and about a dozen others are erecting residences, that will be a credit to the town. Some who were burned out will not build for a year or so, and until then relics of the never to be forgotten New Year will be visible.
The Indiana Democrat (Indiana, Pennsylvania)
November 4 1875
Mrs. E. B. McCrum, wife of the former senior editor of the Atloona Tribuen, died at her residence in Mifflintown, Juniata county, on Sunday morning last, of consumption. It is a severe blow to Mr. McCrum, and to him we extend our earnest sympathy.
The Indiana Democrat (Indiana, Pennsylvania)
August 30 1883
Destructive Fire at Mifflintown
Mifflintown, Pa., August 25, 1883
A fire broke out in the stable belonging to the Foreman hotel, in this place, shortly before 2 o'clock this morning, and before its destructive power could be stayed, the principal business portion of the town was in ruins. The following properties were entirely destroyed: Forman's hotel, post-office, Ely & Shouders tobacco & cigar store, Ed. Kepher's book & drug store, Franciscus' hardware store, R. E. Parker's dry goods store, John Yeakley's dry good store, Joseph Pennel's dry good store, Dr. Bank's & Co's dry store, Fred Espenshade's dry goods store, C. F. Hinkle's dry goods store, Herald printing office, John Etka's grocery and provision store, Simon's harness manufactory and Jacob Thomas' dwelling house, besides several offices in second and third stories. The goods, furniture, &c, were in genreal saved; except in Kepner's store where everything burned, as well as most of the furniture in the Forman hotel, Thomas' dwelling house, and the Herald printing office. Two horses and several hogs were burned in the stables in which the fire originated. The fire is no doubt the work of an incendiary. We totally without fire apparatus. The fire company of Lewistown came to our relief about 5 a.m. and did nobel service, and at present writing (10 am) are still playing upon the ruins, although all danger is now passed. The damage is variously estimated at from $60,00 to $75,000, principally insured. If we were supplied with a steamer, like the old Huntingdon or the LaFrance, the stable only would have burned, and at least $50,000 worth of real estate saved the business of our town moving on as usual, and many a heart, now sad, still happy. Only ten years and two days have elapsed since a like destructive five swept over, perhaps a larger portion of our town, raging like a lion among its prey, with no power to slay its devastating fury. When will close fisted property holders learn wisdom? -- W. H. S. Local News, Huntingdon,
Daily Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, Pennsylvania)
August 30 1890
Mifflintown Sentinal and Republican says Joe James of Fermanagh, sold his peach crop last Saturday for $4 a box to be delivered at the station. It is estimated his orchard will yield 250 to 350 boxes.
The Indiana Gazette (Indiana, Pennsylvania)
December 31 1890
At Mifflintown, a lad named Conrad was shot dead by a stray bullet from a rifle match Christmas day.
The Indiana Democrat (Indiana, Pennsylvania)
February 16 1893
Samuel Warner of Fermanah township, near Mifflintown, Pa., traded his partially double-headed calf to a man named Boyer, from Snyder county for a 2-year old colt and some boot money. The calf had three horns, three eyes and two sets of nostrils, and was as lively as a cricket. Boyer intends to exhibit the freak.
The Indiana Democrat (Indiana, Pennsylvania)
July 13 1893
Fred Salgar, an eccentric man, aged 72, becoming despondent, committed suicide by hanging himself to the transom of his room door, at Mifflintown.
The Indiana Democrat (Indiana, Pennsylvania)
November 16 1893
Huntingdon Pa, Nov. 15 - James Curlin of Mifflintown, a brakeman on the Pennsylvania railroad, fell from his train and was killed.
Back
to Pennsylvania Trails History and Genealogy