A Peek into the Lives of Some Early Union City People
Union Mills
April 14, 1866
Dissolution
The co-partnership heretofore existing between R.C. Custard has J.S. Ross, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All persons indebted to said firm are hereby requested to make payment to R.C. Custard who will carry on the business heretofore, at the old stand on Main Street.
R.C. Custard
Union Mills, April 14, 1866
J. Reckhow
Wagon Making
The subscriber informs the public that he is prepared to do all kinds of Wagon and Bugy work and all business in that line in the best manner, and the best materials used.
Shop on Main street, South of the Bridge.
Union Mills, Pa.
J. Reckhow
April 14 1866
Charles Steadman
January 12, 1882
Charles Steadman Post Commander of Post 102 of Union Citym installed the newly elected officers of General H.L. Brown Post No. 235 of Wattsburg on Wednesday evening last week, and the officers of J.J. Andrews Post No. 70 of Corry on Friday evening.
Jefferson Triscuit
In early early January 1882, the Erie Gazette printed a story about the new county officers. The Gazette said this about jefferson Triscuit. "Jefferson Triscuit, of Union, was reelected Director of the Poor, an honor which was well deserved, for he has proved a faithful officer, always on hand when wanted, and has devoted much time in looking after the welfare of the destitute."
Abram Tourtellott
Thursday, April 27, 1882
Last Sabbath afternoon between two and three o'clock, the residence of Captain Abram Tourtellott on East High Street was dsicovered to be on fire and before sufficient assistance could be procured to guard the fast spreading falmes, the fire had so far progressed that it was beyond control.
The Captain, who was past 82 years of age after carrying a few pails of water, became overcome by the excitement and fell to the ground but immeidately recovered himself and stepped out into the yard where he again fell to the ground. As a bystander attempted to assist him to rise he discovered that the Captain had stopped breathing and was apparently dead.
Assistance as called and an examination revealed the fact that the captain was dead. The body was removed to his son, Mr. Oscar Tourtellott's residence closeby and distant friends and relatives informed of his death. The captain was buried yesterday.
Mr. Tourtellott was one of the pioneers of the vicinity having moved here 40 years ago and cleared up a piece of land. He was in good circumstances at the time of his death.
Thursday, May 25, 1882
A quantity of household goods will be sold at a public sale on the premises of the late Abram Tourtellott on Saturday next at 10 o'clock a.m. Anyone desiring an article in the line of furniture, dishes, etc., shoudl attend the sale.
Oscar Tourtellott has just set out a beautiful hemlock evergreen hedge in front of his lot on East High Street, which adds materially to the looks of his premises.
Mrs. Mary J. White
August 24, 1882
Mrs. Mary J. White this week bought the house and lot on Main Street where she has resided for some time. She purchased it from Thomas Woods and C.V. Main, paying for it with cash down.
This is another evidence of what a woman can do. She, a few years ago, was left a widow with a family of children to support and with an indominatable will and energy she has done this and laid by enough besides to purchase herself a little home.
Oscar Tourtellott
Thursday, November 23, 1882
Mr. Oscar Tourtellott has been given charge of building the new Cooper Opera House, which is a sufficient guarantee that the work will be well done and pushed forward, especially from now on.
Mayor Jacob Kamerer's Bad Day
June 1885
Union City Mayor Jacob Kamerer faced a human relations dilemma. On Monday June 11, 1885, he received a complaint that the old barn on Putnam Street that belonged to Ezra Cooper was ready to tumble down at any time and was dangerous even to pass on the sidewalk.
Mayor Kamerer found Mr. Cooper and they went to look at the barn. Ezra promised the mayor that the barn would be torn down at once. Before he left, Mayor Kamerer set up a brace hoping that it would show people that something was being done about the barn.
The Mayor had barely gotten back to his office when trouble struck. A son of Mr. Bacon, the blind man, came to the mayor and told him that Ezra Cooper had put a brace against the barn and as his father came along he didn't see the brace and he ran his head against it, nearly knocking him down. The mayor had the brace removed.
Almost immediately after this incident, the mayor received a report of a man driving "faster than a walk" over the bridge. He hastened to find the fellow.
For the rest of that day the mayor could be found sitting in front of the city hall meditating on the vanity of all earthly greatness. He probably consoled himself with the thought that for all his trouble he would at the end of his term be rewarded with the magnificent sum of $20 the salary of his office.
Jerry Mackey
September 3, 1885
Jerry Mackey was sixty years old last Friday. He had a birthday party which was attended by his father and mother both enjoying good health. The youngest member of the family was also present, which made five generations represented.
The Milkman's Son
May 19, 1887
A young son of Mr. Crooker, the milk man, while driving the wagon last Friday night. was thrown out near the water trough on Main Street and the wagon passed over him. Fortunately he was not seriously injured.
Eugene Clark
August 30, 1888
Eugene Clark has commenced the erection of a large two story addition to his residence. Everson & Duncombe have the contract for the work.
Cyrus Crittenden is erecting a two story 16x24 upright to his residence on Graves Street, which will greatly improve the appearance and convenience thereof.
Luther Bush this year planted one bushel of red oats from which he harvested 22 bushels. This, we believe, is the first crop of red oats raised in this section.
The annual Smith family reunion held in Concord Township Thursday, was largely attended by the relatives and friends and a very enjoyable day was passed.
Invitations have been issued for the marriage of John F. Duncombe to Miss Hattie E. Staples at the residence of the bride's parents on East High Street next Wednesday evening at 8:00 o'clock.
Dan O'Neil
Thursday, January 26, 1899
Union City Times
Mr. Daniel O'Neil who died at his home east of town yesterday morning was one of the oldest residents of Union Township and was a man highly respected. As long ago as when the Atlantic and Great Western (now the Erie Road) was built, he was a section boss on that line for a number of years.
When the P & E Railroad was built, he was foreman of a gang of men who excavated what has since been known as Riley's Cut, east of town. He has always been an industrious hard working man. His funeral will be tomorrow from the Catholic Church. He was about 85 years old.