Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 107, Decatur, Adams County, 4 May 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

ilume VI. Number 107

ELEVEN BODIES RECOVERED Late News From the Terrible Fort Wayne Fire

CITY IN MOURNING The New Aveline Hotel Destroyed—Believed Death List will Reach Fourteen THREE ARE MISSING „ast Body Recovered at 3:15 this Morning—Office Building to Be Erected Fort Wayne, May 4. —(Special to Daily Democrat, 3 o’clock p. m.)—At 1:15 this morning the eleventh body »as recovered from the New Aveline ire ruins, that of an unidentified man, jharred and burned beyond recogniion. This makes three unidentified. Three more are missing, Frank Bax,er, of Auburn; Charles Benjamin, of Jet rott and R. E. Trible, of Dalhart, Texas. All others are claimed to lave been accounted for, though there nay be two or three others in the ruins. Two of the injured, E. M. Mathews, of Columbus, and Miss kgnee Nadeau, the head waitress, are lying at St. Joseph hospital. It is >elieved the others will all recover. The work of rescue is still going on n charge of the militia and no one Is allowed within the ropes with>ut a pass. Arrangements for a modern office building on the hotel site were begun today. The trunks conaining $30,000 worth of jewelry were 'ecovered, as was many other articles of value. THE DEAD: J. W. Deviney, salesman for Crawlord & Lehman, Philadelphia. W. A. Pitcher, salesman for S. F. Bowser & Co., Fort Wayne. R. S. Johnson, a Chicago shoe salesman, of Pana, 111. Morris Rirsch, of Chicago, brother of I. Hirsch, secretary of Howard club. Miss Mary Burkett, assistant matron ■ of Mishawaka, Ind., Orphans’ home. Miss Sarah Hathaway, matron of Mishawaka Orphans' home. J. B. Miller, Sheboygan, Mich. J. E. Ellis, salesman for Carson, Ririe, Scott & Co., Chicago. Unidentified Man, badly charred, supposed to Attorney Frank Baxter, of Auburn, Ind. Unidentified Body, supposed to be Charles Benjamin, of the Detroit NeckWear company. Unidentified body, supposed to be R- E. Trible of Dalhart, Texas. the missing and injured: R. E. Trible, of Dalhart, Tex., a millionaire ranchman, known to have been in room 33, near the elevator; has not Been seen since fire. F. C. O’Donnell, Detroit, right arm broken in leaping. Janies A. Foster, Fort Wayne, burned about face and head; at St. Joseph’s hospital. A. M. Meth, Pittsburg, burned about fae t, arms and legs. Lyman Campbell, jumped three stories, badly shocked. Charles Falls, Columbus, 0.. gash leg, contusion on hand and lacerated; leaped three stories. ~E. M. Matthews, Columbus, 0.. at St - Joseph’s hospital; back broken and burns and gashes; may die. George A, Hill, Philadelphia, badly «ut and' burned about face and arms. Miss Agnes Madeau, Miss Margaret Meech&n, Miss Anna Block and Nar

if value.

than Bell, all kitchen employes; burned and blistered, at hospital. F. C. Phillips, Calumet, Mich., face burned and head scorched. John Long, bartender, arms broken. New Aveline Hotel SBO,OOO Jones & Stevens, proprietors of hotel, personal 5 000 G. H. Brown, saloon 10,000 C. B. Woodworth & Co., drugs 6,000 Postal Telegraph company .. 2,000 Straus Brothers, bankers .... 2.000 George Stretcher, barber shop. 2,500 Lee Ivins, cigars and newstand 6,000 Bass Block, adjoining hotel .. 1,500 To ’ al $115,000 Insurance covers about eighty per cent of this loss. The most horrible fire disaster which ever occurred in this section of Indiana, was the destruction by fire Sunday morning of the Aveline hotel at Fort Wayne. The big six story building was totally destroyed and beneath the black and charred ruins, piled in the basement, are many bodies. Up to last evening, ten had been recovered, but it was known there were still several more at least, perhaps twenty. The fire broke out at 3:30 Sunday morning and in half an hour the block was a mass of flames. The cause is said to have been the burning out of an electric fuse at the bottom of the elevator shaft. The entire fire company was ordered out and the work of rescue began. The terrible scenes will never be forgotten by those who were present. The moans of the dying, screams of the injured and pleadings of the frightened guests for help, made a hideous din that drove the spectators wild. At least twenty-five were seriously injured, many of them fatally by leaping from windows or from the burns received before aid reached them. All day Sunday the firemen, aided by the police and two companies of militia, worked to clear away the debris and recover bodies of the unfortunate guests. All last night the work continued, twelve big arc lights and many incandescents aiding the gruesome search Thousands of people visited the scene Sunday. Every Decatur car taking many to view the awful tomb. Many of the guests at the hotel were known here and there were i many sad hearts in Decatur and every item of news was awaited with interest. E. M. Matthews, a friend of P. J. Hyland, of this city leaped from the fourth floor and was perhaps fatally ’hurt. J. W. Deviney, of Philadelphia, a commission man, had come here for twenty years and spent Saturday here transacting business with Moltz and Moser, of the Decatur Produce company and leaving here at 5:30 Saturday evening. He was one of the unfortunates to lose his life. W. A. Pitcher, a representative of the Bowser company is said to have a sister living in this county and the Bowsers have made every possible effort to locate her. Others of the dead and ■injured 'have friends here. Among those who had narrow escapes were ■ Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Hamil, of Geneva. They were near enough to the fire escape and reached the pavement in safety. Mrs. Hammill says: “The wild screams of men and women in windows as we climbed down the ladders almost caused me to faint and drop from the safety ladder. I was in a state of collapse when I struck the sidewalk.” J. E. Wirt, cashier of the Markle, (Ind.) Traders’ bank, was one of the first to be aroused and escaped down the stairway just as that avenue of escape burst in flames. A. B. Himes, of Auburn was in room 44. He rushed through flames down the hallway. It w’ould require many pages to tell the story of each terrible death and (Continued on page 4.) The Bowser Company, of Fort Wayne requests us to announce that it is their belief that a sister, the only relative of W. A. Pitcher, one of the unfortunate victims of the Aveline fire, lives in the vicinity of Decatur, and they would be glad to communicate with her at once.

IS A GREAT ORDER A T. P. A. Post Was Established in this City Saturday Night START OFF GOOD Nearly Thirty Decatur People Have Already Identified Themselves Another good and substantial organization has launched on the social horizon of Decatur which is known) as Post W of the Indiana division of T. P. A. For some time the old members of this protective order, who belong to posts in different cities and live here, have been making a vigirous effort to establish a post in this city and their desires came to a realization last Saturday night when a large number of eligibles gathered at the Commercial Club and were voted into full membership. The new members are C. O. France, R. K. Alliosn, H. K. Moltz, A. J. Smith, L. W. Coppock, W. A. Kuebler, C. H. Colter, T. C. Corbett. M. Kirsch, C. D. Lewton, Roy Archbold, C. C. Schafer, L. G. Ellingham, Ed S. Moses and E. L. Carroll. The old members who will be transferred to this lodge are W. H. Wiley. T. M. Reed, James Fristoe, F. Gast, L. C. Waring, H. L. Confer, M. E. Brackett, Ed Vancil and George Maddy. A committee consisting of L. G. Ellingbam, T. M. Reid and Ed Vancil was appointed at the meeting to nominate the officers and they reported as follows: W. H. Wiley, president; T. M. Reid, vice president; C. H. Colter, secretary and treasurer; A. J. Smith, H. L. Confer and M. E. Brackett, directors for twe years; H. R. Moltz, Ed Vancil and C. C. Schafer, directors for one year; W. H. Wiley and L. C. Waring legislative committee; George Maddy, hotel committee; L. G. Ellingham, press committee; M. Kirsch, employment committee; Dr. E. G. Coverdale, surgeon and Rev. Spetnagle, chaplin. W. H. Wiley as delegate and T M. Reid as alternates have been chosen to represent the Decatur post at the state convention, which will be held at West Baden the 15th and 16th of this month, and W. H. Wiley and George Maddy will attend the national convention to be held at Milwaukee June 15th. The T. P. A. is a well organized order, having 5,800 members in Indiana and 36,000 in the United States. Wholesale dealers, manufacturerers and traveling men are eligible to identify themselves therewith and from what we can learn, there are but twenty-five people who do not belong that are eligible. The first application since the organization is that of A. Van Camp. o MANY ENTERING Several Fast Horses Have Already Been Entered in SSOO Stake Race AT GREAT NORTHERN For this Year’s Fair—Management Has Arranged for the Best Ever While it is an acknowledged fact that all fairs conducted by the Great Northern Indiana Fair association have beem most successful, there are many plausible reasons why this year's meeting will excell all former ones. A very important feature which will characterize the fair of this year is the SSOO stake races in 2:20 pace and 2:27 trot, which was made possible to pull off after the meeting of the officials of the fair association of five of the neighboring counties at Van tyert some time ago. By the method introduced, horses with unusually low I marks will make all of the fairs in this | vicinity and the lovers of this amusement will be given a rare treat. An evidence of the result of the above stated meeting is the fact that many horses have already been entered in these respective races among which are Elctric Hal and Creo Bell, owned by Lew S. Stevens, of New Castle,

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening May 4, 1908.

Indiana; Rex S.. owned by E. L. Mason, of Misha’waka; High pTide, Cynthia Independence and Swallow, owned by T. W. Price, of Cynthiana, Kentucky; Pilot Marie and Ravenwood and Frank Willis owned by E. W. Conant, of Loveland, Ohio. These horses are among the very best on the road and the fact that so many have already entered is indeed encouraging to the management cf the Great Northern Fair association. Not only will the races be better and the purses larger but all other attractions will by far excell those of former years. Larger and better exhibits are loked for and with favorable weather, the Adams county people will be agreeably surprised with the progressiveness of our county fair management. None but good moral attractions will be permitted on the grounds, and no gambling nor anything objectionable will be tolerated and taking it in all in all it will be better this year than ever before in every respect. AN INITIAL SESSION Adams County Sunday School Association Held Interesting Meeting AT BEULAH CHAPEL Yesterday—Great Time Was Had and Officers Elected for this Year The initial session of the Adams ounty Sunday School Association for this year was held at Beulah Chapel yesterday afternoort and those who attended declare that it was the most fruitful and enthusiastic meeting ever held by the organization. The meeting opened at 2:00 o’clock by a sacred song, followed by devotional by Rev. L. A. Stangle of the United Brethren church of this city. This was followed by a song after which C. S. Mumma gave an interesting and instructive address on “Hindrances in Sunday School Work.” The Stangle brothers then renderede a beautiful song. The session was closed by the offering and benediction. The evening session opened at 7:30 o'clock by a song. Scripture reading and a prayer followed by N. Lenhart. After another song. Fred Rohrer, of Berne, lectured on “Temperance” and to say his discourse was fine is putting it mildly. Rev. Stangle talked on Missions and did well. The officers for the ensuing year were elected and the result is as follows: N. Lenhart, president; Freeman Walters, vice president; C. S. Mumma, secretary and treasurer. o MRS. ROOP WAS SURPRISED. Well Known Blue Creek Township Lady the Victim. Mrs. William Roop, of Blue Creek township, was given a birthday curprise, Saturday evening which will long be remembered as one of the happiest events of her life. The affair was planned by her son, Daniel Roop of this city and was entirely successful. The guests were: Messrs, and Mesdames Robert P. Davies, John Burke, Frank Wechter, Boyd Daugherty, Solomon Hettier, Arthur Krugh, Amos Wagers, John K. Wagers, Frank Meyer. John Neadstine. Jasper Wabel, Charles Feasel, Wes Ray, Wm. Roop, Misses Marie Wabel, Bessie and lola Gates, Clara Neadstine, Lillio Burke, Mary and Cora Ray, Fanchion and Lizzie Edra and Ethel Davis, Iva and Lula Meyer, Opal Wagers, Lesta Meyer, Venora Tinkham, Madge Heddington, Mrs. John Everett and Mrs. Walt Murray and daughter Romane, of Decatur; Mrs. Lizzie Neadstine, Mrs. Jennie Gates, Mrs. Hannah Tinkham and Mrs. Walt Malony and two daughters Lottie and Flossie, of Muncie, Ind., and Mr. Jacob Dolch. The advisory board of the Presbyterian church will hold a meeting this evening at eight p. m. in the office of Burt Lower. A full attendance is earnestly urged as there will be special business before the members of the board. The Lady Maccabee order will meet at Mrs. Charley Murray’s tonight. All members are requested to be present.

STILL IN DOUBT Republican National Convention Six Weeks Off INCREASE IN RATES Railroad Freight Rates to Be Boosted— That Canal Washington, May 4.—With the Republican national convention to meet ' six weeks from next Tuesday and with three-fourths of the delegates chosen, the outcome of the contest for the nomination for the presidency is abott* as much in doubt as It has been at any time since the campaign for delegates was started. President Roosevelt, who is managing the Tafi ■ campaign, asserts daily that his candidate will be nominated on the first ballot. Supporters of the several “field” candidates do not believe Taft will be nominated, although they admit he will go into the convention with a formidable following. The feeling f against a president dictating the nomination of his successor has not been allayed; the negroes north and st nth are more determined than ever to prevent the nomination of Taft, if possible, and organized labor shows no indication of withdrawing its opposition to the administration candidate. Washington, May 4. —It appears: . likely that the expected increase in ( railroad freight rates is about to Ije made. A few days ago a member of the interstate commerce commission - expressed the opinion that within • three or four months, unless a decided . improvement in railway conditions ( should take place, it probably womd be necessary for the carriers either ' to increase freight rates or to reduce 1 the wages of their employes. Per--1 sonally and officially, the commissiont er deprecated the taking of either horn of the dilemna by the railroads, I but he believed it to be inevitable ( that one or the other course would be taken. Washington, May 4. —Chairman Davidson, of the house committee on rail- , ways and canals, says he was very much pleased with the arguments of ’ the men from Fort Wayne in behalf of the proposed Michigan and Erie canal, and thinks they covered the ’ ground thoroughly as jfar as they went, but he thinks they overlooked t one very important feature. He says he was not satisfied with the arguments put forth on the commercial possibilities of the proposed canal. COURT HOUSE NEWS I The Meyers Divorce Case Was Heard Today But Not Decided THE MANGOLD CASES Judgment Rendered this Afternoon —Administrator Appointed—Other News C. D. Lewton, was granted letters of administration for the estate of his father, L. W. Lewton, late of Root township, and filed bond in the sum of $1,600. This was pension day at the county clerk’s office and Clerk Haefling and Deputy Roop were busy accordingly. E. P. Reed Company vs. Fred B. Tague, suit on account, demurer -filed by defendant to plaintiff’s amended complaint was overruled by court John B. Holthouse, guardian for May 1 C. Holthouse and others, filed final : account as to May and current ac- ' count as to three others. Approved. f In the cause of Albert A. Butler et : al vs. Noah Mangold et al. lien, issues I completed by filing of answers and cross complaints and cause consolidat-

STILL IN DOUBT

Republican National Con-

ed with case 7563, John W. Brown vs. Noah Mangold et al mortgage $1,500. Finding in latter that $1,254.49 is due Brown, $654.53 is due Huffman. $62.20 due Butler and Butler, $2,041.51 due Daniel Weldy, $360.81 is due Amspaugh, $796.26 is due Rinehart; judgment rendered. The divorce case, Sadie E. Meyers vs. Harvey Meyers, was heard by Judge Merryman this morning. Mrs. Meyers was represented by C. L. Walters and Mr. Meyers by J. C. Moran. The plaintiff is a daughter of Adam Pease and told a story of abuse and non-support. Meyers was on the stand in his own behalf and denied a part of the accusations and excused others by stating that he had been in poor health and was at times unable to earn a livlihood. Mr. Meyer’s objection seemed to be that he did not want judgment against him for support of the children. A BUSY SESSION Many Macadam Road Viewers Were Appointed A LIQUOR LICENCE The County Board of Charities Were Appealing to the Board A remonstrance was filed to the petition for a highway by W. H. Laughrey. The remonstrance was signed by William Frybock et al. Reviewers were appointed, Henry Gunsett, Henry Elting and Eli Hendricks, and they will meet May 11 to qualify for the work. On the Washington-Kirkland macadam road William Hoile and Henry Wafel were appointed viewers, and they will meet with Surveyor Baumgartner and report May 18. Viewers were appointed on the J. P. Nushbaum macadam road in Monroe township. The viewers are Cris Eicher and L. N. Grandstaff and they will meet May 9, and report May 18. The granting of a liquor license to John W. Pitts was continued until tomorrow morning. The applicant wanted a license to begin business July 1 and by his attorneys presented arguments in favor of their contention. The county attorney intimated that it would be illegal, and further arguments will be presented tomorrow morning. Viewers on the French township No. 4 macadam road are David Steel and William Zimmerman and they will meet May 12 to qualify. Viewers on the Hendricks macadam road in Monroe township are Crist Bussick and Edward Luttman. Viewers on the Geneva Ceylon and Wabash township road are J. M. Peel and J. W. Scoles. Viewers on Broadstock road in Hartford township are Aaron Bricker and A. J. Miller. Viewers on the Bucher road are William Conrad and Daniel Hoffman. Viewers on the Schug road in Wabash township are George B Mauer and J. T. Kelley. The Adams county board of charities appeared before the board and talked with them concerning a padded cell at the jail and few other improvements. They also discussed finding a home for a girl at the county farm. The J. F. Lachot macadam road was ordered sold the first day of the June session of commissioners court. o GAVE DELIGHTFUL PARTY. Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Schirmeyer Entertained Several Friends. A delightful party was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Schiirmeyer last Saturday evening The guests were: Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Ellingham. Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Bracht, Mr. and Mrs. Coppock, Mr. and Mrs. Hull, Messrs. L. E. Steele and Smith. The evening was spent in games and music after which dainty refreshments were served by the hostess.

Price Two Cents

THE SOCIAL CIRCLE Mrs. William Roop, of Blue Creek Township, Victim of a Surprise HAD GOOD TIME Church and Society Announcements for the Week—the Lodges Mrs. W. H. Sonner was hostess at a May-Day party Saturday afternoon. The afternoon was spent in playing various games, flower hunting and music. The young people chose Miss Erma Houck as May Queen. At five o’clock a delicious luncheon was served by the hostess. The guests included the Misses Bertha Foreman, Helen Fonner, Irene Evans, Beulah Foreman, Edith Rice, Hattie Wilder and Grace Hoenhiser. The marriage of Otto Beiberick to Miss Caroline Kirchner was solemnized at the St. Paul German Lutheran church, Rev. J. H. Klausing officiating, after which a grand wedding reception was given at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kirchner, of Preble. The happy young couple will reside at Preble, where Mr. Beiberick is employed with the Standard Oil Co. The C. B. L. of I. order will give a box social at their hall Tuesday evening and a jolly time is in store for those who attend. The auction sale of the boxes will be very enthusiastic. The ladies of the St. Vincent de Paul society will give an informal card party at the C. B. L. of I. hall tonight. A fine time is anticipated by the members. A box social will be held at the Peterson school house on next Thursday evening the 7th of May. The social is to-be held for the benefit of the school. Mr. G. W. Warner, the school teacher at that place is to have charge of the program. Everybody is cordially invited to attend. The ladies of the Women’s Missionary society of the Evangelical church will hold a meeting at the church Thursday afternoon at two p. m. All members are requested to be in attendance as this will be a very important meeting. As this is an annual meeting, there will be election of officers and other business to be acted upon. The Christian Endeavor society of the German Reformed church will hold a business meeting Tuesday evening at the home of Miss Lucy Krutzeman on north Third street. All members should be present at this important meeting. The Queen Esther Circle of the M. E. church will meet Thursday afternoon with Mrs. John Miller on Winchester street. Mrs. Miller will be assisted by Mrs. Nachtrieb. Miss M. Pearl Cline, of Sandusky, Ohio, is the guest of Mrs. C. B. Wilcox. Mr. and Mrs. C. Vogt entertained L. A. Kidder and Mr. Ratcliff at 13 o’clock dinner yesterday. Miss Alice Jean Gray, of Detriot. Michigan, arrived Saturday from Huntington, to spend Sunday in the city the guest of Mrs. Jeff Bryson. The Knights of Columbus will have their regular monthly meeting this evening. A full attendance is desired as much business js to come before the council. The Gleaners of the Presbyterian church will give an entertainment Tuesday evening for the benefit of the church. An admission fee of ten cents will be charged. The public is cordially invited to attend. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kern celebrated their first wedding anniversary yesterday. There were a number of guests and a fine time was enjoyed by all who were present.