Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 98, Decatur, Adams County, 20 April 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume V. Number 98

[THE PROFESSIONAL MEN Early History of Decatur and Old Adams I County

ANOTHER CHAPTER I (Written by the Ladies’ I Historical Club ■THE LAWYERS AND DOCTORS I I Interesting Story of the Men Who Helped to Build up This Community. During the decade from 1840 to 1860, the population of the village of Decatur numbered not over two hundred and fifty; so we can readily understand that the professional people were, proverbially speaking. “As scarce as hen’s teeth.” The legal (fraternity was not represented in Decatur until 1840 when Beatty McClellai came to the village from Ohio, remained a few- months, and removed to Winchester. He taught school ■ere, and also took what legal business he could find; hence he may be tailed the first resident attorney of Decatur. He afterward became a very »ble lawyer and when last heard from >e was leading a retired life at Columbus, in Bartholomew county. ■ The next lawyer who came to settle in our village was William H. Bugh, •who came here in 1848 from Ohio. Mr. ■ugh was a fine appearing gentleman, in fact, in modem parlance, “He was < perfect Adonis.” Mr. Bugh. while ■ere, was married to Miss Margaret Reforest, of Cincinnati. Mrs. Bugh Bras an estimable lady, but for some Beason best known to themselves, they Separated, and Mr. Bugh soon left ■ecatur for Wisconsin. William CarSon a young Canadian, was the next Sawyer to take up his residence in ■ur village, but Mr. Carson was afflicted with political aspirations which ■ould not be realized in Adams county, ■o he left us for Fort Wayne in 1851, ■ here he built up a fine practice and Bras finally elected Judge. I William G. Spencer was also one of •ur early lawyers. He came to De■atur in 1849 and practiced law until ■ 860 and then was elected county ■uditor and served two terms of four ■ears each. In 1852 Mr. Spencer was Inarried to Miss Mary Nevious, only ■laughter of the Rev. John Nevious. ■The marriage took place at the parsonage (the house now occupied by bl is. William Dorwin). ■ David Studabaker studied law with judge Jacob Haynes of Portland, and In June. 1852, chose Decatur as his ■list location for the practice of his ■profession He practiced continuously ■or thirty-one years (longer than any Ither attorney ever in Adams county). I James R. Bobo studied with Mr. ■studabaker in 1858-’59 and commenced ■he practice in 1860. He devoted himself to it continuously until NoJvember, 1877, when he took the office Inf circuit judge, to which he had been ■elected in 1876. Judge Bobo served ■two terms of six years each. He also ■served two terms in the house of rep■resentatives and one in the senate at ■lndianapolis. Mr. Bobo served in ev ■ery political capacity with both honor Ito himself and his constituencj. I The oldest attorney now regularly ■devoted to his profession is Robeit ■ Smith Peterson, who read law with I Mr. Studabaker. The other resident I practitioners are Daniel D. Hellei, I Paul G. Hooper, Judge Richard Erwin. I Dora Erwin, A. P. Beatty. Dan Erwin. IJ. Teeple, Henry Heller. J T. MerryIman, J. C. Sutton, David Smith. John I Moran, Clark J. Lutz. L. C. Devoss and |C. L. Walters. Some of the younger ■ members of the Decatur bar have ■ taken up their residence in other citI ies. and other valued members (John |T. France and Elias Coverdale i have ■ passed to the “silent shore. During the early years of the coun ■ ty’s history, lawyers frequently came ■ from Fort Wayne: among them was I Judge Borden (who was on the bench lat that time), Moses Jenkinson. Mr. I Colerick, Isaac Jenkinson and others. ■ "Court week" was a very important ■ event in those primitive times. Me ■ had no sidewalks at that time and ■ often those dignified gentlemen were

I under the necessity of wading through i water to reach the court house. j THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY. As it required a certain degree of civilization, that is, civil organization, and a requisite number of population before the lawyer could make his ’ profession remunerative, he was not I so early on the ground, nor was he , so badly needed as the doctor. The doctor came in with the settler, and ■ carried on a rather unequal contest with the “shakes and the snakes” and the milksickness. Impure water and the malaria arising from the decaying vegetation of dark swamps and heavy forest lands were almost too much for j the old-time doctor, yet to his credit be it said, he did the best he could with his pills and his quinine, his calomel and his lancet. If his culture and scientific acquirements were not quite in range, with the physician of today, yet his tireless energy, his integrity of purpose and his painstaking devotion to his chosen profession more than made up for his deficiency In the medical discoveries and theories of later times. It was not in the province of the old-time doctor when receiving a summons for medical aid, to question the ability of his patient to , pay. It was his duty to save life if he could, and he went cheerfully over corduroy bridges and deep mud roads and often the long weary ride was his only remuneration. The early settler was not overburdened with money. , The preacher he could pay with pumpkins and dried elderberries, and the doctor, who wanted money for his pay, often had to go without it. The doctor then preceded the lawyer by , three or four years. In 1839 Dr. Tisdale began practicI ing in St. Marys township about two ,I and a half miles south of Decatur on . I the old Piqua road. Earlier than this I Dr. Kimsey lived in Monmouth and practiced in Root township. Dr. Bar- . I ton Snow lived just south of Jay and t Adams county line and practiced in Hartford and Wabash townships as [ early as 1834-5 and in 1838 moved to Buffalo now known as Geneva, and practiced in the county until his death. I His brother, James Snow, also pracI ticed in that region somew’hat later. (Continued on page 2.) I o NO ONE OBJECTED Third Street to be Bricked for One Block i i ‘(TWO MORE CEMENT WALKS s I r The Spirit of Improvement Seems to Be Flying Around in all Directions. ,1 j I The common council met last evenj ing in special session at the library j 1 building, every councilman being presi ent and the mayor presiding. This t' being the time set for the hearing f . i objections on Third street improver 1 ment, the mayor asked if any objec- | tins had been filed and there being ' none and no one interested in the t i street present to object to the buildj in,g the city attorney was instructed t to draft a resolution instructing the . city clerk to set a time for the re- ( ceiving of bids for the construction of the same. A petition for a cement .. sidewalk on west Monroe street was (i read, the same being signed by every (j property owner between Thirteenth r and Fifteenth and the council ape proved the petition in all things and .. instructed the engineer to give them n a grade. A resolution governing the e proposition of setting out shade trees in any of the new additions to the city was read, and requires all trees e to be set one foot from the property s | line and on a direct and straight line. h | The petition of Daniel Haley et al, i asking for a cement sidewalk along the east side of Mercer street was t granted in all things and the engineer ' was instructed to make a grade for e d | e (Continued on page 2.)

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday, Evening, April 20, 1907.

PETER INNIGER DIES SUDDENLY I Well Known Amish Farmer a Victim of Pneumonia. Peter Inniger, a young Amish farmer, living in Monroe township, 1 northwest of Berne, died yesterday noon, after a very brief Illness. Mr. Inniger was sick only a little over a week, with pnemonia. He had been suffering with a bad cold for some ( time. Last Saturday a week ago he took a trip to Decatur, and came home sick, his cold having settled into his bronchial tubes and lungs and afterward developed into catarrhal pneumonia, which caused his death. ’ Mr. Inniger is about 30 years of age 1 and a few months ago was married ’ to the widow, of the late Samuel Habeggef, who it will be remembered ' committed suicide by blowing out his brains with a shot gun. Thus Mrs. 1 Inniger is for the second time a widow with four orphan children. Mr. Inniger also leaves several brothers, all 1 members of the Amish church. —Berne ’ Witness. wilF quit field ; Bell Telephone Company to Withdraw AFTER LONG LOSING FIGHT , Independent Companies Will Lease ' Lines and Continue—Citizens Company Will Have all Toll Lines Here. It looks as though the Bell Telephone company, after a losing fight of many years against the independent , companies, have about decided to give , up and surrender the field to the home companies. They have submitted sveral propositions and are anxious to settle the matter. At a > t meeting of the independent represens tatives at Fort Wayne yesterday the 1 matter was thoroughly discussed and ' the question will be finally decided at 1 the state meeting to be held in Indian- . apolis next month. This action will , take out the Bell exchange here and I leave the Citizens company in entire control of the telephone business. To all appearances the Bell company would submit to almost any proposition that would be acceptable to the independent companies and would be very 7 glad to rid themselves of properties that have proven to be | very unprofitable. The plans as submitted by Mr. Putnam call for the abandoning of all the exchanges throughout the northern part of the state wherever the independent companies are operating and that the toll business heretofore transacted over the lines of the Central Union Telephone company as well as over the American Telephone and Telegraph I company by the Bell exchanges would be taken care of by the independent companies. i So unremunerative has been the business of the Central Telephone company throughout the state, especially in the northern part, since the inception of the independent companies, that overtures have been made by the corporation to withdraw from the field entirely and to turn the toll business with the American Telegraph and Telephone company over to , the independent companies. These overtures have been in contemplation for some time but had always been verbally by representatives of the company. Recently a proposition was submitted in writing to the independent managers at a meeting of the First district of Indiana independent telephone companies which was held at Logansport, but at that time the 1 Bell interests were told that immediate acceptance of the proposition would be impossible and that a decision could not be reached. It was de1 termined, however, to take the matter up at a future meeting, which was held at Fort Wayne yesterday. o ’ Fred Frye, a son of Frank Frye, 1 living on east Market street, met with ! an accident yesterday evening and 1 narrowly escaped serious injury. He was riding a bicycle at a pretty good ■ clip when his right foot slipped from ■ the pedal and caught in the spokes of I the rear wheel and coming to an ab--1 rupt stop fell to the pavement. The -I ‘ • rear wheel had to be taken out to ' extricate his foot. His injuries con- ' ; slsted of a severly sprained ankle. — • ' Bluffton News. i

TEN INDICTMENTS Were Returned by the Grand Jury REPORTED LAST EVENING In Session Five Days and Examined a Hundred and Ten Witnesses— Praise Officials. The April grand jury completed their work and reported to Judge Erwin late last evening, when they were discharged. The report says: “Comes now the grand jury for the April term 1907, and report as follows: ‘We have been in session five days and examined 110 witnesses and herewith present ten indictments. We have also inquired into the conditions and management of both the countyjail and county infirmary. We visited the county jail and inspected all apartments of it and find a number of changes necessary. The floor of the basement is in a bad condition, owing to a defective drainage system and we suggested that the drain be repaired and a concrete floor placed in basement. In its present condition the jail is very unhealthy for all persons living in the jail. The heating system is also in bad condition and we respectfully urge the board of commissioners to give this matter their immediate attention. Notwithstanding these conditions we find that sheriff Meyer is doing his work in an excellent manner and is doing all within his power to keep the jail in a good sanitary condition, and the prisoners are properly cared for. “We also visited -the county infirmary and were surprised at the excellent condition in which we found every department. The inmates are well cared for, properly clothed, jgd and looked after; rooms are neat and clean and the treatment they receive is all that can be asked for. The cultivation of the farm and garden and the care of the stock is being attended to in an economical and hus-band-like manner. We find that the county is being faithfully served by superintendent Graber ;yid to his fidelity and hearty interest in the work is due the excellent condition in which we now find the infirmary. As we have now completed our work, we ask to be discharged. Charles W. Yager, foreman." It is said that two of the indictments are for felonies and eight for misdemeanors. SUBSCRIBE ATONCE Stock Subscription Books Are Now Open THE BEST CHANCE YET Stock in Krick, Tyndall & Co. Can Be Taken at Either Bank or at the Office of the Company. Stock subscriptions are now open to subscribers at either of the two banks or at the office of Krick. Tyndall & Company. Those wanting an investment with a guaranteed dividend attached and with the opportunity of increasing its value at the same time, should get their name in early. It is probable that the stock will be rapidly taken. This stock is the best revenue producing stock that has been offered for some time. The committee who investigated the plant and the business not only recommend it as good, safe and reliable, but say that the present business will pay a six per cent dividend on one hundred thousand dollar capital, and at the same time leave a nice surplus for improvement and working capital. It is the purpose of the company to extend the business, to increase their capacity. Were their capacity twice what it now is, they could not supply the demand for their manufactured product. Information concerning this investment or anything pertaining to it, can be had at the banks or at the company’s offi-e. Investors should not overlook this golden opportunity to (Continued on page 2.)

SIGNING BASE BALL PLAYERS Manager Behringer Reports Splendid Success. Mr. Behringer, manager of the Decatur base ball team for this season, writes that he is having splendid success in securing players and will have a fast bunch ready for the work out on May 20th. Forty or fifty applicants want a chance, each claiming to be fast enough for the big leagues. Two of last years players have al- - been signed, also a third baseman from the O. P. league, a fast man and a hard hitter. An American association catcher will probably be secured, and the entire team will soon be made up. Mr. Behringer says he is having some trouble on account of the late date for opening the season but he assures us a good fast team. Get ready, fans, for the best season of base ball ever known in Decatur.

ELECTION WAS HOT Mrs. McLean Again President for Two Years NEW CABINET DEPARTMENT Financial Statement of Cuban Administration —Senator Beveridge at Philadelphia. Washington, April 20.—1 t was officially announced when the continental congress of the national society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met that Mrs. Donald McLean, of New York, had been re-elected president-general for the ensuing two years. Mrs. McLean received 551 and the opposition candidate, Mrs. Eleanor Washington Howard, of Alexandria, Va., 152. The announcement of the result of the election was received by the delegates with great enthusiasm, and Mrs. McLean, after being presented with a loving cup by the vice-presidents-general, made a brief speech in which she thanked the delegates heartily for their support. Mrs. Charlotte Emerson Main, of Washington, D. C„ was elected vice-preai-dent-general, in charge of the organization of chapters. Washington, April 20. —The administration has under consideration plans for concentrating the business relating to foreign possessions in one department. If the plans are finally matured and put into operation, they will probably mark the first step toward the creation of another executive department whose head shall devote himself exclusively to the “insular possessions,” dependencies, etc. The present patchwork system cannot be maintained much longer. With three or four departments charged with some responsibility in connection with the government of the foreign possessions, there is not much definite responsibility lodged anywhere. Washington, April 20. —A financial statement received from Governor Magoon, of Cuba, shows that the present American occupation has cost up to this time, $2,500,0uu. The administration is now wrestling with the problem as to what part of this outlay shall be charged against the Cuban treasury. The decision will probably be to make Cuba pay for everything except the expense of maintaining American troops on the island. It is costing the war department $300,000 a month for salaries and maintenance of the 6,000 American soldiers now in the island. Washington, April 20. —Senator Beveridge arrived here and left at noon yesterday for Philadelphia, where he delivers an address before the American Academy of Science. He spent the evening at the White House, talking books with the president, so he said. The senator will return to Indianapolis from Philadelphia. o ALLEN COUNTY BANK ROBBED Fort Wayne, April 20. Knight Bros.’ bank at Zanesville, this county, was robbed this morning. The robbers cut the telephone and telegraph lines to aid them in escaping.

A DISASTROUS FIRE Union Transfer Freight House Burned TOTAL LOSS ESTIMATED AT $9,000 From Five to Seven Thousand Dollars Worth of Merchandise Destroyed in a Few Minutes. A fire that proved very disastrous occurred at noon today at the transfer house located in the west part of the city at the junction of the three railroads, and as a result, the loss sustained was total. The building caught fire from sparks that were emitted by a passing Grand Rapids freight engine, and in a moment the large frame building was a mass of flames, and was beyond the control of the firemen, who for an hour played a steady stream of water on the building. The structure was a large frame building that had been constructed by the three railroads some years ago, and was used as a store house for transfer freight. Unfortunately at the time the fire broke out the house was filled with freight and merchandise and before anything could be taken from the building the fire was beyond control and the flames drove the willing workers back. The loss as estimated by the transfer man will reach anywhere from five to seven thousand dollars and the building loss will no doubt be two thousand, making the total loss sustained nine thousand dollars, which will undoubtedly have to be paid by the three companies. The fire destroyed the telegraph wires on the Clover Leaf line and also completely destroyed the section men's store house that was located just across the track from the transfer house, thus making another additional loss to this company. The noon passenger train on the Clover Leaf was delayed for fifteen minutes owing to the fact that the officials of the train were afraid to make the run through the flames, as another loss would have then been sustained. The fire was one of the most disastrous that has occurred in this city for some years, and it will take several thousand dollars to replace the building. The fire company did excellent work after arriving on the scene, and did much to keep the fire from spreading and doing further damage. o GAVE A DINNER Mrs.MillsSurprisedYoung Matrons Club POCAHONTAS LODGE MEETING Eagles and Ben Hurs Were at Fort Wayne Last Evening Attending Special Meetings. One of the most delightful events given this season was the session yesterday afternoon and evening of the young matrons club, when Mrs. Fred V. Mills acted as hostess, and proved a most charming one. During the afternoon the ladies held their regular session and at 5:30 their attention was called to something upstairs and when they came down they were most completely surprised to find their husbands had likewise accepted an invitation for dinner. A happy half hour ensued, and at six o'clock a delicious old fashioned dinner was served. The table was tastily decorated with cut flowers and the pretty home never appeared more beautiful. The eating contest proved an exiciting one, Mesdames J. H. Heller and T. M. Reid winning the prizes, a box of bonbons. Music and games, the latter consisting of a "boots and shoes" game and a “cut out” contest in which each guest was supposed to tear from a blank piece of a paper a representation of the animal, written thereon. Dr. Dick Neptune proved himself the champion, presenting a three hump camel. The i (Coninued on Page 3.)

Price Tuo^ ts

“UNCLE RUBE” MONDAY NIGh t Best Home Talent Show Ever Seen in Decatur. On Monday evening, April 22nd, at the Bosse Theater, a local company under the direction of Henry Thomas, will present “Uncle Rube,” a musical rural comedy in four acts. A chorus of young ladies, the pony quartette, and Mr. E. Hamilton Kilbourne and the members of the company will render the musical program of eleven numbers that was published in yesterday’s issue. The proceeds of “Uncle Rube” are for the benefit of the ladies aid society of the Christian church. The seat sale opens Monday the 22nd at 8 a. m. at the Holthouse Drug Co.’s Store. Tickets are 25c, with no extra charge for reserving them. “Uncle Rube” is a clean and wholesome comedy and the ladies guarantee your moneys worth. Remember the date April the 22nd. One night only.

COURT HOUSE NEWS Judge La Follotte Decides Fast Ditch Case MOTION TO DISMISS OVERRULED “Billie" Fronefield Fined Ten Dollars for Contempt of Court —Action Taken in Other Cases. Judge John F. LaFollette, of Portland was here today conducting various legal matters pending before him. In the Arthur C. Fast ditch case, brought here from the Allen circuit court, and which affects, Huntington, Whitley, Allen and Wells counties, all motions to dismiss the appeal were overruled, and the court refuses to confirm the report. This cause ordered certified back to the board of commissioners of Allen county to proceed in accordance with the law and that board orders viewers or drainage commissioners to file amended report. William Fronefield was brought before Judge Erwin to answer for contempt of court, he having violated a restraining order. Peterson and Moran appeared for him and filed an answer. He was found guilty and fined ten dollars. The divorce case was set for trial next Monday, April 22. Pearl Bixter vs. Peter Bixler, divorce; default of defendant; rule against prosecuting attorney to answer. Dyanis Schmitt, guardian vs. John Braun, partition; petition filed for order to pay judgment; summons ordered returnable April 30, for John Braun. Judge LaFollette assumed jurisdiction in the case of George A. Bohrer Brewing company vs. Harry Cordua et al; suit on bond, demand $650. Abraham D. Galentine vs. W. S. Hughes, contract; answer filed; interogatories filed; plaintiff ruled to answer under oath within ten days. R. O. Johnson vs. Christian Amacher et al; complaint for new trial; demurrer to complaint overruled. Fred Shafer et al vs. Decatur Oil and Gas company et al; all rulings to complaint heretofore made set aside; demurrer of Decatur Oil and Gas company overruled; separate demurrer of all defendants sustained as to first paragraph and overruled as to second. Separate answers of defendants Stone, Halle and Teeple; withdrawn by leave of court. Marriage licenses were issued today to Willis H. Landis, aged twenty, and Jennie E .Bright, aged seventeen; Orville C. Yaney, aged twenty-two and Ida E. Henschen. aged twentytwo. The parties live in Kirkland township. o Tom Railing left this morning for Ft. Wayne, where he will join the Ft. Wayne Shamrocks and go thence to South Bend, where they will play the Central league team today and Sunday. Tom is In excellent shape and promises to make the leaguers go some to defeat him.