Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 99, Decatur, Adams County, 22 April 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Volume V. Number 99

DEAD IN HIS HUT Nicholas Gasser Dies From Unknown Cause CORONER RETURNS HIS VERDICT Says Death Was Result of Epileptic Fit—Foul Play Was First Theory Bitt This is Not Believed. Berne Ind., April 22. —Nicholas Gasser, an eccentric old hermit, who lived alone in a little hut on Main street, was found dead this morning. Kneeling over his bed in an attitude of prayer, his hat removed, but otherwise dressed as he had entered the room, his face and body presented a ghastly appearance when Charles Brown, a drayman, found him at 6:30 o’clock this morning. No one had seen the old man for three or four days and it is supposed his death occurred probably on Thursday or Friday, though one person claims to have heard his or some one else talking in the house on Saturday night. A small wound on the cheek looks much like a bullet wound, and many believe that the old hermit was murdered by some one who believed he had money. Others think he died from heart trouble with which he had been afflicted for many years and much interest is manifested in the result of the coroner’s inquest, which will be held today. Dr. Grandstaff having been summoned at once. Gasser has a peculiar character and was known to every one about here as the hermit. Formerly he was fairly well off. but was imposed on, lost his property and for several years had lived by peddling goods from house to house. Charley Brown was to do some work for him today and called early to begin. He knocked at the front door and receiving no response, went to a side window. Looking through he saw the lifeless form of the old man lying across the bed. He secured assistence and they entered the house. Nothing had been disturbed and it is generally believed that he died from natural causes, as no ransacking for hidden treasures seem to have been done. He was sixty years old and had lived in Berne for many years. A brother who lives in the Numenese (Coninued on Page 3.) ROBBED A SALOON Smooth Job at C. D. Murrays Place THIEF ENTERED FRONT DOOR Used a Key, Secured Forty Dollars and Left via of the Back Door

Route— Police Have a Clue. A bold thief entered the Murray saloon late Saturday night or earl? Sunday morning and relieved the cash drawer of about S4O. The mysterious part of the affair is that not a door was broken in and the thief could not have made his entrance in anyway except through the front door. The back door was found unbolted so the burglar made his escape that way, leaving no clue whatever of his identity. Saturday night, was the first time - lr. | Murray has left money in the drawer tar several years, and it seems that the party or parties who did the « w’ere aware of the fact that the diaw er contained money on this particu ai night and took advantage of the situation. A strong effort will be ma e to locate the thief. Suspicion pomts strongly to a young man who had tie opportunity and whose past recor proves him capable of just su< 1 turn. Mrs. Laura Cretcher, residing near Pierceton, has become un ia anced mentally. The unfon——woman cherishes the belief that sonn time In her childhood she sinned to such an extent that now the sins o the entire world are charged up to her.

SAFETY FOR RAILROAD TRAINS A Spokane Man Says He Has Such a Device. Spokane. Wash., April 22. —Prof. S. H. Suave, an electrical expert, and George Ott, railway signal builder, have perfected a device to give greater safety to trains on railroads, eliminating the signals now used to designate danger. The invention, for which application for a patent has been made, calls for three wires, where they follow the track. One is for telephone connection, the second for operating semaphores, the third for the lights. In the day time the semaphores will be hooded, dropping in case of danger; at night, the exposed lights will mean clear track; lights out, danger. Thus if a train should get away from the dispatcher he could cut off the current, shutting out the lights. In landslides, washouts, fallen trees or broken bridges, the current will be broken, thus working the signals automatically to indicate danger. o TWO SUNDAY FIRES Cause Slight Losses to Residences WERE SOON UNDER CONTROL Homes of Dr. J. S. Coverdale and Auditor C. D. Lewton the Scenes of the Blazes. Two Sunday fires caused a little excitement and some damage, each being controlled however, before much headway was gained. The first alarm was turned in just at noon. A small blaze in the roof of Dr. J. S. Coverdale’s residence, south Third street, being noticed. Within a few moments and before the first company had time to respond, the fire was put out by volunteers. At five o’clock in the afternoon, a neighbor lady saw smoke coming from the kitchen at Auditor C. D. Lewton’s home on north Second street. She gave the alarm and several men ’"ho happened to be near lent assistance, controlling the fire to such an extent that when Chief Helm and his men arrived they extinguished the flames with but little trouble. This fire originated from the cook stove, where the gas had been unintentional.y leit on. When the pressure came on the stove got so hot that the walls were blistered and a box of matches on a cabinet, clear across the room were set off causing the blaze. The cabinet was ruined and some other damage done, causing a loss of about SIOO. A very serious fire was averted only by the quick work of the early arrivals on the scene. MRS. WILCOX IS A MUSICIAN Her Club at LaGrange Will Miss Her Assistance. The LaGrange correspondent to the Sunday Journal-Gazette said: Lagrange, Ind., April 20.—1 t has been arranged for the new pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church to fill his pulpit in the city for the Sabbath. He arrived from his former charge at Winchester this evening, and will be the guest of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Bastian for his temporary stay. He will return the early part of the week and arrange for moving permanently. The Rev. C. B. Wilcox left on the forenoon train for his new work at Decatur and will fill the pulpit Sabbath day. On his return in the early part of the week he will also change to his new home In the Fort Wayne district. The members of the Bay View club, of this city, made a pleasant evening call on Mrs. C. B. Wilcox at her parsonage home last night, and as memory token presented a very choice cut glass vase. Mrs. Wilcox has been one of the most helpful members of the reading circle, and her going out to her new field of labor causes deep regret by all. She will be greatly missed in the musical circles of the city as well, for Lagrange never had a more accomplished singer and helpful worker along musical lines than this estimable lady has proven. o If the present weather continues to prevail, the sight of a farmer in the city will be a scarce thing, as every one of them will be busy planting and sowing their oats. Usually the oats sowing is done long before this time, but the recent bad weather made sowing out of the question.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday, Evening, April 22, 1907.

IN THESOUTH Hitchcock Looking After Politics There RE ADJUSTING SERVICE AND PAY Railroads Reduced Fifteen Per Cent for Carrying the Mails—Other News. Washington, April 22. —The discovery that Frank Hitchcock, first assistant postmaster-general, is in the south conferring with Republican politicians, has revived the talk here to the effect that the president evidently intends to keep his hand on the political throttle. Yesterday Hitchcock saw the federal officeholders in Georgia, as well as the chairman of the Republican state committee, and today he was to go into South Carolina. Recently stories have come out of these two states to the effect that Senator Foraker was moving to capture the state delegations to the next national convention. Hitchcock is visiting the postofflees in the larger cities of the tw'o states, but dispatches say he is putting in most of the time conferring with the politicians. The president’s interference in various states is the subject of a good deal of comment. He is now out in the open so far as his own state, New York, is concerned. No concealment is made at the white house of the fact that he intends to use every means within his power to whip into submission the faction in his party in New York that is disposed to oppose him. Washington, April 20. —The postoffice department has begun the work of re-adjusting the pay of the railroads for carrying the mail in accordance with the action of Congress and the order of the postmaster-general issued soon after Congress adjourned. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, the reduced pay will be effective in only one weighing division, the central division, of which Indiana is a part. The reduction in this division will amount to about 15 per cent. The railroads in Indiana. Ohio, Illinois and the other states in the division are still protesting against the reduction, but it is announced at the department that no

attention will be paid to these pro--1 tests. Threats are still being made to take off a large number of mail trains after the order becomes effective. o A SUDDEN DEATH Mrs. Dykeman, Died Yesterday Afternoon SICK BUT A FEW DAYS Was Only Eighteen Years Old—Leaves Husband and a Few Days’ Old Babe—A Sad Death. Mrs. Annie Dykeman, aged eighteen years, died Sunday afternoon at two o’clock at her home near the Chappel church on the Dykeman farm, after an illness of a week’s duration, death resulting from septic poison, the result of child birth. She was one of the best known young people in that part of the county and was formerly Miss Kittie Nidlinger, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. ohn Nidlinger, and her untimely death is mourned by all who knew her. She was a bright young woman and was a leader among her associates and was beloved by all who knew her. The funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Chapel church, of which she was a member. Rev. D. B. Kissinger officiating and interment will be made in the De- aiur cemetery She leaver a husband, an Infant baby and a father and mother to mourn their loss. 11l but a fw days, her untimely death has caused the deepest sorrow and the loved ones are heart broken over the sad affair. — o Mrs. DeVilbiss and daughter, Mrs. Fannie Cole, who have lived at Lancaster, Ohio, for several years will return to Decatur to live. Their household goods will arrive this week and they will follow in a few days.

PREACHED HIS FIRST SERMON Rev. C. B. Wilcox at the Methodist Church Yesterday. Rev. C. B. Wilcox delivered his initial sermon at the Methodist church Sunday morning before a congregation that filled the large auditorium and a part of the Sunday school room. Rev. Wilcox, while showing tiie effects of an attack of lagrippe. delivered an excellent and entertaining sermon. He has a well modulated voice, speaks well and has already made a warm place for himself among the Methodists of our city. His family will arrive from Lagrange the latter part of the week, and in a fewdays thereafter they will be domiciled in the parsonage property, and for a year, at least, will be residents of our city. Much regret is being expressed by the many Lagrange friends of both Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox, in the fates that moved them from Lagrange. o _ HAS PENDED FOUR YEARS. Fast Ditch Case Commented on by the Sentinel. By the decision of Special Judge Lafollette, of Portland, sitting in the Adams circuit court at Decatur today, the decision of the Allen county commissioners is reversed, and they were ordered to proceed with the construction of the Fast or Little ditch, a tremendous drainage enterprise affecting four counties which has been pending in the courts since 1903. The proposed ditch, petition for which was filed in Allen county four years ago, is designed to start in Eel River township, Allen county, and traversing the Little river region extends to within 1,700 feet of the corporate limits of the city of Huntington. With its branches it embraces more than thirty miles of ditch constuction, and affects hundreds of propety owners in Allen, Huntington, Wells and Whitley counties. When the petition was filed ’t aroused a lively warfare in several of the other counties, and in one or two instances point to viewers appointed in those counties declined to serve. After prolonged consideration the Alien county commissioners decided against the improvement. It was then appealed to the circuit court, and later was sent to Decatur on a change of venue. Judge Lafollette’s decision in effect reverses the decision of the

Allen county board, rends ttm eve back with instructions to the viewers to amend and perfect their report and to the county commissioners to proceed with the construction of the ditch. —Saturday Fort Wayne Sentinel. ALFHEUS ROOP A SOLDIER Former Employe of this Office Writes from Fort Sheridan. Fort Sheridan, 111.. April 18, 1907. Daily Democrat, Decatur: I am in the regular army, the light artillery, the hardest branch of service. But as I am with the 21st battery, I am going to stick it through no matter what comes. I receive your paper daily and like to read it sometimes when everything is dull and dead. I read It through two or three times. I like this post because I am close to home. This battery leaves here May 15th for Indianapolis. We are going to March through and it will take perhaps ten or twelve days to get there. There are about 70 or 80 men in this battery, about half the real number there ought to be. There is a regiment of infantry here, also four troops of cavalry (colored). They leave here the 23rd of April for the Philippine Islands. We have a road march about every day now; it may last up till time we leave here. We are going to Indianapolis to do a little parading and fire some salutes. I suppose, as the president will be there at the unveiling of Gen. Lawton’s monument. We will have a review. The different regiments of infantry will be there also, and the Home Guard and Militia Battery. Will close for this time. Alpheus M. Roop. Fort Sheridan, 111. Sunday was the first time during the month of April that the sun came out in the morning and remained out all day. This is a record breaker for this usually warm month, and the oldest citizens have marveled at the same. From all appearances today the sun has made its appearance and will stay for a few days and warm weather is thus assured.

AFTER FOUR YEARS Judge Erwin Will Likely Find No Change TERRELL HAS NOT IMPROVED A Dispatch from Richmond Says He is Still Insane and no Evidence of Improvement. A correspondent at Richmond sends out the following: It has been four years since John W. Terrell, of Bluffton, tried and convicted for the murder of his son-in-law, Melvin Wolfe, was declared insane and placed in the Easthaven Indiana hospital for the insane, west of this city. Terrel does not seem to have improved. He sits with bowed head in his chair or walks feebly across the floor of his ward, never uttering a word except in response to a question, and then answering in a listless and generally unintelligent manner. The doctors do not think he .is feigning insanity, despite the views of some people in Wells county who are trying to bring the murderer to trial again on a new indictment returned since his confinement in the hospital began. Dr. S. E. Smith, medical superintendent of the hospital, said yesterday that he had read in the newspapers that Judge R. K. Erwin, of Decatur, intended to pay a visit to Terrel in order that he might be better enabled to rule intelligently on points now pending in the case. Dr. Smith, however. ha# not been officially notified of the coming of Judge Erwin, nor has there ever been received any official communication from the court relative to the new indictment. Terrel stands in tne same relation to the medical superintendent today that he did the first day he was received in the institution. He is convicted murderer none the less because of his being transferred to the hospital for the insane, and should his recovery take place he would be returned immediately to Bluffton to face trial on the new indictment. The medical staff at the Eastern Indiana hispital was convinced of Terrel’s mental unsoundness almost as soon as he became an inmate five years ago. They are just as much convinced today as they then were. In fact Terrel’s condition practically has been unchanged, except for increased feebleness. His chances for liberty

would be much better were he not an inmate of the hospital, but were confined in the Michigan City prison. TO RfEAfIFoW Big Success Assured the Home Talent EVERY SEAT TAKEN EARLY And Performance Tomorrow Night Made Necessary—The Cause a Good One. That “Uncle Rube” will be the greatest success of any home talent production ever given in Decatur is evidenced from the fact that before nine o’clock this morning every seat in the house had been taken and over a hundred were unable to secure seats. As a consequence, it was decided to repeat the performance tomorrow night and another packed house is assured. Those holding tickets for tonight and unable to have them reserved, may hold them for tomorrow night or those whose seats call for the extra chairs may wait for tomorrow’s performance and have a good seat marked. While those in charge regret this inconvenience, still they are glad of the success and as the cause is a good one believe that every one will show the right spirit. If you can’t get a seat tonight, get one for Tuesday’s show. Those who have witnessed the rehearsal say the performance far exceeds anything ever given here. The ladies of the Christian church deserve your help in making both these performances the success now apparent and they heartily thank the public for their patronage. The seat sale for the second show opens at seven o’clock tomorrow morning at the Holthouse Drug Store. Price, 25c. Children under fifteen years, 15c.

FRANK COTTON WAS ARRESTED Charged with “Plain Drunk”—His Father Paid the Fine. Marshal Green has been carrying a warrant for the arrest of Frank Cotton for several days, but not until yesterday did he have a chance to arrest the young man. Cotton was about to board a Clover Leaf for Bluffton when Green nabbed him. Green then telephoned to Cotton’s father at Bluffton, who assured the officer that he would be here this morning to pay the fine, consequently Frank was released. The charge was public intoxication. 0 AMMONIA DIDN’T STOP HIM New York, April 22.—Dr. Charles Carnac awoke early this morning and saw a burglar robbing his home. He showed fight and the intruder shot him with an ammonia gun. Though blinded by the fumes he chased the burglar many blocks and finally saw him landed in jail. A LITTLE SOCIETY Menu-Ate Club Enjoy Six O’clock Dinner MRS. HARPER A GUEST Mrs. Mereness Gone to California— The Shakespeare Club Closing—

Other Events. Miss Edna Hoffman charmingly entertained the members of the MenuAte Club Saturday evening at a six o’clock dinner in compliment of her sister, Miss Emma Hoffman, who is at home visiting for a short time. Mrs. Harry Harper, of Fort Wayne, was the geust of Mrs. Earl Parker over Sunday. Mesdames and Messrs. W. F. Cross, J. H .Daniels, H. W. Cross and Mr. Mereness attended Mrs. Mereness as far as Marion and spent the day. Mrs. Mereness then left for California, where she will make here home and as soon as Mr. Mereness settles up his business affairs he will follow her. The Shakespeare ladies are busy with the arrangemests for their closing of the club season which occurs at the library on Friday evening. Many visitors, some of them from out of the city, will be present. These events are always among the most pleasant of the social season. o FAMOUS ACTRESS TO QUIT STAGE Will Wed a Rich New Yorker and Tour the World. London, April 22.—1 am going to soon be “the lady in the box,” said Edna May today. I retire from the stage April 25th to become the wife of Oscar Lewisohn. of New York, and we are going to tour the world. If I ever go back on the stage it will be to play straight comedy as that has always been my ambition, but I never expect to see that ambition realized now. o MILLIONAIRE GAMBEL IS DEAD Effort at Suicide Finally Proved Successful. New York, April 22.—Benedict Gambel, the Philadelphia millionaire merchant, died today as a result of his efforts on his own life, after being arrested a few days ago, charged with misconduct with a young boy. When arrested he tried to bride the police to let him go. His sister who says he is suffering from insanity from overwork was with him when he died.

BOGUS LORD MUST DIE.

Supreme Court of United States Refuses to Interfere. Washington, April 22. —Lord Barrington, sentenced to death in St. Louis must die. The supreme court today dismissed the case on the error whereby it was sought to have the case reversed. Barrington is known as the bogus English lord, who married a St. Louis society woman, which marriage was afterwards annulled. Later he killed a well known horse man, James McCarm, and was sentenced to die. o John Banta, of Willshire was a business caller to our city today.

Price

COURT HOUSE NEWS Two New Cases Were Filed This Morning FRONEFIELD DIVORCE CASE Tried this Morning Before Special Judge Liitz—No Decision Rendered —Bixler Divorce Case Set for Trial. A marriage license was Issued Saturday evening to John Brothers, aged twenty-two, of Rivarre, and Ella V. Dibble, aged twenty, of this city. A junk dealer’s license has been issued to Samuel Wyatt of this city. Sammy also served notice that he would sometime this week file application for a marriage license, but he prefers that nothing be said about that just now. Merryman and Sutton are attorneys for Christian W. Boknecht in a new suit filed against William Cardua to collect on account of $525. John Zant has filed suit against Albert Gage to collect a note, demand $270. F. M.Cottrell, of Berne, ap-, pears as attorney for the plaintiff. In the case of Malinda Fronefield vs. William Fronefield, the defendant filed a motion for a change of judge, which was sustained and Hon. C. J. Lutz appointed. The evidence was heard this morning but no decision was rendered. Daniel B. Ford vs. Smith Shoemaker et al, appearance by D. E. Smith for defendants; ruled to answer. This is a $4,000 damage case. R. D. Patterson vs. Christina R. Niblick, admx., claim $87.50; amended claim filed; summons ordered returnable May 4th for Fred and Chalmar Schafer. Pearl Bixler vs. Peter Bixler, divorce; set for trial. Friday, May 2nd. Dyonis Schmidt, guardian, vs. John Braun; plaintiff’s attorney allowed $25.00. o Four bids were filed on the construction of the Shoemaker school house east of the city; J. B. Clark, Bluffton. $3,500; J Lichtenberger & Co., $3,244; E. T. Hawley, Ossian, $3,823; Staufer & Neuenschwander, Berne, $3,186. Staufer & Neuenschwander got the contract. —Bluffton News. o A LARGE FUNERAL Remains of Henry Hilderbrand Laid to Rest WAS A POPULAR CITIZEN Wealthiest Man in Kirkland Township and Universally Loved and Respected. The last sad rites over the remains of Henry Hilderbrand were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2:30 oclock from the German Reformed church at Mayley, Rev. Snyder officiating. It was one of the largest funerals ever held in the county, one hundred and thirtyfive carriages forming the cortege, which left Hilderbrand house at two o’clock. The deceased was the wealthiest man in Kirkland township and was very popular all aver the county. Kind and generous, a splendid citizen and a noble man in every respect, he will be sadly missed. Besides a wife, he leaves three daughters, two sons, a half brother and a half sister. Mrs. Ernest Schlickman of this city. He was fifty-four years old and had been in rather poor health for many years, suffering from a nervous malady. About a year ago his youngest daughter died, since which time he has failed very rapidly, for the past six months his condition having been serious. A party of sixteen relatives and friends from Fort Wayne came down to attend the funeral and while here were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Schlickman.