Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 109, Decatur, Adams County, 3 May 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume V. Number 109

ROBBED BY REAL CROOKS Clover Leaf and Grand Rapids Depots Robbed Last Night

NOT MUCH MONEY One of the Robbers Landed by Bluffton Officers THE WORK OF PROFESSIONALS Night Agent Stoneburner Looked Into the Business End of an Ugly Looking Revolver. Decatur was visited last night by a gang of desperadoes and hold up men of the meanest type, and as a result two of the depots in our city were relieved of money amounting to nearly forty dollars and several mileage books. That th men were desperate and meant business was evidenced by the fact that they were heavily armed and flashed and flourished their guns in a reckless manner. From what is able to be learned the gang was composed of three men, all of whom must have been young as the description of two of the men are in the hands of the police, and they say they were of boyish appearance. That the city was harboring holdup men was first ascertained and learned by agent Babcock at the Clover Leaf, who, about eleven o’clock closed his office and went over to spend a few minutes with the agent at the Chicago and Erie depot. When Babcock went to the Erie depot he stepped in-

to the waiting room, which was dark, and sat down on a seat. He glanced through the window and saw a man acting suspicious and calling the agent they went outside and inquired what the man wanted and the fellow immediately started to act drunk and offered the boys a drink, which they refused, and the fellow sauntered off down the track west. Agent Babcock then returned to the Clover Leaf depot and then ascertained that he had during his absence been visited by robbers and relieved of five dollars and thirty cents in money and two mileage books. In looking around he found the men had effected an entrance by forcing the door and had undoubtedly left the building by the same route. Babcock at once summoned the police and they started an investigation. In the meantime the robbers must have gone to the G. R. & 1. depot and it was here that night

VERY DIRTY JOB Mrs. Smith Casts Odium on Cook Town SHE MADE THINGS BLUE Officers Dismantled Her Home Compelling Her to Seek New Shelter. The officers were notified to set the goods of Mrs. Ira Smith out in the street today, and deputy sheriff Butler, accompanied by constable Smith, went to her place of residence in Cooktown and proceeded to comply with the law. Mrs. Smith became enraged at the action and the air was dark blue for a square each direction from the emphatic language she used in denouncing the officers. However, they continued to vacate the house, regardless of her threats, placing her goods out in the street. The interior of the house was a sight to behold. Large pieces of tobacco that had been chewed could be found in any direc- , tion a person would look. Insects of some description could be seen scrambling in an effort to escape the strong arm of the law, and in fact it was a disgrace to any community. Where Mrs. Smith will locate is not known, but she is talking of going to Bluff ton. It is hoped that wherever she finds shelter hereafter, her household affairs will be conducted in a more cleanly and civilized manner.

agent Israel Stoneburner had an experience which he will no doubt remember for many days to come. Stoneburner was sitting in his office reading, which was about eleven-thirty o'clock, when he heard some one enter the waiting room of the depot. He paid no attention to this until some one tapped on the ticket window. Thinking It was some of the transfer men or other employees about the station, without hesitation he threw up the shutter and at once found himself staring into the mouth of what looked to be a young cannon, but which proved however, to be only a thirty-eight revolver, with a man standing behind the gun with a handkerchief over the lower part of his face. He was dressed in a dark suit of clothes and wearing a slouch hat. Stoneburner thought that some of the boys were playing a joke on him. and reached through the barred window and tried to grab the gun. The robber then gave vent to an oath saying you stand back or I will fill you full of holes, and it was then that he fully realized that the affair was no joking affair, but was a stern reality. He was informed that another robber was standing outside and that if he made a crooked move he would certainly be shot.

To assure himself that the fellow was not joking, Israel looked out the window and saw a man standing there with a gun leveled at him, but as to this man he could give no description. He was then informed that they wanted money and was instructed to hand out what cash there was in the money drawer, which he did without any hesitation turning over to Mr. Holdup man the sum of $25.25 belonging to the company. They then made a request that he turn over his own pocketbook, w’hich he did, there being a five dollar bill enclosed in this. With a kind good night and thanking him for the amount secured, the robber turned and fled. During the course of the holdup the telephone bell rang, but the men w’ould not let him answer it, but after they had gone he took down the receiver and was informed by agent Babcock that he had been robbed, and to be on the lookout. Stoneburner told him it was too late, as he had been touched and the men gone. The police were summoned immediately and a rigid search was made, but no trace of the nien could be found. The police then telephoned to Bluffton and other surrounding towns informing them of the transaction, and telling them to be on the

(Continued on page 2.) C. A. ROOP NOT AT FAULT. Burly Bartender Shot Him Without Cause. F. S. Rhoades, of Chicago Heights, Illionis, writes the Willshire Herald, the following explanation of the shooting of C. A. Roop, mentioned in this paper several weeks ago: In behalf of C. A. Roop, 1 wish to give the people of Willshire aud vicinity an idea of how he was shot, and also to Impress upon your minds it was not his fault, and caused to suffer in the way he is now suffering. On Sunday, March 10, ’O7, a quarrel arose between his brother, Jess Roop, and a Polish bartender aud as it was all uncalled for, he was talking and trying to pacify them and in so doing the bartender became frightened and thought he meant to make trouble and pulled a gun and stepped back three feet and shot. The ball — a 38-caliber —entered his right hip and went clear through. Three physicians attended him at first. For six weeks he has laid and suffered untold agony, and 1 am not able to say when he will be better. He is unable to move and lays there and suffers. o THEY LEARNED THEM ALL RIGHT Members of the Decatur Commercial club were in Marion yesterday afternoon to confer with W. H. Wiley, secretary of the Marion Commercial club, relative to locating a factory at Decatur. The visitors wanted to learn the methods of the local organization—Marion Leader. Miss Bess Bowers returned to her home at Peterson this morning after visiting friends in the city.

I GONE TO LINN GROVE. John W. McKean Will Live With His Son There. > John W. McKean is no longer a res- " ident of Decatur, having divided the household effects among the children save what he wanted for his own use. He has gone to Linn Grove, where he will take up his residence and live with his son, Dr. T. J. McKean. He leaves Decatur with the knowledge that many of our people are the most kind, hospitable and charitable on the J face of the earth, and he leaves only ' because he has to have a home. Durr ing the residence of both Mr. and Mrs. s McKean in this city they formed many J pleasant acquaintances, and in fact • they enjoyed their lives here better r than at any other place. The friends ! of Mr. McKean regret his moving ' away. arF disappointed I 1 Another Tribute to the Ability of Dr. Wilcox 1 r AT LAGRANGE THREE YEARS 1 - Success Characterized His Labors and Expressions of Regret When s He Left. Lagrange people, irrespective of ' church affiliations, were much disap- ! pointed when it w’as learned that Dr. ’ Wilcox would not return. There had 1 been general expression of the hope • that he might for another year, at ‘ least, carry forward the successful 1 work which had characterized his la- ' bors here the three preceeding years. ’ But other communities had learned of ’ Dr. Wilcox's success and peculiar fit- ’ ness, and no less than four charges, ’ paying from SIOO to S4OO per year ’ more than Lagrange, had not only 1 asked for his services, but had sent 1 delegates to the conference to urge 1 their claims. Among them were: Anr gola. Auburn,Wipchester and Decatur. 3 where he will receive a salary of ’ $1,500. Lagrange people are too much r interested in the welfare of Dr. Wilc cox to interfere with any movement 1 which tends to his material or spirit--1 ual advancement, and there will be ■ general hope that he may continue '• to grow in popular favor and useful--1 ness. It is believed that his succes--1 sor, Rev. Norris, who is recognized as 3 one of the ablest preachers in the conference, and who has filled some 1 of the best appointments in the con- ’ ference, will be able to carry forward •' the excellent work inauguarted by Dr. e Wilcox. Mrs. Wilcox, who has had ' charge of the music at the church, will be greatly missed. She is an ac- " complished musician, and has given her best efforts for the provision of the excellent music furnished at the t M. E. church—Lagrange Saturday Call. PROOF OF FISHERMEN’ SUCCESS 1. Allison and Waring Send Home Tarpon Scales. S D. M. Hensley received a letter from 0 R. K. Allison today. Tarpon, Texas, p enclosing in the envelope scales off t tarpon fish, with writing upon them s that designate the length and weight 0 of the victims of his hook and line. . Some of the scales are two inches in ■1 diameter, and the fish, from which , they were taken, weighed from 100 lbs. s to 156 lbs. Mr. Allison and L. C. (j Waring left here some time ago for 0 this place and the finny tribe is having a strenuous life in that lake. Ine asmuch as the scales from the fish (j have been received in evidence of _ their capture by these gentlemen, it j cannot be termed a fish story. s ° s CONDITION IS QUITE SERIOUS. r , ■■■ e Mrs. DeVilbiss Suffering from Results e of Auto Wreck. A postal from Mrs. Fannie Cole, of y Lancaster, Ohio, says that her mother, Mrs. Florence DeVilbiss, who was in- •. jured in an automobile wreck Sunday evening, is in a serious condition, , much worse than at first supposed. 1 The other members of the party are t improving and will probably recover. 0 The extent of Mrs. DeVilbiss' injuries .. will not be known fully for several days perhaps.

Miss Murray and Miss Barnett went to Ft. Wayne this morning to make a short visit with friends.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday, Evening, May 3, 1907.

A NINE MILE ROAD Petitioned for Along Wells County Line HAS LARGE NUMBER OF SIGNERS Filed in Wells County and Will Come Up for a Hearing Next MondayMorning—Will Probably be Built. Merriman & Dailey, attorneys, filed with the county auditor late yesterday afternoon a petition for a gravel road nine miles in length, running along the east line of Lancaster township the whole length, or six miles, and along Jefferson township for three miles. The road is to be a countyline road and will be paid for by the townships named and the townships of Preble and Kirkland in Adams county. The petition filed by the attorneys is signed by one hundred and sixty-five petitioners of the townships of Lancaster and Jefferson, and will come up before the board of commissioners at their regular May term, which begins next Monday. The proposed road includes five miles that was petitioned for some two years ago, but was never advertised, as the county auditor claimed one of the petitions, calling for three miles, was not a connecting link between two gravel roads, and the constitutionality of the law was brought upon the other petition calling for two miles. These petitions had been filed by John Barger and John Drum, and the matter of settlement is still in the hands of Judge Paulus, of Mariqn, who has, as yet, failed to give his decision. While the petition filed yesterday has all the earmarks of going through and the road being established, still should it fail, the standing of the cases still under consideration by Judge Paulus would not be thrown out and the people would still have a chance to get the five miles of gravel road. Should the board act favorable upon the petition in this county, notice will be served upon the commissioners of Adams county and a date will be made for a joint meeting to settle the matter. —Bluffton Banner.

COURT HOUSE NEWS Account Suit Comes from Wells County PEARL BIXLER GIVEN DIVORCE Lister Suit Postponed to Allow Deposition of Witness to be Taken—Sale Ordered in Receivership Case. A new case entitled Abraham Weil and Isaac W’ell vs. Charles F. Davison, suit on a written contract; demand $1,200, was filed here this morning on change of venue from Wells county. The defendant was an agent of Weil Bros, and authorized to buy Indiana wool during 1896. He is accused of having charged his firm in excess of the amount purchased and to have bought western wool instead of Indiana wool. The entire account is about $20,000, but the amount in controvery is $1,073.08. Olds & Niezer are attorneys for the plaintiffs. The divorce suit of Grace Lister vs. Thomas Lister, in which SSOO alimony is demanded, and to which the defendant is objecting, was set for trial today, but it developed that the testimony of Mary Wagner was necessary and her deposition was ordered taken on May 13th at her home on Decatur street. Pearl Bixler was granted a divorce from Peter Bixler, granted S2OO alimony and her name changed to Pearl Cook. Defendant was ordered to pay the costs of the case within sixty days. Noah A. Loch vs. Dirkson & Zwick, receivership, petition filed by receiver for an order to sell personal property and accounts and notes. So ordered after notice for one week in the Daily Democrat. Sale fixed for Saturday, May 11th. William B. Welty, guardian for Helen M. Baker, filed an Inventory, which was duly approved by the court.

RURAL RT. SALARIES ADJUSTED Nearly all in Indiana Will Receive the Maximum Scale. The postofflee department announced today that there are 1,565 rural carriers in Indiana who will receive the maximum salary of S9OO a year when the salary increase bill goes into effect on July 1. The total number of rural carriers in the state is 2,133. The schedule upon which the new classification is made is as follows: Twenty- i four or more miles the carrier will receive S9OO per annum; twenty-two to twenty-four miles, $864; twenty to twenty-two miles, $810; eighteen to twenty miles, $720; sixteen to eighteen miles, $630.14; fourteen to sixteen miles, $540; twelve to fourteen miles, $504; ten to twelve miles, $468; eight to ten miles, $432; six to eight miles, $396. This is an increase all along the line from 9 to 24 per cent. ANOTHER DINNER Given for Mrs. Smith of Columbus, Ohio LAST ONE OF THE SEASON , i Leo Sprunger Was Surprised in Honor < of His Birthday—The Wyatt-Sum- , mer Wedding. 1

A very interesting meeting of the Ladies’ Aid and Ladies’ Missionary societies were held at the home of Mrs. Harvey Schroll yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock. There were no business matters to discuss, therefore the afternoon was pleasantly spent in a social manner and the luncheon which was served was delicious. The guests numbered forty-five. There will be a special meeting of the Masonic lodge this evening. All members are asked to be present. A wedding that has ben kept quiet for some time was that of Samuel Wyatt, which occurred last Sunday evening at 5 o’clock at the home of L. Brokaw. Mr. Wyatt and Miss Lillie M. Summers were the contracting parties. Rev. Kissinger of the United Brethren church performed the ceremony that made them man and wife. The ring service was used. Mr. Wyatt had his home on Fifth street nicely furnished, and the happy couple took immediate possession after the marriage. The Democrat with their many friends extend their congratulations to the happy couple. The third and last of the series of dinner parties given in honor of Mrs. Tena Smith, of Columbus, Ohio, was given by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Heath, at their lovely country home near Bobo Sunday noon. The dinner — well, you ought to have been present to appreciate it, for pen fails to describe it. Mrs. Heath proved to be a charming hostess. Games and music were indulged in by old and young. During the afternoon Mr. Moser, of Decatur, took a photograph of the group. The guests returned to their homes during the evening time. Those who were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Heath were: Messrs. Henry Ehresman, Beason Shaffer, Oscar Ainsworth, John Rash, Wm. Trim, John Trountner, Isaac Rash, Wm. Hitchcock, W. E. Miller, Wm. Bunner,i Zekiel Troutner and their families; Messrs. Jake Heath, John Aults, Nelson Heath, John Perk; Mrs. Mary Ault, Miss Mae Troutner. Leo Sprunger was surprised last evening at his home on First street by his friends. It was his sixteenth birthday. The evening was spent in playing progressive peanut. First prize being won by Inez Snellen and booby prize by Ada Murray. During the evening a delicious lunch was served by Miss Florence Sprunger. Those present were the Misses Ada Murray, Bernice Dailey, Inez Snellen, Marie Bohnecht, Lucie Cusac and Messrs. Weaver, Bruce Patterson, Troy Babcock, Alfred Gentis. o— It is expected that about 700 delegates will attend the foruteenth annual state convention of the Catholic Benevolent society, which will be held here May 11-13. The sessions will be held in St. Mary’s school hall. Mr. Peter Nussbaum, of this city, will, it is expected, be elected treasurer of the organization.—Ft. Wayne JournalGazette.

THE ADAMS COUNTY ROADS Another Chapter by a Member of the Ladies Historical Club

THE WAYNE TRAIL Road Building has Progressed for 70 Years AN INTERESTING ARTICLE Adams County is Now Unsurpassed in Well Built and Splendid Macadam Roads. Within one-half generation a dense wilderness has been transformed into a garden by the untiring efforts of industrious people. The trails of Indians and hunters have given way to roads for conveyances of every description. The record of this change is history. For seventy years the energetic people of Adams county, by their zeal and energy, have been maKing roads that are second to none. In August, 1794, Wayne's army passed through Adams county. Every old settler is acquainted with the “Wayne trail” or “Wayne trace.” It is the ancient landmark of the county and its permanence was caused by the slow advance of his aray. The second road in the county was made sometime after Wayne’s march and prior to 1818. It connected Ft. Wayne and Fort Recovery and angled through the county from southeast to northwest, passing over the present site of Decatur. Military supplies were transported over this road. In 1833 the old Winchester state road, leading from Winchester to Ft. Wayne was laid out and opened. After the organiaztion of the county of Adams, Jan. 23, 1836, the governor, in conformity to law, issued a writ of election for the necessary county officers, the first Monday in April, 1836, at which time Jehu S. Rhea, Samuel Smith and Wm. Heath, Sr. were elected county commissioners in and for said county. This board met May 10, 1836 and transacted business pertaining to county affairs and appointment of road supervisors. The county had been previously organized in two civil townships. Root township, including the north quarter of the county and St. Marys including the south three quarters. It was ordered that Root township be divided in two road districts; to-wit, all of the township on the east side of the St. Marys river shall form road district number one and Johnathan Roe was appointed supervisor and all west of said river shall form district number two and William Ball was appointed supervisor. Ordered that St. Marys township be divided in two districts.

All that part of the township which lies east of the St. Marys river shall form district number one aud Esaias Dailey be appointed supervisor and all that part west of said river shall be district two, and Thomas Ruble be appointed supervisor. It was deemed necessary to have a “seat of justice” and four persons, Wm. Stewart, J. H. McMaken, Robert Hod and Wm. G. Johnson were appointed locating commissioners. met at the house of John Reynolds and notified the proprietors of town sites to hand in their proposals for the location of a seat of justice. After due deliberation the site offered by Thomas Johnson was permanently established as the county seat of the county of Adams, and thereupon proceeded to the town site marked a white oak tree about two feet in diameter with blazes on four sides on each of which the commissioners subscribed their name. Just as there are (or were recently) counties in new states where not a mile of road is to be found, so it was in Adams county at this time (with the exception of the “trails" heretofore mentioned), where neither railroad or highway nor even paths connected trading posts, and where distance was great it was out of the question for man to travel either in a wagon or on a horse, or on foot were it not for the old-time tavern. At this time vendors of liquors and groceries made their appearance and all were compelled to pay a license,

Price Two Cents

also the proprietors of the taverns. Nearly every other house between Decatur and Ft. Wayne was a tavern, the following being the most popular: Evans, Oakland, Ashland, Middletown, Nine-Mile and Lily-House. The weary vender or homeseeker was glad to be sheltered for they could travel a whole day around a swamp and at night be within a stone’s throw from whence they started. Very frequently they would wade through the swamp rather than go around. On Feb. 6, 1837, Esaias Dailey road commissioner filed his report with the county offiicials and show’ed that he had received from the agent of the three per cent fund the sum of SIOOO, after which he proceeded to advertise the work to be done on the roads which he was directed by the board of commissioners to put under contract and proceed to sell the same to the lowest bidder. The following work w T as ordered to be done; to-wit, the cutting and clearing of the Manheim and Willshire state road and that part of the Richmond and Ft. Wayne state road as lies north of the town of Manheim. The work was contracted for, for $412. The work of the Piqua and Ft. Wayne state road was also put under contract.

These were the first expenditures in Adams county on account for roads. The 27-mile-creek bridge was ordered constructed for $272.50, also the 17-mile-creek bridge for $99.50. March 7, 1837 —two hundred dollars were appropriated out of the three per cent fund for a bridge across the principal channel of Boram’s run or cottonwood swamp and the swail adjoining on the Richmond and Ft. W’ayne state road. The said bridge to be constructed of large timbers so that the whole improvement shall reach across th eswamp and the rereach across the swamp and the reworst places shall be bridged. At this time two hundred dollars were appropriated to each state road, as there were several, but space will not permit of mentioning each one. This money was to be expended for bridges over the principal streams, especially where mills were located. May 1, 1837, the first county road was ordered constructed where the Richmond and Ft. Wayne state road crosses the Wabash, thence to Simeon Rodgers at Miller's prairie and thence to state line and John Cotterbin, Zachariah Smith and Esaias Dailey be appointed viewers. At this session all the timber was ordered removed from the Piqua and Ft. Wayne state road that lies in Adams county and a bridge be built across the stream (Continue don page 4.) TESTINGTHELAWS Many of the New Acts are Under Fire SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE The List Includes the Two-Cent Fare, Railroad Laws, Anti-Saloon Acts and the Sunday Barber Law. After a state legislature sets about and enacts about 300 new laws on the statute books, then the courts set about and set a considerable number of them aside. Already either suits have been instituted. or promise is made of the institution of suits to test the constitutionality of a dozen or fifteen of the most important measures passed by the last general assembly. In some cases the suits have started; in others while there is no suit now pending, arrangements are being made for such suit. Perhaps the one of the greatest interest is the suit filed in the federal court to test the two-cent fare law. This suit, filed by Anna M. Boyle, is against a little southern Indiana road by the name of the Louisville, New Albany & Corydon, a line eight miles long, that runs between Corydon and Corydon Junction. As this little road (Continued on page 2.)