Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 131, Decatur, Adams County, 1 June 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI. Number 130.

JOINT INITIATION WAS HELD

Knights of Columbus, 500 Strong Visited Decatur Sunday

ENJOYABLE HOURS Membership of Decatur and Huntington Council Each Increase Twenty-Three THE DAY’S PROGRAM Carried Out as Planned—A Buffet Lunch and Smoker in Evening j-Forty-six young men were initiated into the Knights of Columbus order at the big joint session of the Decatur and Huntington lodges held in this city Sunday. Half this number are now members of the Decatur council i No. 864 and half belong to Huntington No. 1014. The Sunday meeting was one of the most successful ever held in this section of Indiana and was attended by a crowd estimated at between 600 and 700. The tlrsr delegation to arrive was H. j. Yager, Grand Knight one at eight o’clock over the G. R. & I. from Richmond, Winchester and Union City, and numbering about sixty. Forty minutes later Huntington arrived with a crow of 150 and as soon as the march to the hall was made the first degree was given the candidates by the Decatur team, composed of H. J. Yager, grand knight; H. F. Costello, deputy grand knight; W. J. Bosse, chancellor and Nick Miller, v arden. In the meantime every train and every car on the traction line continued to bring in delegations and at 10:15 when W. J. Bosse formed the toys in parade line they numbered 406. They marched to St. Marys church where high mass was held at eleven o'clock. The big church presented a grand sight, every seat being taken and the audience was composed entirely of men. nearly all lodge members. The mass was sung by Father George after which Father Hanrahan, of Van k Wert, delivered the sermon, one of the most able and masterful addresses ever heard in this city. The sermon was listened to attentively and was a "S’ W. J. Bosse, Chancellor most appropriate one for the occasion. The St. Marys choir rendered a beautiful mass and the entire service was a most fitting one. Other delegations continued to arrive during the morning about luO coming from Fort Wayne, a number from Delphos, Lima, Ottoville, Toledo. eleven from Chicago, several from Detroit, Peru, Kokomo and various other places and when the lodge convened again at one o'clock the big

hall was simply packed. The second degree was given by Dr. H. Bruggeman and staff from Fort Wayne at 1:30 and at four o'clock William Kelley and his staff of able team mates .exemplified the third degree, a most impressive ceremony, thoroughly appreciated bycandidates and lodge men alike. The list of candidates who took the work included: Decatur candidates— Fred J. FullenAW H. F. Costello, Deputy Grand Knight kamp. Joseph A. Geimer, Clayson J. Carroll, Frank C. Bremekamp, Edward P. Miller. John Geary, Lewis Bentz, Peter Miller, Jacob C. Heiman, Ira J. Kinney, Ed J. Geis, Frank 11. Prover, Tony Miller, Alphonse C. Volmer, John Schurger, Wm. Hartings, Edward B. Kohne, George Deiner. Adam Buettal, John A. Didot, Edward C. Zeser, Frank Gillig, Edward M. Sether. Huntington candidates —Nicholas J. Allman, Henry Knope, Cornelius A. Bauer, Carl Becker, Frank M. Dages, Francis E. Eckert, Julius J. Eckert, John Foster, Frank Foster, Edward Guthier. George Hayes, Christian Hendricks, Philip Homier, Jacob Karst, Geo.*J. Kindler, Michael Leonard. Julius C. Lind, Wm. S. Moran, Edward Teusch. Wm. Young. Frank B. Young, Geo. J. Zahm, J. F. Tierney. At 7:30 o'clock in the evening a buffet luncheon and smoker was given at the hall and proved one of the delightful features of the day’s program. Short talks and toasts were delivered by a large number of knights including

- Nick Miller, Warden Father Wilken. Father Angermeier, D. D. Coffee and John C. Moran of this city, J. T. Tierney, of Huntington, Father Miller, secretary of the bishop's dioce?e, Fort Wayne; Father Hanrahan, of Van Wert, and numerous others. This session continued until about ten o'clock, every minute a pleasant one. Every part of the day’s events was well arranged for and great credit is due to Grand Knight H. J. Yager, his assistants and committees w r ho left nothing undone for the entertainment of the visitors who were all thorough gentlemen, a credit to any society and Decatur is certainly proud to have entertained them. May they come again and often. The knights of Columbus Council No. 864 was organized in Decatur in January, 1905, with forty-seven, members. At that time twenty-two Decatur men were members of the Fort Wayne council and they secured the necessary number for a charter aud Established the order here. E. X. Ehinger being chosen the first grand knight. Since that time the growth of the order has been marvelous, the twenty-three taken in Sunday making a total of 185 members.

WAS DEAD BROKE Earl Deeter. a Young Baker of this City, Pulled Off a Nervy Stunt HE HIRED A RIG At Fort Wayne this Morning and Made Get Away Before Time to Settle Stating that he would pay the driver when he reached Decatur, Earl Deeter, the young man who for several weeks has been employed as baker at the Prover Brothers’ restaurant, called at the Fulton livery barn on Main street at Fort Wayne early this morning and asked to be driven to Decatur, stating that he was scheduled to go to work this morning at four o'clock, James W. Hadsell at the barn consented to make the drive and when the rig approached the Peter Kirsch home, young Deeter stated that his father lived there and he would go into the house to get the money;. He dismounted the buggy and went to the front door where he made a noise, but as the occupants were asleep, they v.ere not aroused. The young man went around the house as if he would ask admission at the rear door, but he simply did this to make his escape from the driver as he w-as broke and unable to pay the six dollars which was to be charged by the livery man. Mr. Hardsell, the driver, waited outside for a short time and becoming impatient, he aroused Mr. Kirsch and asked him where his son was. Mr. Kirsch informed the driver that his son, a seven-year-old boy, was in bed and had been all night. Hardsell w-as not to be outdone by the youth and he at once notified the officers of the affair and Sheriff Meyer arrested Defter at Kramer’s house, where he was rooming. Deeter admitted his guilt and made satisfactory arrangements to pay the account and he was released. He will begin tvork at the People's restaurant tomorrow morning. o BE NO STAMPEDE The President Has Written Another Letter About the Matter HAVE ORGANIZED Currency Commission Have Early Begin Their Work Washington. June I.—President Roosevelt is determined no attempt shall be made to stampede the Chicago convention to him. He is worried by the situation in West Virginia, where a break has occurred in the delegation and where two of the states fourteen delegates have announced they will vote for him in spite of the Taft instructions. To head off this outbreak the president has written a friend In West Virginia asking him to counsel the delegates to heed their instructions. He says in this letter: “No friend of mine will vote for mq at Chicago.” Washington, June 1. —The currency commission appointed by Vice President Fairbanks and Speaker Cannon under the terms of the Aldrich-Vree-land bill held its first meeting Sunday, and while the meeting was only to organize, there was ageneral discussion of plans, and if the outline submitted by Senator Aldrich is perfected by the work of the commission the country will be given the benefit of such a thorough investigation and complete an exposition of currency and banking as it has never before received. Washington, June I.—Senator Culbertson of Texas five minutes before the adjournment of congress Saturday night presented resolutions thanking Vice President. Fairbanks for the able and impartial manner in which he has presided over the senate’s deliberations. Senator Gallinger of NewHampshire was in the chair and the resolution was at once agreed to.

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, Tune 1, 1908

NEWS FROM COURT HOUSE. A Marriage at Clerk’s Office—Other Items of Interest. A marriage license was issued to Fred Rae, twenty-one, and Daisy Galloway, eighteen, both of Blue Creek township. They were married at the clerk's o ce Saturday afternoon about 2:30 by Squire James H. Stone. Judge Macy, of Winchester, was here today conducting a short session of court in the Adams circuit. Judge Merryman is hearing issues in a big damage case. F. A. Peoples has deeded to John Kirsch part of inlot number seventy, Decatur, for $325.

IN DEATH’S SHADOW Mrs. Ernst Busche of Near Monroe Was Nearly Electrocuted Saturday STRUCK BY LIGHTNING She Showed No Signs of Life Whatever for Fifteen Minutes After Accident Miraculous in its result, and equally as sorrowful, was the awful accident which befell Mrs. Everett Busche, of near Monroe Saturday morning between the hours of ten and eleven o'clock, when, while eugaged in driving chickens into a coop she was stricken with a severe stroke . of lightning which caused an ugly cut in her head, rendering her unconscious as well. It was during the rage of the terrible electrical storm that Mrs. Busche and her husband were engaged in cooping the chickens and during the course of their work a sudden flash of lightning hurled Mr. Busche to the ground. He was, however, unhurt and hurriedly sprung to his feet whereupon he found his wife lying prostrate and unconscious on her back, showing no signs of life whatever. Otto Longenberger, the hired hand, being apprised of the perilous situation, hastily mounted a steed and while the woman was being conveyed to the house, he with uncovered head and clad in but scant summer clothing. dashed along the road for a physician, undergoing the severity of a heavy hail, electrical and rain storm combined, which threatened his life at every gallop. His perilous ride will never be forgotten by the Busche faming and their appreciation is inexpressable. The services of Drs. Parrish and Raye were secured and it was but a few moments before their arrival that the first signs of life were noticed in the motionless form of the striken woman. The physicians made a heroic effort to save the life of the woman, although but slight hopes were entertained during the course of the first hour they were at the home. Five stitches were taken to close the gash in the woman’s head and other medical aid administered which had its result and early in the evening Mrs. Busche had partially regained consciousness and at the present time her recovery is assured, although no one is able to explain how she escaped instantaneous death in consideration of the act that the electricity passed hrough her head, arms, breast and limbs and so severe as to tear her shoes and stockings to atoms, they falling off when she was picked up and when the husband reached her side, her clothing was still on fire. The fact that Mrs. Busche is still alive and that she will recover is remarkable indeed, in consideration of the amount of electricity which entered her body. o ST. MARYS TOWNSHIP TICKET. Jesse Steele for Trustee and James Archbold for Assessor. The Democrats of St. Marys township met in mass convention Saturday, May 23rd and it was one of the best politial meetings ever held in the township. The principal event of the meeting was the selection of a township ticket, resulting in the selection of Jesse Steele for trustee and James Archbold flor assessor. These men are both well known, are competent and will prove worthy foes for any Republican named in that township.

A NEW INTERURBAN Is Planned by the Farmers Between Berne and Bluffton LOOKS LIKE A GO Each Farmer Will Take Stock—May Be Extended to Celina To construct a traction line from Bluffton to Celina, Ohio, byway of Berne, making each land owner whose possessions the road will cross a stockholder in the company, is the plan of the farmers all along the proposed route from Bluffton to Berne, and several meetings have been held for the purpose of seeing in what attitude the plan is held. Up until the present every landowner to be affected in Wells and Adams counties have announced themselves to be favorable to the project and willing to become members of what will be known, if successful in organization, as the “Farmers’ Interurban Company.” The first step toward the final end was made Friday afternoon when Joseph, John and Jeahu Berger and Peter Neuenschwander, all of near Vera Cruz, and four of the leading men in the promotion of the new road, were in the city for the purpose of seeing whether or not it will be possible to borrow money for me big undertaking. They received the gratifying assurance that there will be no trouble in obtaining the financial backing and the above named gentlemen were back here again Saturday, conferring with i local attorneys. Whether the new company will attempt to build farther than Berne this summer the gentelmen are not yet able to say. They have made no effort to organize the farmers along the route across the state line, but think they will have no trouble in interesting them. If any farmer, across whose farm the line must cross, refuses to (Continued on page 2.) o OFFFOROKLAHOMA Otto Wemhoff Will Leave Tomorrow for the

Southwest TO REGAIN HEALTH He Will Be Joined by James Cunningham of Ft. Wayne on His Way Otto Wemhoff will leave tomorrow for Oklahoma, where he will make a several months’ visit in the hopes that his health may be benefitted thereby. Mr. Wemhoff will go from here to Fort Wayne and will be joined at that city by his friend, Mr. Jones Cunningham, wno is also leaving for different parts of Oklahoma and Kansas. Otto will go direct from Fort Wayne to Blackwell in, the northern part of the state of Oklahoma, where he will visit for some time with his uncle, Mr. James McLean, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in that city, and also expects to visit several parts of Texas and may permanently locate there. About two years ago Mr. Wemhoff was taken sick in the winter, his sickness developing into the nature of tuberculosis, settling on his spine, from which he has never fully' recovered, until about four months ago when he underwent a serious operation at St. Joseph’s hospital at Fort Wayne, from which he has entirely recovered, it being advised by his physicians to go west in the hopes of furthering his complete recovery. Mr. Wemhoff is one of our most popular young men in the city, he having formerly been employed at the Hensley jewelry store in this city serving in the capacity of clerk. We are safe in saying that his many friends wish him a safe and pleasant journey and success in his new home. —o Clarence Bremerkamp now’ has charge of the bowling alley on Madison street. If you enjoy good exercise that is the place for you to go.

HOME FROM NEW ORLEANS. B. H. Meyer Returns from a Three Months’ Trip. B. H. Meyer, one of the best known farmers of this county, arrived home Saturday from a three months’ trip through the south, having visited Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana. The greater portion of the time was spent in New Orleans and Mr. Meyers saw that old city from one end to the other. He saw many interesting (sights, studied the ways, laws and customs of the people and his descriptions are most interesting. o — MR. VESEY’S DEATH Well Known Pioneer of Fort Wayne Ends Life in Tragic Manner WHILE HOME ALONE Other Members Were Attending a Funeral—B. W. Vesey Committed Suicide Alone in his home, 1317 Maple avenue, ill and despondent on account of the infirmities of his age, Benjamin W. Vesey, aged seventy-nine years, one of the oldest and best known residents of this city, took his life yesterday by hanging himself to a rafter in the attic of his house; The body was discovered by a messenger sent from the home of Allen J. Vesey, his son, to summon the old gentleman to dinner. Not finding him in his accustomed place in the sitting room, a search was made, and in the attic, hanging by a rope to a rafter, with his feet touching the floor, was the body of Mr. Vesey. He had slowly strangled to death. There was no discoloration of the face, though the body was rigid and had probably been hanging several hours. The look on the face was peaceful and the hands

of Mr. Vesey were crossed on his breast. Miss Sallie Vesey, granddaughter of Mr. Vesey, was summoned and ran to the home. A physician was sent for, but on his arrival nothing could be done and life had been extinct for some time. Coroner Kesler was notified and after viewing the remains ordered them taken charge of by the undertaking establishment of Klaehn & Melching, who prepared them for burial. Several days ago Mrs. Scidmore, a niece of Mr. B. W. Vesey, died at a hospital in this city of cancer and the remains were brought to his home awaiting their removal to Plato, Ind., for burial. Mrs, B. W. Vesey, Judge Vesey. Allan Vesey and other members of the family left for Plato at 8:50 o'clock yesterday morning, leaving the aged man alone in the home. He had been ill for several years, but nothing was thought of leaving him in the house alone, as Miss Sallie Vesey, his granddaughter, and Mrs. Morrison, of Decatur, sister of Mrs. Vesey, were in the home of Allan J. Vesey .adjoining. Mr. Vesey arose at 5 o’clock yesterday morning and after the family had left for Plato he went to the home of Allan J. Vesey, where he was in the habit of going the first thing in the morning and getting the daily supply of milk for use in his home. Nothing was noticed in his manner that would in any way lead one to suspect that his sufferings were greater than on previous days. He made no complaint, but constantly commented on the death of his niece, Mrs. Scidmore. He was last seen by his granddaughter about 9 o’clock, and it must have been some time betw’een that hour and 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon that the rash act took place. Before making his preparations for taking his life Mr. Vesey wrote a note to his wife, in which he told her that his sufferings had become more than he was able to bear. The note was written with a trembling hand and was full of endearing messages for the loved one who had walked by his side for over fifty years and before whom he felt that he could no longer live (Continued on page 2.)

Price Two Cents

IN SACRED MEMORY Os the Dead Heroes Decoration Day Was Appropriately Observed FEAST OF RESPECT The Program Was Interesting from Start to Finish —D. E. Smith’s Address Fraught with the usual refreshing memories of the fearless and ever aggressive soldiers who fought nobly and without reserve for the welfare of our grand old country, Decoration Day was appropriately commemorated last Saturday by the people of Decatur and vicinity. It was a feast of profound respect from the time the exercises ensued until the closing of the interesting program with hundreds of Decatur people participating in the Impressive services which years ago placed the day on record as the most sacred of holidays. The personalities of the loyal American citizens give away to the soul inspiring patriotism characteristic to a free people when the old veterans attired in the “blue” form the line of march and with quick step, as of old, keeping time with the beautiful strains of that patriotic song, “The Star Spangled Banner,” lead a parade in which hundreds of people take part. To the aged, it brings back memories of the shot and shell, sickness, thirst and even death, while the generation of today who can scarcely realize the experiences of the veterans can but pay their tribute, unconscious of the price paid for freedom. The veterans, ladies of the W. R. C. and school children assembled at the G. A. R. hall in the morning, formed line and marched to the old Catholic and protestant cemeteries in the south part of the city, headed by the marshal and brass bands. Graves of dead heroes were decorated with beautiful flowers after which they returned to the hall where an elegant dinner was served to the veterans free of charge by the W. R. C. Again at one o'clock the line of march was formed, marching to the corner of Third and Court

■streets, where appropriate services were observed at the erected monument, in memory of the dead heroes, buried in the south. Promptly at 1:30 o'clock the participants of the parade marched to the court room where a very interesting program was in store. Dr. C. B. Wilcox delivered a short prayer after which a male chorus composed of D. W. Beery, H. Dellinge”, Alex. Bell. J. Q. Neptune and R. E. Peters rendered a vocal selection which was strikingly appropriate to the occasion. During the course of the remainder of the program a beautiful duet was charmingly executed by Dr. J. Q. Neptune and Mrs. C. B. Wilcox, a very pretty drill was given by the children of the W. R. C, under the direction of Mrs. Ed Lyons, a recitation was also delivered after which Attorney D. E. Smith, noted for his oratorical ability, gave a well prepared address. He traced the fighting spirit of the human race from its beginning. showing it to be inherent. He said: "It made itself known unto the new world at the very beginning of time.” Continuing, Attorney Smith emphasized the fact that the fighting spirit was founded on a basis of freedom and slavery was a national sin. and the fact that one’s sins will find him out applies to the nation as well as to the Individual and the rebellion paid the penalty. “In the future," he continued, “there is reason to believe that universal peace will reign. The conference at The Hague for destruction of implements of war voiced the sentiment of rhe world, ‘Peace on earth, good will toward all men. Short talks were then specifically delivered to the W. R. C. and G. A. R. by the able attorney in wl'icti he said their work is done, and it is but a question of time until they will pass to the great beyond. “According to statistics,” he continued, “ninety of the old guard die between the rising and setting of each sun. It was the ablest address heard in Decatur for many years, and in token of their appreciation of same the members of the Decatur post passed the following resolution: “Be it resolved by Sain Henry Post, No. 63. G. A. R., Decatur. Indiana, That we hereby tender to Hon. D. E. Smith a unanimous vote of thanks of this post for the pleasant, entertaining, earnest and eloquent address delivered to us on this occasion.”