Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 6, Number 311, Decatur, Adams County, 31 December 1908 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VI. Number 311.

A SUDDEN DEATH Aged Decatur Citizen Died Suddenly at Scheiman and Butler Barn HAD HEART TROUBLE Was Sitting by Stove in Office and Expired in Few Moments Life’s uncertainty has again been T'.vidy exemplified in the unexpected, sorrowful demise of Jesse Butler, one of Decatur’s most highly respected citizens, which occurred at the Schelman and Butler livery barn yesterday afternoon at four o’clock. Wholly oblivious of pie near approach of the death angel, the aged man entered the (office of the barn a few moments beIfcre four o’clock seemingly in the best of health and jovial as he was always known to be. He occupied a chair near the stove where for some (time he sat In a reclining position as one seeking repose from the day’s labor. Long and audible respirations from the man attracted the attention of "Bub”’ Burrell, who was sitting in the office, and one look at the form was sufficient to convince him that the death knell was being sounded as a (■signal for the close of a long and use fnl life. Alarm w’as given and but a few moments elapsed until a throng [of curious people had gathered to see Mr. Butler in his dying moments. A physician was hastily summoned but before his arrival the spark of life had become extinct, and the soul of [the well known man had been ushered (into eternity. The body was removed to the home of Mrs. Mary E. Elzey, daughter of the deceased. The decedant was born near Richmond, Wayne county, Indiana, February 16, 1824. In early life he immigrated to Page county, lowa, where he resided until 1861, when he moved to Adams (county and took up his abode on a [farm in Root township, which he ownbed at the time of his death. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Davenport,and to this happy union were born twelve children, eight of whom survive to mourn the loss of a loving father. The mother dielk November 13, 1899, after which Mr. Butler removed to Decatur, and engaged in the horse business, which avocation he has since followed, making his home with his daughter. The demise of ‘‘Uncle Jesse” as he was familiarly known, has caused grief among a multitude of friends. The surviving children are Messrs. Samuel, Albert. Mel, Binjamin, William and Harry Butler and Mesdames Mary Elzey and Perry Elzey. The funeral services will be held from the M. E. church Saturday morning at ten o’clock, interment to be made at the Decatur cemetery. Heart trouble is given as the cause of the sudden death of Mr. Butler, as he has been stricken several times by the dread ailment and has fallen to the ground while the victim of sinking spells.

MEETING OF COUNTY ASSESSORS t It Will Be Held at the State House < on January Twelve. County Assessor George Gentis re- < celved a letter Wednesday morning < ■from John E. Reed, secretary of the < state board of tax commissioners t announcing the date of the annual 1 meeting of the county assessors of i Indiana with the state tax board. The t meeting will be held In room 12 in 1 the state house on Tuesday, Wednes- 1 day and Thursday, January 12th, 13th 1 and 14th. Not only do the county j assessors attend these meetings but 1 many of the township assessors are usually present as they also find it i j helpful in their duties. Several of I the Adams county township assessors are planning to go this year as they ! can attend the inauguration of Gov- i i ernor Marshall on the day previous, ; Monday, January 11th. o A business deal that has long been rumored will take effect tomorrow. I when the firm of Brown & Spitler, comprised of Elsworth Brown and W. i Fl Spitler dissolves, Mr. Brown retiring, and being succeeded by 0. N. Snellen, of Decatur, and S. S. Stein of this town. The new firm will be compnse< of W. E. Spitler, O. N. Snellen and S. 3. Stein, all business men of werth.—Willshire Herald.

OHIO WOMAN WAS DRUGGED Forced to .Marry a Man and Gave Him SSOO. Just one week after they were married Cynthia F. McCarty.a wealthy widow of Waynesfield, Auglaize county. Ohio, filed suit for divorce, from her supposed husband, John Daily, ot Lima. Claiming that the marriage was entirely fraudulent she brings suit in her former name. Mrs. McCarty, who is sixty-eight years old, alleges that while on the train with Daily, going from Lima to Wapakoneta on December 21, she was drugged and Yorced to go to Cincinnati. While still in a semi-conscious condition and fully under the control of the defendant, she believes they were married the next day at Covington, Ky„ which contract she asks to be declared null and void. She further alleges that Daily by force and threats obtained from her SSOO in cash, which he has invested in a saloon at 214 north Central avenue, Lima.

PLAN A CAMPAIGN Hope to Have Elections in Twelve Counties at an Early Date ARE ENCOURAGED Anti-SaloonLeague Believes That Legislature Will Not Repeal Law

Indianapolis, December 31. —County option election plans completed by the Indiana Anti-Saloon league provide for twelve elections to be called before the legislature can get fairly down to business on the proposed action to repeal the law passed at the special session in September. The result of Tuesday’s elections,when Lawrence and Wabash counties were votd dry, emboldened the league workers to hasten movements already under way to bring about elections in the following counties: Hamilton, Tipton, Jay, Huntington, Randolph, Wayne, fDecatur, Switzerland, Gibsen. Putnam and Fountain. These elections will be called early in January, in an attempt to have them held before the 20th of the month. Parke and Hendricks counties plan to hold elections early in February. Marshall, Pulaski, Porter and Starke will follow shortly afterward. “The repeal measure for the county option law is doomed, and will be defeated just as surely as it comes up,” declared Superintendent E. S. Shumaker yesterday as he reviewed the results in Lawrence and Wabash cc unties. “There is not a Democrat or a Republican member of either house who will dare to go back ot the will of the people as expressed in these elections.” The object in calling the twelve elections early is to pile up as much sentiment in favor o* the la w as can be done before the repeal measure can be voted on. The league forces count on the uncertainty of the outcome of these elections to make the legislators hesitate when the repeal measure is introduced, and as the league counts firmly on being able to make the twelve counties dry, the forces expect to add their majorities to the league's claim in favor of leaving the law on the statute books. M)r. Shumaker was asked what course the league would take in the event a county voted drv became a victim of “blind tigers, thus defeating the purpose of the temperance element voting to put the legalized saloons out of business. “The plan is to follow each successful election with a law and order league in every county voted dry,” he explained. “These leagues wi’l see io ii that the law aga’ast the illegal sale of liquor is enforced; that venders are arrested, and that they are prosecuted. We expect to fight as hard on this matter, should it become necessary, as we have fought to bring about dry territory.” The board of commissioners will have a meeting tomorrow at which time the organization of the board will take place. After that they will take un the Invoicing of the personal property at the county farm. As usual a’l the members of the board will be present and take part in this invoice.

THEIR NEW TEMPLE Fort Wayne Elks Dedicate a Handsome B. P. O. E. Home A BIG TIME Judge R. K. Erwin One of the Speakers for the Occasion With the solemn ritualistic work of the order vac uew temple of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks was formally dedicated yesterday afternoon. The services were secret and were held in the lodge room on the third floor of the building. Mr. William A. Ream, of Peru. Ind., district deputy grand exalted ruler for the Elks of northern Indiana, conducted the ritualistic work, and Judge R. K. Erwin delivered /the principal address. Mr. Ream was taken over the building by a special committee appointed for the purpose, and w’as high in his praise of the success which had crowned the efforts of the Fort Wayne lodge to build themselves a home which would endure for years to come. The evening was given over to a social session, and the lobby of the big building were a mass of light and color in honor of the occasion. Elks from all over the middle west gathered to help the local members of the fraternity suitably celebrate the opening of their new home. Chairman Clem Fox, of the social session committe, had charge of the arrangements and a program of speeches, songs and toasts was followed. Exalted Ruler Frank E. Bougher introduced the toastaster, the Hon. William P. Breen, who presided over the session.—Fort Wayne Journal Gazette.

RENDER PROGRAM A Special Program of Musical Numbers to Be Given at M. W. A. Hall IN NEAR FUTURE An Interesting Meeting Was Held Last Night— Degree Work A very interesting meeting was held by the local camp of the Modern Woodmen lodge last night, nearly one hundred members being present. Four candidates were initiated into the mystries of the high degree and a delightful social session was enjoyed. A special committee has been appointd and given the power to purchase a piano for the Woodmen and Royal Neighbors and the instrument will be delivered at the hall within a few days. A special committee has also been appointed to purchase all paraphernalia necessary to make the lodge one of the best equipped in the city, and a degree team will be organized at once. With one hundred and fifty members on the roll the local camp Is progressing nicely and it is promised that an interesting time, with something special on the program will be had each meeting night. It is beinfc arranged for a musical program to be rendered either next Wednesday night or the week following and during each meeting thereafter something of especial interest will be had. o BIG FOUR TO PROBE WRECK Michigan Officers May Fix Responsibility dn Train Crew. Wabash, Ind., Dec. 30.—This afterI noon Michigan division officers began an investigation of the cause of the . Big Four wreck at Carthage. It is believed that responsibility will be laid : upon the crew of one freight train, but several men have been summoned to - appear. All three men who were kill- : ed were from Wabash. It is general- !i ly believed that responsibility will be | • fixed and that suits will follow in the , Wabash circuit cou’-t.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, December 31, 1908.

WAS A FORMER PARTNER Mr. Hocker Went to Montpelier this Morning. J. L. Hocker, of the Decatur Lumber company went to Montpelier today, where he will attend the funeral of his former partner, Henry C. Branum of that place. Mr. Branum died Tuesday morning at the Methodist hospital at Indianapolis, after an illness ot several weeks with kidney trouble. He was seventy-eight years old and one of the best known, men of his county. He was prominent in Masonic and Elks circles and was quite wealthy. The funeral services were held at two o’clock this afternoon from his residence, Rev. G. Hunter Myers being in charge. The Bluffton commandry, Knights Templar gave the ritual work, the Elks and Masons [attending in a body. Mr. Kocher and Mr. Branum worked together for a number of years and the news of the death .though not unexpected, caused a shock to Mr. Kocher and the many other friends.

THE NEW OFFICERS Surveyor Baumgartner and Auditor Lewton Retire Tomorrow NEW ONES BEGIN C. C. Ernst, H. S. Michaud, Eli Meyer and Henry Zwick Begin Duties The newly elected county officers will assume their respective positions tomorrow morning and their predecessors retire and thus the interests of our local government will be transferred into the hands of the men chosen at election. Surveyor L. L. Baumgartner, who has so faithfully served the county during his term of office, will retire. His successor will be C. C. Ernst. H. S. Michaud, recently of Berne, who is now comfortably located in Decatur, will assume control of the auditor's office, but by agreement Mr. Lewton will remain with him for an indefinite length of time ahd aid in the discharge of the duties. Miss Marie Patterson will also be retained by Mr. Michaud. Henry Heller, as prosecutor, Eli Meyer sheriff, will start on their second terms, they having two years yet to serve. Henry Zwick of Bingen, county commissioner-elect, begins duties tomorrow also. The retiring officers have discharged their duties faithfully and efficiently, and the new officers are of the calibre that assures the taxpayers a continuation of good administration. C. W. Yager, treasurer-elect, does not assume duties until January. 1910.

WILL ASK FOR APPROPRIATION Governor Hanly Will Recommend State Memorial for Vicksburg. Vicksburg. Miss., Dec. 30—The In-diana-Vicksburg commission and Governor Hanly today made a formal Inspection of the monuments and camp markers in the Vicksburg National Military Park, which were dedicated yesterday and tonight at 7 o'clock the Indiana party left for Indianapolis on the special train. Th e day was spent in riding over the park in carriages with Capt. W. T. Rigby, president of the Vicksburg National Park commission, as guide. The Indiana monuments are scattered throughout the park and the governor and com mlssioners were also interested in inspecting th e several state memorials which have been erected or are in process of construction. Governor Hanly announced at the close of the inspection trip that, in his message to the general assembly in Januarv, he will recommend an appropriation for the erection of an Indiana state memorial. A site regarded as ideal by the governor and the commissioners has been reserved for Indiana and Capt. Rigby is anxious that Tn- , diana put up a memorial that will com- [ pare favorbly with those erected by lowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsyl'vania and other states.

NEW CITY CLERK I Wai Wemhoff Appointed to Succeed Thomas F. i Ehinger L WHO HAS RESIGNED ' Change Takes Effect Next Wednesday—Mr. Ehinger’s New Work i ’ Thomas F. Ehinger has resigned his j position as city clerk, the same having been tendered to Mayor C. 0. • France today. Mr. Ehinger has also * resigned his position with F ,M. Schirmeyer, and will within a few days begin his duties in connection with the Decatur Filler company, with i whom he will be connected from this ) time. His resignation will be acted upon at the regular meeting of the city council next Tuesday evening when same will be accepted. Mayor I France today announced that he would appoint to the position, Mr. Walter Wemhoff, better known by his associates and friends as Wai, who will begin his duties next Wednesday. Mr. Ehinger has made a splendid record during his year in office. He has been courteous, accomodating and punctual and his records are neat and will be found in a thoroughly accurate and , absolutely correct condition, and the announcement of his intention to resign brought protests from those who hive been associated with him. His successor, Mr. Wemhoff, is one of the most popular young men In the city, and is thoroughly competent to take s care °f the duties thus placed upon ■ him. He will serve until his succesr sor is chosen next fall. LEFT FOR HOME 3 . Professor George Lucky 3 and Family Return to 5 Lincoln. Neb. ' WERE HERE A WEEK During Which Time They Were Royally Entertained by Friends ■ Professor George Lucky, wife and children left this morning for their heme at Lincoln, Nebraska, after enjoying a week’s visit with many of their friends and relatives in and about Decatur. Professor Lucky is, as stated previously in the Democrat, one of the ablest Instructors at the University of Nebraska, and he is returning home to resume duties next week. During their stay here the Lucky family has been entertained at various homes and their time has been well taken up in enjoying the hospitalities of friends and relatives dear to them. During the week 1 they were honored guests at dinners given by Mrs. Kern, the Spullers, Dr. 1 W. E. Smith and wife and several 1 other families. Before departing they 1 declared that Adams county still holds 1 the reputation of having within her 1 boundaries the most hospitable peo- 1 pie on the earth. o BAGGED FOUR ROAD CONTRACTS I William Reppert Secured Four Macadam Roads in Wells County. William Reppert was the only ’ Adams county bidder at Buffton yes- 1 terday that done the business, he ( bagging four macadam road contracts, ( the largest number bid off by any < one contractor. Fourteen roads were 1 sold and the bidding w-as close. Mr. i Reppert was low on the Comer road < in Lancaster township $5,227, Dailey t road in Lancaster township $3,257, t Guy Myers road in Jefferson township ( $6,000, and the Ernest Myers road In I Jefferson township $7,790. Mr. Rep- I pert is one of the best hustling con- I tractors in the county and will build J good roads and make some money in o the bargain. c

R. SCHUG IS THE PRESIDENT Os the Berne Traction Line —The Other Officer*. 1 The directors of the Bluffton, Berne & Celina interurban company organized in the office at Eichhorn & Vaughn at Bluffton. The members of the company from Berne went in an automobile. The officers of the company are: Rudolph Schug, president; Andrew Gottschalk, vice president; Joseph Gerber, treasurer ;Dr. Simpkins, secretary; Pete Neuenschwander, general manager; Chris Stouffer, assistant general manager; Lon Batson, engineer. At the meeting the directors decided to ask for subsidies in three townships in Adams county and one in Wells county. Petitions will be presented at the January meeting of the board of county commissioners in both counties, the meeting being next Monday. The amounts asked are: Harrison. Wells, $10,000; French, Adams county, $4,000; Monroe, Adams county, $16,000; Jeffersen, Adams county, $4,000. o -

WANT A PENSION State Teachers’ Association Looking Out for Themselves APPOINT COMMITTEE They Will Begin this Agitation With the Legisture in 1911 Indianapolis, December 31.—Teachers of the public schools of Indiana a* the close of the afternoon session yesterday voted unanimously for the appointment of a committee to work > for a law providing a disability benefit and a pension for superannuated teachers. The vote, looking to the passage of an act by the Indiana legislature in 1911 creating a school pension fund and for paying teachers a sick or disablement benefit, was on motion that the president of the Indiana State Teachers’ Association be empowered to appoint a committee of three to act with representatives of the county and the cities and towns Snperinendents’ Associations of this state. On the committee President Benton immediately named President R. W. Mills of Hanover. State Superintendent of Public Instruction-elect Robert J. Aley and Superintendent R. I Hamilton of the Vincennes schools. The two others who will complete the legislative committee are B. F. Moore of Muncie, representing the Towns and Cities’ Superintendents’ Association, and Richard Park, Sullivan, representing the County Superintendents’ Association. The committee will meet on the call of Superintendent Moore of Muncie. They will probably get together in preliminary arrangement for their work before the close of the teachers’ convention today. No attempt will be made to got the teachers’ pension measure before the coming legislature, as the instructors wish to take plenty of time and have no hitches when their bill goes before the state general assembly. The teachers’ pension plan is not a new one, but has never before assumed definite shape before the session of the state instructors. In the appointment of the commltte the teachers' associations are following the lead ot the superintendents of the state.

REPRESENTATIVE COX MOVES He and Family Abandon Life In Hotels and Are Occupying Residence. Washington, Dec. 31. —Representative and Mrs. William E. Cox have been compelled by the Illness of their daughter to give up life in hotels and to rent a private house, where they can have the advantages of home cooking and greater freedom for the little one. They moved today into a residence fronting Lincoln Park in the eastern part of the city. The location is ideal from the standpoint of healthfulness. Former Representative George W. Faris of Terre Haute is here on a business mission. Miss Mary Lodge McKee and her brother. Benjamin Harrison McKee, the "Baby McKee” of former days, are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Lee of this city.

Price Two Cents

TAFT WITHDRAWS From Senatorial Race in Ohio—So Does Foraker BURTON WINS OUT Will Be Chosen Unanimously at the Republican Causes Columbus. Ohio, Dec. 31.-(Special to Daily Democrat)—Charles P. Taft today announced his withdrawal from the senatorial contest and accompanying his announcement to this effect was a statement that Hamilton county’s delegation, which includes Cincinnati, the home of the Tafts, will vote solidly for Burton for senator. Taft says he withdrew for the sake of party harmony. Taft’s withdrawal was followed an hour later by a formal announcement to the same effect by Senator Foraker. Taft's statement shows clearly that the basis of his withdrawal is the fear of embarrassing his brother, the president-elect. 0 CELTIC CARRIES HELP TO ITALY

United States Sends Ship Load of Provisions and Clothing. New York, N. Y., Dec. 31. —(Special to Daily Democrat)—The navy supply ship, Celtic, sailed today under rush orders from Washington. Th e Celtic will proceed at full speed to the scene of the recent earthquake, South Italy, having on board 6,000 pounds of fresh beef, mutton, poultry, clothing, medicine, etc. The supplies were originally intended for the Atlantic fleet now circling the globe but the orders were changed when the need for quick relief was made known to the Washington authorities. WANT TROOPS AT JACKSON, KY. Frankfort, Ky., Dec. 31. —(Special) —Governor Wilson has received an urgent message from the county judge at Jackson where Beach Hargis was released from jail, asking that troops be rushed there as soon as possible. It is believed that serious trouble has broken out.

—o RICH; ASKS MODEST BURIAL Petersburg (Ind.) Woman Before Her Death Requests $25 Coffin. Petersburg. Ind., Dec. 30. Miss Kittie McGraw, 70 years old, bom in Ireland, who amassed a large fortune and was most eccentric in her habits, died here today. Though worth thousands of dollars, she requested she be buried in a coffin not to exceed $-5 in cost. She had several thousand dollars on deposit in the banks here, owned 120 acres of fine land and considerable personal property. She left no will. One sister. 67 years old. will fall heir to her estate unless a will is produced. o— The Grand theater will give a New Years day matinee at 1:30 tomorrow afternoon and the usual performance at 6:45 in the evening. Manager e Miller has secured special films fore occasion that will prove enterta n ng to all those who attend. The sn jectp are "A Dual Life.’ A ° a Fiend,” “Buffalo Bills i,d es Show” see him in the winterme aa realistic as in the summer. r . mers Troubles at a Hotel are X good, and you can spend a happy <>t. , at the Grand. jB