Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 111, Decatur, Adams County, 10 May 1909 — Page 1

Volume VII. Number 111.

NEW CHURCH DEDICATED Handsome Edifice Consecrated to the Service of God Free of Debt SERVICES INSPIRING Superintendent Wade, Revs. Jones and Valentine Assist in Services The beautiful new Methodist church located about four miles south of this city, was dedicated to the service of God, Sunday morning, free of debt. It was an inspiring and memorable event and the way in which the members responded proves that the congregation is one of the most thriving one in all this county. Owing to the very bad weather, the crowd was not so large as it would have otherwise been, but every one present had the proper spirit. District Superintendent C. U. Wade, of Fort Wayne, was in charge and his earnestness and sincerity had much to do with the eagerness displayed by the congregation to wipe out the debt. After a few preliminary remarks, Rev. Wade delivered the dedication sermon, an eloquent appeal to the minds of the hearers, a prayer for the future good of the house of worship, a sfermon which was rich in noble thoughts and sacred meaning. Then came the call that the pretty church be dedicated to the service without the shadow of any

obligation and the result was wonderful. Though only $650 was asked, 1 * the totals showed that the splendid congregation had contributed nearly S9OO. The services opened at - ten o’clock and it was nearly two whefr the benediction was pronounced. Rev. Wade was assisted during the morning by the Rev. Edgar Jones of Ossian and Rev. Valentine, the pastor of the church, and the congregation sang the old fashioned songs that every Christian loves. In the evening the Rev. Jones delivered an eloquent sermon in the new church and special music was a delightful feature, being rendered by Rev. and Mrs. Jones, Rev. Valentine’ and the Misses Elsie and Nettie Andrews. The church was duly turned over to the trustees who are Messrs. Charles Foreman, Frank Breiner and Milton Kidd. There were a number of SSO (Continued on page 2.) COURT HOUSE NEWS Two Cases Set for this Week on Tuesday and Wednesday REAL ESTATE DEALS A Marriage License Issued A Suit on Note Was Dismissed In the Jesse I. Watkins estate matter, James W. Watkins, admr., the written assent of all defendants was filed to sale of real estate. Sale ordered, additional bond for $4,000 or-

dered. Real estate transfers: Warren J. Case to Samuel K. Christy, 42 acres in SL Marys tp., $1,675; Elizabeth Ross et,ai to Warren J. Case, tract in St. Marys tp., $1.00; Benjamin Pillars et al to Frank McConnell, pt. of outlot 72, Decatur, $1,200. The case of E. S. Callahan vs. Clara Wheat, note $125, was dismissed and the costs paid. The case of Julius Haugk et al vs. Erastus Fritzinger et al, suit on lien is set for trial here tomorrow before Judge O’Rourke. On Wednesday the case of Mary Knavel vs. Edward Knavel, suit for divorce, will be heard. The defendant has been in jail for two keeks past for contempt of court.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

BAND BOYS SELLING TICKETS For Their Local Talent Benefit to be Given on Next Monday Night. The juvenile band boys are busily canvassing the tickets for their local talent benefit at the Bosse opera house May 17th when a strong local cast will interpret that beautiful romantic comedy, “In the Village by the Sea,” a story of life among the fisher folk of Maine, a story of tears and laughter, sorrows and joy, a story that cannot fail to interest you and interesting you cannot fail to please you. CleveY specialties between acts including the best male quartet ever organized in our city and music by Decatur's new orchestra. The price of admission will be twenty-five cents, no extra charge for reserved seats. The proceeds will be used to purchase new uniforms and the boys are sparing no pains to make “In the Village by the Sea” as thoroughly entertaining to you as they hope to make it financially successful to the band. Remember the date and the band.

GATHER AT GRAVE Relatives and Friends Pay Last Tribute of Respect to J. O. Wagner HE WAS POPULAR His Remains Accompanied Here by Large Crowd, Members of B.R. T. Accompanied by nearly two hundred members of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, lodge No. 137, Fort Wayne, the remains of Jesse O. Wagner, who was killed in the Pennsylvania yards Friday night, arrived on the 1:14 over the G. R. & I. this afternoon. Th', party went immediately to Maplewood cemetery, where the services were held by the order and the body tenderly laid to rest. Short services were also held at the home at 1215 Hayden street at Fort Wayne at 9:30 o’clock this morning. The deceased was the son of James Wagner, residing south of here, where Jesse was born June 28, 1883. He remained on the farm until he was married, March 30, 1903, soon after which he with his bride went to Fort Wayne to reside. Mrs. Wagner and two children, Eva, aged 5, and Margaret, aged 2, survive him. Other surviving relatives are the aged father, two brothers and six sisters. The brothers are J. L. Wagner, a G. R. & I. brakeman, and Nicholas H. Wagner, a farmer in Adams county. The sisters are Mrs. Mary Andrews, Mrs. Elizabeth Middleton, Mrs. Lida Marks, Mrs. Ellen Estell, Mrs. Eva Diamond and Mrs. Angelina Peterson. The Fort Wayne Sentinel said of him: Mr. Wagner came to Fort Wayne five years ago and took a position as driver on one of the wagons for the Keystone grocery, where he remained over a year. He entered the employ of the Pennsylvania as a brakeman in the yard service about three years ago and was promoted to a conductorship in Februrary last., He "was considered a very careful and competent man and the accident in which he lost his life was the first be had while in the service. ; »

He belonged to the B. R. T. and also to an order of his own road and his family will receive $2,350, besides $175 for immediate use. — o-— PLANS FOR NEW PARSONAGE Home for the United Brethren Minister Will Be Modern in Every Way. Mr. J. S. Lower has in his possession the plans for the new United Brethren parsonage to be erected this summer near the church in the west part of the city. The plans were drawn by Linn & Patton, the architects and contractors and they disclose the fact that the nexy home will be a handsome and modern structure. Down stairs there will be a reception hall, sitting room, dining hall, bedroom and kitchen, while on the second floor will be located a study room, two bedrooms and a bath. The residence will cost in the neighborhood of $2,#00, and will add to the appearance of that section of the city.

THE SCHOOL FIND Auditor Michaild Will Clean Up the School Fund Loans SIGNED BONDS A Short Session of the Commissioners Held Today The opinion of Attorney General Bingham, is that loans of the public school funds of the state under the law, must not be permitted to run longer than five years. At the end of this period of time these loans may be closed up, and the same amount be reloaned to the borrower. But the law is plain, and now manv counties in the state are collecting in these loans. Failure to thus proceed under the statute is punishable by a fine of SI,OOO. While in session today the commissioners made an order that this law be complied with and Auditor Michaud is now busy notifying the money borrowers to come in and settle up the amounts they owe to this fund, providing the loan exceeds the five years.

The board have affixed their signatures to the Emanuel Sprunger and Jacob Habegger macadam roads. The bonds have been sold and the roads will be built this summer. The commissioners of this county have been called into joint session with the commissioners of Wells county, to take joint action on the James A ; Engle petition for a macadam road on the county line, between Nottingham township in Wells county and Hartford township in this county. The joint meeting is called for ten o’clock on May 28. LINES BEING DRAWN Bryan and Johnson Being Eliminated as Presidential Possibility NEW LEADERS Marshall of Indiana and Harmon of Ohio Are in the Eye of the Public Washington, May 10. —The lines are already being formed for the great battle for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1912. While tariff revision occupies the center of the stage at Washington, Important evolutions in Democratic party leadership are going on and naturally are being overlooked. These movements are bringing about the elimination both of William J. Bryan and Governor Johnson of Minnesota as possibilities for the Democratic presidential nomination and are narrowing the field for prospective “timber’’ in that contest. As the process of evolution continues Governor Harmon of Ohio and Governor Marshall of Indiana loom into greater and more conspicuous prominence as available men for the presidential .nomination. There is some talk, also, of Senator Shively of Indiana, but there are two handicaps to the Indiana senator’s availability that are being pointed out. One is that there seems to be rather a deep-seated prejudice against selecting a candidate from the United State ssenate. The other is that the condition of Senator Shively’s health gives rise to some doubt as to whether he would care to undergo the terrific strain of such a contest. Os course it is a far cry from now- until the Democratic national convention. Many things may happen between now and then. Some new leader may spring up who will walk away with the nomination, hands dow-n, and knock all of the present-day predictions galley west. But the fact remains that at this time the trend of sentiment —in fact, the trend of movements, as shown by talking among senators and representatives who are leaders of the party In their

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening, May 10, 1909.

respective states—is toward Harmon and Marshall, with Shively as a close third. Os this trio Harmon seems to have the largest following now, but he also has the most vigorous opponents. Harmon is the receiver of a railroad and a corporation attorney. That does not help him any in the estimation of the Democratic proletariat. Governor Marshall is not so-well known as Governor Harmon. That is his greatest draw-hack. In so far as he is known the opinion of him is favorable. The Democratic leaders in congress like the way he is handling himself as governor. They admire him for the sand he displayed in putting a check on the reckless tendencies of a pie-hungry legislature. They think he has good stuff in him and they will watch to see how he performs during the next two or three years before making up a final estimate of the man. The significant trend of latter-day development is toward the elimination of Bryan and Johnson from the presidential race. Even the closest friends in congress of the Nebraska commoner are saying that as a presidential candidate he has had his day. “He is the greatest man in the world,” they say, “and he is better qualified to serve as president of the whole people than any other man in America, but he can never be elected and we may as well turn to another.”

DIED AT CAPITAL Judge W. L. Penfield Died After a Lingering Illness ALDRICH RATTLED The Progressives are Making a Scrap in the Senate Washington, May 10.—After lingering between life and death for several weeks Judge William L. Penfield professor of international law at Georgetown university, formeriy solicitor of the state department, and one of the most distinguished men Indiana has given to the public service of the nation in recent years, died Sunday morning at his home in the Ontario apartments. Judge Penfield had been in poor health for some time and since March 20 had been unable to attend to business. The immediate of death was heart trouble, brought on by a complication of diseases. At the bedside at 5 o’clock this morning, when Judge Penfield passed away, were members of the immediate family and Mrs. George W. Duncan of Greenfield, Ind., his only sister, who was summoned here when there appeared to be no hope for hip recovery../ The funeral will take place Tuesday at 3 o'clock at the Mt. Pleasant Congregational church, the Rev. M. Ross Fishburn officiating. The body will be laid at rest at Rock Creek cemetery, this city. William L. Penfield was a native of Michigan, but had spent most of his life in Indiana and in this city, having come to Washington twelve years ago to accept the position of solicitor in the state department, from which he resigned four years ago to resume his law practice.

Washington, May 10. —Yesterday was not a quiet day of rest for the standpat organization of the senate. On the contrary, it was a day of great activity for Senator Aldrich and his reactionafy friends. The plain, blunt fact is that the progressives have got Senator Aldrich badly rattled. Sunday big, red forty-horse power automobiles were flying over Washington. The occupants were members of the standpat organization of the senate. They were emissaries of Senator Aldrich, whose mission was to drum up support fcr the lead bullion schedule which is expected to come up for a vote tomorrow. Lon DeHaven returned from Gary, Indiana, where he completed arrangements with a big real estate firm of that place to act as their agent, and he has a line of choice-property listed, principally lots in a new addition known as Didgedale. He is enthusiastic about the future of Gary and believes the property there offers great inducements to investors.— Bluffton News.

DEATHOFJ.M.BUCK Prominent Business Man of Bluffton Died Yesterday ■"K’ FORMERLYOF GENEVA His System Was Poisoned from Abeels in His Side Bluffton, Ind., May 10. —John M. Buck, one of Bluffton’s most prominent citizens, engaged in the manufacture of handles for the past fifteen years, died at 8:30 o'clock Sunday morning at his home on west Wabash street. He had been sick only two weeks, and a week ago Thursday underwent an operation for an abcess of the side, due to appendicitis. His entire system became poisoned and four days ago all hope for his recover was abandoned. He is survived by his wife and two children. Mrs. Herbert Bender of tb.'s city, and Clyde D. Buck, of Kokomo, who operates a handle factory at that place under the name of C. D. Buck & Co. The father was largely interested in that factory with his son, and Mr. Buck also had a controlling interest in a handle factory operated at Auburn under the name of R. W. Vaughn & Co. Mr. Buck came to this city from Geneva, where he was formerly engaged in the manufacture of handles. He also was in 'he lumber business in Muncie about twenty years ago and later was located at ty>dkey for a time. He was well known throughout the gas belt. He was universally respected and admired in Bluffton, and his employes at his factories feel that they have lost their best friend. It is understood that his factories will continue to run under arrangements made previous to his death, in behalf of his wife. WILL CELEBRATE 'Twentieth Anniversary of Epworth League to Be Observed THEY DO GOOD WORK Officers Will Be Publicly Installed—A Great Program Probably the most sacred of ail events enlisting the observation of the local chapter M. E. Epworth

League, will occur next Sunday evening in the auditorium of the church when a session of double significance will be enjoyed. The twentieth anniversary of,the great organization will be auspicuously celebrated and the newly elected local officers will be publicly installed into the various offices of the league. The officers who will receive the obligation and their positions are respectively as follows: Jonas Tritch, president; Don Burk, first vice president; Irene Myers, second vice president; Mazie Keeler, third vice president; Florence Myers, fourth vice president; Florence Edwards. secretary; Frank Mills, treasurer; Ethel Butler, chorister and Miss Teeple, pianist. A program entitled “The Young Peoples’ Age” will be cleverly rendered consisting of the rendition of inspiring songs and addresses by a number of young people who are identified with the local chapter. President Jonas Tritch will deliver a lecture on different phases of the work and his limitless experience in the work and the marked success he has enjoyed as a promoter of the interests of the local league well equip him for the discourse he is detailed to deliver. During the presidency of Mr. Tritch, the organization has more than prospered. ;and at the present time one hundred 'and seventy-six names are enrolled, all members being active in the different departments of the -work. May i 15, 1889 at the Cleveland Central M. R. church the Epworth league,which 'was destined to be one of the great- ! est young peoples’ organizations in, I the world, found inception as a con-

sequence of the eftoots of a number of people who foretokened the need of an auxiliary to the church. The membership increased with the passing of each year and a few years subsequent to the organization of the league, five other soc.eties, namely, Young Peoples’ Methodist Alliance, Oxford League, Christian League, Methodist Young Peoples’ Union ;.nd Alliance of North Ohio conference merged into the Epworth League and the society is now gloriously represented by about three millions of members from the M. E. church nortn and south and the Canada M. E. church. Another important event, the eighth international convention of the Epworth League of the M. E. church north and south and Canada is scheduled to occur at Seattle, Washington July 7-12. Different phases of the work will be discussed and acted upon and in all probability the local chapter _,will be represented. Conventions have heretofore been held at Cleveland, Toronto, Canada, Chattanoga, Tenn., Indianapolis, Detroit, and San Francisco. The public is given a cordial invitation to attend the meeting of next Sunday evening and enjoy the program.

SPICY EVIDENCE Was Offered Today in the Runyon Divorce Case in Court STILL IN PROGRESS A Woman Figures in the Suit—Parties Live East of Geneva About the most interesting divorce case heard in the circuit court room here for many a year was that of Lona Runyon against her husband, Dan Runyon. The parties live east of Geneva on a sixteen acre farm which Mrs. Runyon has owned for thirty years. They were married twenty years ago and for five years got along reasonably well, then Mrs. Runyon says war began, “cussin’ and fussin’" continually. Mrs. Runyon is fifty-six years old and her husband about the same age, and her evidence on the witness stand was so vivid that it brought many a smile to nearly every one in the room. She told in straight language or some or the endearing terms used in the household and admitted that when she got mad she could do her share of the cussing. She says her husband has often threatened to kill her, to burn the house, has failed to buy her a single dud in her twenty years of married life, that recently he has become infatuated with a young woman named Em Shaw, whom he says he is bound to get and who she told this morning hoped he would get before they left Decatur. She repeated seevral times that she hated him most cordia'ly and was done with him forever. From the evidence it was clearly shown that connubial bliss does not flow continually in the Runyon cottage, and the war may result in serious damage if something is not done. Mrs. Runyon asked for a decree of divorce and for SSOO alimony. At time of going to press the case was still in progress. There are about fifteen witnesses in the case, which will close this evening.

MEN’S CLUB TOMORROW NIGHT Rev. Stewart of Portland, Will Deliver an Address in this City. Rev. Mr. Stewart, of Portland, will spea£ to the Men’s Club of the Presbyterian church tomorrow (Tuesday) evening at 8 o'clock. Mr. Stewart is a pleasing and entertaining speaker and will have something good to say to us at that time. A special invitation is hereby extended to every I man in the congregation, whether you I are a member of the club or not. We ' want yon there without fail, as this is the closing meeting for the season | and want a grand meeting, so that it i may be remembered until our next meeting in September. Refreshments i will be served, after the lecture, and [ and as it is all free Just feel quite free to come and bring some one else with you and enjoy the evening with us. We will expect you.

Price Two Cents

SENIORS PROGRAM Commencement Exercises on May 28th Will Be Most Delightful SEVENTEEN IN CLASS The Address Will Be Delivered by Dr. Wikersham of Des Moines, lowa The commencement program of the Decatur high school will be a splendid one. Commencement occurs on the evening of May 28. Mr. Ned Steele will render a solo promptly at eight-thirty. Rev. D. O. Wise will pronounce the invocation. The audience will have the privilege of hearing a violin solo by Anthony Holthouse who plays with great skill. Miss Clara Terveer will then give a vocal solo. The class address will be delivered by the Rev. L. B. Wikersham, of Des Moines, lowa. Dr. Wikersham is one of the most prominent and well known speakers before the American public and is well liked everywhere, and the seniors consider themselves lucky in securing this able man to lecture for them on the eventful evening. With the excellent motto “Rely on Yourself,” which they have all done in their school work, the 1909 seniors will close their school life here, well prepared for further work, for most of them will go to college and graduate there. A quartet composed of the Messrs. D. W. Beery, J. Q. Neptune, Ned Steele and J. O. Sellemeyer will render several delightful selections. The Rev. Sherman Powell will deliver the benediction. The class roll is as follows: Esther Irene Sellemeyer, Theresa Baltzell, Tracy Nelson, Josephine Krick, Marie Allison, Catherine Marie Jackson, Fancshon Zelina Daugherty, Otis Dibble, Bessie Boyers, Leota Marie Bailey, Hugh Perkins, Vernia Evelyn Smith, Helen Niblick, Fannie Helen Hammel, Inez May Snellen, Benjamin F. Beavers, Beatrice de Bevoise Van Camp.

YOUNG MAN DREW REVOLVER A little scrap occurred at the Smoke House this afternoon, which furnished excitement for a few minutes. An argument between Ike Archer and a young man named Fuller from Pleasant Mills, resulted in some sharp words, and the drawing of a revolver by the latter, who dared Archer out into the alley. It was all over in a few minutes and no arrests w-ere made. o TO ATTEND CLINIC Dr.- Roy Archbold Will Visit the Haunts of His Old College Life AT ANN ARBOR Will Attend a Three Days’ Session of Education and Pleasure Dr. Roy Archbold will leave Wednesday of this week for Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he will attend a three days’ clinic, a meeting of the alumni and a general three days of college life in which will intermingle wisdom, good fellowship and a renewal of old acquaintaces. Dr. Arenbold graduated from this famous college, receiving his dentist diploma eleven years ago this spring, and this will be his first visit to the old carn--1 pus in ten years, consequently he is looking forward to a delightful trip. ■ The clinic will include lectures by a i number of the greatest men of the i ! profession in the country. At this ; time too, will occur the opening of the new dental building, a modern and 1 elaborate hall just completed, and, of icourse, this will be accompanied with Appropriate exercises. The alumni of the school also meets this week, and this gives one the opportunity of meeting many of the old friends. The event will continue during Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week.