Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 7, Number 213, Decatur, Adams County, 7 September 1909 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume VII. Number 213.

IS HELD ON UGLY CHARGES Rev. J. A. Sprunger Fed Diseased Meats to Children Under his Care

ACTS OF CRUELTY At the Light and Hope Orphanage Arouses the State of Ohio CHILDREN RESCUED By Nearby Women Who Used Underground Road —Resumes Tomorrow Rev. J. A. Sprunger, a former resident of this county, having been connected with an orphanage at Berne, is being tried at Elyria, Ohio, for the mistreatment of children and his case is attracting the attention of the entire state. For several years past Sprunger and his wife have been conducting what they called the Light and Hope orphanage near Birmingham, Ohio. They have a 500 acre farm among the hills and have ninety boys and girls between the ages of one and eighteen. Among those who have been inmates there are the Lambert children, for whom Judge Merryman is the guardian. The latter has always had great faith in Mr. Sprunger and was greatly surprised to hear of these charges of cruelty, and more so at the evidence which is being offered. The case against Sprunger was filed by Humane Officer Lawrence and the first hearing occurred last Friday, and was after the entire day was spent, and the evidence not concluded, continued over to Wednesday of this week. However, the evidence offered

was sufficient that the population of the state has been aroused, and it is likely that there will be no let up on the Rpif. Sprunger, unless he has some defense not made public. Dis-' patches from various places in Ohio to the press tell the story: Elyria, 0., Sept. 7.—As a result of the investigation of the affairs of the Light of Hope orphanage near Elyria, in which Superintendent S. J. Sprunger admitted serving to the children: meat from a cow which had died from i eating too much clover, the three , grandchildren of W. B. Gatz, of Lorain were volntarily released from the institution. The investigation which' followed Mr. Gatz’s suit in the probate | court to be appointed guardian of his grandchildren was not completed. The case was continued Saturday until Wednesday, when new witnesses will be offered by the Humane Society, which is taking a hand in the inves-1 tigation, and Superintendent Sprunger,' it is said, will introduce witnesses in defense. The airing of the matter; in court has brought to light that. Vermilion, six miles from the orphan- j age, has an "underground railroad" to assist children who have run away from the institution. There is a river between the orphanage and the “underground railroad,” but the children wade across this Mrs. George B. McConnelly, of Vermilion, has received and cared for a number of children who have run away from the home, so have Mrs. Mary A. Zimmerman, Mrs. Peter Hahn and Miss Nellie Griswold They were in court during the investigation. At the trial Sprunger testified that the meat of a cow that had died from eating too much damp clover had been given the children for food “I guess I will let my wife tell about that,” he said when questioned about the statement of children tha they had been fed eggs that were tested in an incubator and would not hatch. Thos. Baker. 16. and Geo. E. Lambert, 18. both of whom ran away to Vermilion, told how 2d boys had to bathe in two tubs full of water and that they had to use their underclothes after two weeks wearing to dry them selves, as no bath towels were provided. “There were just beds, lice and bedbugs in our sleeping .room." said Lambert. “But. what wanted was an education. We cot begin school only in December after

the fall farm work was over, and had to stop as soon as we could plow.” The children stand conditions at the orphanage just as long as thev can, said Mrs. McConnelly. “Then they run aw r ay. Three weeks ago, two girls, Lillian Millington, 12, and Lucile tV illiams, 13, came to my home for protection. They ran away, they said, because one of the ‘sisters,’ as the women of the home call themselves, had beaten Lucile. They bad walked all the way, and had even dared to wade the river. I took them in and eared for them as I would for my own. Lucile has since been turned over to her father, and now that I have the right, I will send Lillian back to her mother in Chicago, who has written for her.”

Two of the strongest witnesses for Humane Agent Lawrence were Doro(Contlnue don page 4.) THE OPENING DAY A Large Crowd Visited the State Fair Yesterday A GOOD SHOW The Prospects for a Happy Week Seem Imminent Indianapolis, Sept. 7.—What is officially stated as the biggest crowd for Monday in the history of the state fair passed through the gates yesterday. Estimates based upon the passengers carried to the fair grounds by the street car company places the number at 20,000. In addition many came by carriages and automobiles, not to mention the people carried by the railroads and the interurban lines. The biggest previous attendance, based upon a count at the gates, was 13,167. The weather conditions were ideal, being cool enough to encourage activity and cloudy enough so that the heat from the sun caused no discomfort. The fair management de-

I dares the crowds to be due to the combination of Labor day and the I promise that a good entertainment would be provided and announcement that all exhibits would be in place, a condition of affairs which was fulfilled. The grounds are gayly decorated with bunting, and, as usual, countless posters advertising the different exhibits. It was all flying to the breeze early in the morning. The crowd that thronged the grounds was a typical fair crowd, with large numbers of children and toy balloons. Pleasure was in the air, and relish for the noise of the barkers, who were unusually clamorous, probably accounted for by the fact that the fair is still young and vigorous and the conditions known as tired as yet unfelt. They had everything to offer from "red-hot dog” to pink lemonade. The big spectacular event of the fair each day is the flight of G. L. Bumbaugh in his dirigible balloon. Though he is required to make but two flights daily, Bumbaugh really made four flights yesterday. Two were five-min-ute flights, one was ten minutes and the last one, made in the afternoon, was for twenty minutes. His contract with the state board of agriculture calls for two fifteen-minute flights, to be made morning and afternoon. The earliest flights were made as a test of his bag and a new engine, he states, and were short on this account. Barring high winds or other adverse weather conditions the flights hereafter will be for fifteen minutes each Great crowds gathered about the airship tent, but none was admitted Today Bumbaugh says he will admrc for a small fee those who desire a close inspection.

JUMPED HIS YOB Swede Night Clerk at the Murray Skips With a Good Roll of Cash AND AN OVERCOAT Left Early this Morning— Police Are After Him— May Be in Chicago /Harry Olsen, a Swede, who has been working at the Murray house as night clerk, left this morning between . the hours of three and five o’clock and took with him seventy-five dollars in ; cash which had been given to his care last night by John J. Glendening, a traveling man from Indianapolis, also the overcoat of D. F. Gilfoyle, the Standard oil man from South Bend, and president of the Decatur Furnace company. Mr. Glendening is the Indiana inspector for the grand lodge of Royal Arch Masons, and came here yesterday to inspect the local lodge. He returned to the hotel at about ten o’clock and preferring not to keep his pocketbook in his room, turned it over to the night clerk. Later Mr. Gilfoyle came in and placed his overcoat in the locked check department. The night clerk attended to his usual duties and was seen at three o’clock by the night porter and the driver of the night bus. Shortly afterward, the porter, a colored man, dropped off to sleep, and when he awoke two hours later, the porter was gone. Mr. Murray was notified and he in turn called the sheriff and police and a diligent search was begun tor the Swede. It is presumed that he left on the 3:18 train over the Erie for Chicago, as ne had formerly lived there and wnra was sent along the line and to the Chicago police. Olsen came here well recommended, being a brother of the Pennsylvania railroad agent at Fort Wayne, and his bold act caused much surprise. The loss to Mr. Murray will be considerable as the overcoat taken was a good one. Mr. Murray has two safes for deposits himself, but the money was given to the clerk after he had retired and he knew nothing of it.

MRS. STEIGMEYER FATALLY ILL Pioneer Union Township Lady Suffers Third Stroke of Paralysis. Mrs. Joseph Steigmeyer, a pioneer lady of Union township, is very seriously ill at her home suffering from a stroke of paralysis, which overtook her yesterday. Mrs. Steigmeyer has been sick for some time past as she had two strokes previous to the one of yesterday. She is somewhere in the seventies, and her serious illness along with old age makes death an almost certain thing. She and her husband are making their home with their son John, and are given the best care possible. She Is the mother of John, Joseph, Fred and Andrew Steigmeyer, all of whom are prominent farmers of this county. • o PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS OPENED The Enrollment Showed 263 in Attendance this Morning. The parochial schools opened this morning with an attendance of 263, which Is perhaps a slight increase in the enrollment. There are seven rooms in the building and all of them are comfortably crowded, but good care will be taken of them by the able corps of teachers, who are in charge. There is no change tn any of the teachers and the work moved off this morning without any difficulty whatever. Rev. Wilken is much interested in these schools and spends a great deal of time in looking after the welfare of the youth that is under his care and guidance. o FOUND HIS BROTHER IN TOLEDO Frank Hackman Meets Relative Whom He Hadn’t Seen for 20 Years. Frank Hackman of this city went to Toledo Sunday morning, his mission being to seek for his brother, Henry Hackman, who left here twenty years ago, and who had not been seen or heard from since by Frank or other relatives here. The journey was successful, as Frank found his brother, well and prosperous and the meeting of the brothers was a happy one. After a three days' visit, Frank arrived home today.

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday Evening, September 7, 1909

THEY WERE MARRIED Miss Zella Gilliom Married Jonas Sprunger. At ten o'clock this forenoon at the home of her father, Christian Gilliom, in Wabash township, Miss Zilla Gilliom will be married to Jonas Sprunger, son of the widow Mrs. Catherine Sprunger in Monroe township. She is a member of the Missionary church and he of the Mennonite church. Rev. J. W. Kliewer will officiate at their wedding, which will he attended by many of the near relatives of both the bride and groom. An elaborate wedding dinner will be served. The young people have the highest respect and good wishes of their friends. They expect to go to housekeeping in the house on Water street now owned and occupied by Chas. Laisure and family. Mr. Sprunger is financially interested in the firm Sommer & Co. and is employed there. —Berne Witness. EXCELLENTREPORT Annual Meeting of the Citizens’ Telephone Co. Held Last Evening BOARD RE-ELECTED

The Old Board and the Old Officers Chosen for Another Year The annual election of directors for the Citizens’ Telephone Company occurred last evening, quite a number of the stockholders being present at the meeting. Reports were read and approved, the most Important perhaps being the statement of the condition of the company at the close of business, August 31, 1909. The following is this report: ASSETS. Decatur Exchange toll lines and rural lines i.., .$66,587.10 Berne exchange 14,415.10 Real estate (exchange building) 3,615.80 Sundry accounts receivable. 9.83 Due from subscribers 935.58 Cash on hand 1,830.78 $87,444.19 LIABILITIES. Capital stock $50,000.00 Bills payable: . Borrowed money $6,500.00 Purchase money 1,500.00 8,000.00 Coupons outstanding 28.65 Accounts payable 17.15 Advance payments of rental 710.05 Surplus and undivided profits 28,688.34 • - $87,444.19 The showing is a most excellent one, and indicate that one concern has grown from an infant industry into a gigantic corporation, transacting a lot of business and growing financially greater every day. For this the company is indebteded for a wise and thorough business administration of its affairs. All reports offered to the stockholders were unanimously approved, and the board congratulated upon the excellence and business methods involved in taking care of the property and interest of the Citizens’ Telephone company. The old board of directors were re-elected and commissioned for another year, they being John S. bowers. Dr. D. D. Clark, F. M. Schirmeyer, E. X. Ehinger and Godfrey Christen. After the stockholders’ meeting adjourned the board met and organized, the old officers being elected, John S. Bowers president, Dr. D. D. Clark vice president, F. M. Schirmeyer secretary and E. X. Ehinger treasurer. At the meeting of the board the usual six per cent, dividend was declared. J. B. Holthouse and C. J. Voglewede audited the books of both the secretary and treasurer ,and reported them correct. WARREN HAMRICK IS HOME Mail Carrier Who Has Suffered from Appendicitis is Beiler. Warren Hamrick, who has been suffering from appendicitis at the Campbell home near Salem since last Thursday was brought home today. He was accompanied by his physician and made the trip in an ambulance wagon, without any apparent bad effects. He was taken ill while on his I route and has suffered intensely. He is now unable to speak above a whis- | per, but it is believed he is out of I immediate danger.

JURORS EXCUSED Three of Regular Panel Relieved—Other Items from Hall of Justice THE SECOND DAY Several Partition Cases Disposed of—Causes Are Set for Trial Judge Merryman this morning excused three of the regular panel of the jury selected for the September term. They are Elias Carpenter, who recently moved to Ohio; William Lotzenhizer, whose hearing and speech are defective and Eli Engle, who has a valuable contract to complete by a given time, the delay of which whicn be caused by his serving on the jury and thus cause him considerable loss. Attorney D. E. Smith filed a new case, entitled Edward E. Ham’l vs. Onandago-Indiana Oil Co., and Joy C. Hamil, complaint to foreclose, chattel mortgage, demand $3,000. Another new case filed was by C. J. Lutz, the title being Fred Schafer et al vs. John J. Meyer, suit on notes, demand $125. Real estate transfers: Paul G. Hoop* er to Leo L. Kintz, lot 1012 Decatur, $75. Caroline Haughton et al to Christian H. Roth, 58 acres French township, $3,900. Sadie Hammell to Will Hammell, one acre Washington township, $250. Abe M. Neuenschwander, guardian for Lydia M. Neuenschwander and six others, filed his report which was approved and the partnership of guardian and J. M. Neuenschwander was continued until further order of court. Nettie Roop, guardian for William J. Smith et al, filed final report as to William. Yazwell Fritz, guardian for George A. Fritz and others, filed his current report, which was allowed. A. M. Habegger, guardian for Albert Stauffer and others, filed current report, which was allowed. Elizabeth Davenport, guardian for Josie L. Yager, filed current report.

Louis F. Miller, executor of the Mary Gnepper estate, filed report of sale; approved. William Hilgeman, executor of the George H. Hilgeman estate, filed report of sale of telephone stock; approved. Elmer Eley, executor of the Sarah B. McDaniel estate, filed final report and was discharged. Mary Bremerkamp vs. Joseph Bremerkamp, petition for order to convey real estate, default of defendant. J. W. Teeple appointed guardian ad litem for defendant. Finding for plaintiff on her petition. Isadore A. Kalver vs. Decatur Furnace Co., appearance by C. J. Lutz for defendant, petition for order to sell property filed by receiver. Ella Debolt vs. Chauncey Debolt, divorce, appearance by Peterson & Moran for defendant. John H. Mumma vs. Hugh McGuire et al, default, cause heard, title to land quieted as prayed. D. E. Smith appointed commissioner and reported deed. Martha Trim vs. John Trim, divorce, default of defendant, rule against prosecutor to answer. Charles Heffner vs. Jacob Hunsicker, damages S6OO, appearance by Peterson & Moran for defendant. Albert Miller vs. G. R. & I. Ry. Co., damages $5,000, appearance by A. P. Beatty for defendant. George W. Fisher et al vs. Phoebe Fisher et al, partition. Default of defen ’ants. Finding for plaintiffs, that George W. Fisher, B. F. Fisher and I Sarah A. Christman each own one-, fourth of property named in petition. I

minor heirs own other fourth. Land ordered sold at private sale. J. H. C. Smith appointed commissioner and filed bond for $6,400. Ordered to insure buildings for SSOO. Joseph D. Beery vs. Stephen Wilkin et al, submitted decree quieting title issued. P. G. Hooper appointed commissioner to convey land to plaintiff. A. P. Beatty entered his appearance for the Clover Leaf in the Sophia Conrad petition for ditch. D. N. Erwin, guardian vs. Christina R. Niblick et al, partition, appearance by J. C. Sutton and Heller & Son for defendants. Adda M. & W. J. Hahnert vs. Martha Dunter et al. partition, appearance by Peterson & Moran for J. W. and Hattie Andrews. Default of other defendants. H. B. Heller appointed guardian ad litum for minors. Rosie Passwater vs. Charles Passwater, divorce, cause set for hearing on plea in abatement, on September 14th. Bank of Wren vs. Cardwell Box Co. et al, note $6,000, rule to answer made absolute within five days. The Fred Bracht ditch was referred to drainage commissioners. On ac(Contlnue don page 4.) lawlsTmockery Dr. J. N. Hurty Tells of Inefficient Health Law NEED THE MONEY Health Board Given Everything but Money to Combat Disease

Indianapolis, Sept. 7.—Dr. J. N. , Hurty, secretary of the state board I of health, is preparing for the next i issue of the monthly bulletin issued by the board, an article which will appear under the heading: "Why , These Conditions?” The subject for t the paper was furnished by Dr. L. G. Cromer, of Union City, local health officer. According to a letter received from the officer, a faml’y of eleven , persons in Union City Is afflicted with j typhoid fever, six of the eleven being stricken. The home has only two rooms and only two beds. All of the well members of the family and three , of the sick ones sleep on the floor, and ■ an altogether distressing condition is ; the result, according to Dr. Cromer. ( Also, according to Dr. Cromer, there . are no funds by which the conditions , can be bettered. There is no public hospital in the city and no pub'ic money with which to employ a nurse, if, indeed, one could be induced to attend the cases under such conditions. In his article Dr. Hurty will ' say: “Such incidents as this indicate 1 the mockery of the Indiana law in car- ; Ing for the state’s citizens. Under the law the state board of health has pow- i er to take all necessary steps to relieve such a condition as Dr. Cromer has reported by providing better surroundings and appropriate care. Under the same law we are required to take charge of such a condition and treat it properly in order to prevent the spread of the disease to the remainder of the community. But after giving us the power, and placing on us the requirement, It refused to appropriate us one cent of money with which to do what we are empowered and required to do. and this poor family must go on doing with what a kindhearted physician is prompted to give out of a spirit of charity. The state is well enough off to give $15,000 for protection against bugs in fruit trees and foul brood in honey bees, and to give SIOO,OOO to protect our cows and calves at the fair grounds, but is not able to give one penny toward relieving such human suffering as is reported by Dr. Cromer. Apparently we have yet much educating to do.” ■ o — Don’t forget the trip around the I world on next Tuesoay evening at the new U. B. parsonage on Ninth street. A big time is being planned I and things will be done right on that | I occasion so a good time Is insured to 1 every one. “Heiny” is the main at- * t I traction. 11

Price Two Cents

NO TRACES OF COOK Were Found by Commodore Peary When He Landed at the North Pole FIGHT FOR HONORS May Be the Result—the Story as Told in the Latest Press Dispatches St. Johns, N. F., Sept. 6.—Comman- ■ der Robert E. Peary, who announced today that hie had discovered the north pole on April 6 of the present year, found no trace of Dr. Frederics A. Cook, of Brooklyn, who reported to the world five days ago that he had made the same discovery in April of the preceding year. This news reached here tonight through Captain Robert Bartlett of the Roosevelt, Peary’s ship, enroute to Chateau bay, Labrador. ' While Peary does not expressly repudiate Dr. Cook's contention in so many words, his statement may have an important bearing upon determining the extent of Dr. Cook's explorations. The Roosevelt was In good condition and the crew all right, wired Captain Bartlett in addition, and he reported that the schooner Jeanie, carrying supplies for the expedition, had met them off the coast of Greenland. Coming south, the Roosevelt passed Etah and Upernavik. Greenland, where Dr. Cook had preceded Peary. The Roosevelt tonight is bound for Chateau bay, Labrador, with Peary and party on board, where she is due tomorrow. Chateau bay lies northwest of Castle and Henley islands on the northern shore of Belle Isle straits, and due east of Belle Isle. Indiana Harbor, via Cape Ray, N. F., Sept. 6—" To Associated Press, New York: “Stars and stripes nailed to north pole. (Signed)

"PEARY.” Indian Harbor, via Cape Ray, N. F., Sept. 6.—“ To Herbert L. Bridgman, Brooklyn, N. Y.: Pole reached. Roosevelt safe. (Signed) “PEARY.” Indian Harbor, via Cape Ray, N. F., Sept. 6.—“ To the New York Times, N. Y.: "I have the pole April 6. Expect arrive Chateau Bay Sept. 7. Secure control wire for me there and arrange expedite transmission big story. (Signed) "PEARY.” ' South Harpswell, Me.. Sept. 6.— Commander Robert E. Peary announced his success in discovering the north pole to his wife, who is summering at Eagle Island here, as follows: “Indian Harbor, via Cape Ray, Sept. 6. 1909.—Mrs. R .E. Peary, South Harpswell, Me.: Have made good at last. I have the old pole. Am well. Love. Will wire again from Chateau. (Signed) BERT.” In replying Mrs. Peary sent the following dispatch: “South Harpswell, Maine, Sept. 6, 1909. Commander R. E. Peary, Steamer Rosevelt, Chateau Bay: “All well. Best love. God bless you. Hurry home. (Signed) JO.” • - —' — Copenhagen, Sept. 6. —When the ' report that Commander Peary had discovered the north pole reached ' here Dr. Cook said: “I hope the news ' is correct. If Peary has reached the g pole his description of that region will confirm mine.” 3 1 _ f St. Johns, N. F., Sept. 6.—Comman.'der Peary has Just telegraphed the - 1 governor of Newfoundland by wireless ■ 1 from Indian Harbor. Labrador, announcing he has discovered the north I pole and congratulating Newfoundj land on its part in this discovery, seeing that the captain and crew of ■' Peary’s steamer are Newfoundlanders. — ——-o — Mrs. Mary Rave returned to her home at Cincinnati, after attending [the funeral of her brother, Harmon Brake, which was held yesterday.