Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 8, Number 44, Decatur, Adams County, 21 February 1910 — Page 1

Volume VIII. Number 44.

BEST SPELLERS ® * 5 ' f | In Adams County Sshools Have Been Determined—- ■ A Long Fight. MISS LAUGHLIN WINS The' First Honors—4,loß Words Spelled During Eight-Hour Contest. ************** * THE WINNERS. * * 1. MARY LAUGHLIN, Jefferson. * * 2. WILDAS SHIFFERLY, Union. * * J. MINNIE TRICKER, Blue Creek * * T NELLIE KERR, Jefferson. * * 5. NELLIE HELM, St. Marys. * ************** Not until 5:30 o’clock Saturday evening did the Adams county spelling J contest close at Berne, when Miss Mary Laughlin of Jefferson township, daughter of County Commissioner Martin Laughlin, was declared the winner of first honors, being the last one standing of the twenty-four representatives of the schools from every township 4n the county who partici; pated in the contest. The contest was a noble one, and every One of the twenty-four contestants may feel proud of the record he made. The match began at 9:30 in the morning, being a half hour delayed on account of the waiting on a contestant, and did not close until 5:30. Every one of the representatives select- £ ed from the winners of the township contests was present, except Miss Lucile Baumgartner of French .township, who could not attend on account of sickness, her alternate Dennis taking her place. Five hundred and twenty-three words were given out before any were missed. During the entire morning 1,453 words were given out, and up to this time but five spellers had gone down in defeat. It was ’ soon known that the contest would be a close one, and it was thought that at that rate the contest would probably not close nntil midnight. At 2:15 but seven had been spelled down, and it was not until the afternoon’s grist of 2,655 words has gone through, making a total for the day of 4,108, that all had taken their seats, except Miss Mary Laughlin. The words were to have been selected from pages 25 to 102 inclusive of the Alexander speller, but it became necessary to choose words beyond this, and seventeen more pages were required, making the selection range from pages 25 to 119 of the speller. The prizes were awarded to the five who stood longest In the contest as follows. First—Mary Laughlin, of Jefferson, the Webster's New International Dictionary. Second—Wildas Shifferly, Union, awarded the gold signet ring, presented by D. M. Hensley. Third—Minnie Tricker, Blue Creek, awarded the all-wool sweater, presented by Teeple, Brandyberry & Peterson. z Fourth—Nellie Kerr. Jefferson, awarded the Conklin Fountain pen, presented by Smith, Yager & Falk. v Fisth —Nellie Helm, St. Marys, awarded two of Jean Stratton Porter s books, "Song of the Cardinal, and -Birds of the Bible,” presented by the Decatur Democrat. Others who made a-good record and deserve honorable mention are Lucile White of St. Marys; Lenore Mercer, Blue Creek; Zella Wagner, Monroe: Hattie Wilder,/Root; Lucile Fleming, Union. While not all could win material prizes, the zeal and enthusiasm revived in this great spelling meet, is perhaps worth more to each than any of the valuable prizes offered, and it will long live in the memory of all as one of the most pleasureable of .their school life. The contest was < held in the high school building at Berne and this was packed at all times during the day, the attendance being about three hundred, though this is difficult to determine, as many left earlier in the day and Others came in their place. —— o— * J. A. Fleming, trustee of Jefferson township, went to Berne this morning, •where the trustees of the county were discussing several questions of much Importance. t

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

ORGANIZE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB State Superintendent of Farmere’ Institutes Such a Club Here. I have received a letter from State Superintendent of Farmers' Institutes urging the organization of a Boys’ and Girls’ club in Adams county. If a sufficient number of boys and girls between the ages of twelve and eighteen years signify their willingness to join such an association, a special representative will be sent here at such a time as will be arranged at a later date to effect an organization. The object of such a club is tb stimulate an interest in corn growing, gardening, etc., among the young people. In order that I may make a correct report to the state superintendent I desire all those between the ages of twelve and eighteen to Inform me of their willingness to become a member at the Farmers’ Institute or by dropping me a card not later than Saturday, February 26th. C. S. MUMMA, County Chairman. BAILER CASE ON r— Man is Charged With Receiving Stolen Coal—Will Conclude Today. CHILDREN ADOPTED A Busy Day at Court House Two Marriage Licenses —A Will Probated. The case of the State vs. Samuel Bailor, receiving stolen goods, began before a bourt and jury. Prosecutor Heller is looking after the state's interest "and J. W. Teeple is defending. The jury consists of L. N. Grandstaff, B. J. Terveer, Joseph Daily, Frank Winans, John Bryan, Calvin Miller, Charles Laugenberger, Frank Nussbaum, David Buckmaster, Andrew Baxter, John H. Helm and Fred Hoffman. Two young boys, Dennis and Aaron Baker who confessed to stealing coal, and delivering it to Bailor, and were sent to the Plainfield reformatory, were brought here and testified. The case will probably go to the jury this evening or Tuesday morning. Julius and Emma Reichart filed a petition for adoption, of Lillie Esther Moser and Paul H. Moser and the written consent of the mother. Petition was granted and children’s names changed to Reichert. Decatur Lumber Co. vs. J. W. on note; submitted, finding for plaintiff for $479.41. ■ . ——— \ Bank of Berne vs. Mary Neaderhouser, administratrix, claim, $1,166.40. Answer filed. Cross-complaint filed; reply by plaintiff to cross-com-plaint. Perry J. Lenhart vs. Kate Marquart et al., title quieted to real estate as prayed in complaint. A marriage license was issued to Lewds E. Neaderhouser, 30 a rural mail carrier at Berne, to Elsi Pearl Rice, 27, a seamstress at Berne. A license to wed was granted Gerald A. Sparling, jr„ 23, of St. Louis, Mo., to Douna G. Sowers, 22 daughter of Dr. and Mrs. H. E. Sowers, of this city. Hooper & Lenhart filed a new case entitled Gllliom Lumber Co. vs. Fred A. Koehler, suit on note and account, demand, S3OO. Real estate transfers: Thomas W. Harker et al.-to M. W. Hamrick, 37 acres, Blue Creek ttrtvnship, $1550; W. E| Werling to Charles Miller, 80 acres, Kirkland tp„ $8800; Chas. Werling to W. E. Werling, 80 acres, Preble tp., $10,800; J. M. Collins to William Michaels, 234 acres, Monroe tp., $26,000. The will of Jasper William Case, who suicided at Willshire last week, was filed today. He bequeaths his property, real and personal to’his wife, Martha Ellen, but provides that his son, Lewis, shall have SI,OOO and gives SIOO each to Mattie Manrick, Bertha Jack and Nettie Spangler. Samuel Simfson of Berne was a business visitor here today.

Decatur, Indiana. Monday Evening, February 21,1910.

THIRTY SENATORS Will Face Their People in an Election in November of This Year. MEMORABLE CONTEST Quite a Number of the Distinguished Members to be Re-Elected. Washington, Feb. 21 —The battle lines are now being formed and the forces are being marshalled for a number of memorable senatorial contests. By operation of the federal constitution one-third of the membership of the senate is chosen every two years and the legislatures to be elected this year will name the successors of thirty United States senators, among whom are some of the most distinguished and able members of the highest law-making body in America. The terms of tue men in question will expire March 3, 1911. In a majority of the states where the senatorship is at an issue there are sharp contests. In a few where the politics of the state is not variable and the incumbent senator has a strong hold on the people, the issue is already decided and awaits only the formalityof a ratification by the state legislature in the manner laid down in the constitution. In several of the states the choosing of a senator is the greatest of all public questions before the people. The fate of five of the thirty senators has already been decided. Flint of California and Piles of Washington have voluntarily relinquished their claims for re-election. Flint asserts that he is too poor to pay the expenses of building up and maintaining a political organization such as is necessary to win in California. Piles declares that he has lost opportunities to make a large fortune since he has been in the senate and that he simply cannot afford the toga. Down in Mississippi they believe in taking time by the forelock. John Sharp Williams, former democratic leader of the house, was chosen more than a year ago to succeed Senator Money, who also retires voluntarily. Senator Daniel of Virginia and Senator Rayner of Maryland already have been elected as their own successors. Several brght and shining exponents of the "old guard” of the senate, including Aldrich, Burrows, Hale, Lodge, Kean, Scott and Carter, are up for re(Contlnued on page 2.) REV. H. Os Fort Wayne Will Speak at Presbyterian Church This Evening. SPECIAL SERVICES Opened Sunday and Will Continue Two Weeks— Special Mesic. The Rev. H. B. Master, pastor of the First Presbyterian church at Fort. Wayne, will preach at the Presbyterian church in this city this evening, being the first visiting minster to assist in the two weeks' series of special services, which were opened Sunday by the pastor, the Rev. Spetnagel. This will not be the first time that the Rev. Master has preached in the Decatur church, and those who have heard him on former occasions will rejoice in the privilege thus given in hearing him this evening. He is a minister of wonderful power and ability. The special services were opened Sunday morning with a most excellent sermon by the pastor, the Rev. Spetnagel, on “Keeping the Vineyard,” while the subject of the evening's message was, “What it Means to be a Christian” —two very good sermons in preparation for the coming series. Special music was given by the men’s chorus and the mixed chorus. Everybody is invited to these services.

HELD FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. North Central City .Superintendent's Club Had a Meeting. Prof. E. E. Rice attended a meeting of the north central city superintendents’ club at Elwood Friday and Saturday and enjoyed a pleasant meeting with those engaged in school work. Those who were at the meeting were A. L. Wittmer of Rochester, R. A. Randall of Plymouth, A. J. Lewelyen of Sheridan, J. W. Stott of Union City, H. A. Crown of North Manchester, W. A. Tester of Alexandria, J. A. Clowser of Elwood, E. C. Stopher of Noblesville, J. C. Sanders of Columbia City, A. A. Hughart of Valparaiso, C. E. Spaulding of Winamac, W. R. Curtis of Crown Point, J. H. Hostetter of Peru, A. G. Beemer of Laporte and E. E. Rice of this city. They visited the Elwood schools and held several important sessions in which school organization and general educational problems were discussed. They will meet next year at Valparaiso. RECALL ACCIDENT Old Residents Here Remember This as Anniversary of Terrible Explosion. SHACKLEY WHEEL CO. Explosion Occurred at Two O’clock in the Afternoon, Feb. 21,1871. Thirty-nine years ago this afternoon, February 21, 1871, at 2 o’clock, occurred one of the most terrible accidents in the history of Decatur, an explosion which destroyed the W. H. Shackley Wheel company’s plant, ruining several who owned stock therein and killin gtwo of the employees, Tobasco Burt and Mr. Hunshey, arid injuring several others. The plant was located on First street, where is now the Jacob Buhler blacksmith shop. It was a big institution, by far the largest industry in Decatur, and employed sixty men steadily. A big tubular boiler was used in the mill, and the water, getting too low, it exploded. Without an instant’s notice the men found themselves suddenly mixed up with all kinds of flying timbers and machinery. The big boiler was thrown into the middle of the street, a distance of nearly a hundred feet, the air was filled with debris, some of which was hurled into the court house square. The news flashed over town and almost instantly intense excitement prevailed. One or more persons from nearly every family in the city was (employed at the mill, and the wildest Jmagineable scenes followed. The injured and dying were soon conveyed to the various homes and were cared for by willing hands, the physicians working rapidly and unceasingly for many hours. Mr. Burt died a few hours oftcr the accident and Mr. Hunshey the following day. The rest of the* injured recovered. The plant was a paying one at that time and it was predicted that the concern would some day be an immense plant. This accident, however, so wrecked the company that it was impossible to continue and a number of our citizens lost their all in the terrible accident. It was a sad day in this community and was talked over today by numerous old citizens who remember the occasion, and some of whom were real witnesses of the explosion. o MILLIONAIRE BANKER DEAD. Ligonier, Ind., Feb. 21 —Sol Mier, millionarie banker, real estate owner, merchant and manufacturer, died at his home here at 12:30 o’clock Sunday, after an illness of several weeks of pneumonia and heart trouble. He had been in failing health for about a year and was stricken with pneumonia about six weeks ago. His heart action became weakened and was the direct cause of his death. Dr. Maurice Rosenthal of Fort Wayne was called in consultation last week by the local physicians who were attending Mr. Mier, but it was seen then that his condition was very precarious and there was no hope for his recovery. — * — Charles Steele was at Tocsin Sunday in attendance at the funeral of Mrs. Walter Johnston, which was held in the morning at 10 o'clock at the Tocsin church. /

A BIG LAND FRAUD How Northerners Are Being “Gulled” by Smooth Set of Grafters. ON FLORIDA LAND Their Plan s Given by D. E. Studabaker Who is Now in the South. D. E. Studabaker of this city, who is spending the winter in Florida, has written us another very interesting letter from Florida. He tells of a big graft that is being worked by land dealers of that section and warns those intending to buy to find out what they are buying first. Concerning this he says: “I see by the Democrat that several from Adams county and vicinity contemplate coming down here and buying land near Klssimee, Florida. Now, let me tell you something. If anybody asks you about it, tell them not to do so, as it is a bunco affair, for this reason. They have bought this land from the turpentine people and the turpenlne people reserve the right to the timber for the next nine years. So you can't cut the trees down. The land (35,000 acres) was bought in a block, lakes and all, for SI.OO per acre. They sell you five acres and give you a lot in a small town called Taft (one store and a blacksmith shop) for SIOO. It is either in the turpentine forest or along the lakes (below sea level), where everything overflows in the spring or ealy fall, when the rainy season starts. Then the ground is all sand (white), and as a rule won’t raise a hill of beans. It is the worst graft I ever saw. They have cleaned up $170,000 so far and have some land left yet. The company is incorporated in New Jersey and the offices and officers are all there. A great many old soldiers and others have bought the land there and after paying for the land and getting down here they are broke and have no money to get to New Jersey and prosecute. Kissemee is only eighteen miles and Taft about ten or twelve from Orlando, and I have seen the land. Mr. Miller, a friend and neighbor of ours at Orlando, surveyed the land for the company when they bought it, and he told me about it. So tell any one you hear has an idea of buying that land, that it is a graft in the worst sense. Land around Sanford (Celeny) is good in most (Continued on page 2.) a happyweddFng Miss Donna Sowers Becomes Bride of Gerald A. Sparling. ON SUNDAY EVENING Wedding Solemnized at the Home of Bride’s Parents, Dr. and Mrs. Sowers. A very pretty and happy wedding was solemnized Sunday evening at 8:30 o’clock by the Rev. Richard Spetnagel, pastor of the Presbyterian church, at the home of the bride’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. H. E. Sowers, on Winchester street, their daughter, Miss Donna, becoming the bride of Mr. Gerald A. Sparling, of East St. Louis, Mo. The wedding was a very quiet one, witnessed only by the members of the family and by the Rev. and Mrs. Spetnagel and son, Robert. After the ceremony a luncheon was served. The bride is well known to all Decatur residents, having spent her girlhood here, and through her many lovable attributes has made friends of all. The groom is an enterprising young business man at East St. Louis, Mo., but is a native of Kirksville, Mo., where Dr. Sowers and family made their home while he was at» tending the medical college at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Sparling left today for their future home at East St. Louis and the best wishes of all go with them.

J. CLARK PASSED AWAY. Aged Father of Harvey Clark of Monmouth Died In Tipton Count.y J. Clark, aged about eighty-three years, died Saturday afternoon at his home in Tipton county after a several weeks’ illness from paralysis, dropsy and heart trouble. The aged man was quite well known, having made his home for some time with his son, Harvey Clark, on the Dorwin near Monmouth. Mr. Clark received word Saturday that his father could survive but a short time and left at once, arriving just a short time before death came. Mrs. Clark left this morning to attend the funeral, which will be held this afternoon. — o -—• SET POULTRY SHOW DATE. The executive committee of the Adams County Poultry association will meet Wednesday in the office of Gallogly & Lower. At this meeting the date and place of holding the next poultry show will be set. A NEWSPAPER DEAL Bluffton Banner Changed Hands Today, George Saunders Retiring. MR. ELLIOT IN CHARGE M. H. Ormsby Takes the Interest of Three of the Stockholders. (United Press Service.) Bluffton, Ind., Feb. 21—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The Bluffton Banner office changed bands today and George L. Saunders, who has been in charge of the plant for a number of years, retires. The Banner prints a Daily and Weekly paper and its job offices are complete and the office enjoys an extensive business. The deal today was made by W. H. Ormsby, official court reporter, who purchased the Interest of Mr. Saunders, also the stock held by W. H. Eichhorn and Al Oppenheim. Mr. Ormsby takes only a financial interest in the plant and will not devote his attention thereto, Mr. B. G. Elliot, who has served as city editor for eighteen months past, becoming the manager and editor. No change is announced in the palicies of the paper. o A MISTAKE IN THE DATE. In our issue of Saturday we published the notice of Mrs. Lyons, president of the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Farmers’ Institute, in which the request for the exhibits on bread, butter, cake be in by Wednesday. This is a mistake, as they do not have to be in until Thursday, February 24th, at 11 o’clock. Those expecting to take part in this contest should take notice of this. AS TICKET AGENT. Tom Miller, Clover Leaf ticket agent at Bluffton, and formerly agent at this place, Is assisting here In the absence of the agent, C. F. Harris, who was summoned to North Salem a few days ago on account of the serious illness of his mother. Mr. Miller is just recovering from an operation performed about a week ago upon one his eyes and will help here until Mr. Haris returns. O'" ATTENDED K. OF C. MEETING. Messrs. Frank Gass and Chas. Lose of this city returned Sunday evening from Alexandria, where they attended a big meeting of the Knights of Columbus. Fifty-seven candidates took the work and the banquet was a dream, say the boys. The meeting was a most successful one and was attended by knights from all over the state. The new work was used and the affair was greatly enjoyed by all. HAS SYMPTOMS OF APPENDICITIS Homer Lower, one of the rural route mail carriers, is quite sick with symptoms of appendicitis and his condition today is quite alarming. Drs.J. M. Miller and J. S. Boyers held a consultatlo this morning and unless a change for the better comes speedily an operation is not improbable.

Price Two Cents

PREPARES FOR END Sylvester Pontus Makes Funeral Arrangements and Writes His Will. A NARROW ESCAPE Geneva Lad Went Through the Ice on Wabash and is Saved by Passer-by. Geneva, Ind., Feb. 21—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Sylvester Pontius, one of the well known men of this community, is preparing to die, and is doing so methodically, realizing that the end is not far away. Eash day finds him weaker than the day before. He has prepared his will and has completed all funeral arrangements. His death is but a matter of but a short time. Vernon 'Waldo, twelve-year-old son of Rev. Waldo of the United Brethren church here, had a narrow escape from drowinng Saturday afternoon. He and two companions, Jesse Burdg and Ralph Waldo, were skating on the Wabash river, when Verdon suddenly broke through at a place where the water was perhaps seven feet deep. Luckily he managed to cling to the ice and keep his head up and the lads screams attracted the attention of two men who were passing, one of whom almost providentially had a rope in his hands. This he threw out to the boy, who grabbed it and was dragged to safety. He was wrapped in coats and taken home and suffered no serious results. Jacob R. Martz was called to Monroe Sunday on account of the very serious condition of his brother, James, who is suffering from cancer of the bowels. Mrs. Osetta Sullivan of Casey, 111., arrived Monday to be at the bedside of her brother, Sylvester Pontius, who is fatally ill. Mrs. Sullivan is the only sister of the seven brothers. Rev. C. U. Wade, superintendent of the M. E. church, conducted an interesting meeting here Sunday and on Monday morning at 10 o'clock held the last quarterly services of the year. Ex-County Commissioner George Pontius will on Wednesday of this week celebrate his eighty-third birthday. He is in fairly good health for one of his years. -e The protracted meetings at the United Brethren church are still in progress with large crowds in attendance each evening and much interest is manifested. Mrs. A. G. Briggs came home from Celina Sunday, where she attended the funeral of her grandmother. Walter Thornhill, trustee of Wabash township, was among those from here who atended the spelling contest at Berne Saturday. No new cases of scarlet fever have been reported in Geneva for several weeks and it is hoped that thhs dread disease has been stamped out. TO DRAFT MODEL LIQUOR BILL. Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 21 —A convention of mayors, chiefs of police, editors, brewers and other citizens of Indiana will be held in Indianapolis some time during the next month to consider a revision of the liquor laws an dto draft a model liquor bill to be introduced at the next session of the legislature. Mayor Shank decided to call such a convention after talking over the liquor question with Joseph E. Bell, attorney for the Terre Haute Brewing company. o — THE OHIO IS RAGING AGAIN. (United Press Service.) Evansville, Ind., Feb. 21 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —Heavy ice in the Ohio river has been passing here for forty-eight hours. The river is rising at the rate of two inches an hour. It passed the twenty-two foot stage here this morning. All the by-streams of the Ohio continue to rise at a rapid rate.