Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 9, Number 65, Decatur, Adams County, 17 March 1911 — Page 1

Volume IX. Number 65.

THE SLEEP OF DEATH Rests Upon the Brow of Robert S. Peterson, Summoning Him to Repose. WELL KNOWN CITIZEN Was Soldier, Lawyer, Bank-er-Long Illness Ended Yesterday Afternoon. Surrounded by every member of his ; family, and after a brave struggle to recuperate from an attack of pneumo- | nia, the Hon. Robert Smith Peterson died at his home on North Second street at 3:20 o'clock Thursday afternoon. For two weeks he had battled I against the inevitable, retaining consciousness until a few hours before ; the end, and the afternon before sat | up in his chair, but even his wonderI t'ul vitality could not longer resist the | years of disease and the end came

peacefully and without a It is hard to write the life-story of those we love and respect, of one who has proven his friendship over and over, of one who was bound to us by ties of kinship and whose presence was always welcomed for the closeness of his comradeship, and still we would not shirk the duty to tell the story as we know it. His good qualities were many and his faults few. He was one of the men who did things and until ten years ago. when ill health forced him to retire from active life, he was prominent in every public spirited movement. On every | question, local, state and national, he had his opinion, a decisive one. which he believed in and studied out. and to, that he clung and usually fought for. His position was always understood, and in politics, business, as a soldier, or in whatever field you found him, he was a leader, a man who naturally took charge of things and conducted them in a quiet, forcible, go-ahead manner. He was born in St. Mary's township, February 1, 1845, the son of John W. and Hannah Peterson, and excepting the two years in the service of his country, he was all his life a resident of Adams county. He was educated in the common schools and when scarcely more than a boy was teaching school and studying law at intervals. In 1864 he went to the front and upon his return again began teaching, and during vacation time studied law with Judge David Studabaker, and was admitted to the bar in 1868. He practiced here for many years, later formed a partnership with E. A. Huffman and this firm continued until Mr. Peterson acecpted a place as cashier of the Decatur National bank, w’hich institution he had

assisted in organizing, and where he served until his health began to tail in 1895. He was a member of the town council in the early eighties, and to him is credited the sewerage system of the town. He did much toward securing the Clover Leaf railroad for Decatur and later the Chicago & Erie, and served as attorney for both for years. A staunch republican, he was prominent in district and state affairs and in 1892 was a candidate for the nomination for congress. In 1894 he was nominated by his party for judge of the twenty-sixth judicial circuit and made a splendid race, reducing the usual large majority to about two hundred. As a member of the school board for several terms he did much toward the betterment of educational affairs in Decatur, and in all his work he did his share, carried his part of the burdens unmurmuringly. He was one of those old- fashioned men, whose pioneer instincts helped them to build right in all things. During his service in the war he received a wound in the breast and since his return nearly forty-six years ago, he never enjoyed good health. He has suffered from stomach, heart and ■ catarrhal ailments,, and in Is9u an attack of the grip weakened him so that he has never been well since, each

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

winter bringing a fresh attack of the disease and each leaving him weaker. He was always hopeful and often spoke of soon beginhing active practice again. His last trip down town was to vote on the local option question. Two weeks ago tonight he suffered an attack of pneumonia and almost at once it was known that his frail constitution could not successfully battle that ailment. Even then he clung to life and for a few days there was some hope, but his body refused longer to furnish strength and the end came Thursday afternoon. His days numbered sixty-five years, one month and sixteen days. He was married September 25, 1863, to Miss Fannie Kunkle, and to them were born twelve children, ten of whom, with the faithful, devoted and loving wife, survive. The children are John S. Peterson, Mrs. W. A. Lower, Mrs. John H. Heller, Mrs. Frank Alwein, Shelby, Ohio; Mrs. C. O. France, Columbia City, Indiana; Calvin E. Peterson, Miss Elizabeth Peterson, Thomas Peterson, Gary. Indiana; Mrs. John Magley, Monmouth, and Richard Peterson. Two children, Faye and Robert, have preceded their father. Surviving also are one brother, S. W. Peterson, of this city, and one sister, Mrs. Jehu Smith, of St. Mary’s township. The funeral services will be held from thW home Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, the Rev. W. I. Alexander of Columbia City officiating. Members of the Adams county bar will serve as pall bearers.

Meeting of the Bar. Judge Daniel D Heiier. president of the Adams County Bar association, called a meeting this morning at 9 o’clock at which time arrangements were planned for the funeral of the Hon. Robert S. Peterson, who for twenty years had served as president cf the association, and who for nearly half a century had been a member of the bar here. He was held in high esteem by every lawyer, was known as a splendid fighter and a fair and impartial judge of the law, and deep feeling marked the remarks at today's session of the bar. It was decided that judges of the surrounding counties be notified of the death of Mr. Peterson and the funeral arrangements and the bar will meet at the court room at 9 o’clock Sunday morning to attend the funeral. The following committees were named: On Resolution —Dore B. Erwin, Judge James T. Merryman and P. G. Hooper. Floral—C. L. Walters. E. B. Adams and J. C. Moran. Pall Bearers —A. P. Beatty, Clark J. Lutz, D. E. Smith, J. W. Teeple, J T. Merryman and P. G. Hooper. G. A. R. Meets Tonight. Mr. Peterson was a member of the Sam Henry Post, G. A. R., and that order will meet this evening to arrange for the funeral. All members have been requested to attend. His Military Career. The 13th Indiana Cavalry was recruited in the fall and winter of 1863 and mustered into service the first of March, 1864. Robert S. Peterson enlisted in Company G, as a duty sergeant, later became first sergeant, and was then commissioned a second lieutenant, which rank he held when mustered out. Immediately after the regiment was mustered in it left for Nashville, Tenn., and from there was sent to Huntsville, Ala. While at Huntsville the regiment was assigned to scouting the country to protect them from the ravages of the guerillas, having had several skirmishes with prowling bands of rebel cavalry. Later on in the summer it fought General Buford. It later went to Paducah, Ky., and there had a fight with General Forrest; after his repulse the regiment was sent to join General Wilson's cavalry, and with his command fought every day -back to Nashville. The regiment, with the rest of General Wilson’s cavalry, took an active part in the two days’ battle at Nashville, December 15 and 16. 1864. After several days’ chase after General Hooth’s fleeing army the division his regiment belonged to was sent to Vicksburg, Miss., from there to Mobile, Ala., where it took an active part in the capture of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, from March 20 to April 9, 1865. An expedition was arranged to sweep the country, commanded by Major General A. J. Smith, the cavalry, commanded by Brevet General Garrison. On reaching Montgomery, Ala., war had come to an end. The regiment went into camp at Columbus, Miss., where it remained till its muster out, November 18, 1865. When commissioned a second lieutenant he was advanced oyer other sergeants for meritorious service on the courrier line between Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Ala.

II BOBS UP AGAIN Attorneys *Think New Law May Send Faylor-Stude-baker Case TO SUPREME COURT From Appellate—Claim the Appellate is Creation of Legislature. Local attorneys and other parties who have been interested in the progress of the famous Faylor-Studebakcr suit to set aside a deed made by Catherine Faylor, have learned that under a new •> Law passed by the general assembly just closed the suit in question will be transferred from the docket of the appellate court to the supreme court. The case had been pending in the appellate court for some time and the last action had been a motion to advance it on the docket. The motion to advance will be transferred to the supreme court together with the other papers in the case. The law under which the transfer is made provides that the decision of the appellate court shall be final in certain specified cases. The legal questions involved are extremely complicated and it was necessary for J. Fred France, clerk of the supreme and appellate courts, to petition the i supreme court to construe the law for i his benefit before he undertook to i transfer the cases on file. The new law is the target of a test 1 case which is booked by a number of prominent jurists who hold that it is unconstitutional in giving the appellate court the final decision in certain cases. Their contention is that the supreme tribunal and the appellate court is a creation of the legislature, therefore the act of the general assembly in granting final jurisdiction to the appellate court is unconstitutional. The final hearing on the StudebakerFaylor suit cannot be forecasted. — I Bluffton News. CONTEST IS NEAR Decatur Preliminary to TriTown League Contest Will be Held. THURSDAY, MARCH 30 i Geneva Has Not Yet Announced Its Date For Preliminary. The musical, oratorical, reading and discussion contest to be given in April by the high school students of this city, Geneva and Berne, is nearing, but first of all will be the preliminary contests to be given by each high school, at which will be determined the ones who will take part in the final league contest, which will be held in this city. The Decatur high school has been making arrangements for its preliminary to be given Thursday evening, March 30th, but the place has not yet been selected. 'There will be many contestants in the I various departments of music, ora- ' tory, reading and discussion, and a very good program will be given at the preliminary. Berne Held its contest yesterday, but Geneva has not yet announced its date.

IS KEPT BUSY. Wilbur Porter, who is conducting the Decatur Carriage and trimming plant, is enjoying a liberal patronage and at present is doing a land-office businesy. In addition to this he has the contract for the upholstering for the automobile factory and at present has twenty-five large cushions to start with. He recently purchased a Singer sewing machine, which is to be used by means of a motor, the machine arriving a few days ago. He is there at the work, and is gaining quite a reputation by the good work which he is putting out. — o : , . Mrs. Mont Fee and sons, Lyle and Donald, spent the afternoon in Fort Waye.

Decatur, Ind. Friday Evening, March 17, 1911.

HARD ON THE WHEAT. Past Week’s Weather Has Damaged it to a Certain Extent. The freezing and thawing weather of the past few days, together with the high winds, have worked an injury to the growing wheal crop in the county and while the wheat came through the winter in good shape the crop has been hurt during the past week. The ground freezing and thawing tends to lift the roots of the plant out of the ground and the winds blow the dirt away from the roots leaving the plant to die. ’ Purdue University recommends that a roller bq, placed on the wheat fields, the claim being made that this tends to hold the dirt to the plants and prevents it being blown away. MR. DIDOTRETURNS Has Been Quite 11l For Several Weeks at His Geneva Home. FEELS MUCH BETTER He is Replacing His Stock and Will Open Next Monday. John A. Didot, the jeweler on the north side of the court house, who for several weeks has been absent from his place of business, owing to a severe attack of stomach trouble, which suddenly overtook him. and upon the advice of his physicians, went to his home at Geneva, where he could better rest and recuperate, returned to this city Thursday. He is feeling much better, but is still quite weak and is not yet in the best of health. He has been afflicted with this illness for many years, and just recently has it become more critical. At present he is busily engaged in cleaning up his business room, and will replace his stock just as soon as time will permit. Several parties were aiding him to straighten things up and he expects to have everything in readiness by next Monday and to carry on his business as heretofore. He has quite a bit of repair work which he must get out at the earliest convenience, and he asks the public to come and give him a call. ■ n CEMENT FLOOR. Lachot & Rice Making Improvement to Basement. Lachot & Rice this morning began work in putting a cement floor in the basement under their store, which will serve as a better floor for the many articles which they keep in the basement. It will also add much convenience to the soda fountain, charges for which are kept at this place, which require much work from time to time to keep them in proper condition. The new floor extends but thirty feet from the front of the store, but will be of much convenience to the business of this firm. o — A QUICK DEAL. Quite a business deal was closed this morning when Murray Scherer, the furniture dealer, traded his Edison phonograph to 1). I. Welkel for one of his Singer sewing machines.. The trade was considered a go from start to finish, as a contract was signed by Mr. Scherer without looking as to what style of a machine he was to receive. When delivery was made this morning the machine delivered to Mr. Scherer was a brand new Singer, but it had to be run with the aid of hand power. Both are well pleased over their deal, especially Mr. Scherer, who was operating same the greater part of the day. LEFT HOSPITAL. Miss Blanch Hart, who for several weeks has been at the St. Joseph's hospital. Fort Wayne, where she underwent an operation some time ago, is improving nicely from day to day and is gaining strength fast. She has gained sufficient strength to allow her to be moved to the home of Mrs. Jack Smith, where she has been making her home while at Fort Wayne. She it still quite weak and it will require some Ji me before she will be able to resume her duties

SPIRITED CONTEST Is On Among Fort Wayne, Decatur and Bluffton Epworth Leagues. AS TO ATTENDANCE Ft. Wayne Ahead Last Sunday—Good Program For Next Sunday. The attendance contest that is on between the Epworth Leagues of Decatur. Bluffton and Fort Wayne Methodist young people, is spirited and full of enthusiasm. Decatur succeeded In bringing about a greater attendance last Sunday night than did Bluffton, but was defeated by the First church, Fort Wayne. The program for next Sunday evening Is good, as will be shown by the program which we give in full. The work will be in in charge of G. W. Warner. Everybody is invited; Song—Audience. Reading of Lesson and Opening Exercises—Mr. Warner. Vocal Solo —Dwight Peterson. Quartet —"He'll Never Forget to Keep Me" —Slesdames Vail and B. J. Rice and Messrs. Beery and Tritch. Address —“Habit" —Supt. E. E. Rice. Ladies’ Quartet —Mesdames Thomas, Rice, Vail and Walters. Closing exercises in charge of Mr. Warner. 1 This will be one of the strongest programs of the year. o GLOVE FACTORY GETTING READY The Geneva Glove comany came here the latter part of last week and decided to locate in the Hutton building and immediately got busy to get the room in shape. Mr. Hutton vacated the upstairs rooms and made it possible for them to locate therein. It won’t be long now until they will install the machinery and have things moving along in the proper shape.— Geneva Herald. SOCIAL EVENING First One of Series Instituted Thursday Evening by Knights of Pythias. NEARLY A HUNDRED Attended — Second Rank Work Followd by Banquet and Toasts. Nearly one hundred Knights of Pitiiias attended the initial "social evening" at the K. of P. home last night and if the enthusiasm and interest displayed at that, time Is any criterion,

this new feature, which will be a series of "Booster Meetings" for the lodge, will be one of the most successful ever inaugurated by this progressive lodge. The second rank was given Curt Fritzinger of Monmouth, and after the lodge adjournment, the members repaired to the dining room where a banquet was in order. Between the courses, a number of addresses were given, Dr. Fred Patterson presiding as toastmaster. (Responses were given by Prof. E. E. Rice, D. N. Erwin. Orval Harruff, W. L. Lehne, E. B. Lenhart. James Henricks, J. O. and Albert Seilemeyer, an dothers. PREBLE SERVICES. Rev. J. C. Valentine of Preble wishes to make the following announcements for his services which he will hold on next Sunday. At 10:30 a. m. he will conduct services at Mt. Pleasant church. At 3 p. m. he will speak at the Washington church, and in the evening at 7:30 he will have charge of the services to be held at Beulah Chapel. Everybody invited. n — FUNERAL OF MRS. RUPRIGHT. Many Decatur and Adams county relatives and friends were in attendance at tlie funeral of Mrs. John Rupright, which was held this morning at the home in Preble township, with interment in the Ossian cemetery.

FIRST DIPLOMA EXAMS. For Graduation From Graded Schools of County, The first county diploma examinations of the year, as announced by L. E. Opliger, county superintendent of schools, will be held next Saturday, March 18th, both in this city and at Berne. It will be held in this city at the Central school house, and at Berne in the school house. The examination will begin at 8:30 and there will doubtless be many candidates. The next examination Is scheduled for April 15th at Geneva. COURT HOUSE NEWS »■— I — I I The Estell is Still in Progress—Will Not Conclude Till Tomorrow. A PARTITION CASE Was Heard—New Case Filed—Real Estate Transfers—Other Items. A new case was filed on appeal from justice of peace court, entitled Amos W. Snyder, surviving partner, vs. Chris and Jacob Musser, suit on note. Catherine Schneider vs. Catherine Schaffer, partition, appearance by A. P. Beatty for defendant, cause submitted. Finding for plaintiff. Sale ordered. J. C. Moran appointed commissioner and bond fixed at $3,000. David P. Kenworthy et al. vs. William H. Reichard, to foreclose lien and SSOO damages, rule to answer absolute in five days. Appearance by A. P. Beatty for defendant. The case of Charles E. Estell vs. Charles E. Estell. administrator, claim, $624, will not go to the jury before Saturday noon. It has developed into a real law suit. Real estate transfers: Ira Steele to Flora Price, lot 26, Pleasant Mills, $500; David E. Smith, commissione.", to Ira Steele, lot 26, Pleasant Mills. SI.OO. o— — — LAID TO REST. Funeral of Mrs. Rupright Held This Morning. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Sutton were among those who attended the funeral of Mrs. John Rupright, whose death occurred on last Monday evening. The last sad rites were held from the home in Preble township at 9 o’clock this morning and interment was made at the Ossian cemetery. Many were in attendance to show their last respects to one of the most widely known residents of that vicinity, and one whom they had loved for a lifetime. u MORE FOR INITIATION. Star of Bethlehem Increases Much in Membership. A class of eleven more candidates , will be initiated into the Star of Beth-1 lehem order this evening, in their | rooms at the Yeomen hall. This or-j der is having a remarkably great! growth, sixty-one members having, been received since October 21st. An equally large class was initiated only a week ago. BEAUTIFUL EASTER One of the most beautiful dislay win- 1 dows in the city, blossoming forth in honor of the approaching Easter-tide, is that of the Charles Voglewede shoestore. Against the mirror background outlined in a frame of pure white, rises a white latticework, which is covered with white Easter lilies with golden centers, the lillies rising majestically from their glossy green stalks from the pots below. In the midst of this exquisite setting, are the spring footwear displays. o , — K. OF C. MEETING. Next Monday evening will be the regular meeting of the Knights of Columbus. and all members are earnestly requested to be bn hand to take part in tiqe evening’s routine of business. The meeting will be called to order by Grand Knight. Dr. H. F. Costello. promptly at 7:30 instead of 8:00 as on former occasions.

Price, Two Cents

BY RIGHT OF BIRTH No One Has More Right to the “Wearing o’ the Green” Today THAN “AUNT ROSE” Decatur’s Oldest Irish Lady —Celebrated Ninety-third Birthday. No one in all this city—or county or state it may be, for that matter — has a more regal right to the “wearing o' the green" today, nor does one wear it with more loyalty and faithfulness and love than does good “Aunt Rose” McLaughlin, the oldest true Irish lady in the city, who today celebrates her ninety-third anniversary with that of the good Saint Patrick, the saint that is associated with all that is good of the Isle of her birth. Mrs. McLaughlin has been a resident of this city and county for more than fortyfive years, and makes her home with her only daughter, Mrs. J. S. Colchin, on Fifth street. According to her annual custom, she today celebrated the day by receiving scores of callers, who remember her with the greatest of pleasure on this her natal day, and by receiving from those who do not find it possible to call, their greetings on postals. A veritable shower of postals was received today as usual, until noon the list numbering 118, with great showers more coming in on the afternoon mail. “Aunt Rose” was born in County Antrim, Ireland, ninety-three years ago, and in 1850 came to this country, coming to Adams county soon after where she has lived since. In spite of the cares of her great years “Aunt Rose” is still hale and hearty in looks, and young in spirit, more so than many a younger “Irish lassie.” The members of her household, from her little granddaughter, Mary, who enjoys the day as much as any. to the older ones, and those who call on “Aunt Rose" honor her and the day in some way by the wearing of the green. “Aunt Rose" herself was in festive attire to receive her guests, wearing the Irish emblem, and a carnation in the new green color. She wishes in this way to extend her best wishes to all, and her hearty appreciation of the kindnesses and remembrances shown to her both in the calls and the written messages. SMALL BLAZE A small blaze noticed coming through the summer kitchen roof belonging to Charles Deam, residing on South Tenth street caused the fire alarm to be sounded at 1 o’clock this afternoon and the fire laddies made a hurried trip to the scene. It is thought the fire originated from an over-heated stove pipe, setting fire to the shingle roof. Scarcely no damage was done, it being extinguished before the arrival of the fire department. Had it gained much headway, a disastrous fire might have resulted, owing to the strong wind which was raging at the time. A short while after the firemen had returned from the fire a second alarm was sent in from the same place and the men responded again, the fire having broken out a scond tlm. O ! “WHAT A GIRL CAN DO.” In this powerful play’ strong lines and situations are many. It takes a real cast to handle delicate scenes. This, Bert Mosher, manager of the company, has been able to secure, for no name appears on the program that has not a reputation. The cast is especially strong as it is headed by Lee Orland, the successful young star. At the Bosse Opera House tonight. WHERE THE STORK STOPS The stßrk made a happy call this morning at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alva Baker, three miles west of the city, and departed leaving all doing well. Mrs. Baker was formerly Miss Annoti Dailey of this city. The window of Charlie Voglewede the shoe seller is certainly a attractive anti pretty one and very appropriate for the Easter season which is fast nearing. A fine line of the new styles of shoes are on display showing the new lasts to be worn and from the present appearance they will be more attractive than ever.