Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 9, Number 72, Decatur, Adams County, 25 March 1911 — Page 1

Volume IX. Number 72.

LIFE SPARK SNUFFED OUT In the Twinkling of an Eye —Jacob Eady Meets Instant Death. BY ELECTROCUTION While Changing Transformer For the City Electric Light Line. His life spark snuffed out in the twinkling of an eye, and without an instant's warning, Jacob Eady, assistant lineman in the employ of the city electric light plant, met instant death by electrocution between 4 and 4:30 o'clock Friday afternoon, in front of the Curley Rademaker residence on North Second street, 2,300 volts of electricity passing through his body. Death came to Mr. Eady while strapped by his life-belt to the cross-bars of the forty-foot electric wire pole, just as he was fixing the transformer hook on which the new transformer was to be hung. With Will Parent, the lineman, Mr. Eady had gone to that place to take out the old transformer, which hkd been giving them some trouble, and to put in the new, which they hoped would remedy matters. The old transformer had been removed, and taken down. Mr. Eady had again climbed the pole to put on the transformer hangers, a sort of iron bar with two hooks at the ends of a fork, these hooks being placed over the cross-bar at the top of the pole, a hook on each side of the transformer, a large iron box. The new transformer had been drawn nearly to the top of the pole, and Will Parent, the lineman below, was holding the rope, ready to draw it up when Mr. Eady had gotten the hangers in place. Mr. Eady, who was working, as usual without gloves, had taken the iron hanger bar in his left hand and had succeeded in fixing one of the hooks on one side of the pole, and then attempted to reach around the pole with his right hand to fix the other book in place. The iron hanger bar must have been in direct touch with the current wire, on which the insulation is worn, all the time. In reaching around the pole Mr. Eady put his right hand up between the narrow space and the pole in such a way that his right hand touched tha other wire, thus forming a complete circuit, sending the full force of the current, 2,300 volts, through his body. Mr. Parent, who was below and was looking up, waiting for word to drow up the transformer, noticed a quick flash of light, just as Mr. Eady’s hand touched the other wire, followed by a short roaring sound, and instantly Mr. Eady’s head dropped back, but there was no further sound and no struggle. Mr. Parent, alarmed for the J safety of his friend and co-worker, instantly called:

“Jake, Jake, are you hurt?” but received no answer, and tearing the worst and knowing full well that i< would cost him his life, too. to go up to his assistance with the death-deal-ing current still on, he hastened into the Curley Rademaker home and telephoned to the light plant for them to shut off the current, which was immediately done, Dr. Boyers also being summoned to the scene. Mr. Parent then climbed to the top of the pole to get down the body, which was lowered by a rope, this being done with the assistance of Harvey Smith and others who rushed to the scene. Before the body had been lowered to the ground, the doctor had arrived, but there was not a spark of life left in the body, death having been instantaneous. Thd only marks on the body were a hole, the size of a lead pencil, and like a smooth bullet wound, burned on the upper part of the right hand at about the third joint, the hole extending to the bone—and an -• mark on the left hand near the thumb, the mark being like a long scratch. The body, cold and lifeless, was taken at once by the Meyer, Scherer & Beavers ambulance to the home on Tenth street, from which he had gone out at noon' to his work, active an happy in contentment and joy an happiness of living. Mr. Parent stat ed that he thought he never realized what happened, as indications pointed to the fact that death came m-

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

stantly, and without a struggle. The spurs on his shoes were still in place in the pole. Mr. Parent, who had been his companion In the service for many years, and who was with him when he met death, Is very much affected by his death. Mr. Parent had learned the duties of a lineman under Mr. Eady and worked with him seven years, Mr. Eady then being lineman and Mr. Parent the assistant. After seven years Mr. Eady was promoted to the position of engineer at the city plant and Mr. Parent succeeded as lineman. After working some time as engineer Mr. Eady then went to Detroit, where he was employed in this business, and had contemplated moving his family to that place last fall. They decided to remain here, however, for a while yet, and Mr, Eady had temporarily taken up his old work again, as Mr. Parent’s assistant. Mr. Parent has known him well and long In the service, and they were the best of friends, and his death comes as a very sad. shock to him. Mr. Eady had been, as usual in the best of spirits that day. The two workmen had secured the services of Harve Smith, the telephone lineman, to convey their instruments, the transformers, etc., to the scene of the work in the automobile. Mr. Parent and Mr. Smith got into the automobile and called to Mr. Eady to coms, too, but he replied that he would ride his wheel, and jokingly remarked that he would get there first. In turning the corner the auto necessarily slowed down, and Smith called to Eady not to run over them. Eady joking answered that if he were not afraid of making them break the city speed limit ordinance, he would lead them a merry chase there. ' Among the last things trfat Mr. Eady said, was while he was adjusting the transformer hooks, and he remarked that if he had been doing the work, he would have put up the wires a little further apart. It is said that had his hand, in adjusting the transformers, been just a little higher or lower, it would not have struck the wire. Was Well Known. Jacob Philip Eady, the man who met death Friday afternoon, was one of the best known and best liked men in the city, and there is not one person but what has a good word to speak of hjm. His nature was naturally a cheery, bright one, always looking toward the bright side of life, and he always had a cheery word for everyone. He was born in Ceylon in Wabash township, this county, for-ty-four years ago last September 9th. His parents were John and Catherine Eady and the aged mother is still living, residing with another son, James, on West Monroe street, this city. His boyhood days were spent in the vicinity of his birth, coming later to this city, where he has lived twenty-seven years.

Eighteen years ago this next April 25th, Mr. Eady was united in marriage to Miss Rebekah Fisher, a daughter o' Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fisher, of this city, and the heart-broken wife, witn three children, Cecil, Irene and Vera, survive. Their domestic life was a particularly happy one, Mr. Eady giving his best efforts and thought and kindness for the comfort of his wife and children. The mother and eldest daughter were so overcome with the shock that medical attention was necessary Friday night. Plans had been made by them for the joyous celebration of the wedding anniversary next month. ‘ You can't say anything too good about him,” the wife sobbed this morning. “His every thought was for our comfort and he never gave us an unkind word." His life has been as nearly consistentwith that of his great Master, as is possible with mankind, he having been a Christian nearly his entire life. For many years he has been a member of the Christian church of this city, and has held at various times all the prominent offices of the church, from trustee, deacon, to the present position as elder, and whenever possible, he was at his place in the church services. Opiy last Sunday morning, according to the regular custom of the observing of the Lord’s Supper on the Lord’s Day morning, he presided as usual at this one of the most important of the regular services of the church. He had been for years a member of the choir, and active in all departments of the church, where he will indeed be sadly missed. The shock of the death was also very grievous to the aged mother, who was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. It is said he never missed a day on his regular tour as lineman, of calling in to her, and she was always ready with a cookie or a piece of pie or some other dainty for “her boy.” Besides the .aforenamed near relatives, he leaves two brothers. James CONTINUED ON 1 AGE FOUR

Decatur, Ind. Saturday Evening, March 25, 1911.

THE EXHIBIT CAR Many Visit the Exhibit and Listen to Valuable Information Given Out. HERE ENTIRE DAY Fine Displays of Fruit and west. The special exhibit car run by the Chicago, Milwaukee &. St. Paul railroad, arrived here this morning over the G. R. & I. from Portland and remained here the entire day on the short track just north of the Monroe street crossing.' The car was in charge of Charles Schirnecker, who showed the various grains and fruits on exhibition, and which are being raised in the northwest, while the illustrated lectures were given by Morton Synder, who entertained and interested many callers throughout the day, who had called to visit the car and to examine its contents. The lecturer pictured to them a trip through Montana, which is the most successful state for the growing of wheat, oats and small grain, showing them the requirements needed for the raising of fine, crops, and the bountiful success which is being obtained in that part of the country. He displayed Washington, also, giving them a clear-idea of the great progress which is being made in This state, and how the people are flocking to these northwestern states to make their homes. The lectures are usually given in the opera house or other public buildings, but owing to some misunderstanding it was not carried out here, and the lectures were given direct from the car. Large audiences are greeting the car in the many places and much good is received by all interested in the agricultural business. The car will leave in the morning for Fort Wayne, where they will exhibit on next Monday.

IT’S “CHUCK FULL” Os Evidence—Exhibit Car to be Here Tuesday Will Convince Anyone OF THE FERTILITY Os the Great Northwest— Call and See the Fine, Free Displays. Resplendent in fresh varnish and polished brass, the Northern Pacific’s Northwest Exhibit Car, which will be here on Tuesday, March 28th, at the G. R..& I. depot, is “chuck full" of evidence of the productivity and varied resources of the states along its lines. The' car will be open to the public's inspection free of all charge. The fertile wheat and corn fields of Minnesota and North Dakota, the farms, orchards and gardens of Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon, have all contributed their share to a grand display, which for excellence and diversity has never been excelled in any agricultural exhibit, either stationary or on wheels. A great many of the exhibits in the cars were secured from the Minnesota. North Dakota, and Montana State fairs, from the Dry Farming Congress recently held at Spokane, and from numerous county fairs held this fall in Washington and other states. By this method the Northern Pacific has secured a representative display from all these states such as has never before been assembled. RED MEN. A special meeting of the Red Men will be held tonight at their hall to make arrangements for Brother Eady's funeral. All Red Men be present, promptly at 7:30. ■■■o — BOY AT REV. BAUER HOME. A new baby boy was the welcome arrival at the home of the Rev. and Mrs. G. Bauer in Union township. I

A FAREWELL VISIT. W. G. Sutton of Geneva, father of Attorney J. S. Sutton of this city, left this morning for his home at Geneva, after a short farewell stay with his sou. Mr, Sutton will on the first of April leave for Eden Valley, N. Y., a short distance from Buffalo, wliere he will make his home. He has disposed of his property and handed In his resignation as mail carrier. He has resided at this place for many years and the people of this place will regret to see Mr. and Mrs. Sutton leave. They will take care of a fruit farm at Eden and their household goods are ready to be shipped.- Mrs. Sutton will leave shortly afterward, and before leaving will also visit with her son here.

TO FILE BIG SUIT Fred Manson Will Demand $7,500 For False Imprisonment in Jail Here. COMPLAINT IS READY Auburn, Ft. Wayne and Decatur Attorneys Are Engaged in the Case. Auburn Ind., March 25, —(Special to the Daily Democrat)—Fred Manson, of this place, and who was arrested here a few weeks ago and taken to Decatur, on a paternify charge, left here for Decatur this afternoon, accompanied by- Attorney J. P. Lawson, of this city, where with Fruchte -ft Litterer and a firm of attorneys of Fort Wayne, a suit will be filed against Thomas Durkin, sheriff. R. C. Parrish, prosecuting attorney, F. E. Smith constable and Cyrus J. Weaver, demanding the sum of $7,500 for false imprisonment. The suit will be filed in the circuit court there late today or Monday. It is claimed that in such cases and where the defendant is a married man the suit must be brought in the county where the defendant resides, and that as the case was filed here while Manson lived in Auburn, that the officers had no jurisdiction It will be remembered that Manson was brought here about a month ago on a charge filed by Miss Maude Cawley. He was in jail a short time and was released after the case had been compromised in some manner. Manson is married and lives in Auburn, where he is employed on the Courier.

“THE HARVESTER” Is the Title of a New Novel by Mrs. Porter to be Out August 17th. WILL BE POPULAR Other Books Are Selling We 11—235,000 Copies of Freckles Are Sold. Doubleday, Page & Company, the famous publishers of Garden. City, New York, have announced that on August 17th, approaching, they will have ready for the market, the newest book of Mrs. Gene Stratton-Porter, the well known writer of Geneva, this county. The date mentioned is the' birthday anniversary of Mrs. Porter and several of her books have been published oh that day. The title of the newest work is “The Harvester," a big novel of more than 500 pages, and is said to show an intimate picture of the life of birds of the Limberlost, with photographs from life, made by the author. It will retail for $1.35 and is eagerly awaited by Mrs. Porter’s admirers and the army of book readers who have learned to love her style of writing. A recent report sent to dealers by the publishers, shows that up to this time 235,000 copies of “Freckles” have been sold, that ‘-‘The Girl of the Limberlost” is i still a topmotcher and that the new | book, “The Music of the Wild." has proven a great seller.

VOTE WEDNESDAY Election Commissioners Dunbar and Baumgartner Were Here Today. SECURING BALLOTS Result of Election Said to be in Doubt, Though Remonstrance Carried. L. L. Dunbar and Lee Baumgartner of Linn Grove were here this morning. their one important duty being to supervise the printing of the tickets to be used in the local option election for Hartford township to be held next Wednesday. These two gentlemen were appointed by the commissioners and they watched the wheels of the job presses at this office whirl off the 750 tickets necessary yndei* the law and the one hundred sample ballots. The campaign has not been a very exciting one, though it is expected to warm up before election day. Good politicians say that the result is somewhat in doubt and that it will probably be very close. This is somewhat surprising since the township was dry by remonstrance a year before the county voted dry. The election was called when application for a li c e n se was advertised a month av) by Walter Hunt of Linn Grove. The result will be watched with interest all over the county as this is the first election of the kind outside this city, in the county. ■ o — BABY GIRL. Relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Geary have received word of the birth of a nine-pound baby girl on Wednesday of this week. Mr. Geary Is nowlocated in Fort Wayne, and reports that mother and babe are doing well. CARROL SELLS OUT Tague and Carroll Dissolve Partnership in the Shoe Business. AT FORT WAYNE • Former Takes Partner’s Interest and Will be Sole Proprietor. Fred B. Tague and Clayson Carroll, formerly of this city and who for'tike past month have been conducting a shoe store on Calhoun street in Fort

Wayne have, owing to some dissatisfaction dissolved partnership, the same taking effect Friday whereby the former becomes the sole owner of the business having taken over the interest of his partner. Although in business but four weeks they have enjoyed a patronage far above their expectations and which has been increasing from the very beginning. The former was engaged in this line of business here for many years where he became acquainted with every turn of the business and in away to secure the patronage and to enjoy an excellent trade. Mr Carroll although a young man always proved himself quite popular where ever he was o" in what ever business he has undertaken and the two had they remained together would have in a short time enjoyed a patronage to be proud of by any one. Mr. Tague will continue to conduct his stand while Mr. Carroil has no other plans as to what he will do just at present. — o POCAHONTAS. A special meeting of the Pocahontas lodge will be held at the hall at 7 o’clock prompt, to make arrangements for Brother Eady's funeral. All Pocahontas members should be present. W. G. Sutton, who was visiting with his son, Jesse, for a while, left today I for his home at Geneva.

GETTING BETTER. Fred Thieme, Who Met With Accident, on Way to Recovery. Fred Thieme, who met with quite a serious accident, about two weeks ago, while engaged in doing some ditch work, and during which the sides of the trench caved in on him, breaking several of his ribs and otherwise injuring him, is improving as well as could be expected, though it will be some time before he is able to be about. His body Is kept in a plaster of parts cast, requiring him to remain in a very quiet position, although he is allowed to sit up at times. He is free of the great pain which he at first suffered, and it is thought that he will get along all right from now on.

CORDIAL WELCOME Given to All Attending Reception at the Methodist Church Last Night. SUCCESSFUL AFFAIR Was a Social Success—Good Musical Program Given During Evening. It is difficult to estimate, but it is safe to say that not less than two hundred fifty of the members of the Methodist congregation with their families, mingled in good fellowship on the occasion of the reception given in the church parlors Friday evening and departed with that good cheerful feeling of satisfaction and good will that comes in the social mingling of brothers and sisters in ft good cause. The reception was given under the leadership of the Ladies" Aid society of which Mrs. J. N. Parrish is president, and these ladies, with others, were waiting to give a cordial greeting to all who attended. During the evening a very good program of music was given, including a violin duet by the,Misses Ruth and Miriam Fledderjohann, with piano accompaniment by Miss Minnie Orvis; a vocal solo by Dolores Ballenger, with piano accompaniment by Miss Florine Edwards; , a piano duet by Lillian Rice and Neva Brandyberry; a vocal solo by Dwigiit Peterson; and also by Mrs. J. O. Sellemeyer, accompanied on the piano by Miss Frances Merryman; a pipe orpan solo by Miss Frances Merryman; a vocal quartet by the Mesdames P. B. Thomas, James Rice, John Vail and C. L. Walters, and another by the excellent Neptune quartet all of ‘ which were very highly appreciated. The presiding elder, the Rev. J. A. Beatty, and Mrs. Beatty of Fort Wayne were in attendance during the evening, Mrs. Beatty J being the only sister of the Rev. Church, who is serving the remainder of the year as pastor of the local church. Before returning to Fort Wayne on the 9:30 car. the Rev. Beatty gave a short address, expressing his satisfaction in the friendly social spirit of good will that prevailed. During the evening, the congregation was seated in relays in the alcoves , where refreshments, consisting of j sandwiches, pickles, cake and coffee, were served by the Queen Esther band, under the superintendency of Mrs. Daniel Sprang. Tiny American i flags were given as favors. Those in

charge of the affair are to be congraulated for the successful way in which it was carried out. STARTS MONDAY. As Salesman For W. H. Hood Company of Portland. John D. Reiter, a partner in the Reiter & France cigar store, will Monday assume a position with the Hood company of Portland and will cover all of Indiana with their line of cigars. Reiter certainly knows the cigar business and will make a crackerjack salesman. He will keep his interest in the store here, leaving the active management to Mr. France. The Eighth district will be the scene of his greatest activities until he has thoroughly inculcated the taste for the John Adair cigar, which by the way, is manufactured here, after which he will take in more territory. Mr. Reiter will work five days per wehk, he being allowed Saturday in which to get to his house. He will retain his residence here and will be home each Sunday.

Price, Two Cents

“JACK THE PEEPER” Who Has Been Bothering Monroe Lately Carried Things a LITTLE TOO HIGH Friday Night and Bloodhounds Have Been Put on His Track. < Monroe, Ind., March 25—(Special to Dally Democrat) —The little town of Monroe has had a real, live sensation for the past two weeks in the form of a “Jack-the-Peeper.” This Jack has been making himself objectionable by appearing suddenly, first at one house pnd then at another, where he peered I into the women’s apartments, frightening them and causing the little town to be kept continually in a turmoil. Not content with confining his efforts to the ground floor, he carried things a little too high Friday night and getting a ladder placed it against the second story of the David Laisure ' home and then crawled to the top of : the ladder in an effort to look into the windows of the second story. He I has succeeded in getting away each I time, and this morning Mr. Laisure, : together with other citizens of Monroe decided that the matter had gone far enough, and they sent word to Indianapolis asking that blood-hounds be sent here to trace down the offender. ■ Mr. Laisure and Dr. M. F. Parrish acI cordingly went to Bluffton to meet j the bloodhounds, which were brought back to Monroe at 3 o’clock this after- ’ noon. The bloodhounds traced the man’s tracks two blocks east of the Laisure home, where the trail was lost and they were returned to the Laisure home, where they will start again. All of Monroe is out with the trailers and the little town is experiencing the excitement of its life. It it thought the offender is a Monroe boy. o “ — , OPENED TODAY. The new I. Bernstein furnishing J store opened up this morning with a rush and during the entire day eight , people were kept busy caring for the I heavy trade, which kept them until a i late hour. Everything in the line of furnishings is in stock, and the store is full of nice, new, clean articles from one end to the other. Mr. Bernstein was well pleased with the opening and the patronage which he enjoyed today, and will no doubt be greeted with many new friends each day. Mr. Flock, the proprietor, and Mr. Bern- ' stein, the manager, and Mrs. Bern- ' stein were assisted by the following clerks: Vera Rademaker, Verena i Niblick, Josephine Shoemaker, Amelia Weber and Agnes Coffee. COURT HOUSE NEWS. David P. Kenworthy et al. vs. William H. Reichard, to foreclose lien and damages, SSOO, set for Friday, March 31st. Two cases entitled A. & C. Stone Co. vs. Fred Hoffman et al., on contract and bond, have been dismissed and the costs paid. John W. Hendricks vs. John Everhart et al., cause submitted, finding for plaintiff on his complaint. Title to real estate quieted. Samuel Darr et al., drain, motion by superintendent of construction for allowance of bill for service. Ordered to file itemized statement. — o THE ORGAN FORGERY CASES. E. X. Ehinger and Attorney J. C. Sutton have returned from Logansport, where they filed a civil suit against Harry B. Organ, to recover the $491.20 secured on a forged check. i It is still possible that Organ will be brought here for trial. It has been i learned that Organ represented a band . of crooks, with headquarters in Chicago, and it is believed that the real forgery work was done by Organ’s son, who is also a smooth one. o - Adams county has been honored this year with the annual conference of the Evangelical churches of this district, the same to be held at Berne Thursday, April 6th, continuing over Sunday. The program for the same will be announced in Monday evening's paper.