Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 9, Number 184, Decatur, Adams County, 5 August 1911 — Page 1

Volume JX. Number 184.

■state figures i i W I ■ I As Shown in Report of the State Tax Board, Which Just Concluded Work. ■ a GAIN OVER 1910 ■ But Exact Amount Cannot be Given Until Auditor Has Completed Work. ■’ SI I "' 1 »' ;res compiled by Fred A. Sima' •Bdl the state board of tax commissionHers, from abstracts filed by counties, ■shows the total valuation of all proper-■■'.-’Hty as appraised for taxation during Htlie • urrent assessing year to amount Ko $1,959,618,32*1. What the gain will over the total of 1910 has not yet Sheet) determined, as the auditor of has not compiled the total for Khe 1910 abstracts. The total polls to $446,141. h l The gain in farm lands and improvofor this year over the valuafor 1907. the last preceding year real estate was appraised was subject to slight changes may come from some changes Assessor Beery of Center township, county The total valuation K ail farm Lands and improvements. to rhe change referred to. was Kun! to be $715,141,284. ■ The gain in -ei! estate and improve in cities was found 1 > be s!■■’.The total valuation for si:<<: I ISaroperty was $529,394,329. Hn'he total valuation for the current jjear of personal property was $459,exemptions this year a total of $58,395,079, an in(•ease over the exemptions of 1907 of ■ The total valuation for the current ■jwfear. less mortgage exemptions, to $1,901,223,241. the amount ® on which taxes will be paid into the Httate treasury. The state will derive for state and state schol purposes. $6.?40,559,50 from such taxes next year, in addition to the common school £■ fund This will be an increase apof proximately $340,000. EgTbe total appraised valuation inK’ciudes the appraisement of corporate property made by the state board of B tax commissioners. Q. I DENOUNCED FILM Father Wilken Friday Evening Publicly Disapproved of Film Shown at THE STAR THEATER Story Reflected to an Untrue -Account of Sister Life in Convent. A 81m was shown last evening at the Star theater relative to a story ot a Catholic priest and sister, and one Which far from met with the approval of those acouamted with the lite beled by the priests and sisters as well as Father Wilken, who, during the (Kring of the film arose and de- ■ nounced it publicly. The proprietor, who was unaware of what the film contained, stated that he had not seen the film previous to the play and irn- | s|ediatoly following the remarks which were made, withdrew the film did not permit its showing for the remainder of the evening. It does not MMflect upon the work of Mr. Stoneburner, as he has been conducting a theater which met with the approval of all. and as he is on the circuit with a number of other theater men explains the reason for his having the film to display. All at the playhouse agreed with what Father Wilken said, and the main fault lies in the censorship inspection, where all films are inspected and passed upon by the board for their showing to the public, and also that the men employed at this place were far from being acUMinted with the lives which are led, > di'lUie pictures would never have been approved of. _ ■. and Mrs. William Muter of Will- , 0., transferred here this morn* n route to Fort Wayne. *

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

IN HIGH FAVOR. Are All Newspaper Men in Speaking of New Sheriffs’ Organization. r-e In nearly every newspaper that a person picks up these days the editor has something to say relative to the Tri-State Sheriffs’ association, which was recently organized, and speaking of the excellent results, not only which are sure to follow, but of the good that has already been accomplished. The Van Wert Bulletin apeaks as follows: "The first opportunity came Sunday to test the system and it worked most satisfactorily. Thomas Durkin, sheriff of Adams county. Indiana, informed Sheriff Wilson of the theft of a grey mare, the property of James Rupert, of Monroe, which was stolen from a hitch rack in Decatur Saturday night. The committeemen were notified and they in turn called farmers in every part of the county to be on the lookout for the stolen horse and buggy.” WERE LAID TO REST Funeral Services Conducted Today For Two of the County’s Pioneers. TWO LIVES ENDED Funeral of Mrs. Mary Merryman held This Morning— Also That of Mr. Ewell. Many of the relatives and friends of Mrs. Mary A. Merryman gathered at [ the home southwest of this city this morning where at 9:30 o’clock the last. earthly services «>r tills estimable, lady, whose death occurred Thursday , l morning, were held. The Rev. E. K Jones of Warren, former pastor of the Methodist church at Monroe, assisted i by Rev. R. L. Semans of this city--1 conducted the services, and the body ’ was laid to rest in the family lot in j the Reynolds cemetery, beside the husband. whose death occurred several years ago. The court house was closed this morning from 10 to 12 to allow the officials to attend the services, Mrs. Merryman being the mother of Judge J. T. Merryman. •/ Another pioneer of the county, Charles Ewell, of Preble township, who departed this life Thursday morning at 1:45 o’clock, was laid to rest this afternoon in the Lutheran cemetery in Preble township. Funeral services were conducted at the late home by the Rev. Koch, pastor of the Lutheran church, at 1:30, the cortege then proceeding to the church, where further services were held. HALE REUNION, The Hale family reunion, and one of annual ocurrence, took place Thursday on the Muncie fair grounds and was attended by more than one hundred and fifty members. The most interesting feature of the day was the formal program rendered, J. P. Hale of Bluffton responding to the address of welcome, while Rev. Earl Parker of Hartford City delivered the principal address of the day. W. D. Coil, owner of the Decatur Filler plant, was on the grounds, taking his family there for the day, which they spent in company with the many others present. An election of officers and the place for the holding of the annual gathering for 1912 was also selected, which will be held on the third Thursday of August at McCullough park, Muncie. The following are the officers who were elected: J. P. Hale, Bluffton, president; Mrs. Ada Dawson, Muncie, secretary; Theodore Dawson, Muncie, statistician; M. S. Turtle, Muncie, vice president; E. E. Turtle, Muncie, corresponding secretary; Milton Tampsett, Muncie, treasurer. o ■ RIVER PETITION WAS REJECTED. The Van Wert Daily Times of Au--1 gust 4th, has the following to say of the joint board of commissioners’ meeting in Van Wert, Thursday, regarding the St. Mary’s river improvement project: “The commissioners of Auglaize, Mercer and Van Wert counties held a joint session Thursday afternoon in this city to discuss the St. Mary’s river improvement. Some time ago a petition was filed asking for the deepening, widening and straightening of the channel of the St. Mary’s river in the three counties. By a unanimous vote the petition was rejected.”

DECATUR MEN OF AFFAIRS. i fl IK A Vi- ' X/ MWw, /(Wk i Elk AE wB THE MILLION-DOLLAR BANK. M. B.—" Million-dollar Bank,” not "Mississippi Bubble” —nor any kind of a bubble, except an India-rubber bubble that can grow- and expand, becoming larger and larger with each puff, is the Old Adams County bank. And that is what you can be sure will be the continued growth of the Million-dollar bank —with the large force of such capable men puffing behind the financial pipe, as Charles Niblick, president; Mathias Kirsch, vice president, and Edward X. Ehinger, cashier. Charles 8. Niblick. Banking, born and bred in blood, bone and body, of Charles S. Niblick, the president of the Old Adams County bank, could not help but make his twenty-nine years’ experience in this line profitable to this Institution. He was born In Decatur, Indiana, October 19, 1866, the son of Jesse Niblick, the merchant and banker, and received his education in the Catholic schools. At sixteen he began the banking business, entering the Old Adams County bank, which was organized by Nuttman, Studebaker and Allison in 1875. His rise was rapid, and at twenty he became assistant cashier, cashier in 1905, and president in 1906., Mr. Niblick- is also a director of the Bank of Tocsin, Bank of Wren, Ohio, of the German Building & Loan association, and treasurer of the large Niblick es tate. Added to his great business capability, is a pleasing personality. He is a devout member of the Catholic church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus and Elks’ lodges. His demestic life is ideal, his household in eluding his wife, three daughters and orie son, their residence being a fine one located at the corner of Jackson and Third streets. Mathias Kirsch. Business man, builder, banker and booster are terms synonymous with the name of Mathias Kirsch, whose line of usefulness is the woof of more enterprises in the community than that of any other, perhaps. It was several decades ago that little Mathias, who was born in Germany, near Heidelberg, landed, with his parents, in New York, and then came to Fort Wayne thence to Adams county, settling in Preble township. When nineteen years old he engaged in the mercantile business in Belmont, 111., and after twelve years there, came in 1887 to this city where he and A. H. Sellemeyer engaged in the lumber business as Kirsch & Sellemeyer. This is today one of the leading industries of the city, a son of each senior partner being now associated with them. They also have a branch yard oa Hoagland. Five years ago Mr. Kirsch became vice president of the Old Adams County bank, and has since devoted all his time in the active management of the offices of the bank. Mr. Kirsch is also secretary and treasurer of The Acker Cement Roof and Block Company; a director of the Decatur Mo tor Car Company, and a director in the German Building & Loan Association, which has assisted very materially in enabling many to build homes. Equally active in church work as in the business world is Mr. Kirsch, who is a member of the German Reformed church, and an elder in the local church. He is also secretary of the congregation and of the consistory of the church, as well as treasurer of the Zion’s classis, which includes twelve congregations of this district, and treasurer of the $20,000 Franklin, Wis, college fund. Mr. Kirsch, wife and youngest son reside at 534 North Second street in a comfortable home, their older daughter and son being married and living in homes of their own. Mr. Kirsch has acquired a comfortable estate and also owns several rental policies. Edward X. Ehinger. Edward X. Ehinger, cashier, began doing things worth while early in life, and has been at it ever since, though that may be due to the fact that he was born on Washington's birthday—February 22, 1861 —just fifty years ago. From his native city, Columbia City, Mr. Ehinger s parents went to Missouri, and then after nine years came to Decatur, the father dying when Edward was fifteen years of age. leaving him with his mother and the younger children to support. He manfully went to work, and was appointed deputy postmaster at fifteen years of age. After serving nearly eight years he was made bookkeeper in the Adams County bank, two years, then assistant cashier, serving seven years. His health failed, and thinking change desirable, entered the clothing business with his brother. He re-entered the banking business, serving as assistant cashier twelve years of the First National Bank of Decatur, Ind., after which he became cashier of the Old Adams County bank, which position he now holds. He is interested in many other enterprises, among them being the Citizens’ Telephone Coinpany, of which he is a director and treasurer. Mr. Ehinger is a charter member, both of the Knights of Columbus and Elks' lodges, and he was very active in the organization of the lodges. He has the honor of being the first grand knight of the K. of C. and the first treasurer of the Elks. He is a faithful member of the St. Mary's Catholic church of this city, of which he has been treasurer for the past twelve years, and an upright citizen in all ways, and at all times. He is happily married—five boys and five girls coming to bless the home, their residence being a fine large home built by Mr. Ehinger twenty-three years ago, corner of Fifth and Monroe streets.

EPWORTH LEAGUE Os the M. E. Church to Render Excellent Program Sunday Evening. MR. TRITCH IS HOME To Extend to Him a Coidial Greeting, He Being Their President. J. C. Tritch, Epworth League president of the First M. E. church, who has been away for the past few weeks, will be with the members and their frienqs on Sunday evening, and it is desired that a large number be present to extend to him a cordial greeting on his return at the league meeting. A good program will be rendered, which is as follows, commencing at 6:30 p. m.: Lesson for August 6—Margaret Mills, leader. Song—No. 55. f Topic of Lesson—“ The Divine Purpose.” Eph. 2:10; Titus 2:14; Heb. 6:10-12. Song—No. 59. Prayer—ißev. Semans. Solo—Cecil Andrews. Five Minute Talk—“ Man's Doings Are the Fruit of His Salvation, Not the Root ”—Don Burk. Piano Solo—Gladys Graham.

Decatur, Ind. Saturday Evening,

Five Minute Talk—“ Christianity Has Shown Itself to be Not Only a Religion, But a Civilization as Well” — Lee Walters. Solo —Dolores Ballinger. I Remarks on Lesson. o FUNERAL OF MRS. AMRINE. Ralph Amrine has returned from Quincy, Ohio, where he attended the funeral of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Harry Amrine, which was held Friday afternoon at that place The funeral sermon was delivered by Mr. Amrine’s uncle, the Rev. John Parlette, pastor of the Methodist church at Ada, Ohio, and was very largely attended. Mrs. Amrine had been ill only from last Saturday till Wednesday evening when her death occurred, the death coming most suddenly and unexpectedly. The body was taken from the home at Ada, Ohio, Thursday afternoon to the former home at Quincy, Ohio, where the last sad rites were held. 0 GOES TO LOUISVILLE. Robert R. Ernsberger, a number of years ago proprietor of the Ernsberger studio in’this city, but for the last four years employed as operator for the Ashbacker studio at Bluffton, has severed his connection with that firm and will go to Louisville, Ky., where he will reside. He leaves on the fourteenth, and will accept a pasition with J. S. Cusick, a former operator, but now operating the leading studio in Louisville. Mr. Ernsberger has made many friends in Bluffton, as he did while In this city, and both places regret to lose him, but extend to him their best wishes for success.

August 5, 1911.

FOR THE FARMER Warning is Being Sent Out Relative to Putting New Hay in Barn. WILL CAUSE FIRE Should be Stacked First to Cure—Then There is no Danger. A warning is issued to farmers and liverymen against the practice of filling their hay mows with new mown hay. The Insurance companies say that the practice has caused more fires this year than all other causes put together. The hay heats when placed in the mow in large quantities, and gives rise to spontaneous combustion, destroying the barn and all its contents, often burning up stock, valuable horses, etc. Hay should be stacked first and later placed in the bam when there is no danger of fire from heating. The extra work of first stacking the hay and then rehandling it would be a small expense when compared to the cost of the barn and its contents, to say nothing of the valuable stock that might be destroyed if the advice went unheeded. There have been more fires this year than for several years and the

Danger.

greater number have occurred from spontaneous combustion on account of putting new hay into the buildings be- '. fore it was thoroughly cured. Os course some barn fires occur from careless employees or owner, i who go about the barn smoking, and the farm hand, seeing that he will be caught throws his pipe or cigar stub down, forgetting tne incident until the flames are seen issuing from the structure. The owner often absent-minded-ly knocks ashes out of his "smokebowl," allowing an ember to fall into the debris, where it smoulders, and some hours later destroys the barn and a year’s labor with it. Sometimes a tramp gets into a hayloft to sleep and a fire starts in this way, but this is a rare thing, as the average tramp gives the farmer's barn a wide berth, knowing that in case 1 of fire he could offer no explanation, and serious trouble would ensue for him. Tramps like the fresh, pure air as well as other individuals, and to get into jail or penal institutions is the least of their ambitions. BACK TO PORTLAND Jesse McCullum Will be Taken to Portland to Answer the Charge OF HORSE STEALING Geneva Man Will Doubtless Enter Plea of Guilty to Self-confessed Deed. Jesse McCullum, self-confessed horse thief, and the man who stole the outfits belonging to Al Shaffer, Thomas U. Goodson and Elmer Steed, all of this county will be returned here for trial. However, it is oelieved that since ne was caught “red-handed” and has since aided in recovering practically all of the stolen property, he will not demand a trial in court but will enter a plea of guilty and receive such sentence as the law provides in cases of this kind.

Sheriff S. J. King announced Friday morning that upon his return home from Richmond, where he spent the day Friday, he would get in communication with one of the three Jay county men whose horses and buggies were stolen by McCullum and have them make an affidavit against him. The officer will then go to Ft. Wayne some time early next week and return McCullum to this county. Since the apprehension of McCullum near Fort Wayne several weeks ago. all except one of the six horses stolen by him in the three years he has devoted the greater part of his time to stealing horses, have been recovered. Five of the outfits taken by McCullum, with four others and two other thieves, have been secured and turned over to the rightful owners. It is quite likely that Elmer Steed will be prevailed upon to make the affidavit against McCullum as it was his outfit that McCullum stole last and which led to his apprehension. He would quite likely have been turned over to local officers before this time, had not Sheriff Reichelderfer, in whose custody he now is, have been anxious to locate the missing outfit. McCullum s home is at Geneva, and he was already at liberty on a suspended sentence for petit larceny, through the leniency of former Judge J. F. LaFolette, when he engaged in horse stealing. It is quite likely that he will receive a long term in state’s prison, due to the fact that this is the second offense for which he has been tried. —Portland Sun. . — oMONROE AND BERNE FAVOR. Berne, Ind., Aug. s—President John Koenig and Directors Clark J. Lutz and L. A. Graham from Decatur met a gathering of citizens and business men of Berne in the Bank of Berne and laid the proposition of franchise and depots before them. The proposition besides securing a free franchise through Monroe township was for the people of the township and towns to build the*company a $2,500 station at Monroe and a $3,500 station at Berne. A goodly number of citizens and business men were present and when a vote was taken they all expressed themselves in favor of the proposition. The plan of the company is to extend the line from Decatur to Portland on condition that the intervening towns and townships accede to the above propositions.

Price, Two Cents

DEATH INTERFERES Mrs. Elizabeth Waller Dies at Home of Daughter, Mrs. Daniel Cook. WHILE ON A VISIT — Remains Will be Sent to Plymouth, 0., Where Burial Will Take Place. When Mrs. Elizabeth Waller came to this city four weeks ago from Mansfield, Ohio, for a visit with her daughter, Mrs. Daniel Cook, expecting at the expiration of her visit to proceed to Cardington. Ohio, to spend the winter months with another daughter very little did she think that her death would interfere before the anticipated trip would be completed. On last Sunday she complained of not feeling the best, but with home remedies improved and until Thursday was able to be up and about the house In seemingly good spirits. From then on she sank rapidly and w-hen a physician was called in he stated that she had suffered a stroke of apoplexy, which caused her demise. Her right side was somewhat affected, but on Friday morning she spoke to those about her and again appeared brighter. She was born in Switzerland, coming to this country when still a young maiden, and making her home with her parents in New Washington, Ohio. Os twelve children which were born, eight still survive, five daughters and three sons, wtio are Mrs. Elizabeth Tricker of near Steele; Mary Lottie of Cardington, Ohio; Mrs. Emma Massa of Mansfield, Ohio; Bertha Berbrick of Plymouth, Ofcio; Mrs. Daniel Cook of this city; Andrew Wilier, of Lima, Ohio; John Wilier, San Francis.co, Cal., and Edward, of Cleveland. Ohio. The funeral will be held Monday morning from the Catholic church al Plymouth. Ohio, the remains to be shipped over the Erie railroad early .Sunday morning. Mrs. Emma Tricker and daughter, Bertha, and Mrs. Cook .will accompany the remains to Plymouth. Henry Scherry of Preble made a business trip to Fort Wayne this morning to consult his eye specialist. FOR APPENDICITIS Bernard Terveer Will Submit to Operation Sunday Morning. AT HIS HOME HERE Dr. McOscar of Ft. Wayne Will be in Charge, Assisted by Home Doctors.

Bernard Terveer, who has experienced a great amount of illness for the past year, owing to an accident which befell him by being struck a year ago by a rig, while crossing Second street and from which an injury seems to have been inflicted, later bringing on a number of attacks, which are believed to be appendicitis, will at the advice of the attending physician submit to an operation Sunday morning. The ordeal will be held at the home, with Dr. McOscar of Fort Wayne in charge, assisted by Drs. Clark. He has been unable to be at his work at the Old Adams County bank, having been given a leave of absence to take a much-needed rest and to gain strength bytaking life easy and enjoying the fresh air. He last week returned from Petoskey, Mich., where he had gone for a several weeks’ outing and while there was overtaken with an attack and the doctor there requested that he return home for the operation. It would have been performed at an earlier date, but on account of the absence of Dr. McOscar, who just returned, it was deferred until the present time set. Miss Harshberger, a trained nurse, is already in attendance. —— Miss None Turner of Rochester is here for a visit with Mrs. Harve Shroll.