Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 11, Number 39, Decatur, Adams County, 14 February 1913 — Page 1

Volume XI. Number 39.

DEATH THE ' ARBITRATOR Takes the Fate of John Lee, Slayer of Samuel Purdy, Into ITS OWN HANDS He Died This Morinng at 3:10 from Apoplexy in Bluffton Jail. Death, the arbitrator, has stepped in ahead of the temporal law, and taken the fate of John Lee, the slayer of Samuel Purdy, into its own hands. Word that came from Bluffton early thia morning was that Mr. Lee died this morning at 3:10 o’clock in his cell in the Wells county jail in Bluffton, where he had been confined since his terrible act January 9. Death was

due to apoplexy. Mr. Lee suffered a slight stroke of apoplexy night before last, but little was thought of It, as he has been act ing very peculiar for some time, when it was thought he was feinging insanity, and it was thought that this was only another one of his "antics.” Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock he was found very ill Indeed in his bunk in the jail cell and physicians W’orked with him for a long time. His brothers were with him during a part of the time, but at midnight, as his condition did not seem to warrant their staying, they returned to their home at Poneto.. At 3 o’clock he grew very much worse and ten minutes afterward passed away. It was thought that the excessive use of tobacco contributed to the cause of his death. For some time he had been complaining that he could not see, that his eyes were badly affected, and it is quite likely that the malady that caused his death, has been working on him for a long time. Mrs. Cora Lee, the wife, who is also confined in the jail, indicted jointly with her husband for the murder of

Samuel Purdy, is in a highly wrought nervous state over the death of her husband. She has again declared her intention not to eat of the jail cooking: but whether it is just her “spunkishness,” or whether she thinks it may have caused her husband'e death, and mav also cause hers, is not known. It will be remembered that Mrs. Lee, when first taken to the prison, refused for seevral days to eat the food apportioned to the prisoners. The deceased was fifty-four years of age, while his wife is about fifteen years younger. He leaves two sons, Wayne and Francis. It will be remembered that .John Lee was arrested on Thursday, January 9,. by Deputy Sheriff Fred Adams and City Marshal Charles Pierce, within fifteen minutes after he fired the three bullets into the body of Samuel Purdy, which injuries resulted in the death of Mr. Purdy about forty-five minutes after he was shot. Mrs. was arrested and placed in jail on Thursday, January 16, a week after the murder.. It Is charged by the state's attorneys, Prosecuting Attorney Lee F. Sprague, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John F. Decker, that evidence which they have secured convinces them that Mrs. Lee is fully as guilty 83 her husband, and they believe that she Incited her husband to his terrible act. These charges are based In part on the signed statement made by Lee himself, In which he declared in the presence of witnesses that his wife told him to go buy the new cartiidges for his 32-caliber revolver and get ready to shoot Mr. Purdy. He declared In his statement also that his wife told him to go to the rear of the lot and lie in waiting for Mr. Purdy as he passed down the alley on his way to work at the Red Cross factory." ASSESSORS’ MEETING. The meeting of the assessors ot northeastern Indiana announced some time ago, was held today in Fort Wayne. County Assessor George Gentle, Township Assessor J. H. Steele left on the 8:30 car this morning and others at various times during the day, to attend this meeting.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT

ENTERS RESTAURANT BUSINESS. M. V. B. Archbold Forms Partnership With Mr. Lawner at Indianapolis. It may surprise the many friends of M. V. U. Archbold to learn that he has decided tn engage in the restaurant business in the city of Indianapolis, where an ujeto-date establishment is now being prepared on Washington street, just opposite the office of the Indianapolis News and one of the most prominent locations in the capitol city. He is associated with Mr. Lawner, who has had many years’ experience in the business. They will have an attractive I place of business and will no doubt succeed. HYGIENE LECTURE Given This Morning Before High School Pupils Was Instructive. — DR. E. G. COVERDALE — Talked on the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, Their Diseases and Care. Another of the lectures of the special hygiene course for the Decatur high school, by the physicians of the city, was given this morning by Dr. E. G. Coverdale. His lecture related to the ear, eye, nose and throat, and told in detail of the diseases of these organs, their care and treatment. He also gave a talk on hygiene of more general nature. It was very instructive and interesting. The lectures are eagerly anticipated and the Friday morning .talks are proving all that could be desired.

POLICE COURT. Marshal Peterson this noon received a card from the Marion chief of police giving the description of a young woman who mysteriously disappeared from Marion last Tuesday afternoon about 3 o’clock. Her name is Bertha Shockey and she is about five feet tall, weighs 135 pounds and is twenty-four years old. She has black hair and black eyes, and is of a very prepossessing appearance. When she disappeared she wore black beaver hat trimmed with black plumes and a long gray coat, trimmed with black fur; also a black dress, with hand-knit collar and cuffs. On her right hand she wore a signet ring with the initial “B.” N'o cause is known for her disappear - ance. o ACCIDENT INSURANCE Bring William Crozier a Check for Sixteen Dollars, Sixty-seven Cents. Ed Green, local agent for the National Life and Accident Insurance company, today paid to William Crozier, a check for $16.67. This is payment received by Mr. Crozier for disability occasioned by an accident to his arm while shoeing a horse. Two weeks he was totally disabled and two weeks partially disabled. RECEIVES INSURANCE VOUCHER. The voucher for one thousand dollars' insurance life of Dr. W. W. P. McMillen was Thursday delivered to Miss Minnie Orvls, the beneficiary, by the National Union fraternity. The money was received in just one month. The National Union is always prompt in the payment of claims. READY FOR SHOE SALE. The Peoples & Gerke shoe store is putting on an extra force of clerks to prepare for the big shoe sale which will open tomorrow and continue to the first of March. The work of plac- ! ing them for display is under way and ’some very good bargains are noted. Men's women's and children’s shoes 'of all kinds, are up at great bargains. WILL LIVE IN UTAH. John Hoke went to Chicago last evening and from there to Utah, where he will make his future home. Mr. Hoke is ill, but not seriously so. Mrs. Hoke has been in Utah a few week»r going there on account of the death of her foster daughter.

“DECATUR CAN AND WILL”

Decatur, Indiana. Friday Evening, February 14, 1913.

VALENTINE DAY No Saint Was Ever Honored so Charmingly as Good St. Valentine. THE UNDYING LOVE For Faithful Servant of the Lord Whose Good Deeds Were Endless. What is the origin of St. Valentine’s day? The children want to know; the lads and lasses wonder and the old folks have forgotten. No wonder. There are scores of stories told; some semi-historical; some purely mythical, all equally uncertain. But the prettiest, simplest conception of them all is the one, accredited to no one knows whom, which makes the joyous St. Valentine's day, the forerunner of the spring; the herald of the season when the trees burst from their winter bondage, the birds twit their first lays of love and the grass peeps through the ground. The other story based partly on historical record is very brefly as follows : St Valentine was a priest of Rome, a wonderful healer, martyred in the third century. According to the Roman legend he was thrown into prison by order of the Emperor Claudius. After repeated and unsuccessful attempts to win him to idolatry the emperor had him beheaded February 14. The saintly Valentine, used to doing good deeds, kept right on with the good work in prison until he died. Then, in honor of his memory, his friends sent out messages of love on February 14.

CLUE IS GOTTEN By John Witte at Vera Cruz Regarding Disappearance of His Wife. BOARDED A CAR At Vera Cruz, it Was Thought Enroute to Bluffton—Search is Made. "John Witte, a farmer living near Magley, was in the city Thursday afternoon, looking for his wife, who deserted him and their small baby Wednesday evening,” says the Bluffton [Banner. “It is thought that she is ■working for some parties in this city, 'as she eame here the following morning with that intention. Wr. Witte thinks that his wife's mind Is partially deranged, as she has been acting queer of late and at a previous date ran away from home. “Mr. Witte states that he was in the kitchen of their home at the time of her departure and wastaking care of the baby when he heard a door slam in another part of the house. He paid no attention to it and later in the evening found that she had gone. She had taken money, from his clothing and had tied some of her own clothing up in a bundle to take with her. “Telephone calls were sent to Fort Wayne and other places in the vicinity of Magley and a return call stated that she was seen Thursday morning boarding a B. G. & C. car for this city at Vera'Cruz. “It is thought she walked the entire thirteen miles from Magley to Vera Cruz during the night. She had not been found here late Thursday afternoon, although the search is being kept up. A brother, F. Witte, of Fort Wayne arrived in the city Thursday afternoon to assist in the search. At Vera Cruz the lady that was seen boarding the car gave her names as Mrs. Smith, although from the description given Mr. Witte is almost positive that the person was his wife.’’ Mrs. Kate Place went to Fort Wayne to be with Mrs. F. E. France, who is at the bedside of her husband at the Hope hospital, where he was operated upon for kidney trouble. He is reported as doing nicely.

MRS. SCHENCK VERY ILL. Becomes So While Visiting at Rockford, Ohio—Son Was Called Mrs. Charles Hower who was looking forward to a pleasant visit from Mrs. Ida Schenck of Baker, Montana, received word instead from Rockford, Ohio, where she has been visiting that she became seriously 111 there and i that it was necessary to call her son, I Harry, from their home in Montana. ■ As soou as Mrs. Schenck becomes able she will be taken to her home. The letter was written to Mrs. Hower a trained nurse, Miss'Sperry, who is caring for her . Mrs. Schenck is the widow of Harvey Schenck formerly of Pleasant Mills, he being a son of the late Rev. Schenck. She is very well known here. YOUNG LIFE ENDS James, Year-old son of Judgeelect and Mrs. D. E. Smith Passed Away AT 2:50 O’CLOCK TODAY Babe Had Been 11l Two Weeks With Complication of Ailments. •» For the first time the cold breath of death invaded the home of Judge-elect and Mrs. David E. Smith, coming this afternoon at 2:50 o’clock and stilling forever the life of their youngest born, little James, the year-old son, who passed away this afternoon at 2:50 o’clock. The babe first became ill two Weeks ago yesterday. Pneumonia developed, then mumps, gastritis and cerebral meningitis. He has had a difficult fight for life, and but for the wonderful natural vitality, could not possibly have survived so long. * Thursday he seemed better and hopes for his recovery grew stronger. Thursday night at 11 o'clock a change for the worse was noted. He grew gradually worse and it was seen that death was the mattesof only a few hours. The babe was named James for its paternal grandfather, James H. Smith, and was one year old last Saturday. He is the youngest of a family of six children — Byard, Ramona, Gretchen, Dorothy and Richard, being the elder children. COURT HOUSE NEWS. Clarence Holthouse and Fred J. Gordon, charged with forgery, will probably be brought before the court tomorrow morning. Holthouse, who pleaded guilty, will probably be sentenced at this time. There is probability that the sentence may be suspended. As he exonerates his co-res-pondent, Gordon, the case against him may be dismissed. Real estate William Ensley to Mary Shepherd, lots 1 and 2, Buena Vista, quit claim deed, $162.50.Frank M. Schirmeyer, trustee, vs. The Decatur Motor Car Co. Appearance by Hhller, Sutton & Heller for the defendant. ——o ——— TO CALL ON AUNT. Miss Minnie Orvis will go to Fort Wayne tomorrow morning to call on her aunt, Mrs. R. L. Orvis, who is at the Hope hospital. Mrs. Orvis was operated upon last summer and has never fully regained her health, She is the mother of Mrs. B. W. Rhamy of Fort Wayne, and is known to many here. O' - ■ UNCLE HEZEKIAH OBSERVES. Sal thought there wan’t much fun a-gittun a purty voluntine an’ not knowin' who sent it. But whun she found out it frum th' one she wanted it t’ be frum there wan’t evun that much fun. FOR WIFE DESERTION. A statj case in blank was entered upon the criminal docket of the circuit* court at 3 o’clock this the charge being wife desertion. Thq arrest has not yet been made, hence the entering in blank. o J. H. France went to Huntington at noon today and will go from there to Chicago this evening.

WITH THE SELIG / J. Henry France Visits Here After Absence of Over Twenty-two Years. HAS GOOD POSITION Tells of the Vast Amount of Money Spent in Securing the Pictures. J. Henry France, still known to I many of our people as “Jinks,” came down Thursday evening from Fort Wayne, where he called on his brother, F. E. France, who is a patient at Hope hospital. Mr. France is now engaged with the Selig company and is stationed at Chicago. For a number of years he was on the stage, later became a vaudeville star, and for some months has been with the Selig people. He said his present work was most wonderful and the high cost of securing pictures is still a marvel to him, and at first almost made him gasp with astonishment. When one watches a building erected with great care, sees a man deliberately walk up and set fire to it, causing a loss of several thousand dollars, it’s enough to make a fellow wonder, and he does 1 1 always, until he sees a man turning' the crank of a picture machine, and even then he has to do a little figuring. • The growing demand for pictures, : however, makes it a great business and Mr. France is succeeding at his work. He will probably be transferred in a few weeks to Ix>s Angeles, , where he will be in charge of similar work. “Jinks” left here over twentytwo years ago. GOES TO MAKER I Andrew Barkley, Prominent t Citizen of Adams County Passed Away at 8:00 THURSDAY NIGHT Had Been Sufferer from TuI berculosis for Several Years. I After suffering for some time from . the dreaded disease, tuberculosis, and | ■ after making a valiant fight for his ■ j life, Andrew Barkley, succumbed to the ravages of the disease, and gave his soul to its Maker, death relieving him at 8 o’clock Thursday evening. Mr. Barkldy was born in Union townI ship, Adams county, February 14, 1884, , and should he have survived until today would have been twenty-nine years old. He was the son of Henry and Caroling Barkley, both of whom ■ are now living. Andrew was reared ' in" Adargp county, spending his childhood ai& early manhood days in this vicinity and also receiving his education from the county schools. Later in life he took up the profession of telegraphy and followed this line uni til several years ago when he con-' : tracted the disease. His work then • became too heavy for him to carry and ■ he moved back to this county, where i he had remained up to the time of nis ’ 1 death. Mr. Barkley was married on June 4,! 1908, to Miss Jessie Alice Bossernian, and to this union was born one son, not quite a year old. Besides the bereaved wife, son and parents, he is i survived by one sister, Mary, and one brother, Glen, one sister, Dessie, havi ing proceded him in death. i Mr. Barkley was prominent in lodge i circles, being a member of both the I. O. O. F. and the Ben Hurs. The funefal cortege will leave the home Sunday afternoon at 1 o’clock for the Evangelical church where services will : be Held by Rev. J. H. Rilling, Interment being made in the Decatur cem- > etery. The I. O. O. F. lodge will have : charge. i ———— DECAJUR CIRCUIT. Preaching at Pleasant Valley Sun- > day morning; Mt. Pleasant Sunday evening.

MRS. JOHN LOVE DEAD. Geneva Lady Passed Away at Fort Wayne Hospital. Fort Wayne, Ind., Feb. 14—Mrs. Nora Love, wife of John Love of Geneva, Ind., died at a local hospital Thursday evening from a coni plication of diseases, after an illness of several weeks. She was born November 7, 1877, and was 35 years, 3 months and 6 days old. She is survived by the husband, two children, two brothers and two sisters, all of whom live at Geneva. The body was removed to the Schome and Aukenbruck parlors, from where it was shipped to Geneva this morning at 1 o’clock over the G. R. & I. railroad. ABOUT THE SICK Homer Knodle Undergoes Treatment for Eyes— James Leonard 11l WHILE ON VISIT Has Very Severe Case of Pneumonia—Albert Katterheinrich Better. Homer Knodle arrived from Fort Wayne this morning to have an examination of his eyes. It may be necessary to undergo an operation. The trouble lies in the lachrymal glands, which do not secrete enough fluid to keep the eyes sufficiently moist, hence they are in a state of constant irritation. Either a course of theatment, or an operation may be necessary. Mr. Knodle is a member of the reportorial staff of the Journal-Gazette. James Hurst has returned from ' South Bend, where he was called by the illness of his son-in-law, Albert Katterheinrich* who had been ill with the grip and inflammatory rheumatism. The rheumatism affected his face and neck and the physician had fears that it might go to his heart. He has recovered and was able to return Tuesday to his work. Word received from Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Leonard, who have been visiting at Potomac, 111., for some time, is that their little son, James, who accompanied them there is ill with pneumonia. They were therefore unable to return home as soon as they intended. Word received this afternoon by Mrs. James Hurst, brought the news that little James Leonard is very ill with pneumonia, and that a physician calls twice | a day to attend him. He is at the home of his paternal grandparents. Whether Mr. Leonard will be able to return home next week, depends upon the condition of the litttle boy. Elijah Walters, the well known civil war veteran is confined to his home on First street, suffering from a dropsical affection of the feet. This is brought on by hardening of the arteries, resulting from ailments contract'ed during the war. While he is able to sit up, his feet are badly swollen and have been so since last Saturday.' Mr. Walters will be seventy-one years old In March, BASKET BALL HALL — Will Not be Thrown Open Until 7:45 O'clock. It has been a long time since interest in basket ball has been so high as is manifest for the game this evening, wheu the local high school boys' team will meet the Bluffton high school team. The games will be called at 8 or 8:15 o’clock and the hall will not be thrown open until 7:45 o'clock. Religous services are held in the hall under the basket ball room, and in order that they may not be disturbed by the basket ball spectators, above, the basket ball room will not be opened until 7:45. The religious services by that time will be over. Next Tuesday evening there will be a game between the Bluffton and Decatur high school faculties. The local cast of players which recently produced “All a Mistake” at the Bosse opera bouse here and scored such a hit will soon put on the same play at Willshire, Ohio, under the auspices of the I. O. O. F. of that town. The date will be announced within a few days. Watch for it.

Price, Two Cents.

GROCERY IS RIFLED In Broad Daylight—Three Men Fili Pockets While Clerk Grinds Coffee. CHASE IS GIVEN Down Erie Railroad—Men Were Captured and Are Now in Jail. A bold case of robbery in broad daylight occurred at the S. E. Hite grocery on Winchester street, adjoining the Erie railroad this morning at 9 o'clock. Three men, employees of the Erie double track construction company, are in jail charged with the robbery. Two , of the men, Messrs. May and Burns, were released from jail only this morning, having served time for drunkenness. They were released about eight o clock and within two hours were back behind the bars. The robbery occurred when Mr. Hite was down town, and Harley McCoy, a clerk at the store, was alone. Three jmen entered and five remained on the outside of the store. The three went i ( in to buy some onions and coffee, .which they paid for. Mr. McCoy went ( to the rear o fthe store to grind the coffee and while there saw the med ! grab merchandise and put them in , their pockets. He immediately “got wise” and also “got, after them.” They ■ ,then left the grocery on double-quick ' , time and all eight ran down the Erie I railroad west. Mr. McCoy caught up I with them at the depot and succeeded 1 in getting some of the goods away ' from them. Among the goods taken were two i bottles of cherries, cocoa, three pairs . of gloves. The gloves were found laI ter hidden under the depot. The men, - however, got aw’ay and ran down the ■ track. ■ I Deputy Sheriff Jesse Kelly and Policeman Melchi then got in pursuit and , found the eight men around a fire at ■ the Erie tank west of the city. They : were searched there, but only a box of cocoa was found on one man. The eight were forced into line with an officer guarding each side, and marchi ed back to Decatur. One broke away I and crossed the railroad track, just as > a freight pulled up. This put the i train between him and the officer, but ■ Deputy Sheriff Kelly was not deterred i and crawling over the top of the mov- ' ing freight got after his man. He got him and then joined the others. In 1 the meantime Policeman Melchi had his hands full as one of the seven he i had in charge broke away and made . good his escape. The remaining seven were brought back to the grocery, where Mr. McCoy quickly identified the three who were in the grocery. The others were released. The goods known to be stolen amounted to about $2.00, but whether anything else was taken, is not yet .known. The gloves were found later I under the depot, where they had been hidden. ■ - 1 ■' O~— ■— — DINNER A SUCCESS. (Supper Will Also be Served at the Pythian Home. An excellent chicken pot-pie dinner was served at noon at the Pythian Home to throngs that kept an army of waiters busy. Supper will also be i served for fifteen cents. Tho horse 1 1 sale brought large numbers of visitors > ■to the city, who were also patrons, as > well as innumerable home people. —■■ GOES TO TOLEDO. r f Miss Irene Gerard, eldest daughter s I of Mr. and Mrs. John Gerard, will leave 1 Saturday morning for Toledo, Ohio, f where she will make her home with v her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Phili ip Ardner. She will enter a business 1 college in Toledo for a complete commercial course. NOTICE I. O. O. F. t 1 There will be a special meeting toe night at 7:30 to make arrangements i-'for the funeral of Brother C. A. Barki. ley, which is to be held at the Evana gelical church Sunday at 1:30 p. m. 1 DANIEL SPRANG, Sec’y.