Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 11, Number 119, Decatur, Adams County, 19 May 1913 — Page 1

Volume XI. Number 119.

TWO KILLED IN ERIE WRECK Engineer Ray Dickerson and Fireman Wilbur Nosier Meet Instant Death

IN SUNDAY WRECK Eastbound Passenger Train Dashed Into Stretch of New Track. GOING MILE A MINUTE Passengers Escape-Engine, Tender and Five Coaches Derailed. There is very little to show this morning where eastbound passenger train No. 8 on the Chicago & Erie railroad was ditched a half-mile east of Preble and four miles west of this city. Sunday morning at 4:38 o'clock, when Engineer J. Ray Dickinson and Fireman Wilbur Hosier, both of Huntington, were instantly killed. Several

cars were demolished, but not another member of the l*in crew, or any of the passengers were Injured. The accident happened at the crossover, where a switch had been built from the main track to the new double track at the right. A portion of the old track had been taken out between Preble and Decatur for repairs, and the trains were to switch over onto the new track at this point to run to this city. The first cars were run over ’t Saturday. It is said that orders were given the engineer to slow down at the “cross-over" to the new track, but it is said that he struck the new road at a speed variously estimated at from forty to sixty-two miles an hour. The rails probably spread, letting the engine slide down over the loose grade into the ditch, and tearing up the track as it went, thus derailing five of the eight following cars. The real cause of the wreck will probably never be known, as the road was torn up for a distance of a hundred feet or more, the ties gathered together into heaps, and th© rails broken and twisted into a mass of junk. It is said the train was due at Preble at 4:12, and it is thought was running fast to make up for lost time. Officials of the company state that all trains had orders t? take the switch at low speed.

The engine and tender fell over on its side in the ditch, ploughing up the earth as it fell. The large steel mail car that followed, was shot across the ditch sideways, and across a large ’idge that ran parallel to th© track, letting one end dip into a small pond. The second and third cars were baggage and express cars and these were pushed around crosswise, on the main track at the side, both on their sides, and both being badly damaged, tho baggage car having one of its sides literally caved In. The fourth was a combinatlion baggage and smoker, while the fifth was a passenger car. The last three coaches did not leave the track. Fireman Hosier probably saw the Impending danger and jumped to the left. He evidently fell under the truck of the baggage car and was killed by the fall, as his neck was found to be broken and a hole in his skull, when pulled from under the end of the baggage car. Engineer Dickinson stuck to his post, falling with bis engine. He was buried in the mud, headforemost, in tho open window of his cab, the dirt ploughing up and falling over him as he fell. He was entirely covered except for one foot that protruded, to mark his grave. Thus encased, he was scalded by the escaping steam that literally cooked bls hands and

head. Th# train fell directly over the piphe of the Standard Oil company which nine parallel with the railroad, and pumping was going on at this Um* Had the plpea been anable to withstand the strain, and broken at thle UMh. fire might have followed, ing the train and spreading to the large oil tank a hundred feet away at U» right.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT - “DECATUR CAN AND WILL”

First On The Scene. Milton Hoffman and Ora Newhard, night men at the pumping station, about eighty rods west of the wreck, "ere the first on the scene, one having witnessed the falling of the train. They hastened over to lend assistance and when they arrived not more than six passengers had gotten off the cars. The scene was an apalllng one and it was feared that the loss of life was great, as it seemed Impossible that some could have escaped. In spite of the terror of the scene, Mr. Hoffman says h e did not hear a woman scream. Investigation revealed the unfortunate engine crew. The fireman was taken dead from under the end of the baggage car lying crosswise on the main track, while others went to work to rescue the engineer, whom it was thought might be alive. Only one foot protruded from the dirt near his place in the cab. Hastily securing shovels and picks, Messrs. Milton, Hoffman, Orval Heller and Burley Swygart went to work immediately to uncover the man. They were hindered much by the escaping steam and it took about thirty minutes to uncover the body. He was found dead, having probably died instantly. There were four men in the mail car and seven in the baggage and express cars. Two baggage and messenger boys were slightly injured, sustaining sprained ankles and bruised arms. They said the first intimation of the wreck they had was when the boxes and trunks began falling on them. They burrowed out and then broke a hole In a small window through which they crawled to safety.

Doctors On Scene. A cal! was hastily sent for doctors. Dr. Grandstaff who lives near the I place was the first on the scene, arriving there about 4:50 o’clock. He i passed through the coaches and to the wonder of all, found none who were , Injured tnough to need care. Other i doctors from this city were rushed to 1 the scene, as the first word was that thirty had been injured. All were more or less shaken up and nervous from the shock, while some sustained bruises. The dead men were laid on the track until Coroner D. D. Clark could be called to start an investigaItion. They were then taken to the ! depot and later to their homes In Huntington. A train from Ohio City was called out and took the passengers on through to their eastern destination. Tho three cars not derailed were taken to Huntington, and the wreck train came out to clear the way. The way was cleared in a few hours, the cars being lifted off to the side of the way. | About four o’clock the badly damaged i engine was gotten back on the track and the others lifted during the night. I A railroad man engaged in helping raise the wrecked engine Is quoted as | stating that when It left the track with the spreading rails the guage showed that It was speeded up to 62 miles

per hour. News to come on men obituary. While they were clearing away the wreck in the morning, a truck of a freight train ran off the track at a nolnt east of the wreck scene, and the workmen were called from tho wreckage to put it back on the track. This held up trains in this city, among them being the wreck train called out from Marion, Ohio. It is said that the westbound early Sunday morning train, leaving here at 3:02 o'clock had passed over the wrecked road only a short time before, and had taken the siding at Preble, a half-mile away, until the eastbound there at the time of the wreck. On that train were Mrs. Meda Stalter Kinnell of this dty and husband, a bride and groom enroute to Chicago. They bad been married here only the day before.

Thousands from Decatur and surrounding cities and country visited the scene of tho wreck at all hours Sunday, At one time In the afternoon on o man counted eighty-one automobiles there. The train was in charge of Conductor Al Bpach and Trainman Jesse Paul, both of Huntington. Bodies Badly Crushed. According to Coroner D. D. Clark, death in both cases was instantaneous. Sdomercea on TWjw »

SELLS INTEREST Fred Mutschler and Son, Albert, Buy Jacob Myers’ Interest in Butcher Shop. ON MONROE STREET Firm Known as Mutschler & Son—Will Join in the Packing House. A business deal was closed Saturday night, whereby Jacob Myers sold his interest in the butcher shop of Mutschler & Myers, located on Monroe street, to Fred Mutschler and son, Albert. The deal was contemplated for some time, but the parties did not come to an agreement until Saturday evening, when the papers were drawn up and Mr. Myers stepped out of the butchering business., leaving his interest to Mr. Mutschler & Son. The firm of Mutschler & Myers was formed about four years ago and since that time has been a growing and prosperous one, thus enjoying one of the best meat trades of any butcher shops in the city, and an Invitation Is extended to all the former patrons to come and make it their place of trading again, and also to new ones. Mr. Myers has not yet decided what he will do. He is now taking a muchneeded rest as he has been in poor health for some time, and in the meantime will decide what business he will go into.

KIDNAPS OWN SON Albert Haley, Four-year-old Grandson of Mr, and Mrs. Dan Haley KIDNAPED BY MOTHER Leaves Note Telling of Her Act—No Trace of Them Has Been Found.

Leaving a note on the kitchen table telling of her act and explaining why she did it, Mrs. Anna Haley, claiming Chicago as her home, entered the residence of Dan Haley, in the south part of the city Saturday night at s o’clock and took away with her, little four-year-old Albert Haley. The boy’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nade Haley, separated two years ago, she going away, and leaving the boy in the care of the father, who, in turn, brought him to the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Haley, where they have made a home for him. 1 Mr. Haley had put the boy to sleep Saturday evening and had gon© up town, and- it was while Mrs. Haley was out of the house for a few minutes that the woman entered and took the sleeping child. When Mrs. Haley returned she found the note of explanation on the kitchen table and failed at first to grasp the full meaning of it until she entered the bed room where the little boy slept and found him gone. She Immediately communicated the news to Mr. Haley, who then notified Marshal Peterson. A thorough search of the city was made, all trains were watched, and warnings sent out, but to no avail, the mother having completely covered up all traces, Nade Haley, father of the boy, who is employed in Fort Wayne, arrived yesterday morning, but could do nothing until some clue has been found on which to work. Although the father, and mother have been separated for two years, no divorce as been secured, and it would have been unnecessary for the mother to have taken tho boy in the manner which she employed.

ZION CLASSIS OFFICERS. At the Zion classis meeting at Fort Wayne the Rev. William Schorer of Vera Cruz was elected president of the classis of the Reformed church. Rev. Calvin H. Schneider of Magley was elected vice president, and Rev. Otto Scherry of Garrett, corresponding secretary. The position of sta'ed clerk is held by Rev. L. C. Hessert of this city, this being an unchanging office.

Decatur, Indiana. Monday Evening, May 19, 1913

CARL H. WALDA DEAD. Carl Henry Walda, aged seventyfive years, died early Sunday morning at the home of a son, George Walda, in Fort Wayne, after an eight years' illness from paralysis. He was born in Germany and came to America, and directly to Fort Wayne in 1856. He has resided there ever since. He is the father of Theodore Walda, who was married a year or so ago to Miss Bleeke of Union township. Surviving besides the widow and this son are five other children: George and Gust Walda, Mrs. John T. Wells, Mrs. Link Boyer of Pittsburg and Mrs. Otto Bollman. The funeral services will be Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the residence and at 2:3 from the Emmanuel Lutheran church, Rev. Moll officiating. COURT HOUSE NEWS Will Ward Taken to Michigan City by Sheriff Durkin and Herman Yager EARLY THIS MORNING Case Against Dr. C. M. Goheen Dismissed—Brown- • Bauman Case Reset. Sheriff Durkin left this morning on the first interurban car for Michigan City, taking with him William Ward, who will enter upon his service of a term of from two to fourteen years for conviction of conspiracy to steal, being implicated with Ode McClish in his get-rich-quick schemes. R. H. Hartford of Portland, who was special judge in the case arrived Saturday afternoon. Mr. Ward, who had received notice that the decision of the lower court had been sustained by the supreme court, surrendered himself up to the as conditioned in his appeal bond. He also presented a petition signed by many of the Decatur citizens asking that sentence be suspended. The court, however, could not find this consistent with his ideas of right, and did not suspend the sentence. Another commitment was ordered, and the sheriff was authorized to take the prisoner to prison. He was given the privilege of having another man accompany him and Herman Yager went with them. Mrs. Durkin also went with her husband to the prison.

Emma Bauman wants a divorce from Fred Bauman, an allowance to support her during the pendency of this action, and SI,OOO alimony. They were married October 7, 1911, and lived together until November 20, 1912, when he left her. She says he was cruel and inhuman. She had four children by a former marriage, three of whom they had agreed should live with them and he would support them. This he failed to do and Mrs. Bauman was obliged to work in the poultry house and take in washing to keep herself and children. During this time her husband bought her only one pair of shoes and no wearing apparel. He remonstrated against keeping her children, telling them that they should dig up their dead father if they wanted some one to keep them, that he was not going to keep su .e one else’s children. At the time of their separation, when she remonstrated with him, he attempted to strike her and would have done so had not her son interfered, she says. R. C. Parrish is her attorney. Mr. Bauman possesses property valued at about $4,000. Marriage license was issued to Herman Witte of Fort Wayne, born August 23, 1878, son of Fred Witte, to wed Emma Scheuler, born February 14, 1884, son of Fred Scheuler, of Preble. The wedding took place Sunday. A license was also granted Omer Lehman, elevator man of Berne, born August 20, 1888, son of Ulrich Lehman, to wed Celestine Depp, born April 30, 1887, daughter of D. Depp. Messrs. Sherwin and Lally, state accountants, arrived here this morning to go over the county recorder’s books. They will probably be here only a few days. The state case against Dr. C. M. Goheen, the Fort Wayne physician, charged with criminal operation, was dismissed this morning. Ooheen is the one to whom it was alleged the late page thru

NOW SOLE OWNER George Steele Buys Interest of Father-in-law, C. J. Weaver, in

THE RACKET STORE l Mr. Weaver Retires from Business and Will Take Much Needed Rest.

A firm of seven years’ standing was dissolved today, when C. J. Weaver sold his half-interest In the Steele & Weaver racket store to his son-in-law and partner, George C. Steeie, who thus becomes sole owner. The new store will now be known as Steele's five and ten cent store. The business was first started seven years ago by Mr. Steeled who two months later took Mr. Weaver in as partner. Their associations were most harmonious and they built up a large and fine business, that has grown, an<V is still growing, month by month. Mr. Weaver has devoted himself most assiduously to bls work, and is in need of a rest. The health of Mrs. Weaver, also, has become such that it is thought a change of residence will prove beneficial, and after a few weeks’ rest here they may go west, though this has not been settled. Mr. Steele will makea number of improvements In the store, as he keeps it fully abreast of the times, and will carry on the business in the same sound way that has made it so successful.

STATE CHIEF HERE Mr. Dehority of State Board of Accounts, spent Few Hours Here Today. WITH THE FIELD MEN Concluding Four-year Term at Head of Indiana Board of Accounts.

W. A. Dehority, chief of the state board of accounts of Indiana, was a visitor in Decatur this morning, conferring with Messrs. Carson and Weybright, the field men, who have been on the records of this county for seven months past. Mr. Dehority will conclude his duties as the head of the state board of accounts in about a month .the governor'havlng recently named Mr. Hendren for the place. Mr. Dehority has made a splendid record and has done more than any other man in th o state to establish the accounting laws In the state. The law In Indiana was the first law of Its kind In the United States. A few others had a law similar, but not nearly so broad. Since the accounting law has been passed In Indiana four years ago, not ness than nine states have passed practically the safne law, conceded to be the best In existence. It Is not unusual for inquiries from other states | to come to the Indiana office and these are always replied to cheerfully, thus assisting other states from the experience here. Mr. Dehority is a resident of Elwood, a splendid business man, and a citizen of whom the Eighth district is justly proud. He has not decided on future plans, but it is safe to predict that he will succeed in whatever he decides to do. o , IS BUILDING NEW SHOP. Otto Reppert, who recently sold his foundry and machine ship, formerly the Van Camp foundry. Is constructing a new building, near his residence, corner of Nuttman avenue and Eleventh streets. The building is a fine large one and when completed will make a fine work room. He will move bls tools to this place and will soon be 1 ready for buslnews at his new quarters. ■•■■■<> THE STORK’B VISIT. Cards have been received here from Mr. and Mrs. William Philips es Lima, Ohio, announcing the birth of a twelve-pound boy, Saturday, May 17. The babe is a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Dd Phillips of this elty.

REV. DESSERT GIVES ADDRESS Delivers Baccalaureate Sermon to Thirtyfive Graduates of High School

TO HAVE OPERATION. Mrs. Jesse Beery of this city and her mother, Mrs. Esther Springer went to Fort Wayne today noon to be with their sister and daughter, Mrs. Walter Eicher of Rockford, Ohio, who tomorrow will have an operation at the Lutheran hospital, for appendicitis. She is also a sister of Mrs. Fred Engle of Decatur. IN THE CHURCHES Rev. Rilling Preaches Splendid Sermon Sunday Morning at Church.

REV. ROBT. N. BALL At Baptist Gives Good Address—Rev. Stephenson’s Sunday Services. Evangelical Church. “The Sourse of Joshua’s Courage and Strength,” was the subject of Rev. J. H. RUling’s sermon Sunday morning at the Evangelical church; found in !Joshua-1:1-11. The speaker said in part: “When Joshua stood in the open door of his great work h e was repeatedly bidden to be strong and of good jCOurage. He was asked to complete [the work that the great man, Moses, ■ had begun. It is not an easy task to follow strong men, whether that b e in ■church or state. If Joshua was not discouraged he keenly felt the responsibility. Hence the repeated injunction—to be strong. What was the source of Joshua's courage and strength? First. A faithful past. [Faithfulness In a few things is the ! condition of being made ruler over many things. ‘Loyalty as servants are 'stepping-stones to the throne.' He and Calop were the two who brought a good and honest report of the real condition of things in the Promised

Land. A good honest record has much in our favor in lending the needed courage. Secondly. The assurance of God’s presence. ‘As I was with Moses so I will be with thee.. No doubt ho went back in his mind and recalled how marvelously God was with Moses. That promise has come down the ages to you and me. Thirdly. The keeping of God's word. ‘The law shall not depart out of thy mouth. Keeping In vital touch with God.”

Presbyterian Church. i The morning congregation was very attentive to the solos sung by Miss Kathryn Egly of Bern© and Dr. F. I.' Patterson. The subject of Rev. Glelser*s sermon was "A Typical Ecclesiastic," based on the text found in Mat- ' thew the twenty-sixth chapter and the 1 fifty-seventh vevrse. The pith of his'' remarks follow: The leader of the 1 Sadducees was Caiphas—the high;: priest. His character can be summed i up in the word —Ecclesiastic. This ] typical ecclesiastic's attitude to the I church is striking. How did he look ' upon it? To him it was an institution,; which must be preserved. Whatever threatened its life must be put down, i It mattered not whether it was good ■ or bad. Thus h e reminds us of those j today, who discard anything interfer,fng with their plans. The spirit of | worldliness has laid hold of the heart ■of man to such a degree that he. oftimes plays with the truth. The mental state of the ecclesiastic deserves our attention. His mind asks the question. Is it wise for me to do this or that? He Is not a follower of the truth. He Is the child of expediency. This type of man is seen In all .realms of life. In the life and in business men are asking of themselves: Is It expedient for me to do this? Let me place before you this fellow’s dealing with Christ. What la the man of Galilee to the ecclesiastic? He is slm|Ply a name. So Calaphas proposes to ' crucify the Lord of Glory. If this ecclesiastic had only known Christ as his i own Savior, it would have been a dlfj fOertawM e* Bag* •)

Price, Two Centi,

ATM. E. CHURCH Big Auditorium Crowded by Friends of the Young Men and Women Graduates. GIVES GOOD ADVICE First Exercise of Commencement Week Held Here on Sunday Evening.

To do honor to the thirty-five seniors of the Decatur high school, who this week will receive diplomas for having completed the course, and to listen to the excellent sermon of fatherly farewell advice given them by the Rev. L. C. Hessert of the German Reformed church, the Methodist church Sunday evening was completely filled, in the main auditorium, lecture room and gallery. The audience Included the parents, brothers, sisters and other relatives and friends of the graduates, as well as representatives of all the clty*s churches and many from the country districts, as the affair was a union service. The church was beautifully decorated with spring flowers, while at the back of the chancel, as a background for the speaker, was Hung the simple but beautiful high school pennant, in purple and gold. Lead by the class president, Robert Peterson, the long line of graduates—fair lassies and bright laddies—made an impressive sight, as, dressed alike ,in gray caps and gowns, giving a scholarly appearance, they marched down the central aisle from the vestibule to the places reserved for them in the front seats. Th® juniors followed In a body and were given places ■near the seniors. The musical service was an excellent one, music being furnished by the Methodist choir, a prelude by the organist, Mrs. Avon Burk, preceding an anthem, “Zion, Awake,” by the choir.

I Another anthem, “Savior Like a Shepherd Load Us,” was beautiful, as was the closing soprano solo, “The Plains of Peace,” by Mrs. Jesse Sellemeyer. The audience joined in singing several hymns. Nearly all the ministers of the city were present and were given seats in the pulpit, as was Professor E. E. Rice, superintendent of the city schools, who Is greatly esteemed for the excellent part he has played In the school life of the city. The Methodist pastor, the Rev. D. T. Stephenson, presided during the evening. The Rev. Gleiser of the Presbyterian church gave the invocation, while the scripture lesson was read by the Rev. L. W. Love of the United Brethren church, from I Corinthians 1:18-31. A prayer by th© Rev. J. H. Rilling of the Evangelical church was a beautiful one in behalf of the students, their fears, their hopes and plans for the future. Before opening his excellent sermon, W'hich was on “The Basis o fChristlan ! Character,” Rev. Hessert congratulated the students on their successful comipletion of the course; the instructors who embody the ideals of the students, and the parents, whose self-sacrifice has done much to further the ideals iin their children. His sermon was a keen, clear, concise, scholarly one, and I will be a shield and helmet to the students In their battde through life. The basis of his sermon was the text from Jude: "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves, on your most holy faith, praying In the Holy Ghost, keep yourseles in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Each one of us, the pastor said, In . substance, is building by his daily ac- ■ tlons a character which will be either ‘ a prison house or a palace. The life In school is the formative period, but i few are conscious of It. When we reallo that we are either building in or i out of Jesus Christ, it will b e a powerful factor In leading us to build right«n rage I)