Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 27, Number 1, Decatur, Adams County, 1 January 1929 — Page 1

WEATHER Mostly cloudy tonight, Probably »now north portion. Colder with moderate cold wave. Wednesday generally fair. Somewhat colder eact part.

SNOW STORM USHERS IN NEW

DECATUR GIVEN POPULATION OF S,THIN SURVEY Increase Os 20 Per Cent Over Government Census Os 1920 Is Shown CITY AND SUBURBAN POPULATION 6,500 The population of Decatur at the opening of 1929. nine years after the last decennial census, is 5,714, com- , ared with 4,762 in 1920, an increase of 20.0 per cent, according to a survey just completed for the Daily Democrat by the Newspaper Feature Bureau. The population of the city and adjacant urban territory is estimated at 6.500. An interesting feature of the survey is the occupations for pain. Os the 4,595 persons over ten. there are 2,456 breadwinners, 1.942 being males and 514 females. Characteristics of the Decatur pcpulation are: 1920 1929 Population 4,762 5,714 Males 2,356 2,827 Females 2,406 2,887 Persons over 21 2.853 3,424 Males . 1,380 1.656 Females 1,473 1.76-1 Persons over 10 3,829 4,595 Males 1,865 2,238 Females 1,964 2,258 Occupied for gain 2.047 2.456 Males 1.618 1,942 Females 429 514 Families 1.241 1,489 The survey is based on statistics from local sources giving the city's gains since the 1920 census in the factors essential to population growth: Excess of births over deaths in the city s lice the 1920 census, numlrer 410. Increase of 10.0 per cent since 1920 in the number of qualified voters in the city. Increase of 15.0 per cent since 1920 in the number of youth of school age. Increase of 16.0 per cent since 1920 in the number of active domestic water services. Estimate from Mayor George M. Krick of more than 5,600 population for the city at the close of 1928, and 6,500 for the city and adjacant urban territory. o King Passes Good Night; Condition Is Unchanged London, Jan. I.—(U.R) —As Big Ben sounded the knell of 1928, thousands of revellers —some in evening clothes and some in tatters —sang "Auld Lang Eyne” and "God Save The Kink" outhide Buckingham palace where King George lies ill. New hope was felt everywhere with authoritative assurance that the - king’s lung affection had bpen practically cured. The official bulletin today, timed 11 a. m., sad: "The king had a good night. The general conditions are unchanged ' o ■ YOUNG PEOPLE LEAD SERVICES Young Lady and Young Man Substitute For Pastor Os Evangelical Church Two young people of the First Evangelical church proved last Sunday that the young people are able to do things worth while. During Saturday night, the pastor the Rev. M. W. Sunderman, became ill and was unable to fill his Sunday appointments with only a few minutes notice, Miss Ruth Sunderman, instructor in English in the South Bend high school, who is spending her vacation with her parents in the parsonage, took complete charge of the morning worship, choosing as her subject: "Build Thee more stately Mansions, O My Soul." The evening service was conducted by Clarence Spuller, a student of Purdue, who is spending his vacation at the home cf his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Spuller spoke on: “Profiting by Oni experiences”. Mr, Spuller Lias been doing gospel team work in connection with the Y. M. C. A. at Purdue. Beth services were conducted in a manner that reflected splendid leadership, and were greatly appreciated by the congregation.

LIECiIYR DAILY DEMOCRAT

Vol. XXVII. No. One.

Gov. Roosevelt Gov. Franklin L. Roosevelt Franklin P. Roosevelt today succeeded Alfred E. Smith as governor of tlie slate of New York. Both are Democrats. WOMANNAMEDON HOSPITAL BOARD Mrs. T. J. McKean, Os Linn Grove, Appointed To Succeed Mrs. Anderson Mrs. T. J. McKean, of Linn Grove, was appointed by the board of county commissioners this morning, to the board of trustees of the Adams county Memorial hospital, filling the unexpired term of Mrs. Clara Anderson, county recorder, who resigned. The board also reappointed Frank Heiman to the board, whose term expired with the new year. Mr. Heiman asked that he not be reappointed, but 'The other members of the board of trustees requested that lie lie named. The commissioners also felt that two new members should not be appointed at the same time. Mr. Heiman was reappointed for the four-yeat term. He lias been a members of the board since its organization in 1921. .Mrs. McKean will have three years of Mrs. Anderson’s unexpired term to serve. Mrs. Anderson was reappointed last January. She tendered her resignation due to the fact that today she liegan her term as county recorder and therefore did not wish to hold two county offices. Tiie board of hospital trustees will meet next week, il was stated and reorganize. A. J. Smith, of this city, is the president of the board. The other member is Ed M. Ray, of Berne . THREE WOMEN PAY PENALTY Two Start Life Sentences Today; Third Faces Manslaughter Charge (By United Press) Women were paying the penalties of crime in three states today. Two of them were beginning life term prison sentences, one for the murder of a nine y-ear old boy, the other for selling liquor. Mrs. Etta May Miller, 48-year-old mother of ten ch’ldren, must spend the rest, cf her life in the Detroit, house of correction because she was convicted four times of violating the dry laws. Michigan holds liquor law violations to be felonious and, under the habitual criminal section of its state code, four felonies make a life term mandatory. Mrs. Miller is the first woman to run afoul of the law. In California, the gates ot San Quentin prison swung back to receive Mrs. Louisa Northcott, who must serve a life term for murdering fl-year-old Walter Collins. She is the mother of Gordon Northcott, alleged operator of a “murder farm" where he mistreated and killed small boys near Riverside. In Clayton, Mo., a coroner's jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against Mrs. Antoinette Abrams. Despite the verdict of the coroner’s jury, she was held on a charge of first degree murder in the death of Jay Jenkins, shot while attending a party with Mrs. Abrams. — o Little Katherine King is on the list of flu sufferers. She was reported I'etter today. Her mother, Mrs. Fred King, who has been ill for a week past, is improving.

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY

Ml aft*. Mi at Ina al And

NEW OFFICERS ASSUME DUTIES Four New County Officials Take Office; Three Begin New Terms Four new county officials assumed their offices today and three present officials began new terms. The new county officials who assumed office today are: Albeit Harlow, of Geneva, county auditor; Mrs. Clara Anderson. Geneva, county recorder; Ralph Roop, Decatur, county surveyor; and Nathan E. Nelson, Devatur, prosecuting attorney. The officers who began new terms are George Shoemaker, county cominissic.ner from the third district; Dr. J. C. Grandstaff, county coroner, and Har) Hol.ingsworth, county sheriff. Mr. Harlow succeeds Mai tin Jaberg. who served as county auditor for eight years. Mrs. Anderson, the first woman in Adams county to be elected to a county office, succeeds Ed Green, who served four years as county recorder. Ralph Roop, succeeds Dick Boch as county surveyor. Nathan Nelson, succeeds John T. Kelly as prosecuting attorney. Sheriff Hollingsworth and Dr. Grandstaff began their second terms today, while Mr. Shoemaker started his third tetm on the hoard of commissioners. The retiring officials have made splendid records during their administrations and retire with the good wishes of the community. The new officials and those who started their second and third terms today were elected last November at the regular election. All are Democrats. Members of the township advisory boards also assumed office today. The new officials kept open house this morning and each one has his office assistants appointed temporarily and the splendid service which has been given by the retiring officers will be coutumed by lheir successors. (J— Mississippi Negro Is Burned At Stake By Mpb Rome, Miss., Jan. 1. —(U.R)~-The charred body of Charles Shepherd, nego convict, rested against a stake two miles north of here today, where he was burned to death for violating the unwritten law of the south. A molb, eager to avenge the murder Ors J. D. Duvall, prison guard, ami the abduction of Duvall’s 18-year-old daughter. Ruth, lynched Shepherd last night. The burning of Charles Shepherd near Rome, Miss., brought the death number of lynchings in the United States in 1928 to 10. Four of the lynchings last year were committed in Mississippi. Three of the victims were negroes and the other a Mexican. The record of lynchings in recent years follows: 1918, 67; 1919, 83; 1920, 65; 1921, 64; 1922. 61; 1923, 28; 1524, 16; 1925, 18; 1926, 34 and 1927, 21. RREINER HEADS COMMISSIONERS County Commissioners Reorganize For Year; Visit County Infirmary The board of county commissioners met this morning at the county auditor’s office and organized by re-elect-ing Commisioner B. F. Breiner president of the board. Mr. Breiner has served as preseident of the board for the past two years. George Shoemaker, commlsisoner from the third district, began his third term today. The other member of the board, John Hoffman, will not begin his second term until next year. Following the organization meeting, the commissioners, together with Henry Ik Heller, county commissioner, Herman Reese and August Gallmeyer, went to the county infirmary where the annual inventory will be taken. Messrs. Reese and Gallmeyer will act as appraisers. The county officials will be the guest of Harvey LaFonntain, superintendent of the farm, at dinner. The commisioners will meet in regular session next Monday and Tuesday, at which time annual reports will be filed. Tuesday will be road day and the commissioners predict that they will be flooded with petitions for improved roads. Every township in the county has a credit available for road building and in practically every case petitions will be filed for road improvements..

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday, January 1, 1929.

Bare-Foot Reveller Is Tracked Through Snow; Speculation Rife Someone in Decatur must have a bad cold this morning. Local citizens today tracked a man who was walking around in the snow barefooted all over Decatur last night. The Identity of the strange "September Morn" was not learned and the feat is said to have started in the court-house yard. Several local people noticed the tracks of someone hare-footed fn the court house yard and followed the tracks through Second street to the north part of the city and then hack up to the court house. No one was Able to say whether it was an election bet being paid off or whether someone imbibed of the New Year's cheer too freely. Nevertheless, there are several witnesses to the footprints and local critics are speculating on who made the “march.” DAVIS EXPLAINS PROSPESITY WAVE Secretary Os Labor Says Cooperation And Good Will Aiding Cause Editor's note:-In the following new year’s review written especially for the United Press, Secretary of Labor Davis attempts to explain the reason for the increased prosperity during 1928. By James J. Davis, Secietry of labor (Written especially for the UP I In the present era of full production of good business, there is no question but that the new spirit of cooperation and understanding which is growing up between the two principal elements of industry—managers and workers—which has so impressed itself on our business life, is in large measure responsible for the conditions we find in America today. Cooperation and good will are today extending tfiroughout the whole fibre of American business, and this condition is responsible, in my opinion, for the happy situation winch pi evails. Even in one or two of our major industries which have been seriously affected by the problem of overdevelopment—or as some term it, under-consumption-I have observed a new attitude toward the future. I have practicular reference to the bituminous coal mining and textile industries in both of which earnest, efforts are being made to correct their ills and improve existing conditions. Throughout American business substantial gains have been shown and with the purchasing power of the wage-earners gjowitig mere significant each year, we have a right to forecast for the next year even greater progress in the industrial and business fields. The growth of conciliation and goodwill has brought into harmonious relation the nation’s employers and employees. This, in turn, is reflected in a greater productive impetus with increasing benefits to employer and employee and the public as well, and I trust that these virtues have become permanently established. 1 would not say our economic condition is perfect. We still have some serious problems to solve. With the rapid merchanization of industry our chief duty is to keep all our workers regularly employed at a wage sufficient to maintain the American standard of living. We must also do our best to see that the old workers are protected in their right of employment. It has been conclusive.? proven that we caiippt have a full measure of prosperity unless all our workers are regularly employed at wages sufficient to enable them to buy the products of industry. President Hunts Deer And Pheasants Today Sapelo Island, Ga. Jan. 1. —(U.R) — President Cooljdge will spend the first day of the new year, and the last day of his week’s vacation in Georgia’ hunting deer and golden pheasants on the estate of his host, Howard Coffin, motor car magnate. The president planned to leave tonight for Washington. His schedule calls for arrival at the white house tomorrow afternoon. No special celebration marked the passed of the year at Sapelo plantation.

CITY'S FIRE LOSS IN 19281556,450 Loss Is Low; Property Endangered Is Valued At $168,900 The fi.e loss in Decatur during 1928 i.s estimated at $6,450, according to the annual report compiled by Jack Friedt, city fire chief. Properly to the value ..f $168,900 was endangered by fire, of which $114,300 was the estimated value of buildings and $54,600 of contents. The loss from file on buildings was estimated at $5.950 and the loss on contents was estimated at SSOO. The amount of insurance carried on buildings was $71,850 and the insurance cat tied on contents was $3,400. The local department made 62 runs during the year. The princip.il causes of the fires were listed by Chief Friedt as follows: sparks from chimneys, 14: overheated stoves, 8; oil stove evplosions 6; defective flues, 6; overheated furnaces, 4: cigarettes, 3; bonfires, 2; children playing with matches. 2: boy’s bomb 1; grass fires 11. .The file loss in 1928 was larger than for several years in Decatur. In 1927, the loss was estimated ai $1,375 and the lost in 1926 was estimated at sl.860. Practically all the losses were from residence fires. Several costly fires to residences occurred during the year, while not a single fire occ.tred in the business section. The department did splendid work, in view of the fact that $168,900 was. endangered by fire, the loss was kept down to less than $6,500. Mr. Fiiedt will file iiis annual repor* with the city council this evening Fred V. Mills To Operate Grocery Store In Bluff ton Fred V. Mills, well-known Decatur citizen who conducted a groeeuy in this city for many years lief re soiling his store about a year ago, has accepted a position as manager of a large grocery store in Blufft n. Max Himelstine, of Fort Wayne, has purchased the John Painter grocery on Main street in Bluffton, and has engaged Mr. Mills to i perate the store. Mr. Mills has been in Bluffton for the last several days, helping to invoice the store. The Painter stole has been operated at the same location for the last thirty-five yeais. Mi. Mills stated that he will not move to Blufftan Masons To Attend Funeral Os Dr. Jonas S. Coverdale The members of the Masonic lodge, who will conduct the ritualistic services at the funeral of Dr. Jonas S. Coverdale, ate requested to meet at the Edge rooms Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock The Masons will attend the services held at the Presbyterian chinch at 2:30 o’clock an I follow to the cemetery. NEW INSURANCE FIRM ORGANIZED Charles Steele And Martin Jaberg Form Partnership; Open Office Jan. 2 A new insurance concern, to be known as Steele and Jalierg, will open its offices to the public Wednesday morning, it was announced toctiy. Charles Steele, well-known in Adams c uiity insurance circles, is the senior partner of the new concern, and Marlin Jaberg, who retired today as auditor of Adams county, will be the other member of the firm. Offices of the new concern have been established on the second floor cf the K. of C. building. The new firm will handle lire, life, auto, compensation and health and accident insurance. They also will write ail forms of surety bonds and, at present. are arranging for an insurance loan agency on both farm and city properties. Mr. Steele has been an insurance salesman for the last eight years and. prior to that time, he was in the harness business for 14 years. He has a wide acquaintance through this part, of the State, and for some time has had an office in the Peoples Loan and Trust company building. Mr. Jaberg today retired as, auditor of Adams county, after serving in that capacity for eight, years. Prior to that, Mr. Jaberg taught school and was a rural mail-carrier. The firm will be open for business Wednesday, January 2.

FurnUhed Ilf tiiKeti I'reuß

Air Mail Pilot Dies — J ’ I X Y J J J lx‘o J. McGinn, veteran air mail pilot, who was killed when his plaim crashed and burned at Huron, Ohio, during a blinding snowstorm. He was flying the night air mail from Cleveland to Chicago. MANY FAMILIES LEAVE BICKNELL Population Os Indiana Mining Town Shrinks 3,000 Since April, 1927 • Bicknell, Ind., Jan. 1. —(U.R) —With the min'ng situation unchanged in Knox county scores of miners have moved their families from Bicknell within the past two weeks, it was learned today. Additional families were prepared to leave after New Years day reports indicated. Mines in this section have been closed for nearly two years and all efforts to resume operations apparently have failed. Most families who have left have settled in northern Indiana and Michigan intending to obtain jobs in various automobile and other manufacturing plants. It. was estimated that Bicknell’s population of 8.006 has shrunk to 5.000 since the closing of mines in April, 1927. AUCTION SCHOOL HAS 44 ENROLLED Sixteenth Semi-annual Term Os Reppert Auction School Opens Today With an enrollment of 44 students, the sixteenth semi-annual term of the Reppert Auction School opened in this city today. Enrollment was held all day yesterday and classes started at 8 o’clock this morning. Sixteen states in the union are represented with students in the school, which, in the eight years of its existence, has become known as the world's greatest school of its kind. Two new members of the faculty have bee nadded f r this term, it was announced at Colonel Reppert s office today. They are Col. D. L. Perry, of Columbus, Ohio, and Col. Nelson Krasehal, of Harlan. lowa. The members of the 1928 faculty have been retained for this term and the two new members are additions to the staff. The classes are being held in the auditorium of the Knights of Pythias home on Third street. The first class meeting of the sixteenth class will be held tonight, at which time officers will be elected for the term and plans will be made for the public auctions. This is the first term of the auction school in which no Canadian students are euro led, but a student from the Dominion has registered and a telegram stated he would he here for the school. The class has representation from both the east and west coast. Col. Reppert who has been absent front the school because of the death of his father will return and take active charge Wednesday afternoon. o A. A. Kist stopped here on his way home from Fort Wayne where he made a contract for the 1929 supply of news piint paper for the Portland Sun and Portland Commercial-Re-view.

Price Two Cents

YEAR

NEW YEAR GETS NOISY WELCOME; TODAY IS QUIET Old Man Winter And Season’s Heaviest Snow Accompany New Year NO DISORDERS OR MISHAPS REPORTED Bells, whistles, and a shout nf “happy New Year” ushered the year 1929 into Decatur at 12:01 o'clock this morning, and while revellers were shouting the season's greetings to friends, old man winter sneaked in with the heaviest snowfall of the season. Hundreds of Decatur people, at parties and dances, welcomed 1929 into the city while others from Decatur and Adams county greeted the "youngster" at Fort Wayne dances and parties. Snow Starts Falling Shortly before the old year made its final exit, a heavy snow began fal'lng and continued until this morning. About three inches of snow fell during the night, setting a record for the current season. Business was at a standstill in Decatur today, while the revellers caught up on their sleep. Factories closed to observe the holiday and restaurants and confectioneries showed the only signs of life in Decatur today. The new year slipped in without any serous automobile accidents and, although the snowfall made driving hazardous, no accidents were reported to local police. There were no reparts of disorder and, with the exception of the dances and watch parties, the night passed quietly. And ho Decatur today began its ninety-third year of existence a little tired, but happy and ready for the joys and sorrows of another year. o Army Plane Starts On Endurance Flight; Plans Made To Refuel In Air Los Angeles, Cal . Jan. I.—(U.R) — The Army plane Question Mark took off from the metropolitan airport at Van Nuys at 7:20 a. in. today on a flight attempt assigned to break all existing endurance records. The giant tri-motored craft not heavily laden since it will refnel while flying made only a short taji down the runway. It left the ground without trouble and immediately liegan circling for altitude. Captain Ira Baker was at the controls when the Question Mark took the air. His companions in the plane were Major Carl Spatz, flight commander; Lieut. H. A. Halvorsen, re'ief pilot; Lieut. Elwood Quesada and Sergeant Roy Hooe, mechanic. Gue of the refueling ships which will supply the Question Mark with gasol'ne. oil and food, preceded the endurance plane into the air. — 0 Ministerial Association To Meet On Wednesday The ministerial association will have its regular meeting Wednesday morning. January 2, at 9:30 o'clock, in the Old Adam's County bank building. Q_ SNOW WELCOMED BY MERCHANTS Real Winter Weather Expected To Stimulate Business In Decatur Decatur business men wearing wide smiles today, with thoughts of a heavy business with which to start ft the New Year. The first snowfall of the season ushered 1929 into Decatur early this morning, and indications are that there will he a rush to the various steres for winter wealing apparel the rest of this week. Owing to the unseasonal weather which has held sway in this community the last two months, local stores have carried over a heavy supply f wlntet merchandise, but with winter here at last, merchants are predicting several weeks of heavy trading. People of this community are urged to watch the advertisements appearing in the Daily Democrat as practically every local store has signified Intentions of offer many bargains through the columns of the Democrat.

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