Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 27, Number 28, Decatur, Adams County, 1 February 1929 — Page 1

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bank creditors sue stockholders

» IE BOEUF (ND OR. DREHER ME ON CALLOWS fSiSS fg »•£' of Woman’s Husband TWO SLAYERS ARE HANGED IN MISSOURI Parish Prison. Franklin, La., Feb. 1 nip)—Ada Bonner Leßoeuf, mother d our children, and her secret lover D Thomas Dreher, father of Jhree children. -re hanged in the Parish prlson yard today for murdering Mrs. , .Beuel's husband. James. The first white woman ever executed west of the Allegheny mountains Mrs. Leßouef was -pronounced dead nt 12*27 P- m. % ,oon as her body had been cut ■ wn Dr. Dreher was led into the mall wooden enclosure and took his place on the metal scaffold. He was pronounced dead at 12:51 p. m. Thus, nine years after its inception. ended the love affair of the Morgan Citv hom-ewife and her famiy phvsician - the courtship they tried to hide by luring James LeBouef into a row oat on July 1. 19-7. shooting him through the heart, weighting his body and dropping it into Lake Pauloarde. Half an hour before the noon hour set for their hanging. Mrs. Leßoeuf and Dr. Dreher had been brought together in the jail. “I hope I see you over there," the doctor said. They shook hands and were returned to their nearly adjacent cells.. Two Hanged At St. Louis St Louis. Mo.. Feb. I.—(UJB—Two murderers were executed simultaneously at 6:15 a. m. today on an/electrically operated gallows. Thomas Lowry. 23. was"flnTppert to his death through one trap for the murder of Motorcycle Patrolman Eugene Lovely, at the same time Leonard R. Yeager plunged to his death through another trap for the killing of Conniours Schou, an elderly tailor. The traps were sprung by an elaborate set of electrical devices, five circuits leading to as many push, buttons manned by deputy sheriffs. At a signal the ’deputies pressed the buttons, two of which were connected with the traps. The depuites never will know who pushed the two buttons which sent the two murderers to their deaths. U, JONES DIES THIS MORNING Prominent Citizen Residing Near Pleasant Mills Succumbs P- F J ones, 68, prominent citizen living one mile north of Pleasant Mills died at 8:30 o’clock this morning, after *n illness of only three days from obstruction of the bowels. For fourteen sears, he had been an invalid as the result of rheumatism, but aside from being crippled was in very good health until he suffered the attack on Wednesday. Surviving relatives include the widow and t: Ve children, Mrs. Ethel Ayers Jo-in, Ira and Charles, all of Fort ayno and Clyde at home. A brother, nrren Jones, resides in Decatur. Mineral services will be held at the u s dence at 12 o’clock, noon, Monday, * t burial in the Eel River cemetery.

Decatur Man Conies Out Second Best In Political Argument With Grandson

That the principles of Democracy ' lre '^ e Ply imbedded in the new gen--lat ion was proved in a recent epiL Od t W » h r iCh occurre(l a few days ago St. Marys township. Delane WorDoL ye ur’° ld 8011 ° f Mr »“d Mrs " father i erling ’ and tbe baby’s grandfor thk J , a 3 mes Halbers tadt, mechanic in thk , dams Cou nty Auto company in the f ' y ’ were tbe niain characters friends ™T iment which P roved ster is n 1 n ®*Kbbors that the youngson I" fe :“? with 1,18 grandthere were nT u K ° and ’ althou * h it 18 alleged tlJf t 0 prove U ’ g a that Jtm", in a playful

DECATUR D ALLY DEMOCRAT

Vol. XXVIL No. 28.

Newsgirl Vanishes oft M jftfl < r • -W. ® • Edith Mae Dierdorf, 10-year-old newsgirl of Terre Haute, Ind., who has been missing for several days and who is feat ad to have been kidnaped and slain. Her bloodstained newspaper bag was found on the highway near Paxton. Ind. International Illustrated News photo.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER NAMED Boyd Gurley, Editor Os Indianapolis Times, Secured To Give Address Here Boyd Gurley, editor of the Indianapolis Times and one of the outstanding journalists of the present day, has accepted an invitation to deliver the principal address at the annual commencement exercises of Decatur high school this year. Tiie commencement will be held on Friday evening, May 34. . i This is the first time in the history of the Decatur high school that a noted journalist has been secured to deliver the commencement address. Mr (CONTINUED ON PAGE BIGHT) ______o Posses Continue Search For Terre Haute Girl Terre Haute. Ind., Feb. 1. —(U.R) — Whether pretty 10-year-old Edith Mae Dieidorf, missing since Sunday, has been murdered or is being held prisoner, remained in doubt today as nossfes continued their search of the Busseron Creek bottoms and the known underworld haunts of th s city, i The searching party, augmented by additional men who volunteered I today, again were to comb the lowlands surrounding the creek where a bloody newspaper bag, identified i as belonging to the girl, was found. Police have expressed the belief that the bag was tossed aside to I mislead searchers, and that the girl, ■ whether found dead or alive, will be In Terre Haute. — o — Chicago Fire Causes Loss Os Half Million Chicago. Feb. I—(UP)—Fire wrecked a Fulton street store building today with a Hoss estimated at half a million dollars. John Dahl, fireman, was badly injured when he fell with the collapsing roof. The building was a four story structure housing 24 concerns. Forty eight pieces of fire fighting apparatus responded to the alarms in sub-zero temperature. Flames broke out first on the third floor and rapidly swept through the entire building, the cause of the fire was not known. ’

manner, said “Hurrah for Hoover’’ or words to that effect. Young Werling, whose father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and in fact all the Werlings, were Democrats, evidently took exception to the grandfather’s political utterance and gave him a stiff blow in the eye, with all the force a one-year old could execute. As a result, “Jim” was forced to lay off work for two days, and this morning when he reported for duty he still bore marks of his encounter with his scrapping Democratic grandson. It was reported today, however, that Mr. Halberstadt now is out of danger, but that, he is being more careful with whom he argues politics.

ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER IN ADAMS COUNTY

Slate, Nattoaal Aad luternailoaal Mewa

AMERICAN LEGION POST GOES OVER THE TOP IN DRIVE Secures Membership of 186, Largest In History Os Local Post MAJOR PROJECTS BEING PLANNED — Adams Post No. 43, of the American Legion, went over the top in the annual membership campaign with a bang last night. A total of 168 members had been signed up at midnight last night, when the membership campaign officially closed. This is 51 over the quota of 135 and is the largest membership in the history of the local post. In 1922, the previous record year, the pest had a membership of 179. Last year, the post membership was 125. Officers and members of the local post were anxiously awaiting word from state headquarters today to learn who was the winner in the membership contest in which the Decatur, Bluffton and Alexandria posts were entered, a silver loving cup was offered to the post securing the largest membership. Each post had a quota of 135. It is believed that the Decatur post has an excelent chance of winning the cup. Expect To Reach 200 Mark Os the 186 members in the'local post nine are from Geneva and vicinity. It is said that approximately six more veterans in that territory expect to jointhe Legion and plans are being made to estalish a post there. Although tne membership drive officially ended last night, the local post will continue to seek new members and France Confer, post commanden said today that indications are that the post membership w(ll pass the 200 mark soon. Much enthusiasm has been injected into the local post since the beginning of the year and more interest than ever before is being shown by the veterans. Several major propects are being planned by the post for this year. Nearly all of the business houses in the main business district of the city are 100 per cent firms, that is, all employes and members of the firms who aie veterans of the World War are members of the Legion. Certificates showing that the firm is a 100 per cent firm are being issued to such usiness houses. DOTS AND GIRLS STUDYING MUSIC Large Number Os Decatur Youths Are Learning To Play Band Instruments M. F. Worthman, superintendent of schools, acting as chairman of the program given last eevning at the regular meeting of the Decatur Rotary Club, stated that there are 72 boys and girls in Decatur who are taking music lessons or are members of the Decatur Junior band. David Rice, director of the Junior band, and Harry Dailey a member of the band, gave several selections on the clarinet during the program. Following the musical program, Dr. Fred Patterson, conducted a round table discussion among the Rotarians on Rotary affairs. M. J. Mylott, president, and W. A. Lower, secretary of the club, were elected delegates to the state conference to be held at Terre Haute, February 21 and 22. C. C. Pumphrey and Dr. 'Patterson were elected alternates. o— Rev. Miller Speaks At D. H. S. Chapel Period The Rev. O. E. Miller, pastor of the Baptist church, spoke at the regular Friday morning chapel period at Decatur high school this morning. Rev. Miller used as his subject. “The Importance of Church Work’’.. pep session in preparation for the basketball game between Decatur and Kendallville here tonight was scheduled to be held at the high school shortly before the close of school this afternoon. 0 Robbery At Bluffton Bluffton, Feb. 1. — (U.R) — Thieves broke into the Campbell hardware store here last night and stole several knives, two revolvers and various other articles. No clue has been discovered.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday, February 1, 1929.

Michigan Woman, Sent To Prison For Life, Gets Review Os Case Lansing, Mich., Feb. I—(UP) —The Michigan supreme court has granted a review of the case of Mrs. Etta Mae Miller, Lansing, sentenced to life imprisonment for four liquor violations, with a view to altering the sentence. Mrs. Miller was sentenced after arra'gnment on an habitual criminal charge. She has been in jail since December 31. A petition for a pardon for Mrs. Miller now is in the hands of Arthur I). Wood, commissioner of pardons and paroles. Wood is expected to disclose his findings in connection with an investigation of the case to Gobernor Fred W. Green soon. MANY MOTORISTS ARE DELINQUENT More Than 900 Auto Owners In Adams County Fail To Get New Licenses More than 900 automobiles owners in Adams county failed to comply with tiie law and securo their 1929 automobile license plates by midnight last night, and as a result they will not be permitted to drive their automobiles until new licenses are secured. The delinquent figurep were secured from Paul Graham, Adams.county auto license bureau head. Mr. Graham stated that, at noon today, 3,200 Adams county automobile owners had secured theii new plates and that about 950 had not. According to word from the secretary of state’s office, ail persons driving their automobiles under 1928 licenses are now liable to arrest under the state law. Mr. Graham stated today that ,in al probabilty a state police officer would Ire in Decatur in the next few days and order all who failed to obtain new licenses to keep their cars in their garages until new plates were platted on them. Practically no automobiles were on the streets today with old license numbers, and local police were aiding in an effort to have all motorists keep within the law by securing their 1929 plates. It was reported at the io.-al license bureau that a heavy run occured today and that those in charge of the bureau issued more than 200 plates today, it is expected that all delinquents will have new plates in a few days. State Police Start Drive Indianapolis, Feb. 1 —(UP) —License plates of 1928 vintage went on the black list today. A state-wide police drive against motorists who have not equipped their cars with 1929 markers began today under the direction of Robert L. Hume, state police chief. “All drivers who have not purchased new licenses will be arrested on sight” Hume said. o Horse Is Injured, But Prince Os Wales Escapes Injury In Spill Today Melton Mowbray, Eng, Feb. I—(UP)1 —(UP) —The Prince of Wales fell front his horse while fox hunting with the Quorn hounds today. The prince was not hurt. Although his horse was injured in one leg. 0 G. E. OFFICIALS VISIT DECATUR Plans For Year Are Discussed; Plan Increase In Production Here Messrs Gall. Barnes, Maston and others representing the General Electric company, of Fort Wayne were h n re yesterday and conferred with Mayor Krick and members :cf the city council, discussing plans for the year. They expressed gratification at the treatment received in Decatur and were optimistic about the future of the Ipcal factory. . The plant here is now turning out 9,500 motors per week and this number will be increased 500 immediately The pay roll at the Decatur plant last year was about $450,000, the amount paid the city far current was more than $42,000 and, all in all. the year was a very satisfactory one for everybody concerned. This year is starting off brighter than a year ago when there was a lull in business and it is expected that the total for 1929 should exceed that of 1928. The visit of the officials here was a very pleasant one and the very best feeling exists between them and the representatives of the city.

BANDIT WOUNDED AFTER ROBBING BANKIN INDIANA Two Other Bandits Escape Following Raid On Farmersburg Bank — TOWN MARSHAL FIRES ON TRIO Farmersburg, Ind., Feb. I.—(U.R) — One bandit was wounded seriously and two others escaped after robbing the Farmersburg State Bank of approxiraate’y SI,OOO here today. The trio entered the bank and forced Herbert Lathrop, cashier, to hand over the money. When they fled, Robert Mahan, town marshal, who was enroute to the bank, opened fire, hitting one of the men. Condition Is Serious The injured man was taken to a hospital, unconscious and attendants said his condition was “serious.” The other two escaped in their automobile, closely followed by authorities and citizens. The bandits soon outdistanced their followers and were said to have headed “north.” Several customers who were in the bank at the time of the robbery were not molested. o Roof Ablaze As Twins Are Born In Wisconsin Cassville, Wis., Feb 1. —(UP) —Arrival of twins while your home is burning is somewhat inconvenient, the Matt Adrian family of Cassvile township will attest. Dr. McLaughlin, Bloomington, had just presided at the birth of two boys when it was discovered that the roof of the home was afire. The doctor helped wrap up the infants and transfer them to a cellar some distance away untH ftutomobilv could lie brought and the mother and children transferred to another home. The house and furniture were destroyed but Mrs. Adrian and her baoies were unharmed. o _<______ Lower House Gets Busy Indianapolis, Feb. I—(UP) —As a fitting windup to the third week of its present session the house of representatives buckled down to work today and passed nine bills, sent five to engrossment and introduced 14 others. FEBRUARY HAS COLDRECEPTION Second Month Os New Year Ushered In On Peak Os Cold Wave February, the second month of the new year, was ushered into this community today on the peak of a cold wave, which sent local street thremometers to below zero. Snow and a strong wind brought February into being at midnight last night. Thermometers early this morning registered front zero to 5 degrees below zero and a cloudy sky and heavy wind aided the weather man in holding the mercury at a low degree all day today. The government weather statistics of the Fort Wayne office show that the average temperature for January was 21.5 degrees. It was the contest January for this community since 1924 when the average for the month was 20 8 degrees. Statistics show that there were 5 clear days in the month just passed; 7 semi-cloudy days and 19 cloudy days. These records show that there was 30 pet cent sunshine during Januray. Conditions of roads in this community remained hazzardous. On many of the roads, there is a thick coat of ice and In many places the ice is covered with snow which makes motoring dangerous. The 9 miles of cement pavement in Allen county on Federal road No. 27 is in a dangerous condition, hut the snow has aided some in eradicating the slippery condition. Road men insist, howqver, that it is dangerous to drive on that stretch of road at faster than 15 to 20 miles an hour. More snow fell today, adding a fraction of an inch to what already had fallen the last few days. Indications today were that the cjold weather would remain at least another day. Weather forecasters throughout the country say that January was one of the coldest months of the last several years, and it was stated that several weather records were set during the first month of 1929.

Furntahrc! Ily lulled Pr«M

Weds Invalid ; ... 1 Surf Ruth McConnell, Indianapolis, Indart student and beauty, who is to wed Kenneth B. Coulter, 43, invalid capitalist of Clifton Springs, N. Y„ at Indianapolis. They figured in a “mystery” cross-country airplane pursuit a month ago. International Illustrated News p’aoto.

SENIORS TO GIVE A MYSTERY PLAY D. IL S. Seniors To Stage “Cat O’ Nine Tails” On February 11 And 12 The senior class of Decatur high school is offering something new and different in tiie way of a class play this year. The play, “Cat () Nine Tails,” is of the mystery type. IL will be given in the high school auditorium February 11 and 12. The cast has been working steadily and strenuously for several weeks. Lawrence G. Worcester is the author of this ideal mystery p ay. Here is his recipe: “Take one coldblooded murder, add to it a human skeleton, blood curdling shrieks, unearthly noises, a female Sherlock Holmes, a half-witted servant, a jealous woman, an underground tunnel, a vicious dog which is heard but not seen, a nervous wreck, a beautiful girl, an international crook; flavor with comedy and sweeten with a secret .ove affair, pour into a lonely lodge, shake well and serve with thunder and lightning and you will enjoy the taste of this newest beverage, the mystery frappe.” All this is in store for the public and waiting to be served on Monday and Tuesday evenings, February 11 and 12. —: o Coulter And His Bride Still In Indianapolis Indianapolis, Feb. 1. —(U.R) —Kenneth B. Coulter, 43, Clifton Springs, N. Y„ capitalist, and his bride, formerly Ruth McConnell, 27, of this city, who were married yesterday, remained here today, despite the fact that they announced they would leave last night for “the east” for their honeymoon. The marriage, which was performed with the utmost secrecy, was further mystified today, when a query to the McConnell home revealed that the couple had not left last night, but were still in the city. It was learned however, that the newlyweds were to entrain today for a visit to several eastern cities. The pre-nuptial plans and marriage ceremony, was shrouded in mystery, just as was the cross continental chase, which brought nation wide publicity to the couple. The air chase occurred last December when Mrs. Coulter boarded a train at Rochester, N. Y„ for Los Angeles, Calif., and was chased cross continent by Dr. D. O. Meeker, a friend of her husband's in an airplane. o Mrs. Earl Matthews, Os Ohio City, Dies ,Mrs. Earl Matthews, 29, of Ohio City, died Wednesday night at the Van Wert county hospital, in Van Wert, during childbirth. The boy baby born to her was dead at birth. Mrs. Matthews is survived by husband; one son, Charles, aged 2 years; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orlando Mihm, of near Ohio City, six brothers and five sisters. Funeral services will be held in the Church of God, at Ohio City, at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon.

Price Two Cents

CREDITORS OF TOCSIN BANK SEEK $66,500 Full Settlement Os All Claims Against Defunct Bank Demanded COMPLAINT FILED IN WELLS COUNTY Bluffton, Feb. I.—(Special)—Judgment against the stockholders and former stockholders of the defunct Bank of Tocsin for the balance due creditors is demanded in an amended complaint filed in the Wells circuit court today in the bank receivership case by Grover Essner, of near Tocsin, on behalf of himself and other creditors of the bank, numbering 80. The Bank of Tocsin was closed May 11, 1925. It was a privately owned bank, captalized at SIO,OOO. The Old Adams County Bank, of Decatur, was appointed receiver for the institution. The amended complaint filed today sets out that tiie receiver, to date, has paid 50.12 per cent of the claims and that there is due 49.88 per cent. The claims totaled $133.146.08. It is further stated that the receiver has on hands only enough assets to pay an additional 5 per cent of the claims. Receiver Made Defendant The Old Adams County Bank, as receiver, is made a party to the defense, so that the court may be informed by the receiver of the amount available for distribution after the assets are reduced to cash, and a.so because the books and records of the bank are in the hands of the receiver. The complaint states that the plaintiff. Mr. Essner, seeks judgment for sl,uoo for himself. $3,000 for the Wells county bank, of Bluffton, and for other amounts for plaintiffs not named In the complaint. in cases where stockholders have died, the representatives of their estates are named as defendants. The stockholders and defendants are: W. M. Hall, W. J. Rupright, W D. Plummer, William Sowards. Raymond Wasson, J. N. Dailey, I. W. Wasson, John Niblick, J. G. Niblick. Mathias Kirsch, Anna Kelley, E. E. Rupright. A. P. Kelley, Mary Ehinger, Maggie Garton. Victor Ferguson, Paul W. Dailey, W. A. White. G. T. Barger, Clint Byerly, and representatives of the estates of Frank Garton, John Dailey, P. J. Comer, W. J. Gilliland, C. S. Niblick, Christena Niblick and the Schug-Mettler company. The complaint was fi.ed thiough the law firm of Baughn and Decker, of Bluffton. « oPOSTMASTER AT BERNE APPOINTED Fred Rohrer, Present Postmaster, Is Nominated By President Coolidge President Coolidge yesterday nominated Fred Rohrer to be postmaster at Berne. Mr. Rohrer has been serving as postmaster at Berne since last fall under a temporary appointment. Prior to receiving his temporary appointment as' postmaster last fall, Mr. Rohrer had been editor of the Adams County Witness for many years. Since then, he has given up active connection with the Witness, although he retains his financial interest in the publication. A tew days ago, the postoffice department authorized the appointment of an assistant postmaster for the Berne office, due to the large increase in the receipts of the office. Applicants for the position will be required to pass a civil service examination in the near future. o - President Coolidge Enroute To Florida Aboard the President's special, enroute to Mountain Lake, Fla. Feb. 1- — (UP) —President Coolidge was well on his way to central Florida today for his third visit into the southland since tiie presidential election in November and his first formal trip to the Peninsular state. The president hunted for quail at Swannanoa, Va., during the Thanksgiving holidays, and for deer and wild turkey at Sapelo Island, off the Georgia coast, during the Yuletide-season. This time he is on his way to Mountain Lake, Fla., where he wil dedicate the Edward Bok Bird Sanctuary.

YOUR HOME PAPERLIKE ONE OF THE FAMILY