Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 27, Number 147, Decatur, Adams County, 20 June 1929 — Page 1

WEATHER Thunderstorms toLight, followed by generally ’j'lLy cooler, possibly Leone winds tonlflht.

MANIAC SLAYS SON: DROWNS HIMSELF

OR, SNOOK READY TO “TELL ALL” ABOUT MURDER Professor Sa y s Slain Co-ed Was User Os Narcotics •\j i. BEFUDDLED” declares counsel Columbus, O„ June 20. U.R)—The revelation that Miss Theora Hix. slain Ohio State university co-ed, was a user of narcotics was made today by D: Janies 11. Snook, her protectot7simultaneously with a promise to "tell all" regarding, her murder. Yielding after 16 hours of question Ing. the bespectacled professor sent for Attorney John M. Seidel, his counsel, preliminary to giving auth oritiis the complete story of what he knew regarding Miss Hix’s death. Counsel Makes Statement That was as far as authorities progressed in their attempt to persuade the professor to expand his statements.' When Seidel reached the jail, he went immediately to Dr. Snook’s. ( cell, conferred with him, and emerg | ed to teport that the prisoner was ■ “all befuddled." “Dr. Snook denies that he has confessed the murder,” Seidel told newspapermen. “The professor is all bel fuddled and wants to get away from the investigators for awhile before saying anything more." Although Detective Otto Phillies, i to whom Dr. Snook made new admissions, termed the veterinarians statement "a partial confession." th" strongest remark Snook made wa- [ that he was "ready to tell all." That remark was offered at th" [ conclusion of a period of examination, . just as Detective Phillips had. given up hope and was about to return the ! dismissed member of the Ohio State faculty to his cell. Resorting to a last psychological device, the detective turned suddend ly on Dr. Snook and demanded: "Why did you kill the girl?” “I have been advised by my counsel not to talk.” the mild-mannered professor parried. "Why did you kill the girl?" Phillips repeated. ‘Well, she had been begging me for cocaine,” Snook burst out. "Wait until it all comes out.” Snook then asked for his attorney. "Bring Mr. Seidel Ijere and I II tell all.” Questioning failed to elicit further information and preparations were made immediately to bring Seidel to the prison. o— RIVER BRIDGE AUTHORIZED Washington, June 20.- U.P.. -Presi dent Hoover today signed a bill authorizing Illinois and Indiana jointly to construct a bridge across the Wabash river at or near Vincennes, Indiana. o TO BUILD GYMNASIUM Huntington. June 20 —The contract for erecting a new gymnasium, coal bin and remodeling of the present ar ditoiium of the Bippus high school ha been awarded to Charles Urschel, of Bippus, on his bid of $17,800. LEGION WILL MEET ST BEENE Decatur And Geneva Posts To Hold Joint Meeting Monday Evening The next bi-week.lv meeting of Adants Post No. 43 of the American Legion will be held in conjunction "’•th the Berne members of the local Dost, and also the newly chartered Post at Geneva, at the Community Building at Berne. The local post will conduct the ■feeting, which will also be attended by the district commander, James Patchell, of Union City. The meeting be held on the regular meeting ni Kht, next Monday, June 24. at 7 0 clock (standard time) and local members of the Legion are urged to a, ler.d if possible. This meeting will be held in order to further the relationship between *he ex-service men of the entire county. and all are urged to attend. A hee feed will be served, and an excellent meeting is in prospect. Several matters of importance to the Legion will be discussed.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT — ONLY DAILY NEWSPAPER in ADAMS COUNTY

Vol. XXVII. No. 147.

Honored B v bS HF ; W■ 7l Im « ft ll tj. i| Tribute was paid in the Senate to .'Senator Francis E. Warren of Wyom- . :n-g, who will ceelbrate his eighty-fifth birthday June 20. Senator Warren has served in the Senate thirty-six . ami cne-half years, longer than any . one else in the history of the gov- . eminent.

HENRY I. TEEPLE CALLER BY DEATH Prominent Blue Creek Township Farmer Dies Following Long Illness Henry Irvin Teeple, 69, prominent fanner of Blue Creek township, died at 6:20 o'clock last evening. Wednesday. June 19. 1929, at hie home eight and one-half miles southeast of this city. Death was due to a complication of diseases. Mr- Teeple suffered a lighi stroke of paralysis two years ago, and his health has gradually waned since that lime. Henry Irvin Teeple was born August 18, 1859 in Butler county, lowa, the son of Samuel and Laura Teeple. He first united in maniage with Rebecca Ellen Miller. Eleven children were bom of this union, five of whom preceded their father in death. After the death of his first wife, he united in marriage September 18, 1918, wfth Oliva Marsh. Three children were born of this union one having pre ceded him in death. Surviving are the widow, eight children, two step-daugh-ters nineteen grandchildren four great grandchildren, and two sisters. The surviving sons and daughters are: Mis Lama Moyer, of Lima, Ohio Mrs. Mary Meyers, of Willshire, Ohio; John. Oscar, and Lillian Teeple, residing one mile north of Salem; Albert Teeple. of St. Marys township; Harvey and Virgil Teeple at home; and two step-daughters, Irene and Rosalene Marsh, also residing at the family home. The sisters are Mis. Lillian Ditzler and Mrs. Mollie Musgrove, of Markle. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock (standard time I at the residence and at 2 o'clock (standard time) at the Un ion church The Rev. Mr. Braggs will officiate. Burial will be made in the Decatur cemetery. — ACCEPTS CALL TO KANSAS The Rev. Elmer J. Neuenschwander son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Netienschwander of Berne, who lias been pasl.tr of the Mennonite church a' Bluffton, Ohio, has accepted a call to a rural church four miles west o Moundridge, Kansas. O' — TWO AUTOS COLLIDE Automobiles flrfven by Herman Brunner, of northeast of Geneva and Walter Thornhill, of near Berne, were damaged in a collision near the Bunker Hill cemetery, Tuesday A littk grandson of Mr. Thornhill sustained a cut over one eye, but other occupants of the two cars were not injured. , buy park equipment Berne, June 20-( Special )-Several articles for the amusement of children have been ordered for Lehman Park and ate expected to arrive th s week. The articles include a Merry, Whirwind", slides, swings, horizontal ladders, teeter-totter boards and the like Several local firms and individuals have made liberal donations toward the fund for buying the equip ment. — -o — ■ WATT ICE DIES Watt Ice, 68, who was the second husband of Lillian Smith, the first Sill born in Berne, died at bis home near Mt. Summit, Tuesday.

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[DISCUSS ROUTES FOR U. S. ROAD THROUGH BERNE Route Through Mennonite Church Property Favored By State Board FINAL DECISION EXPECTED SOON Berne, June 20.—(Special!—A. J. Phelps, a representative of the right-of-way division of the state highway department, is in Berne this week, endeavoring to secure a right-of-way through the town for the relocation of IT. S. highway No. 27. Mr. Phelps held a meeting with the board of trustee's of the Mennonite church, Tuesday afternoon, at which time he stated that the highway com- ’ mission preferred to re-locate the road between the Mennonite church 1 and parsonage, over the land on 1 which the church’s barn is now lo- ‘ cated. Route Most Favored The church grounds were measured and Mr. Phelps explained blue prints of the property which the highway department has had made. He said that the commission was anxious to obtain that right-of-way as it was' deemed the best of any proposed ' routes. However, he did not press the church trustees for a decision. He did not say whether or not the state will condemn the land if ease- ; | ments are not granted. A member cf the board of trustees of the Mennonite church said today that the trustees did not have the power to sell the land or grant an easement for the highway, since the church, in its annual meeting a few months ago, went on record as being opposed to re-locating the state highway over the church’s property. Final Decision Expected Soon A final decision over which route , the highway will follow through ‘ Berne undoubtedly will be made in the near future, since the new bridge ever the Wabash river between here and Geneva is rapidly nearing com- . pletion. The highway department is anxious to obtain the right-of-way as soon as possible, in order that the contract can be let and work started . on improving the road between Berne and Geneva. It was hoped that a portion of the road could be built . during the late summer or fall. Mr. Phelps has conferred with . several other property owners in . Berne, along the proposed route, in regard to obtaining easements. At present, the highway turns west at the Mennonite church and , continues in that direction for a distance of a half mile, before turning south again. It is planned to reroute the road south through Berne, over • the new bridge which is being built (CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO) DECATUB GIRL PLACES SECOND Madeline Spahr Places High In State Bible Memory Contest Madeline Spahr, daughter of Mr. and . Mrs John Spahr, of this city, won second place in the state Bible Memory I contest, held in connection with the • state Sunday school convention of this district at the state convention. First place in the contest was awarded to Miss Sophia Kate Scholl, of Greene county. I First place in the Bible story tell- . ing contest was won by Richard Krelg, of Huntington, the representative of the district. Miss Esther Sunderman I of Decatur, won second place in the district contest at Huntington a few weeks ago Second place in the state story telling contest was won by Dorothy 0. Smith, of Clinton county. Huntington's invitation for the 1930 I state convention was accepted by the Indiana Council of Religious Education last night. The present conven- ‘ tion will close tonight. Attendance a’ ’ the convention yesterday neared tho . 3,000 mark. Dr. Frank Slutz, of Day- ' ton, Ohio, gave the keynote address of the convention yesterday afternoon. o— ELEVATED TRAINS COLLIDE New York, June 20.--(U.R) —As the result of the elevated collision here in which a train guard was killed and i 34 passengers injured, James McGlyn, . 43, motorman of one of the trains, , was arrested on a charge of homicide today.

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday, June 20, 19

Peony Queen E|| H 'Hd h I - A 7 MB. ; SW & I |f * * * J; f V Miss Gloria Boock, Faribault, Minn, high school senior, has been elected queen of the annual peony festival held at Faribault. She will ride on iter throne in a parade, in which the glories of the peonies will lie depicted on various floats.

DISTRIBUTION OF TAXES MADE County Auditor Completes Writing Checks For Various Taxing Units Checks for the distribution of the May installment of taxes have been written in the office of County Auditor Albert Harlow and will be ready for distribution about June 22, deputies in the office stated this morning. The distribution totals $493,000. It is divided among the state, county, township, school board and incorporated governments according to the levies in each taxing unit. The amounts distributed among the local taxing units follow: Townships—Union, $5,189.68; Root, $6735.36; Preble, $3,178.43; Kirkland, $7,614.60; Washington, $7,427.63; St. Marrs, $12,784.37; Blue Creek. $9,130.02; Monroe, $12,061.43; French, $6,490.44; Hartford, $9,738.82; Wabash, $13,107.5; Jefferson. $11,303.32; Berne school board, $16,195.53: Decatur school board, $48,048.63; Monroe corporation, $619.42; Berne corporation, $13,495.76; Geneva corporation, $4,944.03; Decatur corporation. $24,173.10; Decatur Library board, sl,831.53. The total taxes for the year 1929 total $899,000. of which more than half was paid in the May installment. , o Deadly Gas Blankets Small Oil Town In Texas El Paso, Tex., June 20.—(U.R)~ Samples of the deadly gas that blnnketed a small oil town near here, killing’ two small children and sending 10 persons to hospitals, were analyzed today by county health officials in an effort to determine its origin. Dr. T. J. McCamant, county health officer, said he expected the gas came either from the Pasotex Oil Refinery in the village or from a newly laid natural gas pipe line which was put in use only a few’ days ago. —_ ——-o Germany Makes Demands Os French Government Berlin, June 20. — U.R'— Officially informed political and and newspaper observers, commenting on the Paris conference between Dr. Gustax Stresetnann, German foreign minister, and French government leaders, revealed today that Stresemanti demanded France’s assurance of immediate evacuation of the Rhineland and a swift return of the Saar valley to Germany as a condition of Germany s acceptance of the Young-reparations plan. — WANTS ORDER MODIFIED Portland, June 20—In the divorce suit of Esther Davis vs. Purl Davis, venued here from the Adams circuit court, the plaintiff has petitioned tin court for a modification of the decree as to the custody of a child. A hearing on the pestltion will be heard June 29.

AUTO DRIVERS ABE EXAMINED FOB LICENSES More Than 50 Persons, Physically Defective, Examined Here Today NO APPLICANTS DENIED LICENSES More than 50 persons, physically defective, teported at the Decatur automobile drivers’ branch license bureau in the Graham and Walters building today and took their drivers’ examinations in connection with the new state law requiring all auto drivers to have licenses. Lieut. Hal Ayres, of Portland, state motor policeman; Acting Chief of Police But! Johnson and Paul Graham, local bureau manager, had charge of the examinations. Drivers were asked to drive their own automobiles a halt mile through traffic and in the country, to show whether they were capable of driving an automobile on the streets and highways of Indiana. Several Partially Deaf Several of the applicants were deaf or partially deaf, and Mr. Ayres admonished them to alwavs drive on the right side of the road, or their license would be revoked. The state policeman also said that al) persons physically defective would be compelled to drive carefully. At 3 o’clock this afternoon, no applicant had been rejected a license, but several were issued on probation. Mr. Ayres stated that he would Ire in this city every Thursday and would give all applicants examinations at that time. He also said that those in charge of the new law at Indianapolis warned all state policemen to watch for drivers after July 1 who have failed to comply with the law and arrest them at once. "It is not the purpose of the state police,” Ayres said, “to keep any person from driving an automobile if he can do so safely, and in many instances we are passing the applicants because they have reconstructed their machines so ns to make them perfectly safe." Several crippled drivers in Adams county have installed special brakes on their cars in order that they may drive more safely. Mr. Ayres said that he would be here each Thursday indefinitely and besides giving the examinations he also would help local officials to see that all drivers had licenses by July 1. Mr. Graham stated that, at present, not more than a third of the auto drivers in the county have applied for their licenses. He urged that those who have not, do so at once in order to avoid a last minute rush, at the branch office. AUTO BRAKES TO BE TESTED State Motor Policeman To Conduct Tests Here In Near Future Plans are being" made today for an automobile brake testing examination in this city in the next few weeks. Lieut. Hal Ayres, state motor policeman in charge of this district, announced today. The brake testing will last several days and the state police will be assisted by the local police. A street will be blocked oft in Decatur, and various automobile drivers will be stopped and asked to take the examination. In order to avoid a technical arrest and state order to get their brakes fixed, Mr. Avres issued a statement asking that all automobile owners see that their brakes are in good condition. The exact, date of the examination has not yet been set. but will lie announced in the next few days, Ayres said. St. John’s School Picnic To Be Held Next Sunday The annual St. Johns school picnic will be held Sunday, June 23. in the St. John’s grove, on the Fort WayneDecatur road. A program will he given by the school children at 2 o’clock In the afternoon and the public is invited to attend. There will be refreshment stands and a good time for all.

Furalahrd Hy LulteU I'm*

Scout Is Hero fl -r fUeTj L ..-i " * Richard Paul, 13-year-old Boy Scout of Lincoln, Nel;., who saved the life of Mrs. Grover Cleveland Alexander, wife of the St. Loufct pitching star, i when she fell into the Platte River at Ashland. Neb. Richard plunged into the water and pulled Mrs. Alexander . to safety.

EPWORTH LEAGUE UFFICEDS NAMED Miss Dorothy Walters, Os Decatur, Named Second District Vice-President Miss Dorothy Walters, of Decatur, was elected second vice-president of the Epworth Leagues of the Fort Wayne district of the Methodist Epis- ' copal church at the close of its twoday annual meeting at Harlan, yea- ’ terday. Jay F. Alinger of Garrett was re-elected president of the organization. Mr. Olinger has served for fifteen years as president of the distrkt He announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection tn 1930. Other offiers elected yesterday are Zella Thomas. Fort Wayne, first vicei president; S. D. Shaffmaster, Fort. Wayne, third vice-president; Mrs. Burl Smith, of Fort Wayne, fourth vicept esident; Martha Goff Bluffton, junior superintendent; Alice Hall, Garrett, secretary; Louie A. Dilling. Fort Wayne, treasurer; Rev. A- R. Banks, New Haven, booth festival superintendent; Rev. R. J. Cotton, of Spencerville, life work secretary and Rev. (’. G. Adams, Waynedale. athletic director at Epworth Forest. More than 400 persons attended the banquet of the leagues last night. The Rev- E. I*. White was in charge of th" meeting Dr. Earl E. Harper, president of Evansville College, spoke at the banquet. Local League Wins Trophies Thirty-four members of the Epworth League of the First Methodist church of this city, returned home last evening from attendance at the convention. The Leaguers brought home with them, three outstanding trophies for service rendered and delegations attending. The silver loving cup was won by the Junior League in competition against forty other leagues of the district, for especially good ami system atic work done throughout the year. This group of Leaguers are under the direction of Mrs. Ross Stoakes and have accomplished much during the past year. First Banner ami Second Banner were won by the Senior league, the first for having the largest delegation in attendance full time through(CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO) o Wells County Woman And Two Babies Disappear Bluffton, June 20. — Disappearing from the home of her parents, Mr. ' and Mrs. Will Sweeney, southeast of i the city near the county infirmary, Monday, Mrs. May Sweeney Deruyscher, her 3-week’s old babe Lois May, and the 4-year-old daughter, Alice, were still missing Mrs. Derupyscher had been cared for by her parents since the birth of her daughter on May 2. It is feared that she suffered a mental relapse. When the Sweeneys awoke Monr day morning they discovered that the daughter and her two children • were missing. She had gathered up • a few pieces of clothing which she • ■ carried in a suit case. i It was learned this afternoon that it her parents were making no effort to find her. believing that site has ■ gone to her husband, Jacob Deruy | Scher, at Kalamazoo, Mich.

Price Two Cents

FARMER HACKS SON TO DEATH WITH AN AXE Chibs Self And Leaps Into 20-Foot Well After Killing Son MOTHER FINDS YOUTH’S BODY Metuniore, ln<l„ June 20. |<U.R) I tin axe ns n weapon, John Baker, 55, larnier, hackee) I his 23-year-ohl son, Bayinond, to death anti then inflicted injuries to hintsell’, (lying alter a leap into a 20-foot well. Nelghltors said he had shown signs of insanity for several months. The slaying was said to have occured in a field where the youth was at work, his mother finding the body I after he failed to return home. Dead When Recovered The elder Baker, after hacking his son, clubbed himself several times, then leaped into the well. He was dead when recovered. Virgil Davis. Franklin county corinner, returned a verdict of homicide | in the death of the son and suicide in the case of the father. He said his investigation bore out neighbors’ statements that Baker was insane. Besides Mrs. Baker, three children and five brothers survive. Worried Over Finances Neighbors said Baker had been unbalanced because of worries over his crop. It was said he feared a jail sentence for himself and son Ix-cause he could not meet certain obligations. Mrs. Baker told authorities that the last time she saw her husband alive was when he left the house after saying "be was going to get a drink of water". Authorities were of the opinion that he had the axe concealed under his clothing at that time and went directly to the field and killed his son. Mrs. Baker according to neighbors, said her husband had acted strangely the last foui months and at times became violent, sotnetimt < cursing and stamping his feet. o Youths Arrive At Fort Harrison For C. M. T. C. Fort Benjamin Harrison. Ind, June 20 —(UP) — Fifteen hundred youths ftom Ohio ami Indiana were trooping into Fort Benjamin Harrison to begin their 30 days of training in th-* Citizen’s Militaty < ami> A vangauid of 11 reached the catnp Sunday and have been waiting for their comrads to appear. Camp will be formally ois'iteil Friday afternoon. —_ — n Dry Goods Dealers To End Convention Today Laporte, Ind., June 20—(U.R>—Election of officers late this afternoon will close the annual convention of the Indiana Retail Drv Goods association. Prof. H. R. Doering. University of Wisconsin, addressed the convention today on “Changing the Retail World." HOWARD BRUMLEY TD PREACH HERE ■ I Former Decatur Bov To Fill Pulpit At Baptist Church Next Sunday The Baptist church congregation Is looking forward to Sunday with anticipation of a splendid day. One of the boys of the church the Rev. Howard Brumley, will preach in the morning services and in the evening hour, Mr. R. E Blackwell, representing Franklin ( ollege. will be the speake'-. Rev. Brumley has just finished his junior year in William Jewell college, 1 at Libei ty, Mo.. During most of ills ■ college course, he has been preaching each Sunday and now and then Itold--1 'ng a special series of meetings, and in all of his work, having signal sue--1 cess. He will use for the subject of the message, "The Mind which was in ’ Christ.” 1 In the evening, Franklin College 1 will be presented because a number l> of young people of Decatur are inters ested in that school. All former students of Franklin, and all who cont template entering there, ate invited t to be guests and hear Mr. Blackwell, s If the young people desire a confer- <■ ence one will be aranged with the speaker following the public service.

YOUR HOME PAPERLIKE ONE OF THE FAMILY