Decatur Democrat, Volume 39, Number 32, Decatur, Adams County, 25 October 1895 — Page 1

The Decatur Democrat.

VOL. XXXIX.

Terrible Accident! THfeE MEN KILLED WHILE AT THEIR POST OF DUTY. *» Barrej A. Malotte, William E Brown and James Gilson, HURLED INTO ETERNITY WITHOUT A MOMENTS WARNING. s r Word was received here last evening about five o’clock from Geneva, that a terrible wreck took place on the G. R. & I. at Ceylon, a small place sixteefi miles south *f here, in which James Gilson, Harvey Malotte and W. E. Brown, bridge carpenters on the above aamed road lost their lives. Nothing authentic could at first be learned as to how it happened, 3nd only two were reported killed. James Gilson‘and John Malotte. This was denied a short time after the first word was received and a later telegram announced the death •f the above mentioned three, men. The body of Brown was not found ■ntil about one hour and a half after the finding of the other two. A Democrat reporter repaired to the scene of the accident on the wreck train, leaving Decatur about eight o’clock and obtained full particulars of the accident which are as follows: It seems that during the day the bridge gang composed of James Gjlson, foreman, HarveyA. Malotte, Wm. E. Brown, James Carpenter, « and John Malotte were repairing the bridge over the Wabash river, and at the time of the accident were moving some of the timber taken from the bridge on the. sidetrack at Ceylon, 'they had opened the switch and wefb pushing a bridge ear laden with heavy timber onto the siding. At that time the pay car was already in sight, thundering along at the rate of fifty miles an hour. Whether an attempt was made to close the switch or thinking that it was closed is not known; at any rate the men were standing leaning against the push-car appar ently unconscious of their fate. The engine ran into the sidetrack, piking the push car and the illfated men and in an instant all was over. One moment later the engine struck some fiat cars that were on the ,siding, completely demolishing them and at the same time derailing the engjne and pay car. The engine is almost a total loss. The bodies of Gilson and Malotte were taken from beneath the wreck mangled beyond all hopes of recognition, and the body of Brown was ound some time later alongside the track where it had been thrown when struck by the engine. John Malotte and James Carpenter, together with the employees on the >ay car, are unable to explain how hey escaped the fate of their issooiates, and it is little short of i miracle that they are among the ivine today. This city was hrown into a fever of excitement ,s soon as the report was received, ,8 all of the deceased were well mown residents of Decatur, and a ieeling of gloom overhangs the ntire city. They were all men of amilies who are almost prostrated rith gnef, and to them as well as

DECATUR. ADAMS COUNTY, INDIANA. FRIDAY. OCTOBER 25, 1595.

ail their relatives and friends, does the city extend a hand of profound sympathy in this their hour of sad bereavement. JAMBS GILSON has been a resident of this county for near 50 years and in his younger days was a resident of Root township where he lived with his parents until the breaking out of the war when he enlisted and was assigned to the late 47th Indiana, where he serened until the close of the war, when he returned home and in a short time thereafter was united in marriage to Miss Addie Fonner. To this union was born one child, Maggie, now Mrs. C. H. btevey of this city, who with her mother is left to mourn for him wbosejife had been spared during the days of the dark rebellion to be taken away in a more shocking manner. He was known as one of the good men of the city, always attending to his business and his family. His funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the house. w. E. BROWN, Another of the unfortunate victims, was aged thirty-Awo years past, and had been a- resident, of our city abopt one year, moving here from near Dixon, Ohio, to engage in the tobacco trade, which he attended to for a short time, and then closed out and went to his trade that of carpentering, and some time in September of this year commenced as a bridge carpenter for the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad company, in which occupation he lost his life. He was married about Teh years ago to a Miss Miller, of near C/mvoy, Ohio. To them was born two children, one a boy now nine years old and a girl now seven years «ld, who with their mother, are left to mourn the loss of him who was the most near and dear to them. There was short services at the house Sunday morning at 9:30, after which the remains were taken to Monroeville for burial. -HARVEY A. MALOTTE, - The third victim of the Ceylon disaster, was also a resident of our city, moving here about three years ago from Deerfield, Ind., having secured employment with the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., as a carpenter on bridge work, which work he was engaged in at the time of his death. He was thirty-threi) years old, and leaves a wife and one child to grieve over their sad loss. Having been married about five years. His remains will be taken to Deerfield, the home of his and her parents. I'he funeral was held Sunday morning at the house, after which the rmaink were taken, by special train, to Deefield for burial. Board of Trade. The time of year is approaching when the business men of Decatur should get together and organize a Board of Trade. The long winter evenings' could be better spent than discussing their own interests, as well as the welfare of the entire city. To do this successfully a permanent organization should be perfected, and they would then be in a position to ’ consider business propositions, which are being made every day to cities all over the country, Decatur has had several good offers made to her in the last few years, but our citizens were not organized, and consequently could not pull . together. All well regulated cities have organizations commonly known as a Board of Trade and are thereby enabled to do a great deal of good for their respective communities and Decatur should not be behind our sister cities. Who will be the first to start the ball rolling?

Mrs. Dr. C. E. Neptune is much improved and is now thought to be out of danger. Charley Swartz of Wabash township renewed his fealty to the Democrat Tuesday. I'he funeral of the infaut children of P. J. Bobo occured yesterday morning at 10 o’clock. The meetings at the Christian church will be conttinued under the direction of the pastor. Isaac Zimmerman has formed a partnership with Wood Case for the sale of Toledo beer. Mrs. Ed. S. Moses, of Union township, bad a slight stroke of paralysis on Wednesday night of last week. The Bon Marche Club of this city is contemplating giving a swell reception in the near future. Daniel N. Beery has a load of horses ready to ship and will start them yesterday if he can get a car. W. A. Kuebler has decided not to build his new residence this fall but will begin work early next spring. The ladies of the M. E. church will feed the hungry on turkey, on Thanksgiving day. Remember the dinner. Born, to the wife of P. J. Bobo, two boys. But we are sorry to be compelled to announce the death of both children. , See the cloak opening ad of Simison & Soldner of Berne. The bouse is known as the “old reliable” of that thriving village. Two special trains having on board the officials of the Clover Leaf R. R, passed through the city Tuesday morning. Ex comnjissioner Geo. Frank had a cancer, which has bothered him a great deal, removed from his face Monday afternoon. Bishop Breyfogel, of the Evangelical church, will give a fr ee lecture at the court house Thursday evening, Oct. 31st. "* The wife of Dr. C. E. Neptune gave birth to two boys Tuesday evening. One of the babes only lived a short time. The Daughters of America entertained their sister lodge of Monroeville last night. A banquet followed the regular work. Mrs. Dr. Harper, of Pleasant Mills, is a staunch democrat and as such reads the Democrat, while the Doctor reads the Phalanx. The person that picked up the coat on the road between the Kunkle gravel pit and the Dent school house mustr return the same. Monday night at the residence of Ms. and Mrs. Malott, occured the marriage of their daughter Josie, to Mr. Asa Friel, of Marion, Ind. Miss Gertrude Wertzberger entertained friends at six o’clock dinner last Sunday evening at her home five miles east of this city. The democrats of Ohio will have the pleasure of hearing G® V( ? rnor Mathews this campaign. He will make nine speeches in that state. It is reported that the boys are arranging for some cock fights and have arranged for a place about three miles in the country to hold the meeting. The world’s fair ox„ supposed to be the largest in the world, passed though the city Tuesday afternoon on tKe G. R. & I. R’y on his way to the Atlanta Exposition. We understand that a movement is already on foot to organize a Board of Trade. Any assistance the Democrat can give in this matter will be cheerfully given. It is a good thing. Give it a shove. ' . . ‘ ' ■' - f

In the case, State of Indiana vs Howe for obstructing public highway the defendant was found guilty and fined $5 and costs. Hngh Miller will preach at the Baptist church in Pleasant Mills next Sunday morning at 10:30. Let everyone hear tfie young brother. J. B. Rice and Frank Burger shipped a load of horses yesterday. They will try the Philadelphia market this time. Their horses are fine ones. To all now subscribers to the Democrat, and all the old ones who pay for the Demqcra* one year in advance, we will furnn h th? Enquirer and Democrat one Gar for 11.75. Mrs. Minerva Man»ey has brought suit for divorce against her bus band, John C. F. Manley. She alleges drunkeness and inhuman treat ment. Both parties reside at Geneva. Political affairs in Ohio, at present have a decidedly democratic hue, and it looks very much as though ex-governor Campbell would again don the gubernatqnal robes. The nine year old son of William Broadbeck died Wednesday. Typhoid fever had prostrated him for the last ten weeks. The funeral was held at Monnt Tabor yesterday forenoon. The sale of wool in Boston last week breaks the record for that city. 12,000,000 pounds was sold, and the price paid for the same beats any sale while the McKinley law was in force. Rev. Carl D. Hazelton of Rich mond, a.graduate of Franklin college, wi'l preach at the Baptist church next Sunday morning and evening. All are cordially invited to hear him. Amos Foreman will build three brick business rooms on the vancant lots opposite Romberg’s livery stable. Work has already begun and he expects to have them ready for occupancy in a short time. The much looked for preliminary of Sam Evans was held Tuesday motning. He was bound over in the sum of S4OO to await the.action of the grand jury. Not being able to give bond he was taken back to jail. Business men report a better trade this fall than they have had for some time, more evidence of better times and increasing prosperity. One by one are the calamity howlers relegated to the back ground. The centennial edition of the Ft. Wayne Journal, which appeared yesterday morning is a beauty. A great deal of credit is due the hustling editors of this staunch democratic sheet for their efforts to please the reading public. Th< sancified meeting that was being held in the Egg building, west of the G. R. I. railroad, suspended Wednesday night. Some controversy was hail ‘conserning the rent and the owner of the < building gave notice to quit. David Eley, receiver of the estate of Robison, Gilhg <fc Co., sold the stone quarry lease and machinery on the east side of the river and the five acres of land on the west side of the river to Gillig »fe Myers for six thousand dollars. A fire broke out in the lumber yard of Smith & Bell Friday afternoon destroying about 5,000 feet of lumber. No cause is knqwri for the- fire but is supposed to have originated from a spark of a passing engine- The tire department arrived on the scene of the conflagration in good time and soon had the fire under control.

Mrs. Lydia French, wife of John G. French, died this morning after a long illness. The funeral will oc cur Sunday morning at 9 o’clock at the Six Mile church. Burial in the cemetery adjacent.— Bluffton News. J W. Place is making arrangements to leave the latter part of this week for Hot Springs, Ark., provided the Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight takes place. Jim says he will challenge the winner of the contes't immediately after the fight. While in Ft. Wayne last week, a scribe of the Democrat met Dr. Bergman, of Berne, who informed us that he vVas at Woodburn, Ind, with a drug store, and that the town was improving very fast since the German settlement has been made The young people of this city went to Gray Gables Wednesday afternoon and completely revenora’. ed and repaired that fashionable summer resort, turning it into a comfortable winter resort. They will have a house warming hallow’en night. The Ft. Wayne Journal Tuesday morning, has a prize fight booked for Decatur in the near future, between a Saint Louis light weight and some unknown. Tips will be thankfully received at this office, athe entire force are lovers of the manly art. We learn that there is a movement on foot among the doctors to prepare a “dead beat” list for their mutual benefit. This is a move in the right direction a- d when the list is maue out we doubt not the names of some people who are posing as respectable citizens will be found there. . As soon\ as cold weather set ini ■ the gas begin to grow weak. great many complaints were heatd thi« morning about there not being enough gas for fuel purposes. The gas company should get to work ai once, sink enough gas'wells and make such other improvements as will' protect their patrons, and try and avert another such freeze-out as we had last winter. The funeral of Miss Rose Rademacker was held Mondaymorning at St. Marys Catholic ghurch. The services w’ere conducted by Father Wilken, pastor of the church. A large concourse of friends followed SB the remains to its last resting place. The following young men acted as pall bearers: John Mougey, Charlie Anderson, Frank Barthel, Charlie Voglewede, tewis Yager and Floyd Smith. Harry Rmljard and Arthur Callow, two members of the Decatur militia was accidentally shot at Ft. Wayne last Friday while carelessly handling a revolver which they did not know was loaded. The bullet passed through the forefinger on' the left hand of Rickard, the same bell striking Callow on the arm, slightly bruising it. Neither of the boys are seriously Hurt. » -The G. R: <& I. railroad are having their trouble now. Another wreck oueurred on that road Monday night rifear Portland in which, a young man of 18 years lost his life, lie was stealing a ride on the bumpers, when the cars rolled into the ditch and Ins mangled remains were found beneath the wreckage. The wreck was caused by a broken beam drop ping and derailing Jhe cars. ■;. « —- ———— — , ’ The Centennial celebration of Fort Wayne has been a success. There were at least 200,000 people on the streets last Thursday night.while a number had gone home. Tfie citizens had gone to a great expense to beautify the city by decorating it so that all looked alike. Surely they deserve great credit for their work. We hope the next hundred years will find them as happily situated as this century.

At the residence of Rev H. H. Smith, ot the Baptist church, Thursday occurred the marriage of Mr. Thomas Dickerson and Miss Sadi* p Pontius, two prominent young society people of Geaeva. They were accompanied to this place by Mr. Clem D. Kennedy and Miss Alma Stillwell, who acted as groomsman and bridesmaid to the contracting parties. May they live long and prosper, it> the wish of the Democrat. J. P. Sanders, a young man who has been employed for some tim* as clerk at the Miesse Hotel, left Monday night for parts unknown. He leaves several creditors to mourn his loss. Rolla Calderwood, the proprietor of the hotel, received a letter from the Chief of Police of Kansas City, Mo., some tun* ago, saying that Saunders had a wife in that city at 550 Harrison street, but she refuses to have anything to do with him, saying ne is no good. Should the C. &E- railroad put in effect their present plan of running two flyers, to take the place of the limited trains going east and west, due here at 2:13 p. m. and 8:08 p. m., the city should take «’eps at once to protect the lives of our people. The proposed flyers will not stop at Decatur, and will go through at the rate of fifty milea an hour, making the already dangerous crossings more dangerous than ever. Take active steps at once, before some life is sacrificed for the greed of a railroad company. Here is the leader from the Bluffton News: Sam Evans, a young aof Decatur, would have been ' in twenty days more. On I Ist birthday he was to inherit 3 fortune of over SIO,OOO. He was arrested yesterday afternoon in Fort Wayne, on the charge of forgery, and was brought back to " Decatur the same evening. He is alleged to have the name of bis guardian, Hon. D. Studebaker, to a note of S2OO. He got the money and left for Fort Wayne, but was soon arrested. The arrest of Evans has created a profound “sensation. He was popular and moved in good society. In the big fight of the Ft. Wayne Journal against granting of free franchises to all corporations that ask for them, they are right in the matter. If the city hokjs a franchise over the part of a citizens real estate they have but little right to say to some one else, you can use the same right that we have. All that use the streets and alleys should be made to pay for the same. „ The - revenue derived therefrom would • lessen the taxes and by a proper care can be made to pay all the necessary for running a ci,y - _4 . Last Sunday there were three funerals from pnr city. They were the three unfortunates of the Ceylon disaster. In the morning at 7 o’clock the funeral cortege left the residence of H._ A. Malott for Deerfield. They held short services at the house and then left by rail on a special tram 1 fortha f place where the regular funeral service was. observed. At 9:30 the friends of W. . - E. Brown gathered at his late residence and after a short service the remains >vere taken charge of by Undertaker Straus of Monroeville, to which place'the remains were foUoweflpby a long tine of friends. A 2. o'clock p. m. the friends of the late James Gilson with the old sol - . diers.of 1 this community, gathered at his late residence to do homage to him who was no more. The service was held at the home after which the friends laid him to rest in Maplewood cemetery.

NO. 32.