Decatur Democrat, Volume 41, Number 14, Decatur, Adams County, 17 June 1897 — Page 1

ALL THE NEWS, ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLI.

'Theo. Ahr has secured a position iu Ft. Wayne, and has removed to that city. Mr and Mrs. C. A. Dugan spent Sunday at Richmond, as guests" of P. W. Smith and wife. The Ossian K. of P. Lodge decorated the grave of Brother Rufus Chenoweth last Sunday, a number of Knights from this city assisted in the services. The funeral of David Cramer, the G. R. & I. engineer who lost his life in the wreck near Ridgeville last Monday, took place yesterday at Fort Wayne. Harry McGuire the popular clerk at the Burt House is confined to his bed at Bluffton with stomach trouble. His many friends in this city hope to see him at his post of duty soon. The commencement exercises of the Catholic schools will take place Wednesday evening, June 23. Six graduates, all of them young ladies will receive their diplomas on this occasion. Mr. and Mrs. C. F. True entertained a few guests at supper yesterday evening in honor of Rev. and Mrs, Solomon Vail of Hopkinsburg, Ky. There were present bes’des the guests of honor, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Vail and Mrs. Dan Sprang. The list of unclaimed letters this week include J. W. Johnson, Samuel Seekings, John Broadbeck, Harry Bassett, Jane Venet, Mary E. McGath. Sophia Miller, Isaac Walls, Mrs. John Gilbert-, Linny Pame, Essie High wards and James P. Hughes - The Hon. I. N. Walker one of the state tax commissioners of Indiana, was in town Wednesday of last week. While here he was in communication with County Assessor Christ. We presume the subject under discussion was the approaching meeting of the board of review. Owney the mail dog, passed through this city a few days ago. This dog has a wonderful record, having made a trip around the world unaccompanied, save by a tag on his collar consigning him to the care of mail clerks. He has also traveled all over the United States several times, and while reported as dead several times, heal ways turns up when least expected. An evil far worse than scorching has crept into bicycle riding, which is the carrying of a baby on a wheel in front of the rider. The innocent tot is placed on the front of the bicyc’e in the most perilous position. It is certain to get the brunt of any accident that may happen—and the time of bicyc’e accidents is far from being a thing of the past. It is therefore little short of a crime that one should thus juggle with another’s life. New circuit sourt suits filed during the past week is Christian Gerber vs. John Wittmer et al, note ! and foreclosure of mortgage; de mand $1,400. Barney J. Ter veer vs. Aaron B. Tullis et al, note and foreclosure; demand SSOO. Owen T. Davis etal vs. Jesse G. Zimmerman et al, on account, attachment and garnishment. Wilmot iF. Campbell et al vs. Jacob, L. Longacher and Peter Longacher, from Justice of the Peace court. Caroline Spuhler vs. Continental Insurance Company, damages SBOO. Isaac Robinson vs. John King, Jr., from Justice of the Peace court. Tuesday was the day set apart by the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows to decorate the graves of their departed dead. This beautiful custom is followed each year by the lodges to perpetuate the memory of the brothers who are now quietly reposing in the city of the •dead. The members of the lodges repaired to Maplewood cemetery, proceeded by the City Band, where impressive cremonies were held and the graves of deceased brothers strewn with beautiful Howers. After the ceremonies a short but appropriate address was made by Rev. Hart of the Baptist church. During the course of his remarks he spoke of the Friendship existing among the fraternity and the many acts of kindness and charity performed by these benevolent societies, and referred with tender pathos to the day set apart to decorate the graves of those who while living, shared with us the burdens, trials and triumphs of life. After a short prayer for the departed dead the ceremonies were concluded.

Hwcatilß

Clerk Lenhart made the followl'n>’ persons happy by granting them i censes to wed: Alexander Berger to Elizabeth Engle. Mrs. W. J. Myers returned home Tuesday after an extended visit with her daughter, Mrs. Robert Harding of Fort Wayne. Mrs. Mary Elzey died at her home two miles east of the city Friday afternoon. The funeral was held at the Mallonee church Sunday afternoon. Interment at Reynolds cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gass entertained a number of young people Tuesday evening in honor of Miss Ethel Star of Bluffton. The evening was spent in a general good time followed by refreshments. Charles Battenberg returned from across the briny deep a few evenings ago and was much pleased with his trip. While it does a fellow good to visit foreign shores, yet they never feel at home until they set foot on the land of stars and stripes. John Jones met with a serious accident yesterday afternoon while working on a building on Monroe street. He fell from a ladder to the ground, a distance of twenty feet, and severely sprained his ankle. He was taken to his home where he will be compelled to remain for some time. A second wreck occurred on the G. R & I. railroad Tuesday morning at Monmouth. Two cars were derailed and considerable track torn up in the vicinity. The wreck was caused by a broken brakebeam. No lives were lost, but the damage to property and merchandise is estimated at about $1,500. Grant county has over 300 miles of free gravel pikes that have been built at a cost of $2,000 a mile. Bonds are issued by the county to pay for the construction and are taken up in eight years. The per sons benefitted by the improvement pay principal and interest and the county is at no expense. It is the same plan as the Barrett law under which street, improvemen’s are made. Commencement exercises were held in the Berne schools Wednes day, June 9. Eight young ladies and gentlemen finished their school work and a’e now ready to take hold of the cares of life. The ex ercises were unusually brilliant and speaks a great deal for the Berne corps of instructors. The graduates were, Martha M. Ruf, David Weity, Rufus O. -Soldner, LenaSprunger, Franklin G. Bixler, Henry M. Reusser, Noah Lugin bill and David J. Sprunger. Benjamin Middleton, whoalready has troubles by the score, added another tale of woe to his long re pertoire Tuesday afternoon. After indulging in a rag chewing match on Maih street he proceeded to call down Marshal Cowan. After taking considerable abuse the marshal decided to lock him up, but Ben concluded that his sprinting qualities would take him out of harms way. Up thes’reets, down the alleys and across lots he ran, all the time c.io-ely followed by the marshal’s 225 pounds of avordupois. Cowan proved to have the best staying powers and finely overtook him. He was landed into an emergency patrol wagon and taken to the county jail, when he was released yesterday morning. A serious wreck occurred on the G. R. &. I. railroad last Monday afternoon, four miles south pf Ridgeville near a small station called Stone. The afternoon mail train due in this city at 1:19 o’clock, while running at full speed suddenly left the track and the engine toppled over into the ditch, burying beneath the massive weight of iron and steel, David Cramer one of the oldest engineers on the road. Fireman Levi Crabill and Baggagemaster Mintch were seriously injured but not fatally. At the first jolt after the engine left’the track, Cramer’s hand had applied the mergency brake and the cars came to a sudden standstill and al though they all left the rails noneof them were turned over and thus a great loss of life was prevented. The engineer never left his post of duty and after having performed it faithfully and well, his reward was death beneath the engine that had always yielded to his every command. His body was recoverd at a late hour Monday night and was taken to his home at Fort Wayne, where he leaves a wife and an adopted daughter.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY. JUNE 17, 1897.

This is the last week of court, | the first session since the division 'and creation of this circuit oitself | It has been a busy term, there being but little or no time when business was not grinding, sure but slow. The Fort Wayne lodge of Elks held a hard times social at their lodge rooms last Tuesday evening at which place Patrick Paddy Hyland of this city, and Col. Dick Townsend made brilliant speeches, and with one bound became famous as after dinner speakers. C. L. Walters, book keeper for Kern, Brittson & Beeler, had a long to be remembered experience with a vicious dog while driving in the country a few days ago. After cons'derable argument with the dog and the lady of the house, Lee left the dog holding the fort. He will hereafter evade all signs “Lookout for the dog.” Jacob Rolle, a resident of Vera Cruz, was severely injured while assisting to raise the Neumanese church, one mile north of Vera Cruz, Wednesday. A heavy timber slipped on a skid and struck in the side, injuring him badly on the sine and leg. His injuries are not thought to be fatal. Several others we>e struck by the falling piece of timber, but were not in-, jured —jß'uffton News. A May Pole dance and Methodist social was given by the Mite Society on the campus at the beautiful sur burban home of Judge Studabaker, Tuesday evening. Luncheon was served from five until seven, music, games and social intercourse being the other attractions. The occa sion was an enjoyable one as well as profitable to the Ladies Mite Society. Judge Studabaker’s home revels in luxury and comfort and makes one feel that life is not the dreary waste one might suppose, Daniel Spranget al vs Chauncy Stetson et al., judgment vs defendants for $149.09. The Government Building & Loan Institution vs James H. Ward et al., judgment V 8 defendant for $395.05 with first lien; foreclosure and sale ordered. Frances McCampbell vs Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Rdlroad, judgment vs defendant for $l5O, John Kelley vs John Nidlinger, judgment vs plaintiff for costs. City of Decatur vs Mathias Schafer, tried by court, verdict not yet rendered. Christian Gerber vs John Wittmer et al., summons issued returnable first day of next term. Barney J. Ter veer vs Aaron B. Tullis et al., notice non-residence ordered published, and summons issued returnable first day of next term.. Martha C. Lynch vs Norval Blackburn, special findings of law for plaintiff; judgment vs defendant for sl4l. In commissioners court eleven petitions for ditches were heard and viewers appointed to view and report-said view. The viewers appointed on the Henry Weber petition were G. H. Martz, John Hess ler and Peter Wetsel; on the Michael Engle petition, Jacob Borne, L. W. Johnson and G. 11. Martz; on the Amanda Parme petition, Henry Kohn, Henry Dirkson and D. J.' Dilling; on Chris' Schindler petition, G. H. Martz, J. J. Soldner ancL C. A. Neuen schwander; Elijah Walters petition G. 11. Martz, John Hessler and Vance Rupright; on the David J. Moser peti ion, C. A. Nuenschwander, J. J. Soldner and John Eckrote; on the Homer Faust petition, Albert Butler, William Sellemeyer and Frank McConnell; on the Simon Smith petition, D. W. Huffman, Henry Eiting and Rudolph Schug; on the P. K. Kinney petition, Ja.m* s M. Archbod, L. C. Miller and John P. Spooler; on the W. M. Kerr petition, George Haetling, Harlo Mann and John P. Spooler; on the Jacob Koos petition, G. H. Martz, John Hessler and Vance Rupright. The reports on the David Murphy and Amanda AinaCher ditch were approved and the work ordered constructed. The petition of J. A. Sprunger to remit taxes was dis missed, w T hjle the one of I). P. Bolds for $11.55 was granted. On petition of citizens of Monroe township, Emil Franz was appointed constable. J. R. Dennis presented a petition for highway, and Barney Meibers, Chris. Ashbaucher and H. D. Fuelling were appointed viewers. Bills were allowed and Monday and Tuesday taken to look over county orders and road receipts. They finished all business (yesterday and adjourned.

ball ’ame between Decatur ami Fort Wayne took place a’ Steele’s Park last Thursday afternoon before a fair sized crowd, ; turnstile count. The attendance should have been larger, more encouragement should be given to Willard S eele, the owner of the park, who is endeavoring to make it the finest resort in the state. The game was intensely interesting from start to finish. Yet with all that, the usual supply of “knockers” were at work trying to dishearten the boys. Decatur won the game by a score of 15 to 14-. The annual conference of the Auglaize district of the United Brethern church will be he'd in this city August 26 to 30. This means that our city will be crowded with past >rs and noted divines from ad sections of the country. Here will be an opportunity for our citizens to show their hospitality and entertaining qualities. An elegant programme is being prepared lor the meeting and our people 'will be greatly benefited thereby. When the time comes give the visitors the glad hand and exert yourselves to make them feel at home. It is with a great deal of regret that we are obliged to chronicle three deaths in the home of a Mr. Oswalt of Jefferson township, all occurring iu less than two months and two of them on the same day. That dread disease consumption, was the destroyer in each instance. John Oswalt died April 19, aged 28 years and 15 days. He leaves a wife and child to mourn his loss. Oren Oswalt died June 5, at 8 o’clock a. m., and his brother Howard died at 10 o’clock of the same day. Both bodies were laid at rest in the same grave in the Willard cemetery. The funerals were held at the Bethel church, conducted by Rev. J L. Huber as sisted by Frank Yamey of the Dunkard church. It is not often that the grim reaper enters the home and mows down three lives full o| hope and promis° in such a short *lpace of time, and the hand of sympathy ,is extended to th*family, by the entire community in their hour of sad bereave merit. City council met in regular session TubsdA’y evening. All members present and Mayor Quinn presiding, .The report of the finance committee was read and the following bills allowed: Supt. water works pay roll $31.80, M. Jackson S4O, C. Dorwin S4O, street commissioner’s pay roll $13.20, Logansport & Wabash Valley Gas Co. $46 36. The finance committee reported the sale of first ward school building bonds to the Old Adams County Bank to the amount of $11,500, also the sale of alley bonds to the same institution to the amount of $887.99. A resolution was adopted authorizing the clerk to draw orders on the city treasurer for the salaries of city officials for the quarter ending June 30. Moser the photographer, asked the city council to curb the street in front of his building with the same material to be used in the construction of a new flagstone walk he purposes to construct. The request was granted and the same conees sions will be granted to other property owners. A resolution was adopted instructing the city marshal to employ assistance to keep the council chamber in a neat and wholesome manner. Thestreet commissioner reported that new brick walks were needed’along lots numbers 750, 751, 752, 753 and along the north ends of lots 754, 755 on Niblick and Elm streets Also along south ends of lots number 760, 761, 762 on Elm street, a'so along the west ends of lots 315, 316, 317 on Market street and asked for an order to notify prop erty owners to construct the need ed walks in thirty days. A petition was presented by the property owners along Sixth street, asking to have the street improved with brick. The petition not being drawn in form was referred to city attorney for amendment. The chairman of the fire committee was instructed to have ladders repaired. Councilmon Vail was instructed to see the property owners along the proposed thirteenth street sewer. An ordinance was passed granting a franchise to the Citizens Electric Light Company, giving them privilege to erect poles, wires and all appurtenances along the streets of the city. After appointing an electric light committee consisting of Niblick, Vail and Coverdale the council adjourned.

PAOLI, BEAUTIfUL PAOLI. — Nestled among the hills, surrounded and hidden by picturesque scenery, the Ix-autv of wb+ch would defy reproduction by any artist, save ami except :he scholarly Laud of nature herself. Here quietly and without malice aforethought, marks the garden spot of Paoli, the Eureka of southern Indiana’s health resorts. The human mind fails in comprehension of the magnitude of the beauties there unfolded, and if nature could see herself as others see her, she would faint and fall in it, so great and so marvelous is the beauty of her own handiwork. Nestled down in the valley on the historic banks of Lick Creek, f-urrounded by flower laden bills and scenery picturesque, is the quaint old town, Paoli, beauliful Paoli. Populated by people who wereeducated in the old school of hospitality, their greetings are one continuous dream of generosity and cordiality in all their simplici ty. The above intended caption is not skin deep and full of hay seed, but is the result of a personal en counter with the overflowing lovli ness of that southern paradis . The Indiana Democratic Editorial Association held it’s midsummer meeting at Paoli, June 10, 11 and 12, and the editor of this paper, accompanied by Mrs. M. B. Mill-r, had the pleasure of renewing acquaintance among the members of the fraternity and making new ones as well. Leaving Decatur last Thursday morning and after 255 miles of travel, we arrived at our destination. The reception comittee headed by Major John R. Simpson of the Paoli News, took us in charge, and from that time on we were theirs. We were quartered at the Mineral Springs Hotel, a very Commodious and well arranged hostelry, and which is managed by people who thorough ly understand how to piease the public, and especially if that public happens to be a hungry country ed tor, who is accompanied by an appetite equal to any emergen-i cy. Paoli is only ten miles from French Lick and West Baden, and in fact is becoming a well recog nized rival of those pleasure and health rt sorts. The celebrated Lithia and sulphur springs at Paoli are regarded the equal and in many ways the superior of either French Lick or West Baden. The editorial meeting was a grand sue cess. It began its session Thurs day evening with President W. Bent Wilson of the Lafayette Journal, in the chair, being occasionally releived by Louis Holtzman of the,Brazil Democrat, who is now president of the National Editorial Association. The address by Major Simpson was a flowery tribute of welcome to the visitors, and won the hearts of all of them. Many excellent papers were read and discussed, resulting in much good. Among the papers read none were appreciated more than the one by Daniel McDonald of the Plymouth Democrat, upon the subject, “Indiana Newspaper Reminiscences,” which contained much history of Indiana newspa jiers and newspaper men. The meetings closed Friday night with a banquet, the compliments of tin* hotel, a d to go into detail over its excellence would mean the con sumption of much space. Suffice it to say that it included ten courses of palatable delicacies and was strictly up to date in every particu lar. During the progress of the feast, the Worthington Orchestra played some very sweet and bar monious music. Tripping the light fantastic followed the banquet . On Saturday Major Simpson escorted the visitors to view the seven times seven wonders of that mysterious clime, and from our exchanges we note long accounts of narrow canons > with Solid rock foundations extending to the height of tree tops. Lick Creek, with her water as cold and clear as you could imagine. The creek is formed by a conjunction of underground streams. Sink holes can be counted by tne thousands. Pitcher’s eave, the of Lost River, gulfe and many other wonderous' freaks of nature were viewed and their many peculiar!tiesgraphicaily portrayed by Major Simpson. It is a fact undisputed that Paoli and Orange county contains scenery that Would cause the eyes pf sight seers to bulge out at least two 'feet in amazement and surprise. Health seekers can be benefitted, and while there you need not fear the “confidence” racket, which is well known at

CIRCULATION 2400 WEEKLY.

NUMBER 14

other pleasure and health resorts. ,By all means visit Paoli. We feel under obligations to the Clover Leaf, Lake Erie and “Monon Route” railroads, and especially the latter. The road is equipped with all the advantages of travel, and the employes of the company will look after your comfort in a pleasant and agreeable manner. Mr. Frank J. Reed the general passenger agent with headquarters at Chicago, is the one to whom In - diana editors in general are indebted. The press is unanimous in resoluting him the nicest man on earth, without exception any time or at any place. As the glorious day of Independence falls on Sunday this year the citizens of Decatur have made arrangements to celebrate on Saturday, July 3. Sufficient money has been raised to hold the best and biggest celebration ever seen in Decatur. Preparations are being made to entertain the people from early morning until late at night. Among the many attractions to be given will be a parade to be participated in by the twelve townships of the county. The parade is to be on the comical or cali humpian order. Two prizes will be given to the townships bringing in the largest and most ridiculous delegations. Fifteen dollars will be the first prize and ten dollars the second prize. The parade will start at 10 o’clock sharp, near the jail. Disinterested judges will award the prizes. In the afternoon the amusements will open with an exhibition by the city fire department. This will be followed by foot races, sack races, potato races, and bicycle races. The afternoon will be entirely taken up with sports of this kind. Good bands of music will make it lively in the business poi tion of the city. Large 20 and 30 foot balloons with life size figures attached will be sent up during the afternoon and evening. At 8 o’c'ock p. m. the illuminated bicycle parade will take 1 place in which both ladies and gentlemen will participate. Prizes Twill be given for the best illuminlated and decorated wheels. This will be followed by a display of fireworks. Make up your mind to spend the day in Decatur, as the citizens have resolved that everything advertised will positively take place. The largest crowd ever seen in the city will be here and you cannot afford to miss this opportunity for a days sport. See another part of this paper for programme and prizes in full. Last Wednesday evening at 7:30 o’clock the marriage of Miss Lucy Vail, of this city, to Mr. Daniel Sprang, a prominent merchant of Decatur, was solemn-zed at the residence of the bride’s mother on LaFever street By this social event Ossian losses one of her most charming young women, and Decauir society wins a most accomplished and beautiful lady. We are pleased tb give the detai's as follows: The decorations were artistic and in perfect harmony with the occasion. The parlor, where the ceremony was performed, was festooned in cream, relieved by elegantly arranged’ boquets of bridal. rosesagains' backgrounds of ferns. The sitting room was festooned in pink, decorated with roses, darnation< and fronds of fern and- plumes of sniilax The alcove, whence issued the melodic march, was reserved as a reception place for the numerous gifs and tokens of good will which guests and friends showered upon the happy couple. At 7:30 the guests had all arrived, filling the reception room parlor. Shortly after the soft strains of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March announced the approach of the procession which was formed in the following order: Rev. S. N. Vail, Hopkinsville, Ky., brother of the bride: Rev. E- T Gregg, of Decatur, f llowed then came the bride, who was dressed in cream organdy oyer-silk, trimmed with lace and satin ribbon, decked with bridal roses. After the bride came Miss Lucile Vail cf Markle, the faitie ring bearer, also iu white. The groom followed, dressed in the coventional black. The ceremony was bsvutiful and impressive Rev. S. N. Vail, assisted by Rev. E. T. Gregg officiated. The plain ring service was used, its simplicity causing the rite to seem doubly solemn. After the ceremony delicious refreshments were served, at the conclusion of which the bridal party left for the train accompanied by a number of friends and relatives.—Ossian News.