Decatur Democrat, Volume 41, Number 36, Decatur, Adams County, 18 November 1897 — Page 1

all the news, ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLI.

The board of county com mis ioners attended the laying of the "orner stone of the new Al en iv ,ty court house at Fort Wayne yesterday. Mesdames Dell Lo ke and J Q. \eptune will entertain thirty-five cf their lady friends at a reception this afternoon from 2:30 to 5:30. The home of the latter is where the festivities took p'ace. Brown, Foreman & Co. shipped another car of horses to Germany on Tuesday. T'<e export busine s continues to thrive in this vicin ty and a ready market is found for heavy dra't horses. Miss Marne Conrad of Warsaw, Grand Matron of the order of Eastern Star, visiteu the local chapter last Friday evening. A p easant, social time was held after the regular routine of business. W W. Briggs of Geneva, was here last Saturday and asked the court to grant an order of sale o' the Shamrock hotel furniture a >d fixtures for which he is the appointed receiver. The order was granted. There is still left a good’ine of beating and rook stoves, and a full line of hardware. Everything in stock will be sold at reduced prices until December 15. The new firm of Ashbancher & Bell will assume co trol on the first day of January. Deca'ur merchants ire beginning to receive their holiday stock. They are buying heavy in anticipation of an unusual trade during is festive per od. A corner • f the Democrat will do more to sell them than anything else they could unearth. Here is a tip that should not lie overlooked. Cornelius Hoolihan, an old re-i---dent of Hartford township was found dead at bis home Saturday morning He was a bachelor and ▼as addicted to drinking, and it is bought that the effects of st rung drinn were the cause of his death. Coroner Cl rk was called to the seine Saturday and decided that death was due to causes unknown. The notes and papers supp >sed tohaveb»en stolen from Andrew Stegrnver. a few evenings ago at the home of David Werling in Preble, were found Monday evening in a pocket book cirefulh hidden between the mattress and thesprings The money was gone however ai d the thi-f had ev d> ntly hidden the ■other articles to escai e detection aad did not want them on his person if arres'ed. The G. R & I R. R. Co. h-s commenced filling in at the W abash river bridge and will raise the track about three feet at the bridge thence north and south from it un til the track is level with the bridge. A new steel bridge will be built in the near future, which after the proper filling is mad* will be 250 feet long consisting of two ►pans each 125 feet long The material for making the grade is being hauled from the Stevenson hill about six miles south of Geneva; a so the hill north of town will becut down and the dirt used in the construction of the grace. The bridge will be built on the latest and not im proved plans and speefications. Another bridge will be bui t on this road near Decatur —Geneva Herald. The n idnight bu glaringcontinue nnabated in this city anil vicinity. Sunday 7 night parties broke into the residence f John Shitey south of the Erie railroad, during the absenceof 'hefami y ami ransacked the premises. P. j. Hvland is the heaviest loser, as the thieves obtained clothing an<l other wearing apparel belonging to him, valued at 1100. It is also believed that the thieves secured porperty belonging to Mr. Shirey, but the amount could not lie asci rained owing to the absence of himself and daugl ter, who are visiting relariv* s at Akron, Ohio That same night burglars also entered the -tore of Robeit Case at Magley. Ind., *here they blew open the safe but were scared away before obtaining a- ything of value These Uwless depredations wi 1 probably con tinue until the pari es are appre hended and pl iced behind prison bars. The burglaries committed are generally in the near vicinitv of railroads, and this would lead one to believe that they were com Kitted by tramps. Our officers should do their duty and not allow the«e cha acters to loiter in the c ’ty. If it requires an extra officer at the railroads, put him on with sf rict instructions to keep these Jurists jogging.

Dbcatilk

A Michigan sheriff was in the city Friday with a young man who i had been arrested at Kokomo [ charged with murder. Tbe officer was taking him to the scene of his crime, where he will be placed on trial. The young ladies of the Presbyterian church will conduct a KlonI dyke social in the Studabaker ; block this evening. An elegant program has been arranged and a pleasant time is assured those who attend.

The first lecture under the direction of the University Extension Course, will take place Saturday evening. Prof. Fellows of Chicago, will deliver the lecture, and a rare trat is promised those who attend Hunters are enjoying asuccssful season just now, judging from the amount of game that is brought to this city, The law passed during the last legislature, which forbids the sale of quail, pheasants and other game birds, has deprived the markets of these juicy viands. Mrs. M B. Miller arrived in this city yesterday morning from Rockfo'd, Illinois. Col. Miller who is ho ding the administrative po-ition of special pension examiner has been transferred to the pension department >n Washington, and in a week or two they will take up their residence in that city. J. L. Aspy the well known hog raiser and dealer in southern Ad ams, advertis s in this issue of the Democrat and announces a public sale of fine *>red hogs on Friday, November 26. Mr. Aspy has been engaged in this business for a long number of years and always handles the very best grades. The sale this year will eclipse any former sale. The Geneva schools instituted a march Friday evening at the close of school h urs which was a novel feature of our public schools and was engaged in by about 271 of tbe ‘•future of our country ” Banners were carried at the head of the various classes. The event was to do honor to Liber y Day and is valuable for the lesson it implants in the minds of the youth for patriotic observance of our nation’s holidays —Geneva Herald. Elihu R Spencer, the tragedian, will present ‘•Julius CaeSßr”at the B'sse Opera House, Friday, Nov. 19th. The pay will be adequate ly staged with special scenery and presented by a competent company. Among the principal players are Miss Isa ! el Pengra, Miss Ceclia Griffith, Miss Ruth Keuck Miss Myra Lee Civalier, Frank Kennig, George Macomber, Cassius Quinby, James Harri on, Robert W Srni ey, George A. Holt, Dav d Kimball and David Wa d Cassius is sa d to be one of Mr. Spencer’s great characteriza ions, which co mpare favoiably with the impersonations of older actors. The play itself has always b en much admired for i s absorbing interest and lofty tone. “Othello,” “The Merchant of Venice” and “Romeo and Juliet” are the other pays in Mr. Spencer’s repertoire. The circuit court last week wound up the business ofthe Aug net term The following bnsineswas disposed if: John Coffee ys E W. France, administrator, dismissed. Isaac Rose vs Blanche Rose, new trial granted. State vs Nigger Andrews et al . new trial granted, and L C. DeVoss and J R Bobo appointed by the court t defend An irew* and Touhey. Their bo d was fixed at 1300 John D. Edwards vs Jonas 8. < overdale et al., change of venue 'o Ae s circuit court on application of the - laintiff Louis Bra-dt vs Finfoy Brvan et al , dismissed ami costs paid Union Central Life Insur am eCo vs Charles N Coverdale et al., ju-ijment vs defendants for *l6O 65 Minerva Mu phy vs Joseph W. Murphy, judgment vs defendant for #IOO alimony and *2OO for the sunport of chib ren, the same pavable #SO a year; each ,>f the parties given two chi'dren William H. Hood vs Patrick C. Kelley et al , Receiver Briggs filed a r po tand was granted permission by the court to sell the property and close up the business. ses of thi** term am unfa to #1 272 30 for jurors, and #l. I 168 20 for sheriff’s fees, clerk fees, hai iff*, meals for jurors, 'aw books and other items of expense. This expense is partly bone by Jay ■nd We Is counties, which will re diice the average cost of the term some #2OO or S3OO.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY. NOVEMBER IS, 1897.

The Cecillian Musical Club met at the home of Dr. and Mrs. P. B. Thomas, Tuesday evening. Luncheon was sei ved after the rendition of the musical program and a very enjoyable evening devoted to social amusements. The sale of seats for “Julius Caesar” is very good and would indicate that this eminent tragedian will have a large audience at the opera house tomorrow evening This will be a grand opportunity for people who love Shakespearean drama. Ed Touhey and Nigger Andrews the two young men who were convicted at the last term of court, for holding up L. B Hall, and sentenced to the Indiana reformatory, wen granted a new trial Saturday morning Their case will come up some time during the coming terra. The exodus to Cardwell, Mo., is at an end, and most of t ose who left this city to seek employment in that city have returned. The climate in that part of the country does not agree with most of the persons who left Decatur for that city, and they are manifesting an earnest desire to return to “Old Adams.” The raising of the air compres-or at the waterworks not only helps the appearance of the building but it was almost an absolute necessity. I is now on a level with the pumps and just where it ought to have been all the time. The work of the engineer is le sened by the change, having his work all on one ff-xir, very easily reached on a moment’s notice.

Through attorneys France & Merryman, Lydia Donnelly applies through the Adams circuit court tor a divorce from Thomas M Donnelly. The complaint states that they were married in this city April 18, 1892, and lived together until November 1895, since which time the defendant has wh lly abandoned the plaintiff and failed to provide for her and twochildren. The plaintiff asks for a divorce and alimony in the sum of SI,OOO. Twenty years ago John K. Evans lied at Decatur, Indiana. In his will he bequeatned to his three sons SIO,OOO each with interest un til they became of age. Seven years ago the eldest son John, received his fortune, which had doub ed itself He sp- nt it in six months. When David followed three years later in the same course. Three weeks ago Samuel, the youngest, received a check for his fortune He immediate y started a career of wild dissipation and to day is a total wreck financially. His diamonds and clothes are gone. His fortune of $25,000 ha* been spent in precisely fifteen days. He is now und'-r arrest for forging the name of the president of the Adams C uu'y Bank to a note for S2OO, 000.—(’alderwood’s (San Francis co) Magazine. The facts connected with the nbove article have been a long time reaching the Pacific Coast, a. d from «ts appearance now. have been c nsiacrably magnified at each stopping place. Robberies have been quite numerous in this vicinity 'ately, and scarce y a day passes but what -ome new robbery is added to the list. Last wi-ek a stranger made his headquarters in this city, and from all appearances was badly crippled, requiring a crutch and cane to get around. This fact did not keep ' im from stealing, as on Wedn sday even ng he made application at the home of David Werling in Preble, for lodging which was gran ed. He was as signed to the r<xim of Andrew 8 egmeyer, a young man in the empoy of Mr. Werling. When the supposed cripple left, he took wth him a pocketbook belonging to the young man, which contained S2O m money, a certificate of deposit on the Old Adams County Bank for #4O and notes amounting to several hundred dollars. Mr. Stegmeyer did no discover hislos* until Friday evening and immediately came to thheity to notify the officers. A strict search wa* made for him, but he bad fiown and no trace of him can be found. It is believed by many that his crippled condition was merely feigned, and that he was a professional sneak thief. People sh uld pay strict attention to locking up valuables, and more t' an that, not harbor every one that asks for shelter. Satisfy yourselves as to his need before extending to him the desired aid, and thus place yourselves on the side of safety.

Anybody knows it is too muddy and B'oppy for the street commissioner to perform any work on the streets and we don’t think it right to kick at him. Edwin Heller, one of the busy merchants of Linn Grove, was here Tuesday, and among other notab ( e deeds added his name to the Demo crat’s large list of weekly readers. He will now do more business and be happier than ever before.

Program for Thanksgiving set vices at the Evangelical church at 10:30 a. m.: Song, invocation by Rev. Shepherd, hymn, scripture reading by Rev. Horton, anthem, prayer by Rev. Gregg, song, Thanksgiving offertory, sermon by Rey. Hart, song, benediction by Rev. Smith. We have received a few hints that the grand jury is doing a first class business on short notice No indictments have been returned but in a few days the grist will begin to grind and then they will be presented in groups. Some of the boys have left for a few days, but will return as soon as their health is restored. For some time thieves have been terrorizing the people in the vicinity of Hartford township and a desperate effort has been made to capture them. The efforta have finally been rewarded and as a re suit three young men are under arrest charged with numerous jobs of stealing. Tbe three young men ow under arre-t are Amos Her man, Adam and Albert Musser. It seemed to be their especial del gfit to steal anything they could lay hands on, and their arrest will re store a feeling of safety and confidence to the entire neighborhood. Shakesperian dramatic poetry like a gem of rare beauty and of pri.eiess value does not seem to lose it-brilliancy and magnetism. The w ’tks of the great master evi dentlv possess all the charms which characterized their earlier porduction. Every season affords proof of the vitality and strength of the Shake-periau compositions which will probably cult-va e many modem plays, and plays that are yet to be written. Thomas W. Keene, the eminent tragedian, has demonstrated that the plays of the great master are not only popular but profitable, and bis varied repertoire shows his confidence in th« m and in other similar productions. Elihu R Spencer and bis company will present “Julius Ciesar.” As Cassius, Mr. Spencer fits the part and part fits him as perfectly as it did the lamented Lawrence Barrett, whose ideal Mr. Spencer easily realizes. Birrett for years was regarded the only Cassius, and .Mr. Spencer may justly claim that dis tinction now. At the Bosse Opera House tomorrow night. The November term of court opened Monday, the following record being made the first day: State vs Edward H. Martz, two cases, continued. State vs Isaac Hilty, set for trial November 29 State vs John C. Peters et al, dismissed. State vs John T. Coots, dismissed State vs OscarSheidline, dism-ssed. State vs Nigger Andrews et al, set for trial November 30. Grand jury empaneled. Anna O Amspaugh vs Mary C. Henderson et al, continued. Emmett H. McDonald vs Charles H. Chapman, left oft docket. State ex-rel Margritha Myers vs Christian H. Chapman et al, continued. Nolan Kingexparte, dism ssed. Joseph Wagers vs Marion Dobion et al, continued. Jacob Baker vs Pleasant Valley class Methodist church, set for trial December 3. James H. Ward vs John T. France executor, set for trial November 22. John King vs G°orge Zimmerman, set for trial December 3. John D. Weishaupt vs William J. Meyers, set for trial Decernbei 4 Maggie Miller vs Charles Geisler et al, continued. Minnie E. Richard vs James N. Richard, judgment vs plainuiff for costs. Isaac Robinson vs John King, set for trial December 9 John Glutting vs B. J. Terveer, set for trial December 7. Asa C. Carter vs Emily Medaugh et al, continued. Jacob Hunsicker vs Anthony Holthouse et al, set for trial December 8. Helen M. Bobo vs Samuel F. Riesen et al, s°t for trial December 8. Clark J. Lutz trustee vs Northern Assurance Co., dismissed. E. P. Davenport vs Christy Stogdill admr., claim allowed S4O. Sprang & True vs Chancey Stetson et al, judgment for *123.78. Albert O. Marsh et al ys James A. Showalter et al, set fortrial December 14.

G. W. Hurless of Willshire, write* us to announce a cantata in the Methodi-t church at that place on tbe evenings of November 25 and 26. A chorus of forty voices will be assisted by Mrs. Jessie Townsend and Prof. Fred Falk oi this c ty. The Home and Foreign Missionary Societies conducted tbe meeting at the M. E. church Sunday evening The program composed of readings, solos and singing by the quartette, was exceptionally fine. The readings by Mrs. David Studebaker, Mrs. J D. Hale and tbe si I > by Mrs. D. E. Studebaker of Bluffton, were very much appreciated by the large audience. The Vanderbilts are endeavoring to purchase the Clover Leaf railroad, and thus add a connecting link between their eastern roads and the s rathwest. The Clover Leaf is already one of the best railroads in the country, and should it fall into the hands of the Vanderbilts, the long looked for improvements will be made and this city will be stric ly in it. De catur is the strategic point for a division and also for shops, and with both of these added 10 our list, we wi'l begin to take on the role of a rai road center in real live earnest. Abraham Mangold, the venerable father of Auditor Mangold, died at noon last Friday after a lingering illness lasting over a year. Bright’s disease caused his death. The deceased was burn in Fairfield county, Ohio, August 31, 1823, and at the rime of death was seventy-four years, two months, and eleven days old. The widow survives him, being bis senior in years, seventy-nine years of age. In 1863 the then happy couple with a lamily of seven children, settled in Preble township, this county, upon the homestead where h s death'o k place. A mother and five chi dren survive to mourn tbe death of their husband and father. During tbe long residence of the deceased and through his conservative me'hods of business, he enjoyed the confidence and respect of all his neighbors and friends. For sixteen years he filled the office of justice of tbe peace and otherwise enjoyed the confidence of his fellow man. The funeral services were conducted last Sabbath from the German Reformed church, Revs. Cowan and Gregg officiating. Council met Tuesday evening with only four members present. Councilman Covedale was elected President Pro Tem The minutes of Oct 12-19-N >v 2 and 9th were read and approved. The following bills were allowed: Street commissioners pay roll sl3, J. Buhler & Son $8 45, Superintendent Water Works pay roll $19.95, John And rews $11.55, Joe Metzger $8.25, Kirsch & Sellemeyer $18.97, E. Fritzinger $10.25, Nolan King *1.50, E.N. Tyrill *14.80, Shaw Kendall Engineering Co. *23, Bourbon Copper and Brass Works2.7s, Jos. Smith & Bro. *51.50, Gas Co. $45. The committee on street* and al'eys reported that they had heart objections from property owners along Sixth street and Main and Winchester streets as to why the final report of the city engineer should notbeapprovel. As er listening patientlv to all the kicks, the committee report ed that the final report be adopted. This was done and their Resol u tions were passed pertaining to the assessments and also fixing the time for payments. Alex Leßrun through his attorneys made a pi op osition 10 dismiss his suit for damages, provided the city would p v him the sum of *IOO and pay the costs already accrued. The question was discussed ai d then allowed to sink into innocuous desue tude. Al Burdge reported that the water from the roof of the city building was running into his c-l lar and asked relief The matter was reported to the Fire Committee. C. L. Olds, contractor of the Electric Light plant made some remarks regarding the new plant, and spoke of some incidental needs in operating the p'ant. Wbi e nothing of especial mention was said in connection with the new plant, yet it could be plainly seen that the new council considered themselves “it” and were strictly swollen because the “lights were turned on.” After congiatulating each other and swelling up to the r fullest capacity, the council adjourned and the members slowlyfiled into the streets to absorb some of the newly created light.

CIRCULATION 2400 WEEKLY.

NUMBER

| The grand jurors for the Nov- ' ember term of court reported for .duty Monday afternoon. J seph 'Chrisman of Wabash asked to be excused from serving, owing to an invalid wife at home. The requ st was grained by Judge Heller, and the panel filled by Motts Miller, jun. The court then instructed them as to their duties and appointed David 8. Manlier as foreman. At three o’clock they took up their work and are now busy looking into any and all violations of the criminal statutes.

New ciicuit court cases filed during the November term are as follows: H. H Bremerkamp vs Sol M Schnepp, admr., claim *33.17 John King & Son vs Sol M.Schnep admr , c aim *34.95, E. P. Davenport vs Christy Stogdill admr., claim S4O, Charles S. Clark vs W. H. Niblick admr., claim *14.59, P. Holthouse & Co. vs W. H. Harri on admr , claim *2 25, Lulu M. Walters vs Elijah Walt rs admr., claim *72. LW A. Lucxey vs Elijah Waltersadmr.,c aim *l7O 22 Nellie Walter* vs E ijah Walters admr , claim *l6O, George Bro hers vs B P. Hark ess admr, claim $l2B 97, John W, Vizard vs John W. Vizard admr, claim*67.so, J. A Laisur vs Thomas H. Andrews admr, claim *2, Samantha Cassell vs Thomas H Andrews admr., claim *6, Henry Hirschey vs Thomas H. Andrews admr., claim *4 21, Decatur Investment Co. vs F. vl. Schirmeyer admr., claim *6.10, John T. France executor vs Isaac J. Bowman admr , claim $47 55, Samuel Snyder vs Isaac J. Bowman admr., claim $6 , F. Schafer & Bro vs Isaac J Bowman admr., claim $518.59, John H Lenhart v« Clarcy Diehi admx . claim $9 83, Jake Boeger vs Claicy A. Diehl admx , claim $23 08, Lydia Donnelly vs Thomas M Donnelly divorce, demand alimony *I,OOO. Daniel Donovan et al vs Samuel Chronister, note *SO, No. 2 India' a Mutual Building and Loan Association vs Martha A L <chot et al, foreclosure; demand SSOO. The lights are on. and the old, familiar cry of “turn on the lights” which was brought in oprominet f and popularity by- the Democral immediately after the city council had decided that darkness was the proper thing, has taken its place in ancient history. The city now owns its own lighting plant and on Tuseday evening the streets were lighted for the fiist time under the new regime. The electric light plant just completed cost the city $15,000. The engine and all the machinery in us is of the best, capable of furnishing to our citizens plenty of ligh'. ihe electric light station is b nit in connection with the water station and the power used to propel Ihe machinery is obtained from the boilers in use at the water station. The machinery and street lights were given a thorough t»st on Monday and Tuesday of this week, and Tuesday evening the sheets were lighted for the first time. They presented a brilliant appearance and now every nook and corner of our little city is thoroughly lighted. Martin Mylott has been installed as electrician and George Kinzle will act in the capacity of lineman. The erection of the new plant has added very materially to the city’s indebtedness, and I he expense of the citv will also b> greatly increased. Wi ether or not the new project wdl prove a profitable venture must be demonstrated in the future, *nd will greatly depend upon the patr nage of citizens. But a as! When all the beauties of the present plant ha e bei n reviewed, there still renains an in-nr-luounta'de ha rier between the p-o---p e and the council, placet! there by the ci<y officials through their actions, in connection with thebuildit gos this plant from the time it was first contemplated until i s completion. First came the organ izition of a stock company by rests lution, ft>r the sole purpose of increasing tbe city inde Redness under the guise of this socalled stock company. Then came the shutting off of ligh s fo's rent purposes under a contract made with J. D, Edward-, and las , but not least, came the wanton destruction of poles and wires belonging to J D. Edwards thereby leaving the city in total darkness as far as electric lights were concerned. AH these actions of city officers, in connection with tbe building of the new electric light plant, does not add lustre to the monument wh>ch they have bui t and will endeavor to point to with pride.