Decatur Democrat, Volume 42, Number 1, Decatur, Adams County, 17 March 1898 — Page 1

ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLII. I —

«Whv does our city not take some neans to rid us of the numerous ramps that are constantly in our Bnidst? Nearly every week some mys•erious crime is committed in our city ind we wonder why it is. m A snap shot photograph has l>een ■eceived at this office showing the in- .. erior of the Meade Cocnty Bank Herman Confers bank in Sturgis, ““South Dakota. The photograph re'xveals a very handsomely furnished bank, complete with all modern furniture and fixtures, including electric lights and everything that is up to « date and just right. Dan Arenheim of Indianapolis, who has been in this vicinity during the past three weeks buying fine horses, purchased a fine team of driving horses from John Frysinger last Tuesday. The team was an excellent pair of chestnut sorrel coach horses and brought John the very neat sum of S4OO. Mr Arenheim says there is no better horse market than Decatur in state. In the postoffice in this city is displayed a placard announcing that the United States military headquarters in this state are awaiting applications to fill the two additional artillery regiments ordered by the senate. The term of enlistment is three years, and all other conditions are similar to the methods adopted in regular army. No minors or married people need apply, and only those between ages of 21 and .30 are eligible. On last Saturday afternoon Charles Woodward was sent over to Bluffton to bring a number of shipping horses to this place. There were too many of them for Charlie to handle and he q-engaged a lad bv the name of Mor<|gan Brickley to help him. The boys got along alright until they reached the Chicago & Erie railway tracks in this city, when four of the horses became frightened at a passenger train and broke away from them. They succeeded in capturing but one of y them. The next day word was receiv"'■ed that the horses had returned to their respective owners in Bluffton, Some time ago we published an ac—count of the killing of “Doc” Athens at Bluffton, and of the arrest of Mrs. DeWitt, charged with murdering him. y, The following taken from the Bluffton Chronicle says that she has Ixsm acquitted: Mrs. Nancy DeWitt will not lx* brought to trial for killing “Doc” Athens. The grand jury, = which convened last week, spent three days listening to the testimony of witnesses, came into court Wednesrday and were discharged by Judge Vaughn without returning an indictment. They gave it as their opinion that there was not sufficient evidence upon which to base a case, and they E. did not believe that it would warrant an indictment. Mrs. DeWitt will k therefore be released from jail. On last Monday evening at eight ir o’clock the bell in the city building rang out and for the first time in its history, Decatur was under a Curfew law. The ordinance was passed about three weeks ago by the city council and of course had to undergo the usual number of publications before going into effect. An outline of the bill, which we published in the Democrat at the time of its passage, proHvides that the city marshal shall ring the fire bell every evening at eight J o’clock and at that time all children j 1 under the age of sixteen shall be off the streets, and the law further provides penalties for the violation of the ordinance. It remains now to see the effects of the bill. Certain it is that it will be good if the parents endeavor to aid the officials in enforcing tiie law. Children under the age provided in the bill have no business running the streets after eight o’clock, unless on an errand, and the bill provides for those who have business on the streets. Everyone who was interested in base ball in this city in 1894, will remember our crack pitcher, Harry Minnehan. Harry was signed last year by the Fort Wayne club, but for some reason or other he and Fort Wayne cannot get along very well. He has not signed there so far this year and the following is what the Fort Wayne Gazette says alxrut him: Minnehan, the biased-eyed south-paw ’ vrho caused the Fort Wayne management so much trouble last season by his persistent bull-headedness and shirk of work, has not yet returned his V contract, and from the looks of things s does not intend to. There was no crepe on the door or tears in the eyes of Manager O’Meara when he informed the reporter of this fact a day or so ago. Minnehan is “not so much” and would have to work to hold his job against the pitching talent that will report here this season. It may be that the black-haired twirler has signed somewhere else, with the hope that he will be allowed to go elsewhere unchallenged. but in this he will lx* disappointed. Fort Wayne does not care a whit whether he plays here or not most of the fans would rather see him off the team but when he gets the idea in his head that the local man- I agement is going to permit him or any ; other player to trifle with its good faith, then he will discover his mistake. Minnehan will either come to terms with Fort Wayne or lay off, that’s all.

Dbcatilß

Sheriff Cull Whipple went up to Decatur Monday ntght to get Miss Garringer, who has been admitted to the insane asylum. He went through here at 7:30 the next morning for Richmond, and was joined by his wife, who assisted him.—Portland Sun. Laws have already been passed in several states requiring the use of wide tires on heavy wagons on the common highway. It has been proposed to combine with that plan a provision that the rear axle shall be six or seven inches longer than the front one. The hind wheels woidd then run in a different track from the front ones, and a smoothing effect upon the road would be produced. The scheme has merits. The annual spring convocation of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Fort Wayne, began at the Masonic Temple in that city Tuesday afternoon and continued until Wednesday evening, and closing with a grand banquet. We notice among those on the reception committee the name of our honored jurist, J. T. Merryman. The degrees conferred are from the fourth to the sixteenth, inclusive. The banquet was in charge of Dick Townsend and we know it must have been a success. Christopher Kirsch was seventy years old last Thursday and in honor of that event he was given a pleasant surprise by his many relatives and friends. He was reading his paper as was his usual custom in the evening, when the door was opened and the party of friends swept in upon him. He was completely surprised, but notwithstanding that fact he enjoyed the treat as much as any body. The evening was spent very pleasantly and an elegant supper was served. Father Kirsch was presented with a handsome gold-headed cane as a remembrance that he reached the eventful age of three score years and ten.

From inside information the Democrat learns that a new depot will be erected by the Grand Rapids railwaysome time during the coming summer. While this announcement is somewhat premature, yet we have faith in the company to give this city what is due her, a respectable station for the transaction of the vast amount of business that is daily consummated between our business men and others and the company- through their efficient and ever courteous agent. Jeff Bryson. We reiterate the statement and say we have explicit confidence in the company- to do this at the time stated. If they undertake to make us out a full-fledged prevaricator they may expect to face the doleful music of a damage suit. We don’t propose to be slandered.

The circuit court has wound up the following business during the week past: State vs Benjamin Leingerich, defendant fined S2O and costs. International Banking & Loan Association vs Decatur Trenton Rock Co. et al., title to real estate in Geneva quieted; judgment vs defendants for costs. State vs Lee Smith, jury returned a verdict of not guilty as to Ed and Buck Rohrer. Adam W. Kennedy vs Findlay J. Mcßae et al., set for trial on April 5. Lydia E. Smith vs Job Smith, set for trial April 2. John Welfley vs Edward J. Bailey et al., suit on account and to set asid fraudulent conveyance. Emma E. Mann vs Nora Linn, jury returned into ojien court a verdict vs the defendant with damages assessed in the sum of $25. Julia Waggoner et al vs Lhamon Headington et al., James T. Merryman as commissioner reports sale of thirty-four acres of land to Albert Gage; the report was confirmed. Marcellus M. Justus vs John King jr. et al., judgment vs defendants for $45.55. Our neighboring city, Portland, seems unable to check the wild happening of terrible events in their heretofore peaceful little city. Murder, suicide, mysterious deaths and a number of robberies are among the awful crimes recorded in the midst of the citizens of Jay county within the last month. The murder of Mrs. Stoltz, an aged and defenseless woman, a few weeks ago, is still fresh in the minds of our readers. Another chapter of that terrible story is now furnished. Herschel La Follette, one of the suspects in that heinous crime, committed suicide last Friday morning by cutting his throat, at the home of his aunt in South Portland. The officers had suspected LaFollette of being implicated in the murder and he had lx>en arrested just after the murder, but was afterwards released. More conclusive proofs had been secured against him, however, and the officers went to the house to re-arrest him, when the ghastly find of his body was made with his throat cut from ear to ear. It is thought by many that this will throw some light on the affair as it is reported that a confession was found admitting the crime and implicating several young men of Portland who have heretofore born enviable reputations. LaFollette was arrested some two years ago, charged with larceny but was acquitted. It is to be hoped that our fair sister city will soon be able to quiet the terrible trend of excitement caused by the numerous events which have happened there lately and that the offenders may speedily be brought to justice.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 189 S.

The Portland Sun, the widely known democratic organ of Jay county, comes out this week with several illustrated pages on “The city of Portland.” The paper is very neat and the many business houses which are given notices shows that Portland is all that is claimed for her. Dick Townsend gave another elegant 6 o’clock dinner at the Hotel Burt last Sunday evening. Among the attractions besides any amount of delicacies to eat, were the fancy souvenir menu cards which were printed at this office. To appreciate the treats you have been missing, you should attend dinner at the Burt next Sunday evening. The Rathbone Sisters will within the next few weeks present to the citizens of Decatur a minstrel show entitled, “The Belles of Blackville.” Prof. Hollosbeter, of Peru, will instruct the ladies and the entertainment will without doubt be one of the most laughable as well as enjoyable home talent concerts ever given in the city. The date is to be announced within a few days and we have no doubt the “Belles” will make quite an impression on the audience. A new postal law went into effect on the first of March to the effect that mail matter addressed to the “leading dry goods merchant” or the “leading physican” will not be delivered by the postmaster. Neither will mail matter addressed to John Smith (“if not there any good lawyer”) be delivered to any one but John Smith. Another new feature about Uncle Sain’s jxistoffice buisness is that the department will not hereafter print envelopes with the card of its patrons, but they will be compelled to get the work done at a local printing office if they desire a card on the envelope. A number of the little folks of this city made their first appearance upon the sea of oratory at the Methodist church last Friday evening. The occasion was an entertainment given by the Junior League for the benefit of the church. The program consisted of recitations and songs by the children and a tableau and dialogue, entitled “Pygmaelion and Galatea,” by Mrs. J. D. Hale and daughtar Miss Sadie. The entire program was excellent and was a success financially as well as being well rendered. The ages of the children who took part in the concert ranged from three to fourteen years, and although some of them were a little affected with stage fright, the majority of them passed through the ordeal of their first appearance quite gracefully. Tonight at 7 o’clock at the handsome residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Ellsworth, on north Third street, will occur the wedding of their daughter, Miss Nellie F. to Mr. Clarence B. Meyers of Geneva. The young couple are both quite well known in this city. Miss Ellsworth is one of Decatur’s most beautiful and charming young ladies. She is a graduate of the Decatur high school and also of the School of Music at Fort Wayne. Mr. Meyers is a son of David Meyers who was for a number of years in business in this city, but has for several years been a resident of Geneva, where both he and his son Clarence, hold lucrative positions with the Standard Oil Company. The young couple will be at home to their many friends after April 1, at Geneva, Indiana. About fifty invitations have been issued and the wedding is to be one of the elite social events of the season. Although a little premature, the Democrat extends congratulations to the happy young couple and wishes them many years of happiness and prosperity. The commissioners finished up their regular session last evening, having completed a large bunch of business during their nine days session. Since last week they officiated over the following: On the George H. Kelley ditch petition, Martin L. Smith, Jacob Miller and Cris Neuenschwander were appointed viewers. The application of Henry Ward for admission into the school of feeble minded was granted. Privilege was granted Alexander Johnson to ereet telephone poles along the gravel road east of Berne. The Petition of D. P. Bolds to remit taxes was continued. The petition of the Central Union Telephone Company for right of way, was granted. This permission only gives the company the privilege of using the outside twelve inches, and is an improvement over the general franchises granted. On petition of L. C. Dunbar, a highway was vacated. H. C. Andrews was appointed constable of Monroe township. The petition of Auditor Mangold to make Assessor’s books was approved. Henry Riting, David J. Moser and Joseph J. Johnson were appointed viewers on the ditch petition presented by John Walker. Gerber & Sprunger rented the old fair grounds, paying therefor $40.50. A gravel road petition signed by fifty odd freeholders was favorably considered and W. H. Shepherd, HenryMiller with W. E. Fulk, engineer, were appointed viewers. The petition calls for a road running south past the Smith Peterson home to the Monroe township line, with several branches, embracing twelve miles of road. The viewers will report their estimate at the June session.

Mabel Edwards, who it will be remembered was unable to take part in the oratorical contest given by the Decatur high school at the opera house last week, is now fully recovered. It is reported that she has challenged the winner, Miss Effie Woodward. We are unable to say whether she will still be permitted to contest or not. Mrs. Marsh Burdge. accompanied by Miss Mary Closs, her milliner, left last Monday for a several days visit at Detroit, Cleveland and Toledo, where they will attend the millineryopenings and proceed to learn all the new spring styles in the hat line. You should see them upon their return and pick out your Easter bonnet. While unloading logs in Smith & Bell’s mill yards last Tuesdas morning, Ben Pillars was quite seriouslyhurt. He was rolling one of the logs down a plank when the chain holding it broke and the log fell on his right leg. crushing it just below the knee. Both bones were badly broken and the leg terribly bruised. He was taken to the home of Mrs. Shields on First street, where he has been making his home for some time, and Dr. J. S. Coverdale was called, who reduced the fracture. Ben is getting along as well as could be expected, but owing to his age, he will no doubt lx 1 confined to his room several weeks. At Hartford City on March 23. the fifty-fourth annual session of the North Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church will convene. The North Indiana conference is divided into the districts of Ft. Wayne, Richmond. Goshen, Kokomo, Muncie and Warsaw, with the following presiding elders in charge: F. T. Simpson. A. E. Mahin, C. G. Hudson. M. C. Merriel, H. N. Herrick and L. A. Lewellen. Statistics of the conferrence show the membership to be 50,986, with 477 churches valued at $1,500,000. The conference annually raises $46,000 for the different branches of church work. It is expected that at the conference advanced grounds will be taken on the amusement question. Bishop Charles H. Fowler, of Buffalo, will preside over the conference, which is expected to be the largest ever held in the district.

At 10:30 last Friday evening fire was discovered in the stable owned by S. C. Niman and situated at the rear of his residence on Fourth street. The fire was under considerable headway when discovered and the loss to Mr. Niman was total. The fire companies were on the scene within a few minutes after the alarm was turned in and succeeded in saving the stables owned by Mrs. Coffee and Judge Heller which are just across the alley from the one destroyed. The loss to Mr. Niman is about $350 with $l5O insurance in the Germon of Freeport Insurance Company. A man by the name of Wingate who was very probably either crazy or drunk, caused considerable commotion by attempting to order fire chief Helm around. The fire is supposed to have been caused by a tramp, as a suspicious looking character was seen running away from the barn just as the alarm was given. Here is another ease for which our citv is to blame. So long as we harbor these “sons of idleness” in our midst we need not be surprised at anything. Let’s protect our homes. Word was received here last Sunday announcing that Mrs. John Chubb, who for many years was a resident of this city, but who during the past seven years had been living with her daughter, Mrs. Ed Rosebrough, at Huntington, was dead. Sarah Ellen (LeMasters) Chubb was born in this city, May 11, 1841. She was married to John J. Chubb November 29,1860. To themone daughter was born, who is now Mrs. Edward Rosebrough. Mrs. Chubb departed this life to be with Jesus, March 13, 1898, after suffffering for several years. She realized that she could not recover and spoke of her decease with calmness and hope, longing to be at rest. The Huntington Herald publishes the following notice of her death: The death of Mrs. S. E. Chubb, which was looked for at any hour for weeks past, occurred Sunday at 11:45. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rosebrough. on Henry street, where she made her home the past four or five years. For several years she was an in tense sufferer from Bright’s disease, which finally caused dropsy and heart disease. Mrs Chubb was a native of Adams county, and for many years was a resident of Decatur. Her husband died about seven years ago and soon afterward the deceased came to this city to live with her daughter, Mrs. Rosebrough. Her age was fiftyeight years. Her religious affiliations were with the Presbyterian church, of which she was an exemplary member. Not having resided here a great while, she had not formed a wide acquaintance, but all who did know her admired her numerous good qualities and appreciated her greatly. Many will drop a tear because of her departure. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. William Wisner, of Decatur, and Mrs. Martha Gallagher, of Kansas City. The remains will lx> taken to Decatur for interment. leaving on the Erie noon train, Tuesday, after a brief service conducted at 11:30, by Rev. M. L. Donahey, at the Rosebrough residence.

Cards are out announcing that L. D. Adams will entertain a number of his friends at the Park Hotel tomorrow evening in honor of Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Gregg. Invitations for about fifty people have been issued and we predict that this will be one of the most enjoyable events of the season. Rev. Gregg leaves for conference next week. This is his last year in Decatur according to the rulesof the Methodist conference and Rev. Gregg and familywill no doubt leave here the following week. Two tramps called at the home of Charles Niblick on Third street, last Monday evening and asked for a “bite to eat.” Mrs. Niblick gave them their supper and they started to leave. They noticed some clothes hanging on the line in the yard, however, and proceeded to supply themselves with a good stock of shirts and underwear, which were the property ot Charles Niblick and James Waldron. The police were notified but the tramps could not be found. How long do our citizens have to put up with the work of these vagabonds? It would take the council but a short time to pass an ordinance which would speedily put an end to their frequent visits to this city.

Tin l Adams County Sunday School Association began their annual convention at the United Brethren church in this city yesterday afternoon, and will continue in session until tonight. Nearly all of the township precincts are present, besides a number of delegates from each township. The superintendents of the various Sunday schools of the county are also in attendance, and are assisting in making the meeting a success. A number of quartettes from all over the county are furnishing the music. The meeting is in charge of the president of the association, Mr. A. S. Burley of Geneva, and the secretary, Miss Ella Wyatt. A number of state and district officers are also in attendance and the meetings are a grand success. Everybody should attend this afternoon and evening. We will have a fuller account of the meetings in our next issue. Bill No. 5, which was allowed by the city council at their meeting this week, the title of which is “L. C. Helm, for premium,” may not be understood by many of our readers. About three months ago the council in order to stimulate the members of the fire companies, passed a resolution which provided that the city should be divided into two fire districts and that Fourth street should be the dividing line, that the fire company in the east end of town should be known as company number one and the one in the west end as company number two. They further provided that when there is a fire in the west end of the city and company number one is the first to reach the conflagration and throws the first stream of water, then that company is entitled to a premium of $5, and vice versa. The Niman fire, which occurred last Friday evening was west of Fourth street and was therefore in the territory of company number two, and as company number one were the first on the field of battle, hence the allowance. This will no doubt encourage the boys to go on double quick time to fires. Council met in regular session at the city hall on Monroe street last Tuesday evening. Vail, Knoff, Teeple and Niblick were present. Rice and Mayor Quinn being absent. CouncilI man Knoff was on motion made chair- | man of the meeting in the absence of |of the mayor. On motion of Niblick. J. W. Vail, chairman of the board of public improvements, was ordered to purchase and have replaced the dead trees at the city park. The committee on finance then filed the following bills, which upon motion were allowed: A. W. Steele & Bro. $.25, Firemen’s bill for Niman fire sl2, street commissioners pay roll, L. C. Helm for premium at Niman fire $5, John D. Andrews $5, Fort Wayne Electric Light Company $29.73, C. L. Olds Construction Company for material $71.15, C. L. Olds Construction Company $8.25, Standard Oil Company $10.20, John W. Tyndall, city engineer, pay roll, John Watkins, $5.55, A. Bollman $1.05, water works company bill for labor allowed, Electric Appliance Company for material $7.22, Report of the fire committee, by L. C. Helm, chief of the department was read and adopted. The order was spread on record. On motion of J. W. Teeple, the ordinance governing the finance committee was referred to the finance committee and the city attorney for revision and an order was given that the committee report on the same at the next stated meeting. The bill of P. J. Highland for $20.25 was presented. and was on motion allowed. A bill was also allowed for $1 to A. E. Rose for labor in putting in electric , lights. A resolution which was carried without any objections and without a dissenting vote was then brought up. It was the resolution to pay the city officers their salaries for the quarter ending March 31, 1898. Roll was called and Knoff. Niblick, Vail and Teeple voted yea. This being all of the business which was to be brought up. the council on motion of one of the members adjourned to i meet again at their next stated meeti ing.

CIRCULATION 2400 WEEKLY

A rumor is all agog in business circles to the effect that the AllisonStudabaker block on the corner of Second and Madison streets will be rebuilt with a handsome stone front business block. The new building will contain three ground floor business rooms with suits of rooms on second floor. It is needless to say that if these gentlemen conclude to make the improvement mentioned, that it will contain all the latest and most modern improvements. The site upon which the building- is to be erected is the best in the city, and no better monument to their memory could be built. It is one that would carry with it a mark of respect almost to the end of time, and generations yet to come would look upon it with a spirit of reverence and respect. The circuit court was the scene of much interest, that very speculative white capping case being again before the court. The jury was empaneled last Thursday and the taking of evidence was begun Friday morning. The testimony was similar to that in the other trial, no new material points being developed. The principle witnesses for the state being Henry Ashbaucher and Alva Nichols, who had turned states evidence and had formerly entered a plea of guilty. The two defendants, Ed and Buck Roher, told their plain and simple story, denying, in every detail all knowledge or participation in the affair. Their evidence went through without a jar no contradiction between the two being manifested. The arguments were heard Tuesday and the jury retired about four o’clock to deliberate upon a proper verdict. They done lightning work as they were out but half an hour when they returned a verdict of not guilty. This clears the Roher boys of any complicity with this dreadful affair, and the sympathy of the public, generally speaking, is in their favor. The Ladies Cecillian Club held a reception Tuesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Hensley, the guests of honor being Rev. and Mrs. E. T. Gregg. Ninety guests responded to that many invitations issued and enjoyed the hospitality of both the club members and the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Hensley. Very elegant refreshments were served, after which a conversationalist contest took place, in which the gentlemen were compelled to put on a bold, brave face and talk a race with the ladies. The odds were heavy, of course, but by perseverence James T. Merryman succeeded in making every woman present ashamed of her ability in this line, and in consequence walked off with the prize. In years to come he can proudly refer to the time and place where he succeeded in maintaining the rights of his sex but we predict that this will be the onlyinstance on record. The entertainment throughout was enjoyable and a grand success. The house was beautifully decorated with the club colors and otherwise arranged for the convenience and pleasure of such a party. The Misses Keuchman and Minnie Orvis enlivened the occasion with several orchestral selections which demonstrated their accomplishments and brought forth admiration from their audience.

Another pioneer settler of Adams county has passed away. John Christen, Sr., of Root township, died last Saturday morning of heart failure at the extreme old age of eighty-five years, seven months and three days. He was one of the early settlers of this county and has a large number of relatives and friends in this city who mourn the loss of his useful life. Father Christen was of rugged character, stern integrity, jovial and kind at all times, hating cant and hypocrisy of every description, and outspoken and fearless in condemnation as well as praise. In 1889 he became totally blind but was as happy and glad to converse with his old friends and neighbors and greeted them with the same innate camaraderie as in former times. John Christen, Sr., was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland. August 9, 1812, and died at his residence in Root township. Man’ll 12, 1898. He was reared on a farm, but later in life carried on a bakery. He was married July 17, 1835, to Miss Elizabeth Schaad, of Canton Berne. The family came to America in 1850, landing in New York and coming thence to Adams county and settling on the farm which they have occupied ever since. Mrs. Christen died about two years ago. Mr. Christen was the father of twelve children, eight of whom are living. Two of his sons have been residents of this city for many years. They are Godfrey and Albright Christen, the former being assistant manager of the gas plant. The rest of the children are in various parts of the United States, two living in California, one in Fort Wayne, one in Marion, Ind., one in Dayton, Ohio, and one occupying the old homestead which has for many years Ims'ii the home of the deceased. Mr. Christen was a member of the German Reform church. He was an ardent worker in the democratic party and was for many years a trustee of Root township. His funeral was held last Monday afternoon from the house and was one of the largest ever held in the county. Rev. D. F. Kain, of Markle, conducted the services.

NUMBER 1