Decatur Democrat, Volume 42, Number 8, Decatur, Adams County, 5 May 1898 — Page 1

ALl _ THE NEWS ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLIL

THOMAS FOSTER AUTEN, Ao-ain are we called upon to record death of one of Adams county's blest and most prominent pioneer Wizens and business men. Thomas F Auten passed peacefully into the NN bevond last Monday morning o ter a lingering illness of several v ir s For the last third of a century \(r Auten has been prominent in [ business circles in the countv. always readv to help either financially or bv his labor any enterprise which would I benefit the community. During the [ nast few years he has l>een connected with the firm of Auten & Gay, furniI ture dealers, he being the senior member of the firm. His poor health however has prevented him from acttivelv taking ahold of the business. In fact during the past year he has been confined to the house almost constantly. His affliction was that dread disease consumption and although this lasted so long and his sufferings were great, he bore it manfullv and patiently as the true soldier he was. Thomas Foster Auten was I born in Carroll county, Ohio, NovemI ber 11. 1839, and died at his home in [this city May 2nd, 1898, aged fiftynine ye irs, five months and twentyI one days. When but a child his par- ! ents removed to this county and seti tied on a farm near Monmouth. Here he resided until August 1861, when he enlisted in company K. eightv-ninth regiment and marched gallantly to the front to serve under the flag of his country which he loved so well. He entered the service as corporal in which position he served until June 1864, when he was promoted to fifth sergeant. This office he filled faithfully and well until he was mustered out of the service, August 8,1860. The first battle in which he was engaged was on September 14 to 16, [ 1862, at Monfordville, Kentucky, when he was taken prisoner In 1864 his regiment under Major W .T. Sher I man. left Vicksburg February 2. and I returned March 4. having engaged in I a skirmish on February 22. March 14 at Fort De Russey. Louisiana, on April 9 at Pleasant Hill. Louisiana, on May 7 at Bayou La More, on May I' at Yellow Bayou, at Tupelo. Mississipi, on July 14. The next battle in which he was engaged took place at Nashville, Teunessee, on Decemlter 15 and 16. 1864. and the last siege of Blakely in front of Mobile. Alabama. April 9. 1865. After his return from the war he engaged in the carpenter business, which trade he had learned before enlisting in the army. He followed this work until 1884, when he entered into partnership with B. W. Sholty and opened a large drug store in this city under the firm name of Sholty & Auten. After several years, this business was disposed of and shortly afterwards the firm of Woodward A Auten, furniture dealers was organized. This firm existed until 1895 when Mr. Auten retired. He has since been connected in the same business with J. L. Gay. Mr. Auten was married July 14,1861, to Miss Johannah Coverdale. To them were born three children, one son and two daughters. The loving wife and this only daughter, Miss Mattie, still survive. the two sons having preceded him to a heavenly home. When a young man Mr. Auten united with the Evangelical Brethern church. In this creed he was a faithful believer and follower until 1890 when he united with the Methodist Episcopal church. He was ever a great believer and worker in fraternal orders, having been a Master Mason since August 17. 1868 and a member of the G. A. R. since its organization and it was under the auspices of these orders that he was carried to his lasting resting place. The funeral occurred from the Methodist church in this city at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. W. H. Daniels, officiated, assisted by Rev. D. T. Kain, of Markle. Indiana, and was one of the largest ever held in the county. The pall-bearers were brothers who had served with him in the army and who were also members of the Masonic fraternity. They were Norval Blackburn. B. W. Sholty. T. R. Moore, Samuel Pillars, Andrew Teepie and John D. Hale. During the ceremony, every business house in the city was dosed as a mark of respect, and friends from all over the county turned out to pay the last homage of respect to the dead. Mr. Auten was a man known by many and loved by all who knew him, and the respect paid to him by the friends is a but a small tribute to his service to them during life. Thus ends the life of another honest and upright citizen.

The Ladies Mite Society of the Methodist church met in the lecture room of the church, last Thursday afternoon. Reports of the various officers of the society were read and accepted and then officers were selected for the ensuing year. Those who were selected were Mrs. John Niblick, as President; Mrs. D. D. Heller, was re-elected Vice President: Mrs. W. H. Myers, Treasurer and Mrs Daniel Sprang and Mrs. C. M. Kenyon, Secretaries, Refreshments "ere served and a general good time enjoyed by all the ladies who were fortunately present.

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Sara Riesen, Sr., is very low at this writing. Esq. P. J. Bryan of Jefferson township, was in the city yesterday. The county republican convention is being held in the city today. Alee Johnson is the happy papa of a baby girl that arrived at his home Ins Tuesday. AmosHirshy was sadly surprised when he went to his barn' and found his harness stolen. T. L. Kixer and wife of Hartford township, spent last Sunday with relatives near this city. Kern. Brittson & Beeler again announce that they are headquarters for bargains. See their new adv’t. Smith & Yager are having the front of their drug store repainted this week. Gregory & Son are the artists. C. E. Doty the tailor, now has the war fever. For more specific information see his large display on second page. Peter Soldner of Berne, Ed Neuenschwander of Linn Grove, and Aaron Bricker of Linn Grove, were business visitors here Tuesday. John Schaffer and Miss Tessa Appleman were married yesterday morning. John Appleman and Miss Anna Wolbert acted as groomsman and bridesmaid. George L. Gase and Miss Jennie Bogner were married yesternay morning at the Catholic church. Both are well know young people of the county. The will reside just north of the city. The Democrat extends congratulations. The school enumeration for the year of 1898 has just been filed. It shows an increase of thirty-five over the proceeding year. Following are the figures: Males, 688; females 661. Total 1,349. The enumeration for 1897 was 1,314. One branch of industry is making money out of the war scare, anyhow. It is the department of ocean telegraphing. The cables have been kept hot enough to warm the ocean bed for the past four months. A single cablegram costs sometimes as much as SI,OOO. From a Dayton newspaper we learn of the death of Mrs. Margaret Davis, who at one time was a resident of this city. It was many years ago but quite likely many old residents remember her. She was eighty-four years old. Her death occurred March 10, after an illness of some duration. At the annual meeting of the Decatur Loan Assocation on Monday last the following officers were elected for the ensuing year; President: E. Fritzinger; Vice-President; J. Q. Neptune; Secretary, D. G. M. Trout; Treasurer; A. P. Beatty. Directors: E. Fritzinger, A. P. Beaty J. S. Hart, J. Q. Neptune. P. G. Hooper. D. G. M. Trout, E. Mallonee, Geo. Roop. Don L. Quinn has been appointed regimental clerk for the Fourth Regiment. The position is one of the best “plums” in the service as the duties are much nicer than those of the odinary soldiers and the financial part of the job is also much more satisfactory. Don is well sited for the position and will do credit to himself, his company and regiment. Sergeant Bob Miller" has been appointed as sergeant major of the regiment. Only 86 pounds and worth §IO,OOO. Startling and seemingly incomprehensible at first still it is a truth. The Worlds Greatest Dog and Pony Shows have positively the smallest perefectly formed horse on earth. This atom of horse flesh is called “Independence.” Is perfectly harness broke, and weighs 86 pounds. His part of the entertainment is a difficult one, positively plays leap frog with “King” a great Dane dog, jumping over each others back clearing it with a clean bound. They joyously run around the arena in positive delight. The envy of the small boy. Will exhibit Wednesday, May 11, on Winchester street, between Erie and Clover Leaf depots. Eighty-eight tickets were sold at the Clover Ceaf depot in this city last Sunday morning for Indianapolis. There were two trains, one at 4:12 and one 6:15, and long ere Kokomo was reached both trains were crowded. The trains arrived at the state fair grounds where the "boys in blue” are in camp at 10:30. The day was spent in si'riit seeing and in looking up and encouraging the brave laddies who left here on the Tuesday morning previous. Those present report the boys getting along nicely except Harry Quinn, who was in the city hospital with the measles. There was something like 100.000 people on the grounds during the entire day, leaving after dress parade, which occurred at 6 o’clock. The returning train left Indianapolis at 6:30 p. m. and arrived here about 2a. m. There was considerable delay at Kokomo, for some unknown reason anil the excursionists were compelled to wait for more than two hours. The boys were complaining some of their accommodations but still everybody seems o be happy and contented and all were glad to meet their old Decatur friends.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1898.

Berne schools will close Friday, j entertainments will lie given Thurs- i day and Friday evening at Arena hall. John Meister and wife returned to Chicago after a prolonged visit with father. Fred Meister,, who is now in a critical condition. Misses Knight and Stockman of Ft. Wayne, who have been wisiting Mrs. H. M. Romberg returned home Monday. Charles Spencer, who has been traveling for the Standard Oil Company for some time past, spent Sunday with his parents in this city. Ed Macy, of Monroe, who went with Co - 8., has been appointed company clerk since the promotion of Don Quinn to regimental clerk. Dell Locke, R. B. Allison, Hiram Gregg, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Kenyon and Miss Sadie Hale were among the Decaturites who took in the Ingersoll lecture at Fort Wayne last Friday evening. A number of our band boys have made application for admittance to the state military bands, and it is said they have received favorable replies, several have expressed their intention of going to Indianapolis to join within a few days. That dogs must have brains and be capable of understanding is plainly shown by a visit to the Worlds Greatest Dog andJJ Pony Shows. Where one beholds them obeying commands and executing marvelous feats such as human beings are capable of. The following unclaimed letters are at the postoffice this week for Mrs. Mary Hopkins, Mrs. Susie M. Harker, Burl Robinson, Wm Graves, Mrs. Ed Evans, Lizzie Geisler, Mary Neumyer, Harry Daniels, Nelson Hase, M. D. Jackett, Albert Hatcher, Lulu Jurdon, Susan Calvin. Ellen Calderwood asks the circuit court to divorce her from George Calderwood. The complaint show them to have been married May 23, 1875, and that they lived together until April 11, 1898.’ Cruel in inhuman treatment and a failure to pro- [ vide is the grounds of action. The plaintiff demands a divorce and the care and custody of their five children. New court cases are Ellen Calderwood vs George Calderwood, divorce. German Building & Loan Fund Savings Association vs Clarissa Tucker, et al., foreclosure. John Wagner vs ■ Daniel W. Meyers ano Amos Gillig, i damages. Lunina King vs William Drake, petition to have defendant declared of unsound mind. Old Adams County Bank vs Amos S. Tillis, et al., foreclosure. Charles Leßrun, an old Decatur boy, but a member of the 18th Infantry U. S. A. stationed for several days at New Orleans, has written to his father, Dr. E. H. Leßrun, of this city, that they had received orders to’go to CubujfeXi would set sail for there on Charley is an Adams county boy of the right kind of nerve, and we will no doubt hear of his bravery in the present conflict. A number of the militia boys are expected to return home today. Last nights Indianapolis News says: The announcement that the Indian National Guard is not to be taken into the Federal service as it is now constituted is causing much discontent. Many of the best informed men in camp are now saying that it would have been better for all concerned if the call had [ been for raw volunteers instead of for the National Guard. The impression is that before the end is reached the National Guard will have been completely disrupted. For one reason or another nearly one-fifth of the National Guardsmen who came into camp have gone home, and their is prospect that still others will quit the service before the muster is completed. The Warsaw National Union of last weeks issue contains the following, and has reference to the son of Daniel Yager of this city: It seems that we have characters in this town who are capable of holding a man up and robbing him in regular highwayman fashion. Last Saturday night about 11:30, as John Yeager, of Decatur, was on his way home to Mr. Rock’s a relative and whom he was visiting, he was assailed by a robber as he was walking along on the sidewalk on thes outh side of Mrs, Q. A. Hossler’s residence. Mr. Yeager was carrying a bundle of underclothing and other articles that he had purchased that evening. The highwayman immediately struck his intended victim a heavy blow on the neck and proceeded to go’ through him. In the scuffle the bundle of goods was broken open and scattered about, which the robber gathered up when he left. Mr. Yeager claims that §23 was taken from him. He picked up some loose change on the sidewalk amounting to about adollarand a half after the scuffle was over. He then returned up town and made known his trouble when he was accompanied home by some party. Mr. Yeager was here on a visit to his aunt Mrs. Rock. He still had some money left when he got through with his experience and left on the first train east Sunday morning.

At the Catholic church last Sunday the bans of matrimony were annouced for the first time for Mary Lang and Maurice Baker, Kattie Helenkamp and Harry T. Shawl. W. B. Suttles councilman-elect, requests us to tender the voters of the first ward his thanks for the magnificent vote given him Tuesday. He feels proud of his friends and will ever hold them in high appreciation. Lewis Fuelling the young druggist at W. H. Naehtrieb’s, is now a partner in that business, having purchased a one-third interest. The young man is to be congratulated upon the sucess already attained, which we predict is a beginning in his business career. Squire Smith was very much in demand last Saturday. During the afternoon he united in marriage Maynard Johnson and Mary C. Williams and Charles Draper and Eva Tritch. The ’squire says he bound them just as tight as any preacher could have done. Postmaster E. D. Moffett, of Hartford City, attended the funeral of his cousin, Thomas F. Auten, in this city yesterday. Mr. Moffett was at one time proprietor of Decatur Journal and has many friends here. While in the city he called upon the boys in this office, several of whom were formerly in his employ. At a meeting Monday evening of the commissioned officers of the First Reserves, the new military company, the following now commissioned staff was agreed upon. Sergants James Heafling, Bert Lower, P. J. Hyland, Will Schrook. Corporals —E. G. Coverdale, Albert Porter, O. Shaw, P. O. Ehinger. Musicans—Jesse Sutton, C. Voglewede. Last Sunday’s Ft Wayne Journal says: Private H. M. Quinn of Co. B. Fourth regiment was brought to the hospital Friday night suffering from general debility. He had been on guard duty all day, and not being accustomed to such vigorous service succumbed to the heat and other influnces and was placed in a hospital cot to recuperate. Yesterday morning he had greatly revived and will be able to rejoin his company soon. A serious runaway occurred at Geneva last Saturday, during the funeral of Miss Lydia Davidson. A horse driven by Mrs. Pyles became frightened at a passing train and went tearing down the road like mad. In its flight it ran into a carriage in which were Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Burdge. The carriage was overturned and Mrs. Watson was quite badly hurt. The other occupant escaped without injury save being badly frightened. Since war with Spain has been the all-absorbing question in the United States the greatest fad in decorating show windows is using flags, pictures of eminent men, or in fact anything patriotic. Among our enterprising business men who have taken advantage, special attention should be called to Kern, Brittson & Beeler, Boston Store. The New Fair Store, Coffee’s Bazaar and John Brock’s. In the latter are the miniature ships, representing the New York and Olympia battleships of the United States. The other windows are decorated with pictures of such men as Grant, Lincoln, Washington and others. American and Cuban flags, and photographs of the Maine and other ships of the navy. It is well worth your time to make a trip through the business part of the city to see these tastefully decorated windows. Court proceedings can be told in the following: Edward Marshand vs David Hirshey, trial by jury and defendant found to be of unsound mind. Grand jury reported as follows: Comes now the grand jury of the April term of the Adams circuit court and would most respectfully report to the Honorable Judge, that they have investigated all the felonies and certain misdemeanors which is their duty to investigate that have come to their knowledge and with the submission of their final report, they would most respectively ask tojlie discharged. They have visited the county infirmary and find that the inmates of that institution are well cared for. the beds and bedding are well looked after, are neat and clean and every comfort that can lie granted said inmates is given due attention. The stock at said county farm are in fine condition, well fed and properly cared for. The buildings might be repaired some, the cellar under the dwelling house of the superintendent should receive some attention, as it is in a bad sanitary condition. The crops on the farm are about as fine and looking as well as any the grand jurors have seen in any section of the county, and they believe Mr. Graber, the superintendent of the farm is the right man in the right place, and that his services as such superintendent is very valuable. They visited the jail and found the cells and liedding neat and clean, but recommended some repairing. German Building Loan Fund Association vs Adolph Huffman, judgment rendered against the defendant for $735.50. Hannah Miller vs Albert D. Miller. set for trial sixth Thursday of present term. State vs Amos Herman, now on trial.

OFFICIAL VOTE OF CITY ELECTION. Mayor I Clerk Marsh’l [ Treas. 1 Conncilmen. X-C|Xo| SO I W 2P II?I®X M 22 I S O S ; -1 P o -ft = -j =T ~ < - 1 - - £ =■ I •; 5 I t a, 2. = = J WARDS. - 5 X - g q =. 5- 2 ~ NO i r Nmrorih i j ; ; i Od OH UN U I : ; : ■ I • i First Ward, precinct A. 72 58 70 49 64 64 77 49 70 57 First Ward, precinct B 82 45 83 32 76 41 73 36 84 36 Second Ward 170 135 217 73 200 94 205 82 IT9 173 139 83 Third Ward 184 138 287 79 229 88 227 85 221 95 Total 80S 376 607 233 560 1287 588 252 154 93 179 173 139 , 83 221 95 Majority 132 374| 2S2| 336 61 40 |34 126

Mrs. Colcrofts’ class in physical culture held their last meeting last Thursday evening. The class will now continue under the direction of Miss Maggie Dorwin. The marriage of Miss Lena Lang and Edward Lang was solemnized at the St. Mary’s Catholic church yesterday morning. Both are well known young people of this city and the Democrat joins with their numerous friends in wishing them many years of happiness. There is a great deal of Complaint made about some farmers who trim their hedges and allow the brush tolie by the roadside to have the thorns scattered over the road, which has lieen the cause of many punctured tires of the bicycle rider. People who trim their hedges should be careful where they pile their brush, for anyone having a tire injured by a hedge thorn can prosecute the negligent party for allowing such thorns to get on the public thoroughfare - The J unior League Society of the Methodist church met last Sunday for the election of officers. The Society is under the leadership of Mrs. John D. Hale and is one of the best junior orders in the state. The officers elect are as follows: President, Blanch Dibble; first Vice President, Midge Smith; second Vice President, Carl Myers, third Vice President, Fannie Hite; fourth vice president, Merle Burdg; Secretary. Ora Case; Treasurer Genevieve Chronister; Chorister, Lota Hower. Preparations are in process for a splendid representation from the Decatur League at the League Convention in Fort Wayne in June.

The Cincinnati Enquirer of last Thursday contains the following account of a cycle party given in honor of Miss Effie Brokaw of this city: A very pleasant event given by the ladies of the bicycle club Wednesday evening, at the elegant home of Miss Janet Fairmont, Walnut Hills, was in honor of Miss Effie Brokaw, stenographer in the Chamber of Commerce, who leaves Cincinnati, Thursday, for her home at Decatur, Ind., the guest of her parents. The young people consisting of 32, appeared in bicycle costumes. Bicycle racing from five to six o’clock, dancing and indulging in various games were the features of the evening. An elegant dinner awaited them at eight o’clock. A most enjoyable time was had bv all. The young people dispersed at nine o’clock, wishing Miss Brokaw a safe arrival home and a speedy return. City Council met in regular session last Tuesday evening and the meeting was continued over until Wednesday morning. Those present to answer the roll call were Coverdale, Rice, Vail, Niblick. Mayor Quinn presided. A resolution was presented asking for a sewer to be built along Thirteenth and Monroe streets. The resolution was placed lief ore the house and vote upon its passage was aye, Coverdale, Rice, Niblick, Vail. Nays, none. The street commissioner made his regular report which was ordered spread of record. A resolution was then presented asking for the opening of the Ellsworth alley. The resolution was passed without a dissenting vote and the Mayor so declared the resolution as passed. The petitions of Simon P. Beatty for a sidewalk on the west side of Nuttman street and of John Mylott for walks on Eleventh, Monroe and Madison were referred to the street committee for proper consideration. The Finance Committee made a report of bills in hand and reccommended their allowance; Krick & Tyndall, $18.75, street commissioner pay roll, $72.00; William Geary, $5.00; Earl Coverdale, 25c; Miller & Ford, $5.60; Decatur Journal, $20.65; M. Jackson, $18.00; Martin Mylott, $50.00; George Kinzel, $45.00; Frank Peterson, $30.00; John W. Tyndall, $75.00; M. Jackson, S4O; C. Dorwin, $40.00; Standard oil company,sl.7s; Powers A: Foorman. $3.13; Fort Wayne Electric Corporation, $19.90; Decatur Democrat. $3.80; Frank Dibble, freight bills. $5.28. All bills were upon motion allowed. Citv Superintendent Tyndall then made his annual report on the city electric light plant which was by motion accepted and allowed spread of record. Superintendent Tyndall also made a complete annual report of the city waterworks plant which was likewise accepted and spread of record. Council then adjourned.

CIRCULATION 2400 WEEKLY

NUMBER 8

As stated in last weeks issue of the I Democrat forty-three children took their first communion last Sunday | morning at the St. Marys Catholic church in this city. The services occurred at 8:30 o'clock and were very beautiful and impressive. The boys were dressed in black, and the girls each with a beautiful floral wreath upon their head were costumed in white. Another business change has taken place in this city. Fred Heuer, who for several years has been connected with the drug store now owned by Smith & Yager, has resigned his position in that store and purchased a onethird interest in the large drug house of Holthouse & Callow. The new firm will be known by the name of Holthouse, Callow & Co. Fred is one of the best young men in this city. He is an excellent druggist and has an army of friends who will be glad to know of his success. The new firm will no doubt be a successful one, and they solicit a continuance of their large patronage. A number of our brave soldier boys have already tired of the life in camp Mount and have refused to volunteer. Many of the boys from all over the state are returning home. Os these many are married and have a perfect right to do so but the unmarried men who came home after accepting the excursion to Indianapolis must have suddenly become unpatriotic. The boys reported that the scene was rather wild when they marched out of the camp grounds. Crys of “traitors,” •‘baby,” “yellow,” and many other such epiteths were heard on every hand, while the bands played “Bye baby bye.” Among those who returned to this city Tuesday morning were Sergeant Suttles and privates Bert Mann, Charles Mann, John Samson, Ed Pyles, George Conrad, Daniel Straub, wenen Grim, Charles Moyer and several others. It is said there will be twenty-five or thirty more come home soon. Co. B will very probably send an officer here to recruit men to take the places of those who have come home. Several days ago Mayor Quinn received a communication from the headquarters of the National Reserve Volunteers at New York City, asking him to organize a company in this city and instructing him how to effect an’ organization. The instructions were followed and on last Saturday evening an enthusiastic and patriotic meeting for the purpose of completing the organization was held at the court house. Over one hundred men signed the enlistment sheets binding themselves that if called upon to defend “Old Glory” within the next two years they would willingly respond. The meeting was opened by Mayor Quinn, who was the acting chairman of the meeting. He said the purpose of the Volunteer reserve was to organize an army which could lie called out with a few days notice and which would not now necessitate the expending of any funds by the govern ment. He also stated that many of the foreign countries thought that the American army was compost'd of the "regulars” alone and that if this organization was completed the president of the United States could inform the world that within three days he could have in command an army of 5,000,000 able bodied men. The men who signed the sheets are also liable to be called upon in the present crisis with Spain if it becomes necessary. At the conclusion of his talk Mayor Quinn introduced the speakers of the evening. Hon. R. K. Erwin delivered abrilliant and eloquent speech, dwelling at length upon the atrocities of the Spanish soldiers in Cuba, and the outcome of the present war. Ex cellent talks were also made by Hon John T. France and Rev. W. H. Daniels and then came the work of enlisting the men. A committee consisting of R. K. Erwin, John T. France and L. G. Ellingham was appointed to fill out the blanks ready for the signature of the applicant. The program of the evening was interspersed with songs by Miss Hattie Blackburn. C. D. Kunkle and the members of the Methodist choir. The officers of the Reserve are all the generals, colonels and majors of the late war. There seems to te no doubt as to the completion of the movement at an early date and is certain that when the proper time comes Adams county will have her full quoto of men ready for service.