Decatur Democrat, Volume 42, Number 12, Decatur, Adams County, 2 June 1898 — Page 1

all the news all the time.

VOLUME XLII.

Henrv Woods, of Farmland, Ind., pas a business visitor here Tuesday. \ man with a rag over his eyes and a grind organ was “pestering round here" yesterday. William Weimer and wife of \\ inieiJ'ter spent Sunday with Frank Gast and family in this city. Misses Rose Christen and Alle Peterson drove to Fort Wayne Sunday afternoon and spent Decoration Day with friends there, returning Monday evening. The fish and game laws in several northwestern states have been considerable modified. Send for free synopsis of these laws to W . B. Kmsiern, 22 Fifth avenue, Chicago, 111. Unclaimed letters tire at the postoffice for G. C. Miller, Mr. Toms Luekev. Ottie Culbertson, Stepler, jam. Frank Evans, Mary Wagoner and William M. Hess. Charles Meibers spent yesterday hunting and from the results we judge him either lucky or a good marksman. He came in loaded down with five fox I and three grey squirrels. ! Ora Moon and Charles Christen were at Ossian yesterday bidding on a -ehool house contract. They were unsuccessful, however, as a Bluffton contractor secured the work. Consideration 54,200. Dr. Michael Stone died at his home at New Bremen, Ohio on May 17th, aged 57 years. Mr. Stone was well known in this county, he having married here. His aged companion and four children survive him. Interment took place on the Sunday following at the New Bremen cemetery. Mrs. Nute Crowell, wife of the well known operator at the G. R. &I. depot, died at her home in this city last Saturday morning of rheumatic fever. Mrs. Crowell was well known here and the many friends extend sympathy to the bereaved family. Her husband and two small children survive her, and mourn the loss of a devoted wife and a loving mother. Mrs. Sarah Miller, of this city, and Mr. Freeman Earl, of Fort Wayne, were married at the bride’s home on Fornax street last Thursday afternoon. The happy couple left on the 7:34 train the same evening for Fort Wayne, where they will make their future home. They have a host of friends here who wish them nothing but happiness for their future allotment. Cards are out announcing the marriage of Miss Nola Beery to Charles H. Colter at the home of the bride's parents near Pleasant Mills on Wednesday evening, June 15, at eight o’clock. Miss Beery is the highly accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Beery and Mr. Colter is the popular young book keeper at the Decatur National Bank. Both the bride and groom are well known young people of the county, having taught in various district schools and the best wishes of their many friends will go with them. John Henry Gerkey. one of Root townships most highly respected and enterprising citizens, died yesterday morning at an early hour. The deceased had lieen ailing for the last two months with a complication of i diseases, and for several weeks it has I been known that he could not recover, i He was one of the best known men in the township, being an exceptional business fanner, leaving an estate valued at $35,000. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at one o'clock from the German St. Peter church of Root township, of which denomination he was a member. Rev. Heinte will deliver the funeral discourse. News from the murder of the missionaries in Africa has lieen very meager and still no official news has been redbed by the parents of Miss Schenck. ? n °. r^-v news received is the following dispatch from Loudon, which to some degree tells of the terrible butchery: London, May 25 A letter received in this city from Sierra Eeone, west coast of Africa, says that n Medina native who was with the American missionaries at Rotofuk when they were massacred by the insurgents, but who made his escape by resuming his native garb, furnishes following account of the tragedy: »V e started to walk to Sierra Leone out had gone only half a mile when "e met war boys, who blocked the "av The Rev. Mr. Cain tried to ngiiten them by firing a revolver over ieir heads, but seeing they were de*Tni.lnwl so do mischief he cast his evolver away and said he would not 'e anybody’s blood on his hands. • ? "? r boys then seized the partv. Hatfield, Archer and stripped them of their nothing, dragged them back to the uussion house, in front of which the ana 7- vs , cut down the Rev. Mr. Cain . '. i aud him to death, ami then Archer and Miss Kent ‘ n I* l6 same wav. Miss] 2, , i .’ " ho was ver -V Uh "as thrown h ( ., * ,; ar M>< l " ir° nettiiiK’ and finally! c lt i 4 roa ! "'as cut. Mrs. Cain es-! but ti ,0 * le "ith a native girl, them le went out seeking for 1 aud they were afterward killed.”

Qbcatilß

Miss Edna Barnette was the guest of Miss Bertha Steele last Tuesday. . John T . France. R. K. Allison. John Heller and French Quinn spent Decoi ration day at Celina. They report a I good time. This week s issue of the Democrat contains letters from correspondents at both Chickamauga and Tampa. Both are from Adams county boys and you should not fail to read them. A party of fishermen will look after the finny tribe at Rome Citv next week. Dell Locke, C. A. Dugan, Charles Meibers and Simeon P. Beatty will make up the crowd. It’s coming! What’s coming? Why the “Merry Milkmaids” operetta, bv the Decatur Choral Union. They will arrive on Wednesday and Thursday, June In and 16, at Bosse’s opera house, and stay two evenings. Samuel Marshall and Albert Musser have been arrested on the charge of the murder of Mrs. Stoltz, the woman who was robbed and murdered at Portland several months ago. They were captured at Monmouth. Illinois, and it is said the authorities have conclusive proof against them. The Geneva Herald of last week says: Commissioners Mann, Doak and Reppert were in town yesterday looking after the big ditch west of town, and conferring with the Jay county commissioners relative to the construction of a bridge across the lob ditch at the township and county line. Miss Gertrude Moses, the highly accomplished daughter of Ed Moses, returned home last Saturday from Chicago. Miss Gertrude has been taking a special course in the conservatory of music during the past three months. This establishment is considered one of the best music aceademies in the country, and is a very fitting place to receive an excellent musical education. The Baptist Church congregation have secured the services of Rev. G. W. Pierce of lowa, as their pastor. He arrived in the city last week and on Sunday morning delivered his first sermon. The effort was a very able one and demonstrated that Rev. Pierce is able to take care of the charge assigned to him. He will move his family here in a short time. The Democrat on behalf of its family of readers welcomes them into our midst. According to yesterday’s Indianapolis Sentinel the volunteer company of this city has been changed from Co. H to Co. D, thus making them fourth in rank. The boys are highly elated over the honor and are anxious to be called to the front where they will be given a chance to prove their appreciation of the fact. A letter received by R. S. Peterson from Governor Mount yesterday, says that the chances are that the company will be used in the near future. Co. D is drilling almost every evening and are in excellent condition. Captain King is a hard workerand his company will always be at the top. Circuit court proceedings for the past week are George W. Buekey vs Cintha A. Buekey, judgment vs plaintiff for costs. Old Adams County Bank vs Amos Gillig et al., judgment vs defendant for $2,435.19. State vs Willard McConnehey, dismissed. Stephen Glenn vs James Gilchrist, judgment vs plaintiff for costs. David M. Richardson vs Bluffton Artificial Ice Co., set for trial today. Jesse Hower vs Ezra E. Zimmerman, continued. Adam W. Kennedy vs Pinday J. Mcßae, judgment vs plaintiff for costs. State vs C. Everts, continued. Indiana Farmers’ Savings Association vs Sarah Votaw et al., judgment vs defendats for $244.49. In the democratic convention held at Portland last Saturday for the purpose of selecting candidates for the various county offices, there were two of Adams county’s most promising sons in the race for prosecutor. They were J. Will Kelley, formerly of Ge neva. and James Moran, formerly of Jefferson township, the latter being successful. It was a very pretty fight and we congratulate James on his brilliant victory. The Portland Sun gives the following account of the race: “On a call for nominations for prosecutor, the name of Dell Dragoo, Richland, and J. J. Moran and J. Will Kelley, of Wayne township were announced. Richland township neglected to adhere to the rule of no speeches and were called to order, as were the delegates and spectators who were cheering for their favorites. The first ballot showed that Dragoo had | received 67 votes, Moran 66 and Kelley 41. At this announcement Mr. Kelley withdrew his name and made a short talk in which he said that as a democrat, he accepted the nominee of | his party, thanked his loyal friends | and avowed that his best efforts would be expended in behalf of the ticket, especially the candidate for proseeutor. The cry of “Moran and Dragoo” was taken up and the second ballot was ordered. At it's conclusion I and when the result was announced. Mr. Dragoo in a truly democratic speech, moved that the nomination be made unanimous. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kelley and went through with a rush.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1898.

Joseph Lower made a business trip to North Manchester Tuesday, return- | ing yesterday. Don’t forget the band concert tonight. Decatur has one of the finest bands in northern Indiana and the concerts are free. Come down and be entertained. Lew Ellingham the Decatur editor, has been honored with an appointment as a member of the state democratic executive committee at the hands of Chairman P. Martin.— Bluffton Chronicle. Marriage licenses issued by Clerk Lenhart are Charles D. Teeple and Margaret Fordice. Emil J. Braun and Susanna Biebrick, Harry D. Jefferson and Minnie L. Davis, Charles Dillery and Mary L. Hower, August G. Walters and Anna D. E. Knapp, Jacob King and Anna E. Coffelt. Dore B. Erwin has opened an office in the Tonnelier block and will practice the profession of law. Dore has been studying the rudiments of Blackstone for several years, being likewise a teacher in our public schools, and is well qualified to attend to any business entrusted to his care and keeping. Commissioner Sam Doak can raise strawberries that are strawberries and no mistake. We noticed some of his production on sale at the Peoples Bakery, and such immense in size and delicious berries we never before ran up against. They fairly melt in your mouth and beat any imitation berries ever shipped into our markets. Sam thoroughly understands the cultivation of this fruit. The democrats of Jay county met at Portland last Saturday and nominated the following ticket to lead the party through to victory next fall: Judge, John M. Smith; prosecutor, James J. Moran; clerk, Charles E. Schwartz; auditor. George Luttman; sheriff, Lewis Whipple; recorder, Joseph G. Harter; surveyor, Eli N. Bosworth; commissioner, north district, Isaiah Weisel; comissioner south district, Joseph P. Hickman; coroner, Dr. J. B. Garber. The G. R. & I. railway will give a party rate for those wishing to attend the democratic congressional convention at Muncie, to be held Wednesday, June 8. For a party of ten or more $2.20; for a party of fifty or more, $1.70. The parties go on the regular trains which leave at 1:25 a.m., 6:29 a. m. and 1:19 p. in., respectively. It is thought that at least fifty will go from here, thus making the rate $1.70. They will very probably leave at 6:29 a. m., arriving at Muncie at 10:00 o’clock a. m., just in good time for the convention. There is no doubt but that Adams county will be well represented. Recent information from Washington says that Indiana will be called upon to recruit up the companies now at Chickamauga from their present quoto of 84 men in each company to 106. According to this, Adams county will have to furnish twenty-two men who will join the boys at Fort Thomas at once. There is little doubt that Adams county could furnish several times that number if necessary to defend old glory. Lieut-Colonel Kiger, formerly of Bluffton, has been commissioned recruiting officer for the 160th regiment and will very probably be in this district soon for the purpose of getting the necessary men. They will be taken to Indianapolis and equipped and will go from there as soon as possible to the south. Bosse’s opera house was packed like sardines Monday evening at the opening performance of the Decatur Dramatic Club in the rendition of that very clever war drama. “The Mid-Night Charge.” The play and cast of characters were under the special direction of Rev. Father Bloom and he is to be congratulated for the fitting selection of each character. Talk about blowing yourself for fifty or seventy-five cents or even one dollar to see a foreign troupe of stage actors when we have better material at home. Every participator did exceptionally well and deserve great credit for their perseverance in performing their parts before a crowded house. Henry Thomas as Major General Geary. O. B. Wemhoff as Colonel Jones, Captain Danvers by F. H. Barthel, Dick Ryan the wicked southern spy by J. J. Bourk, Pat O'Harra by Martin Mylott, Jumbo, the leader of the Pumpkin Blossom Club by Fred Martin; Charley Wood by A. Mylott, Grace Wood by Miss Mayme Terveer, her mother. Mrs. Wood, by Miss Gertrude Holthouse; Sister Alice by Miss Amelia Smith, were each and every one a star. They showed considerable ability and demonstrated that Decatur has plenty of talent in all lines of social entertainment. Without discredit to any one connected with the performance we wish to especially mention the Misses | Smith, Holthouse and Terveer and Major General Geary. The money derived from the entertainment will go towards the payment of a pipe organ for St, Mary's Catholic church. A committee on purchase has already been selected and one of the best instruments made will soon peal forth melodious strains in that very beautiful church.

Mrs. John Meibers and Mrs. Chas. : Meibers and children left Tuesday for an extended trip through southern Indiana and Kentuckey. They will visit friends at Indianapolis, Jeffersonville and Louisville before their return. A handsome picture containing the picture of the American navy, has been exhibited in the large show window of Leopold Yager’s furniture store during the past week and has attracted quite a good deal of attention. The picture is a beauty and contains every American battleship of any importance. A handsome little book of about 200 pages, entitled “Official Photographs of the United States Navy,” published by the W. B. Conkey Company, has been received at this office. The book is a little gem and contains over 200 pictures of the navy, its offices and equipments; also an excellent map of the Spanish possessions in East India If you are interested in the present American-Spanish engagement you should have one. The Ladies' Mite Society of the M. E. church were pleasantly entertained last Friday afternoon by the June section of that society at the home of Mrs. W. H. Daniels. An excellent program was rendered by the members of the section, assisted by Miss Merle Burdge, who recited a very humorous recitation. Mrs. Daniels and Mrs. Niblick made entertaining talks and Mrs. Charles Doty rendered an excellent piano solo. The afternoon was a pleasant as well a very entertaining one. The commencement exercises of the Richmond Business College will be held at the Bradlev opera house in that city Tuesday evening, June 14th. Judge R. S. Taylor of Ft. Wayne, a member of the Mississippi Commission and also a member of the Monetary Commission, will deliver the annual address. Hon. Charles E. Shiveley, State Senator, will preside and deliver an address before the class. The city will be represented by Mayor J. S. Ostrander. There will be 35 graduates in the class, and a cordial invitation is extended to all, especially to business and professional men. It seems that there are some people in the eighth congressional district who would not be satisfied with anything. The following is taken from the Indianapolis News of last Friday and was sent in from Yorktown a little jim crow town in Delaware county: “There is a great deal of grumbling among republicans over the selection of Decatur by Chairman Case for their convention. Many of the delegates had to make four changes of cars to get there, and most of them had to change two or three times. It is in the extreme corner of the district and the tax for looking on was considerable. But the worst lick comes from the fact that Decatur and her accommodations were altogether deficient. Delegates and “the boys” who went to shout and celebrate, found that hotel accomodations were minus, and they had to go out into the private homes of the city, lay on the grass, or remain up all night. It is claimed that many made the latter selection and found that Decatur had one redeeming feature--very good liquor.” Recent dispatches to the metropolitan papers from Marion, Indiana, tell of the death of Mrs. William Johnson from neglect and the arrest of her husband. Both were formerly residents of this county and have relatives here. The following special will explain itself: Marion, Ind., May 31. William Johnson, George Achor and Mrs. Sarah E. Achor were arrested yesterday at the instance of Coroner Kimbal and held for causing the death of Mrs. Wm. Johnson through neglect. Last Tuesday Mrs. Johnson gave birth to a child. Until Thursday night she was absolutely without medical attention, and even then a physician was called only in response to the demands of the neighbors, who threatened the husband with prosecution. Johnson, according to his own description, is a “saint,” who believes in the faith cure alone, and when asked for a reason for the neglect of his wife invariably replied that she was in the hands of God, who would care for her far better than any human physician. Even after the doctor was called Thursday Johnson refused to administer the medicine which was left by the physician. Friday afternoon the woman died. Arrangements were made to take the body to Decatur for burial the next day, and had it not lieen for the interference of the coroner, who required the body to be held and Johnson and the Achors kept as witnesses, the victim would have been beneath the soil before an investigation could have proceeded. An inquest was held, and today the coroner decided that death was due to neglect, and recommended that Johnson and the Achors be held for murder. All the evidence indicates that the woman might have been saved with a reasonable degree of attention. The j Achors are the spiritual advisers of i the sect known as “Christian Scientists” in West Marion. Johnson is a ' convert who has been “saved" for about eighteen months.

Last week’s Berne Witness says: Sixty-five tickets were sold here Tuesday morning to excursionists to the Decatur convention. The long train of eleven cars was full of enthusiastic supporters of Hon. Albert O. Marsh, the Randolph county candidate. Many more followed the crowd in i the afternoon. It seems to be almost impossible to keep boys from twelve to fifteen years of age from jumping on and off of moving trains. Within the past few years several have been seriously injured and a few lost their lives, and still the foolish practice has been kept up. On May 17th there seemed to have been an immense number of the boys trying their skill in the art of “hopping” trains, as they call it. John DeLong, the Erie agent at this place, saw them, took their names and immediately swore out warrants for their arrest. The boys were captured and tried before ’Squire James H. Smith last Saturday. They were all found guilty and fined fifty cents and costs, amounting in all to $9.00 for each one. Four paid their fines and the rest went to jail where they are still languishing. The lesson to these boys ought to be sufficient to break them of the habit. It is dangerous passtime, and Mr. DeLong is to be commended for doing his duty as he did. Andy McConnehey, who has been before the courts of this county several times, is in trouble again. This time the United States authorities have him in charge and he will very probably land in the penitentiary. It seems Mrs. Minnie Monday, a sister of McConnehey’s, was expecting a registered letter containing some money. Andy found out that the letter was about due and on Tuesday of last week he presented an order for the same from Mrs. Monday at the postoffice and obtained the letter, which contained $6 in cash. The following day Mrs. Monday herself called for the letter and of course was shown the order which she declared at cnce to be a forgery. A warrant was sworn out charging Andy with theft and on last Friday he was arrested bv Marshal Cowan and lodged in jail. Postmaster Andrews immediately sent a report of the occurrence to the postal authorities at Fort Wayne. Deputy United States Marshal Rose of Angola, was sent here to make the arrest. He arrived here last Monday evening, took McConnehey in hand and returned with him to Fort Wayne Tuesday morning. McConnehey has been known as one of the toughs of the city for many years and although a young man he is already well acquainted with jail life. If convicted he will no doubt receive a three year sentence. Last Monday was Memorial Day and the occasion was duly celebrated in Decatur. The grim realities of the present war with Spain made the occasion one of greater interest than it has been for years past, and the general display of patriotism was refreshing. The entire city was a mass of flags, all of them at half mast for the soldiers who sleep the sleep that knows no awakening. Although the exercises were not so elaborate as they have been in years gone by, still every thing done showed the spirit of patriotism and earnestness of feeling in their work. The exercises were under the supervision of the G. A. R. as usual, and at 9 o’clock in the morning that body, together with the W. R. C. and Sons of Veterans, met at the G. A. R. hall to make the proper arrangements for the day. Shortly afterward the veterans were divided into two companies, one going to the Catholic cemetery and the other to the Protestant cemetery in the south part of the city. In the afternoon suitable exercises were held in the court house. The meeting was opened by a song by the male quartette of the Methodist choir. Then followed prayer by Chaplain Andrews and the regular opening exercises. Then followed a song by a number of little girls which captivated the audience. Hon. R. S. Peterson then stepped forward and in a neat manner introduced the speaker of the day, Hon. A. L. Sharpe, of Bluffton, who in his usually bright and pleasing manner delivered a spirited address. Mr. Sharpe spoke at length upon the various wars from the Revolution down to the present crisis with Spain. He dwelt longer than usual upon the late Civil war and there were tears in the eyes of many of the comrades when he said that each year the living army grew smaller, while the army of the dead grew larger. The effort was a splendid one and one of the most entertaining and instructive ever delivered in the city. At the conclusion of the program at the court house ihe veterans and W. R. C. fell into line and headed by a drum corps and several hundred school children marched out to the cemetery west of the city, where the many graves of the fallen brothers were decorated with great solemnity. The Protestant children were under the charge of Mrs. Ezra Cutting and the children from the Catholic schools were looked after by- - Holthouse. The exercises were all beautiful, everything passed off I nicely and everyone felt better | because of having paid to the dead heroes the honor so justly due them, j

CIRCULATION 2400 WEEKLY

NUMBER 12

j The G. R. & I. railway company I had another small wreck on Monday evening of last week. The Winchester Journal discribes it as follows: The G. R. & I. came nearly having a serious wreck Monday evening at the crossing. A through freight on the G. R. & I. was ’doing some switching on the Y and threw a car on the main track, and the brake failing to hold, crashed into a moving train on the Big 4. One car was pushed off the track: several car doors on Big 4 train were knocked off and other slight injuries done to their train. It took some time to clear the track. The wreckage was cleared away yesterday morning by the wrecking crew from Portland. The damage will amount to about SSOO. One of the social events of the season occurred at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. S. Fordyce, corner of Ninth and Adams streets, last Thursday evening, when their youngest daughter, Miss Margaret, and Mr. Charles D. Teeple were united in marriage. The wedding took place at 8:30 o’clock and the ceremony, which was performed by Rev. W. H. Daniels, was very beautiful and impressive. About seventy invited guests were present to assist in making the scene one of gayety and loveliness never to be forgotten. The wedding march rendered by Mrs. R. K. Allison announced the coming of the wedding couple, who entered unattended and marched across the room to a beautiful archway which had been prepared from flowers and where the ceremony was performed. An elegant repast was served and a delightful time had by those in attendance. The bride and groom have for several years been numbered among Decatur’s society leaders and need no introduction to our readers. Miss Fordyce is the accomplished daughter of Simeon Fordyce, the well known groceryman. Mr. Teeple is one of Decatur’s popular young men, having served as operator for the Chicago & Erie railway for many years. The happy young couple left Friday morning for an extended trip through the west. They will visit the Omaha exposition before returning. The Democrat extends congratulations and wishes the happy couple a long life of happiness and prosperity. Mayor Quinn again called the council of the city of Decatur to order last Tuesday evening. The roll call showed Suttles, Haefling, Knoff, Chronister, Niblick and Mann present and none absent. The order of business was taken up and the following bills were read andon motion allowed: Charlie Smith, SI.OO, Kirsch & Sellmeyer $4.77, Wells Fargo Express Co. $.35, Kirsch & Sellmeyer, $2.58. The special police in service on May 24th were remunerated as follows: J. C. Roop $1.50, Jesse Long $2.25, Charles Bottenberg $3.00, Frank Ferell $3.00, A. J. Teeple $2.25. Other bills were then allowed: A. Schlegle $3.65, C. N. Dorwin $49.00, French Quinn, $20.00, M. A. Jackson, $40.00, M. Mylott $50.00, George Kingle $45.00, C. Peterson $30.00, M. A. Jackson SIO.OO, Street Commissioners pay roll $16.05, M. Englehart $4.00. Reports of committees were then in order. The com - ! mittee on streets and alleys made a | report upon the petition for a sewer : from Nuttman avenue to Monroe st. signed by James Gay, et al. The report asked that the petition be granted and the sewer ordered to be constructed. A resolution accompanied the report, giving instructions to the city engineer to survey and set stakes for the sewer at once. It also gave the line of the construction of the sewer, which is to commence on Nuttman avenue opposite the end of the alley between Ninth and Tenth streets, to run thence south along the centre of said alley, crossing Jackson street to the Monroe street sewer and there to terminate. Upon motion the report was accepted by the conncil by a unanimous vote. This being the evening for hearing the remonstrances and objections as to the necessity for the construction of the Thirteenth street sewer, a remonstrance was presented by David Studabaker, as president of the Decatur Cemetery Association, asking that the course of the sewer is laid down be reconsidered and changed. He argued that the sewer would empty near the cemetery and would cause such a stench during the hot months that friends could not visit the cemetery. Another remonstrance to the building of the same sewer, signed by J. H. Elick and 23 other property owners along the proposed sewer, was presented, claiming that the expense was unnecessary as there was no need of a sewer. After proper consideration by the council and hearing several verbal objections, it was moved that the further consideration of the construction of the proposed sewer lie continued until the regular meeting, June 7. The motion was lost, however, by the following vote: aye, Knoff and Niblick; nay. Suttles, Haefling, Chronister and Mann. This practically means that the sewer will be built unless something unlooked for should happen. The salary resolutions proposed at the previous meeting of the council was taken up and carried by the entire vote of the council. Adjournment until next Tuesday evening also carried unanimously.