Decatur Democrat, Volume 43, Number 5, Decatur, Adams County, 13 April 1899 — Page 1

aIL THE NEWS all the time.

VOLUME XLIIL

mother ear load of horses were | hipped from this city Wednesday ' min"- for Hamburg, Germany. Frismger A Gerber are owners of the property. Xo doubt sometime during the coming few weeks there will be a T v inquisitive individual visit yon He wili insist on knowing all about possessions in worldly goods • u d what is more, it would be well to tell him all you know The world is to come to an end November 14. is the prediction of an Austrian astronomer It is to be destroyed bv a comet. This is the «nue prophecy that caused such consternation in 1832, and great electrical disturbances, shooting stars, etc., did occur. John Frisinger, the well known member of the horse firm, Frisinger < Gerlier, returned home Tuesday from Hamburg, Germany, where he has been for several months looking after business for the company. He will very probably remain at home for some time. C. 0. Decker, who was employed as one of the Democrat force during Conference week, went to Fort Wayne Wednesday and on Tuesday passed a cival service examination, book keeping department. He was in the citv yesterday a short time on his wav to his home at W illshire. It seems that Decatur is certainly to have more than her share of the larger religious meetings this year. The large North Indiana Methodist conference is now in session in that city and on April 17 and 18, the Fort Wayne Presbytery will hold its meetings there. II unrington News Demorat. An exchange says the postoffice department proposes that all postmasters shall open all letters on which no postage has lieen placed, to discover the names of the writers. Par ties who do not care to have the secrets of their correspondence thus violated can prevent this by using envelopes with their address or business card printed thereon. Daniel Weldy was in town yesterday. it being his second visit to onr city this winter. His health has been poorly as has also that of Mrs. Weldy. but when it is remembered that both are on the shady side of eighty years, it is not to be wondered at. They are among the oldest residents of Adams county, and are richly possessed of many friends who hope the may yet live many years. The One-himdred-and-Sixtietli regiment Indiana Volunteers, will lie mustered out of the service ami Company 8., will soon be home. There is no longer any conjecture about the matter and the date has lieen fixed at April 25 and the place at Savannah, Ga. The boys will be home about April 28. Just a year to the very day since Captain Miller and his company of the bravest boys on earth left this city for the front. Let their welcome home be a glorious one. Rev. R. D. Shackleford was a most welcome caller at this office Saturday and we hereby acknowledge receipt of same. Rev. Shackleford was the minister of the M. E. church at this place from 1867 to 1869, and his stories of incidents of those times are indeed interesting. He speaks most flattering of the marked improvement in our hustling little city. While going the rounds he was in charge of

our popular City Engineer, Harry Knoff, who was a member of the Methodist choir at the time Rev. Schackleford was minister of the charge at this place. Bob Gregory is building a neat store room on the Jacob Schafer lot, corner Madison and Third streets, which when completed he will occupy with a neat stock of wall paper, fancy paints, etc. The building is to l>e frame, covered with sheet iron thus making the building fire proof and allowing it to lie erected within the fire limits. Bob has leased the lot for one year with the privilege of buying same and it is his intention at the end of that time to erect a handsome brick building, and to continue the business on a larger scale. The building now being built will then be removed back to the alley and used as a work shop. Ben Middleton is again having his ‘'troubles” and in consequence is now confined in Dan Erwin’s castle, better known as the Adams county jail. Ben seems to be determined on being ‘‘the baddest man in town” and if that is his ambition he is succeeding fairly well. He appears to have a sort of feeling against Marshal Hart and on every occasion where an opportunity presents itself he makes some insult mg remarks concerning him. Mr. Hart has already taken more of his language than most people would have taken, and yesterday after Middleton had grown even more abusive, he swore out an affidavit against him for provoke. Ben was arrested and taken before Mavor Beatty, where he asked for a change of venue to Monroe, which was granted and his ease set for next Monday. He was unable to give bail and was accordingly ordered to jail.

Oecatilr

Mrs. Ferd Mailand died Sunday j evening. Funeral Wednesday a‘t 1 o'clock at St. Johns Lutheran I church near Williams. Rev. C. F. i " • Huge preaced the funeral sermon. The directors of the defunct Schell Loan Company borrowed $50,000 of the Ft. Wayne Trust Company, and will at once pay off the notes they signed in blank and which Schell had j negotiated. Ben and Henry Knapke, of this city, were notified Tuesday of the sudden death of their father at St. Henry, Ohio. Mr. Knapke was well known here, having visited his sons a number of times. Funeral services will be held today. Miss Blanch Galbreath, who has lieen the guest of Mrs. F. V. Mills for several weeks left Saturday morning for her home at Harlon, lowa. Miss Galbreath made many friends while ,in the city, and a number of them j gathered at the Mills home on Mercer street Friday evening to bid her a good-bye. St. Marys Lodge, number 167, I. O. O. F., will celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the order in America, at the hall of said lodge, in Decatur, Indiana, on Wednesday, April 26th, 1899, at eight o’clock p. m. All members are invited to be present, and bring a friend or two with you. By order of Committee. Marriage licenses have been issued during the past week to Chester F. Hall and Myrtle C. Runyon, Carl A. Davis and Almeda M. Meinhart, Solomon C. Wolf and Amanda B. Ham rict, George W. Everett and Ada A. Miller, Morton J. Martin and Mary B. McCollumn, Harvey E. Myers and Sadie E. Pease. Miss Mary McLain entertained ' the D. of P. Club at her home on South Fourth street Tuesday evening 1 An enjoyable evening with cards and refreshments to enliven the occasion assisted the young people in passing ’ several social hours. First prizes ' were won by Miss Amila Smith and ' Frank Barthel and boobies by Miss Mavme Conter and Will Wetzberger.

Fred Johns, a well known citizen of this place, died about noon yesterday of dropsy, from which he has been a sufferer for several months. Funeral services will be conducted by Father Wilkins at the St Mary’s Catholic church at nine o'clock Thursday morning. Mr. Johns has been a resident of Decatur a number of years. Although he has been ill for some time, his death was rather unexpected. The state’s attorney gives an opinion that according to the newlaw governing the distribution of township funds among the poor, no applicant for assistance can receive over sls a year for all purposes, except only for burial purposes or medical aid. If necessity demands the outlay of more than sls for any one person, that person is to be considered a lit subject for the jioor farm and sent there, and allowances discontinued. Under the old law some of the township wards drew this amount each quarter. Among the readers of the Democrat who have paid subscriptions during the past week, we note the following: A. B. Daugherty, G. H. Laughery, J. D. Hendricks, John Boocher, George M. Tyndall, John Omlor. Jacob Auber, J. W,\izard, Rev. H. W. Vitz, Michael Stevens, L. Dumber, A. A. Broadbeck. J. L. Johnson, Daniel D. Habegger, J. D. Haefiing, S. J. Snyder, Ellen Brown, Nicholas Waggoner, M. A. Johnson. A. Maun, George Tricker, John G. Miller, C. Fortner, Fred Kruckenburger, J. N. Barr, Eli Meyer. W. M. Case, and F. Mathias. The soldiers of the 160th Indiana regiment, to be mustered out at Savannah, Ga., three weeks hence, will profit, in one way at least, by retiring from the service so far from home. The war department has determined to commute the mileage of the men to Indianapolis, the point of mobilization, at $25 each, and as it looks now as though the soldiers will get transportation substantially gratis, they will be ahead of the game about $25. Perhaps, after all, it will prove better to have the muster out at Savannah, rather than at the state capital for which the Indiana congressional delegation vainly labored with the department. Christopher Kauffman was born in Lancaster countv, Pa., June 22. 1827, and died April 7,1899, aged seventy- ! one years, nine months and eighteen ■ days. When nine years old he moved | with his parents to Ashland county, I and at the age of fifteen he came to Mercer countv. Ohio, near Rockford, where he lived until 1861, when he i moved to Adams county, Indiana, where he died. He was married to Eliza J. Douglass in 1858, who still survives him. To this union were born four daughters and one son. He joined the M. E. church in 18;n, which relation he sustained at the time of his demise. He died triumphi ant in the Christian faith. His last words were: “I am so happy. ! liner- * al services were conducted at his home 'three miles southwest of WiHsHre. Ohio. Sabbath morning April 1899, Iby J. F. Miller of the U. B. church, i His body was interred in the Salem I cemetery.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1899.

The Suwanee River show company arrived on the G. R. & 1., train from ] the South yesterday afternoon and < last evening gave a very creditable ] performance at the opera house. I D. Besser, who has been a life long resident of Decatur, is engaged pack- 1 ing up his household goods and the I first of next week he will remove to f Hammond, Ind., where he expects to i make his future home. Rev. Kline, pastor of the United i Brethren church of this city will leave i to-day for Montazuma, Ohio, where i he will attend the annual conference 1 of the United Brethren church for ' Western Ohio and Eastern Indiana. 1 It may not lie generally known that poultry running at large is wild game in the eyes of the law, and that i owners of property on which the ; chickens tresspass have a lawful ' right to kill them. Garden making time is nearly here, and poultry ■ owners migh do well to keep this in ■ theirmemory. The Bluffton News contained the following: Friday night the Decatur High School holds their oratorical contest, for the purpose of selecting representatives for the contest at Portland. There will probably be a number ot Bluffton’s young people in attendance, among them several High School students. A Democrat subscriber, who just now is making his home at Gaylard, Michigan, in a letter to this office, informs us that on April 5, in that city, i the snow was exactly three feet on the level and in many places where it had drifted several times that deep. I This is certainly a record breaker for I even our chilly sister state, Michigan, coming at this time when we are supposed to be gathering spring poseys. Jacob Myers of Union township, | died at his home, Sunday evening, of j Bright’s disease. He was seventyi three years old and was one of the county’s most respected citizens. He was an ex-soldier and a member of the G. A. R. Funeral services will be held today and a large number from i this city will probably attend. Mr. Myers had been ailing for a number lof years and had been quite feeble during most of the past winter. Governor Mount has honored a requisition from the governor of Kentucky for the return to that state of Sam Marshall, who was arrested in Terre Haute for forgery committed at Henderson. An officer from Henderson took Marshall back to the Bine Grass state for trial. Marshall ’is also wanted in lowa. The Terre Haute police have received a letter from H. E. Smith of Mason City, lowa, inquiring about one J. H. Marshall, whose discription fits the Anderson man in every particular. The 7:16 train on the Clover Leaf railway Saturday eve brought to this city Miss Almeda Minehart and Mr. Carl Venis,two prominent young Bluffton people,who are just now the happiest people of that city, at anv rate they will hereafter be known as Mr. and Mrs. Venis, having been united in matrimony at the Presbyterian parsonage the same evening at eight o’clock. Rev. Duckett performed the ceremony and the Presbyterian church choir were the guests. The happy young couple left for Bluffton on the 8:28, and will no doubt soon be at home to their friends in that city. The Portland Sun says that W. R. j Lindamond, of Jay county, has received some fifty packages of tobacco seed, which he is giving to farmers, | who will agree to raise tobacco. Each | package contains enough seed to grow i plants enough to plant one acre of ground. Several farmers in the counItv have experimented with tobacco | and finds that it grows well and yields ; heavily. One man, Harvey Siders, i realized 850 an acre on his tobacco, [this too, on the first crop he ever raised, In Darke and Mercer coun- ,: ties in Ohio, it is grown very extenI sivelv, and last year’s crop averaged many of them SICK) an acre with an average of from ten to fifteen days labor per acre, for tending, harvesting and marketing. Bob Peterson, who has lieen a member of company B, 160th regiment, Indiana volunteers since their departure from this city a year ago, is at home, having received an honorable discharge. He received his discharge in rather a unique manner. About three weeks ago, while the company was still in Cuba, Bob made application for and received a position as a i wagon trimmer for the government of | the island. He then made applica tion for a discharge, giving as reasons that he wished to remain in Cuba and had secured a position there. He accompanied the applicai tion with the proper papers and the very next day after filing his applicaI tion lie received Ins discharge, He ! soon tired of his job, however, and when company B left for the United States Bob went with them. When |he arrived at Savannah, he was of course free to go where he pleaser! and after spending a few days seeing the ! country alxiut Savannah, he left for i this city, arriving Saturday. Bob is lin excellent health and says the trip was one he would not have eared to missed, although he is probably glad it is completed.

Mrs. Chas. Heckman, daughter of Deitriet Book, died at Fort Wayne on Saturday. Funeral Tuesday at Friedheim. Rev. Preuss preached the funeral. Clum Baker accompanied a car load of horses to New York, leaving here Tuesday. The horses will be shipped to Germany and will be looked after by Mr. Hill from Chicago. Judge Heller came down yesterday morning long enough to open court and charge the grand jury, which is now in session. The Miller vs Wabash case ’ was continued until next Monday at whichitime time it is hoped the court will be himself again. We are informed by Manager, J. W. Place, of the Citizens Telephone Co., that orders for twelve ’phones, which are to lie connected for use by May 1. The company has been at great expense during the past year in the way of improvements, and many more are contemplated. The Citizens give excellent service and highly please their large and growing list of patrons. The Rathbone Sisters of the fourth district will hold a convention in this city on April 25. The counties in the district are: Wells, Adams Grant. Wabash, Miami, Huntington. Blackford and Jay. Secretary of State Hunt is expected to be present and the members of the order here are anticipating a great time. The convention will be held in Odd Fellows’ hall, St. Ansatasia Mesnil Lodge No. 46. Wabash Star Rey. J. H. Jackson of Peru, who has been attending conference here and has been the guest of J. W. Tyndall and family, is very ill at their home on Jefferson street. He was stricken with pleurisy Sunday night and has been a constant sufferer from the disease since that time, although last evening be was reported considerably improved and it is thought he will be able to leave for his home within a few days. A real estate transfer took place Saturday when B. J. Terveer conveyed to John S. Bowers his large 140 acre farm in Root township. The consideration is said to have been $6,000, and as John is not in the habit of chasing after wild cats, we presume he got a bargain. The farm is a good one and well improved. But Barney has plenty left, thank you, and about all he cares to look after, especially since he has retired from the hardware business and learned to take life easy.

The German Building, Loan-Fund & Saving Association held their annual election of eleven directors at the office of Secretary Schirmeyer Monday night. David Studabaker, James T. Merryman, J. B. Holthouse, J. E. Moser, R. B. Allison. Theodore Smith, J. Bowers. R. K. Allison, W. H. Niblick and J. W. Vail were elected thereto. They' met immediately and selected J. T. Merryman president, J. B. Holthouse vice president. F. M. Schirmeyer secretary, W. H. Niblick, treasurer, and Merryman, Holthouse, Niblick, Studabaker and Schirmeyer a board of managers.

Three tramps, as tough looking “blokes” as ever struck the city are now in charge of Sheriff Erwin. They arrived on a freight train Saturday morning and by noon had tanked up with enough “cheap booze” to make them mean enough for anything. They wandered out to Vail's Box factory, where they showed a disposition for fighting. They were accomodated and after the factoryboys had showed them a good time in that line, the police were notified and went out to the battlefield, where they founds the “pugs” and arrested them. They were each find five dollars and costs, in default of which they now languisheth in the county bastile, and will probably spend a few day in doing loboron our streets. As a fitting climax to a hard week of successful hustling the proprietor of the Democrat gave a banquet at the Hotel d’Fristoe to the entire force. As thev gathered around the festal lx>ard they were just ten in number, the whole force, except two of the reporters who had retired early to catch up some of the sleqi lost during the week. While the proprietor was thus showing his appreciation of the loyalty and energy of a crew of hustlers, the printers from devil to foreman and even the reporters vied with each other in showing by words and actions how much they enjoy an employer who knows the way to human and even printers’ hearts. For such employers men will lose sleep, strain every nerve, call forth every atom of latent energy and forget all else but the visions of a glorious scoop. It was fine, it was superdonlxmsically sublime. Hooray for the Demorat. Hooray for the editor. Hooray for the big banquet. Hooray for the biggest newspaper scoop ever known in North Indiana. We are the people! So say the Democrat mechanical and Faber force. By the way, among the guests who participated in the fray as described above, were Rev. W. E. Grose, of the Methodist Book Concern and Rev. George Kemp, who has I been with the Democrat during the ! past week. This article was donated i by one of the force, after the proprieI tor had gone to bed.

Rev. G. H. Mvers and family left Tuesday for their home at Gaston, Indiana, after a week at conference. Rev. Myers has been appointed to Fort ville for the coming year. Ever patriotic citizen of this city and county should attend the meeting at the G. A. R. hall Tuesday evening for the purpose of forming plans for the reception of Company B. If you are patriotic and can arrange it, bo sure and attend. The Municipal League, recently formed at a meeting at Huntington, followed closely after by another at Marion, will meet for the third time in Fort Wayne, Thursday, May 18, at which time and place an organization will be completed. The object of the association is for the apprehension of criminals and other violators of law and order. S. F. Biteman and family are now citizens of Richmond, having left the first of the week for that place. Mr. Biteman has been a resident of Geneva for many years and at one time figured among the most prosperous and enterprising business men of the town, but with the big fire four years ago, came a reverse which meant to to him the loss of everything aeumulated in years of industry.—Geneva Herald. Mayor Kinsley of Hartford City, is under arrest for shooting to kill Carn Capper, a young fellow of that citv. The shooting took place about eight o’clock Thursday evening near the home of the former. The affair seems to be wrapped in a mystery which the public, as yet, is not premitted to gaze upon, but in all probability the mayor will be releived of a great deal of responsibility, which is now reflected upon him. An exchange tells of a reporter who dreamed the other night that the editor decided to get out a paper for once in his life that was entirely satisfactory. Every item was carried around to different houses and if objections were made, it was killed. At 4 o’clock the paper went to press as usual and when the patrons unfolded it they found nothing but a blank sheet. The editor slept sweetly that night realizing that he had printed nothing to offend anybody' and that he was for once entirly satisfactory.

The second primary Oratorical contest will take place at Bosse’s opera house next Friday evening, April 14. Eight students have entered, three in oration and five in declamation. Much enthusiasm is being shown and we assure you a de lightful evening. A prize of sls will be awarded the winner, who will represent the Decatur High school at Portland May 5. The following pupils are aspirants for this honor: Oration, Nora Smith, Geo. Krick and Arthur Suttles. Datamation, Robert Schrock, Fred Paterson, Josephine Niblick. Faye Smith and Harriet Hill. Tickets at Holthouse, Callow & Co. There took place at the Park Hotel on Saturday afternoon the reunion of the class of 1874, consisting of the following members: C. King. J. B. Cook, C. Harvey and wife. A. M. Patterson, J. M. Rush, P. J. Albright and J. S. Cain. Arrangements were made with Mrs. Meyers, the landlady, to serve a five o’clock dinner. The class met at the M. E. church and proceeded in a body to the hotel where, at promptly five o’clock, they partook of a dinner such as few know how to serve. After the repast the class repaired to the parlor where Rev. C. King was chosen chairman. Then followed reminences of the past twen-ty-five years after which one of the members gave a short but eloquent address paraphrasing the class. Os the eight admitted none have died. The committee on arrangements for the reception of the boys of Company 8., who are expected home the latter part of the month, met with the members of the G. A. R.. at their armory on Second street Tuesday evening. Quite a crowd was present and much enthusiasm was shown. The principal part of the evenings work was the appointment of committees to look after the various parts of the entertainment. It is expected to make the event a gala day in the history of Decatur. The committees were. Reception Mayor Beatty, Rev. Daniels, Rev. Ducket, Rev. Pearce. Father Bloom, Rev. Kline. Rev. Mygrant and Rev. Kruse, Program J. D. Hale, L. C. Miller, James Hurst and Albert Britson. Finance Chas True, John Lose, and Henry Voglewede. Banquet Dan Niblick. Henry Myers, Harry Moltz, John Falk, Theo. Gerky and Relief Corps. Decoration Geo. Loutlian, M. Wertzberger, Miss Loretta Peterson, Miss Effie Woodward, Miss Hattie Porter, Miss Edith Blossom. Instrumental Music L. Corbin. L. Yager and J. Sutton. Vocal ' Music Frank Schirmeyer, Fred Falk 1 Mesdames. Bell. Lutz and Gillson. 'Speaker Capt. Blackburn Meeting ■adjourned to meet at G. A. R., hall. Friday evening at 7:00 p. m., April 1 14, 1899. All committees and citizens interested in giving Company 8.. 160 ' Regiment a grand reception when ■ they return home are urged to be I present at the meeting.

CIRCULATION 2400 WEEKLY

NUMBER 5

Winchester Knights of Pythias will celebrate their nineteenth anniversary with a banquet on Thursday evening, April 13, invitations to that effect having been received in this city. The Decatur Democrat’s special conference daily is an up-to-date affair. It is a great credit to the town and must be a source of satisfaction to the members of the conference. Lew certainly deserved that introduction to Bishop Andrews and his cabinet. Bluffton Banner. Miss Fannie Foster, a popular young lady living near Willshire, died at her home at an early hour Tuesday morning of consumption from which she has lieen a sufferer for some time. Miss Foster was a sister of Mrs. R. K. Allison of this city, and had a large circle of friends who are grieved to hear of the sad death of one so young. Funeral services will be held today from the Mt. Tabor church and a number from this city will attend. Next Monday and Tuesday will occur the annual meeting of the Fort Wayne Presbytery in this city. The Presbytery is comprised of eleven counties, as follows: Elkhart, Lagrange, Steuben, DeKalb, Noble, Kosciousko, Whitley, Allen, Adams, Wells and Huntington, in which district there are twenty-eight church organizations with a membership of 4,880. This occasion is a grand one and taken with the fact that our people have just finished entertaining the Methodist conference certainly speaks well for the Christian people of Decatur. The outlook just at present is that the Knights of Pythias lodge will erect a handsome three-story block, just north of the Hensley block on South Second street. The committee who were appointed several weeks ago consisting of Messrs. H. A. Fristoe, Daniel Erwin and Horace Callow are busily engaged in looking up plans, making estimates and otherwise looking after the matter, and although they are not yet positive the probabilities are that the building will lie erected. The committee will make their report next week, at which time it will be known whether or not the project will be a go. If the boys decide to erect a building it will be a beauty and one which will not only be a credit to the lodge but a monument and adornement to our city. Let’er go. John Nichols, for many years one of the city’s most respected citizens died at his home on South Eighth street Saturday morning at 11 o’clock. He had been in failing health for nearly three years and during the past three weeks has been confined to his bed. His death is due to a com pli?ation of diseases including lung trouble, catarrh of the stomach, an abscess of the brain and throat trouble and during his long illness he was attended by Drs. Clark, Coverdale and McMillen. Everything possible was done for him, but withall, his sufferings were terrible and the angel of death came to him as a glorious relief. It was at first intended that a post-mortem examination should be held but the examination did not take place, as the phpsicians felt certain that they thoroughly understand the cause of death. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Christian church. The Chicago & Erie railway yards was the scene of another sad accident Tuesday morning when the life of a young man was crushed out by the relentless wheels of a freight train. J. S. Price, a brakeman, whose home was at Huntington was the victim. The accident occured at the the west end of the yards about a half mile from the station. The train was doing some switching and Price stepped between the cars to make a coupling. In some manner his right foot was caught under one of the wheels and completely served. This of course threw his body under the train and the entire right side was terribly crushed. The leg was broken in two places, severed ribs broken, his breast crushed and his face terribly lacerated. The engineer, who was watching him felt the jar of the train as it passed over his body and supposing, something nadjhappened, ran to where the injured brakeman was lying Assistance was summoned and the unfortunate man was carried to the house of Frank Hunter, nearby. Dr. Miller, who was already on the scene, made an examination and realizing that recovery was almost an impossibility told the counductor to summon Mr. Price’s family, which was done and the wife and child arived a few moments before death relieved the sufferer. Dr. Beaver, the company physician was also sent for and he and Dr. Miller did everything possible for the aid of the dying man, but without avail and he expired at 2:45. His body was prepared for burrial by Gay & Zwick and was taken to Huntington on the evening train. Mr. Price was twenty-eight years of age ■ and was an excellent young man. and , considered one of the best trainmen i on the road. The young wife who ; reached the bed side a short time ) before his death was grief stricken i and the scene was indeed a sad one. The funeral services win be held at Huntington to-day.