Decatur Democrat, Volume 43, Number 31, Decatur, Adams County, 12 October 1899 — Page 1

ALL the news ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLIII.

Mesdatnes M. B. Miller and L. G. Pilingham were in Chicago several days this week. Michael Jahn of Kirkland township, died of paralysis last Friday and was buried on Sunday. Henry Watterson will in all probabilitv deliver his famous lecture • Money and Morals” in this city next month. Mrs. D. D. Heller left this morning for Millersburg, Ohio, for a several days visit with her mother, Mrs. Mary Corbus. George Pontius came up Monday from his home in Hartford township, and Tuesday left for a three weeks visit among relatives at Piqua, Columbus and other points in Ohio. Howard Shackley brought a mushroom to this office last Saturday which is a record breaker, weighing over three pounds. Howard says he can raise the best of everything on his farm. Jacob Mentzer died at the home of his son Nathan Mentzer, in this city, Sunday evening, aged seventy years. Funeral services were held at Clark's Chapel Tuesday morning. He had been ill for several weeks. Dibble & Meibers have added a handsome new omnibus to their already up-to-date transfer line. The boys are well acquainted with the wants necessary for the convenience of the traveler and they generally furnish it. Rubber tires will soon be added to the large conveyance received by them a few months ago. Last Thursday morning at the bride’s home in Geneva, a marriage occurred the principals in which were Miss Leona Runyon, the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Runyon. and O. P. Spitler of Willshire, ()hio. The wedding party drove to the groom's home at Willshire, where the happy couple will reside. The Democrat extends congratulations. Madame Leßoy, the female baloonist, who lives at Redkey, is dying at Deer Creek. Indiana from the results of a fall last Friday at that place. She was attempting to make an ascension and parachute drop, and when two hundred feet in the air she cut the parachute loose. It failed to open and she fell to the ground at a terrific pace, an arm and leg being driven into the ground. It is not thought she can survive. Congressman Cromer has secured two eight-inch Columbians for the G. A. R. veterans of Jay county, and they will be placed in the court house yard at Portland in the near future. Congressman Cromer can secure the war relics from San Francisco for any county in his district, if the organizations desiring the guns will pay the freight. The government makes the donation but will not deliver the article. The G. A. R. of Adams county can secure like decorations for the court house yard in Decatur if proper requisition is made to Mr. Cromer. The hoop factory recently built by the Decatur Egg." Case Company have been running in full blast ever since the start some three weeks ago. Orders are coming in rapidly and the scene about the mills is one of marked activity. Over sixty men are employed and each and every one receiving above average wages. When we consider the fact that this concern also own and operate a heading factory and an Egg ease factory in the city, in which are employed even more than in the hoop mill, we certainly’ owe a great deal to the proprietors. About 150 families receive their living from this concern, besides many farmers who are benefitted by having their timber purchased at good prices. A few more companies like this would make our city the best on earth. Let them come.

During the past week seven cases of dvphtheria have been reported in the citv, from which two deaths have resulted. The disease which had b.'en reported several times during the past summer was supposed to have been stamped out when a four year old son of Alonzo Cherry holmes, living near the Clover Leaf depot raher unexpectedly died of the malady list Saturday and on Sunday a twoyear old daughter of the same family died. Officers at once quarantened the house and every precaution is being taken to prevent further spread. On the following day four cases were reported in the home of Lewis Ham mowd on Line street and on Tuesday a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I' rank Ferrel became a victim. All these children are improving and are already considered practically out of danger although the quarantine will continue a few days longer to make certain. The schools of the city have been closed for this week and it is believed bv next Monkay that all cause for alarm will be gone. While it is no doubt best to be as careful as possible in cases of this kind still m this instance there seems to lie no reason for any epidemic of the disease. Dr. J. S. Boyers, who is waiting upon the Ferrel and Hammond children says he believes the cases are well under controll and with a proper effort on the part of parents no new cases will develop.

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I* rank Burkhead and family have removed to \ enedocia, Ohio, where they expect to reside in the future. j < J. W. Craig, the junior member of i the ding firm of Stengel & Craig of' Berne, was here Monday evening. 1 Mr. Craig is one of Berne’s energetic young business men. Marriage licenses this week were is-1 sued to Bernard Beckmeyer and! Amelia A. Omlor, Henry C. Doehr-; man and Sophia Schieman, Samuel A., Craig and Lena L. Braun. \\ hile working with the section men on the Chicago & Erie railwav last : j Friday. Peter Seitz had his foot i mashed. The wound although painful is not considered serious, and Pete will be on duty within a few days. John R. Mentzer, the infant’ son of\ Mr. and Mrs. Marion Mentzer, died J I last Thursday and was buried Saturday. The child was nearly a year old and weighed only a few pounds, beI iug known as the smallest child ever born in the county. The babe was a grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. George j Debolt, of this city. Cris Reppert, living near Magley, has on his war paint, and the next fellow that visits his chicken house with malicious intent, is liable to get j a dose of shot. Several fowls have disappeared and Cris has a pretty fair conception as to who the intruders are. This brief warning should cause them to turn over a new leaf. New circuit court cases are Christena Drake vs Thomas D. Drake, divorce. The Chicago Title & Trust Co. vs Jonathan Andrews et al.,- fore- i closure. Jane V. Sweetzer vs Ellen ■ Robison et al., mortgage. Charles M. King admr vs Chicago & Erie railroad, damages: demand 510,000. The Minneapolis Threshing Machine Co. vs John Durret al., note 5125. Kern, Brittson & Beeler have a beautiful display window at their Big Store this week. The window repre sents a strictly up-to-date bed. room and is certainly complete in suitings of the latest styles. A beautifully clothed bed, stylish curtains and carpets, handsome dressers and pretty pictures make the display an attractive one. Prices on the articles also show that one does not have to be wealthy to afford such a room in their home. Prof. Hartman and other agitators of the lecture course for this season, certainly deserve great credit for their efforts in securing the very pro. licient staff of platform stars, which I they have. It is an assured fact that | no speaker has ever appeared before a Decatur audience who made such an impression as Dr. Nourse last Tuesday evening, and it is also an assured fact that the remainder of the course will be just as good. Every entertainment will be ot the very highest grade, and if you have not secured season tickets already, you should do so and save money. The annual convention of the Root township Sunday schools will be held at Concord church, next Thursday, commencing at Ip. m. The program for the afternoon and evening is very interesting and will be as follows: Song service by the Concord school; Devotional exercises, Rev. A. Z. Freyberger; Are our Sunday schools as' quiet as our day schools’ If not, why not? A. E. Houk; How to procure punctuality in our Sunday schools, Chas S. Mumma; Essay, Bert Wolf; Song, Joy in God,s house- class exercise, J. A. Flemming; In what ways are people tempted to be intemperate? Wm. P. Mallonee; The needs of our Sunday schools, Charles Rabbit: General discussion; Election of officers; Adjournment. Evening session, 7:00 p m. —Song service; Address by A. Van Camp; Solo, C. D. Kunkle; Address, Rev. A. Z. Freyberger; Benediction; Adjournment. Some two months ago a party from this citv made a tour of the great lakes, visiting a number of pleasure resorts and enjoying themselves thoroughly. Among the partv were Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Bell and Mr. and Mrs. John T. France. It has always been an assured fact that this party had a merry time, but just what stimulants were used was never brought to light until this week when a letter was received by Mr. France which read as follows: Columbus, Ohio, October 9.1899. Mr. and Mrs. John T. France, Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Bell, unknown friends: “Tour greeting of August 13,1899, was picked up by" me in Albany Bay, between DeTour passage and LesCheneaux Island. I uncorked the bottle today in order to get your address, and found it still retained its flavor of blackberry brandy. I will keep the bottle and its two messages as a relic of my summer cruise. Hoping you enjoyed your trip io the “Soo' I remain, yours truly, Houston Kanmacher. lhe letter tells its own story and although it may throw a little reflection on the ladies of the party we feel it our duty to publish the facts Everyone knows that Messrs Bell and France are strictly temperate and what a blackberry brandy bottle was doing in their possession can only be imagined. Other members of the party say they noticed strange actions on the part of the ladies but supposed j it due to sea-sickness. I

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1899.

Rollin Laughner, who is attending Purdue University, is a new member to the list of Democrat readers. Mrs. John Weber, who has been ill for several months, is reported very low and her recovery is considered impossible. H üburt De Voss has accepted a position as assissant book keeper for the Decatur Egg Case Company, having entered upon his duties several weeks ago. Miss Sophia Mangold has accepted a permanent position with the Citizens Telephone Company as a day assistant. The work is too much for Miss Cramer, who has served as day operator for several years. The extra amount of work is caused by the addition of the new lines to Magley, Fort Wayne and intermediate stations. Michael Gaffer is stepping high this week and bubbling all over with smiles and good words for everybody and in fact he is entitled to act just as he pleases for a great big bouncing voung lady made her appearance at his home Monday. Mike says he never felt better in his life and mother and babe are getting along just as nicely, Jasper E. Lee of Hoagland, left yesterday for Ewing, Jackson county, Indiana, where he has accepted a position with C. W. Hocker in his hoop factory, in the capacity of coiler. Jasper was a member of Company B during the late Spanish war, and has many friends in the count}’ who hope Ihe will succeed. The Democrat will I follow him to his new home. Mrs. T. R. Moore’s mother, Mrs. Hester Lemmon, who has been visiting here for several weeks, has certainly been having a serious time. Shortly after her arrival she took sick and for two weeks her condition was considered dangerous. On last Saturday while working about the house she suddenly became dizzy, reeled and fell. She struck upon her left shoulder, dislocating the bone and making a very painful wound. She is almost eighty years old and the fall may cause a relapse in her condition. Charles M. King as administrator ol the estate of Robert A Boblett, deceased has brought suit against the Chicago & Erie railroad, in which a claim for damages in the sum of SlO,000 is asked. The complaint alleges that through the negligence of the company’s employes, Mr. Boblett was struck by an Erie train, sustaining injuries which caused his death a few hours later. At the time the fatality occurred the decedent was a person of sound constitution earning a stated salary of 52,500 a year and supported a family all of whom were dependent upon him. R. K. Erwin of this city, and L. M. Ninde <& Sons are attornies for the administrator. The regular meeting of the Indiana Municipal League will be held at LaFayette today and tomorrow. Hon. Noah Justin, of LaFayette, will make the address of welcome, with response by Mayor Henry C. Stagg, of Terre Haute. During" the sessions there will be addresses by G. A. Harrison, superintendent of the LaFayette police; City Civil Engineer Frank Guthrie, of Huntington; State Senator William Wood. Hon. John F. McHugh. Mavor Edward Tuev, of Muncie, and Citv Attorney Charles Sturgis, of Bluffton. The visitors will be entertained by the Elks lodge and the Lincoln, Jackson and LaFayette i clubs, and during their stay will visit Purdue University, the Soldiers’ Home, Tecumseh Trail, Mount Lookout and other places of interest. The citv council has also appropriated 8500 for the entertainment of the visitors. Mavor Beatty and Marshal Hart of this city will attend having left this morning. The circuit court record shows the following: Mahalleel F. Burkhead vs Robert A. Andrews et al. reset for trial October 31. Edward Kinney vs William A. Aspy, defendant is ruled to answer. State vs Cyrus W. Lyon, trial bv jury, found guilty of assault and fined one dollar and costs. Christena Drake vs Thomas Drake, notice ordered published. State vs Charles E. Everett, heard before special Judge Custer, defendant’s demurer sustained, appeal ask by State which was granted. The Chicago Title and Trust Co. vs Jonathan Andrew’s et al, summons for defendants issued. James U. Swertser et al vs Ellen Robinson et al, summons issued. Louise Bradlev vs David E. Studabaker, Joseph" Bradley as next best friend removed and Louise Bradley files a motion supported by affidavit for leave to prosecute as a poor person which was sustained by the court and Dore B. Erwin was appointed as said attorney. Samantha A. Roll vs Sarah G. Fulton et al, Adair & La Folette enter their appearance for defendant. C. M. King, administrator, vs Chicago & Erie railroad, summons issued. The Minneapolis Threshing Co. vs John Darr, summons issued. Delma Douglass, court found that defendant was a person of unsound mind, and ought to have a guardian appointed. George W. Drake vs Ruth Drake et al, sc* for trial November 3. Frank Snvder vs Daniel Beeler, tried by a jury lasting over one week, verdict favoring defendant.

Several fine specimens of Root township potatoes are now on exhibition at this office, having been brought in by that prosperous farmer, John Christen. Richard France, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sundayed with his parents in this city. Dick has concluded to give up the study of medicine and has this year entered upon a course in denistry. He will receive credit for his last year’s work. Deputy Prosecutor Moran, of Berne, was one of the counsel for the defendant in the Snyder-Beeler damage suit. John’s argument before the jury was plain and forcibre, thus demonstrating that he is reachingout and succeeding in his chosen profession. The management of the bowling alley have decided to interest the ladies of Decatur in this very popular amusement and have accordingly set aside Tuesday and Friday afternoons of each week" for that purpose. On the dates mentioned no gentlemen will be admitted to the alley and the fair sex will have full sway and ample opportunities for playing the various games. Howard Otis, son of Charles and Volara Belle Morrison, was born in Mercer county, Ohio, October 31,1888 and died at the home of his parents in Blue Creek township, Adams county, Indiana, October 4,1899, aged 10 years, 11 months and 4 days. The funeral services were held from the Union church, by Rev. Alexander, assisted by Rev. Miller. The text was taken from the 64th chapter of Isiah, part of the 6th verse, “And we all do fade as a leaf.” Little Howard was buried in the Trieker cemetery, on the banks of Blue Creek. The west bound freight on the Clover Leaf, No. 45 which went through here last Saturday morning collided with an east bound special gravel train during the afternoon of the same day. The accident occurred near Melotte, just west of Frankfort and was caused by an operator failing to deliver his orders to the conductor of the gravel train. The two engines crashed into each other with terrific force and fifteen cars were almost entirely demolished. The conductor of the west bound train, Rufus Clark was riding on the engine and met death instantly a gauge being driven entirely through his head. He was well known here having run on the Clover Leaf for many years. No other trainmen were seriously hurt. William J. Vesey has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the superior court bench at Fart Wayne, caused by the death of Judge Dawson last week. The appointment was made last Mondav and meets the approval of the Fort Wayne citizens. Mr. Vesey is well known here, being a son-in-law of Judge David Studabaker, and formerly a member of the law firm of France, Vesey & Merryman. Tuesday’s Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette spoke of his life as follows: “Judge William J. Vesey was born at Lima, Lagrange county, in 1857, and came to Fort Wayne twenty-one years ago. He had already studied law for some time, and upon coming here entered the office of Ninde & Ellison, where he read for a couple of years. He completed his studies in the office of P. Randall, with whom, after his admission to the bar, he formed a partnership. In 1883 he went to Decatur, and became a member of the firm of France, Vesey & Merryman, but after a little more than a year returned to Fort Wayne and again became a partner of Mr. Randall. In 1892 the firm of Vesey & Heaton was formed, and has been one of the most successful in the city. His Decatur friends will learn of his well deserved success with pleasure. Fred Martin, the aeronaut of this city, had a narrow escape from death at Frankfort, Ky., last Wednesday. He and Miss Davenport had the contract for four ascensions during the street fair. Miss Davenport was injured the first day by falling from the parachute, when about ten feet from the ground. Her accident was not considered serious, however, and she expected to make the ascension on Wednesday. At the last moment she was unable to make the effort. Fred immediatly threw off his coat and hat, attached himself to the trapeze and ordered the boys to “let ’er go,” which they did. The balloon went up about 500 feet and stopped and Fred at once cut loose with the parachute. He was not up a very great distance and fell with terrific force, alighting in the Kentucky river at a point where the water was thirtyfive feet deep. He had made the descent so rapidly that he had been unable to unfasten the straps which bound him to the parachute and it was indeed lucky that he had not, as being unable to swim he would certainly have drowned. As it was he was under water four minutes when the parachute was pulled in by some boatmen and Fred was found almost exhausted clinging on desperatlv. It was indeed a narrow escape and the water-soaked balloonist felt greatly relieved when he discovered that he was being drawn in. In another attempt to get up in the air on Friday the balloon bursted and prevented the ascension.

Arrangements are being made to secure Col. Henry Watterson, the famous lecturer and editor to deliver his renouned lecture “Money and Morals” here the latter part of next month. If secured this entertainment will be distinct from the lecture course. The county commissioners left last night for Plymouth, where they go to personally inspect the buildings on the county farm. An improvement of this kind has recently lieen made there, and it is to gather some information upon this important subject that takes them there. Little Ruth Robison, the four year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Perry Robison, died last Saturday morning after an illness of only a few days. She was a bright, lovable child, and her merry laugh will be greatly missed through the house and by her playmates. Funeral services were held from the family residence on North Second street, Sunday afternoon, Rev. Daniel officiating. According to prophet Hicks the weather for the remainder of the month will be as follows: A decided change to warmer will set in on the 15th, resulting first in electrical storms, then changing to cold rains with probably sleet and snow lasting until the 18th. a sharp wave with frost and freezing will closely follow these disturbances. Near the 20th to the 23rd will fall a change to warmer, and a cooler period from the 24th to 26th. The 27th is expected to bring more rain and snow; the 29th, thunder storms, and the 30th a cold wave. The list of readers who have paid subscriptions this week are: Lewis Gerke, Andrew Miller, George Fravel, W. H. Broadbeck, J. B. Holthouse, B. F. Brewer, J. \V. Hendricks, Fred Hoffman, Martin S. Kizer, Jacob E. Henschen, Daniel Weldy, Daniel I Jackson, Rev. Isiah'Jackson, J. T. i Dailey, Chas. Knavel, Jacob Koose, Mrs. John Logerman, J. C. Patterson, i John Smitley, Mrs. D. E. Studabaker, ■ Limmon Sales, Henry Frickel. David i H. Miller, Henry Heckman, Ernst H. Stoppenhagen, George Kraft, Rollin B. Laughner, Dr. L. H. Zeigler, Paul Grandlinard, H. S. Smith, John M. Fuhrman, Barney Everett. D. Krick, R. B. Johnson," Chas. F. Neuenschwander, C. E. Albaugh, Albert Lindsey and Henry Krick.

A meeting of the bowling magnates was held at the law office of France & Son, in this city Sunday afternoon. Representatives' from Huntington, Warren, Bluffton and Decatur were present and the league was placed upon a firm basis. A schedule of the games to be played was arranged and proper rules adopted. The season will open November 2nd, at which time Warren will play in this city and Huntington atßluffton;November 16, Blufiton plays at Warren and Decatur at Huntington; November 30, Huntington at Decatur and Warren at Bluffton; December 14, Bluffton at Huntington and Decatur at Warren; Januarv 4, Warren at Huntington and Decatur at Bluffton; January 18, Bluffton at Decatur and Huntington at Warren. All tie games will be played off on neutral alleys. The league will play under the rules of the national bowling league, and the percentage be ascertained by dividing the number of games won by the number played. Each member of the winning team will be presented with a handsome medal, while theone member making the highest average will receive a gold medal. The organization elected Ora France of this city president of the league, and Edgar Zeller of Huntington, secretary.

The Snyder-Beeler damage suit came to an end Tuesday when the jury returned a verdict for the defendant, after being out a few hours. The case had been on trial for a week, many witnesses being examined, the charge being slander. The defendant admitted being the author for the words that constituted the case made out by the plaintiff, and set out to justify them in testimony. The plaintiff was charged with commiting rape upon a six years old daughter of the defendant. The defendant having admitted making such a statement it was thought by many who kept in touch with the court methods that a case would be made out. The testimony of the witnesses was not looked upon to bring out such a result so much as the bare admission of the defendant. The array of legal talent on l>oth sides was as numerous as it was weightv, many fine legal propositions being brought out, thus adding much to the interest in the case. All of Monday was consumed in the arguments, there personally appearing before the court and jury D. B. Ford, R. K. Erwin, J. F. Snow and C. J. Lutz who represented the plaintiff, and Frank Cottrell, J. C. Moran, D. E. Smith and J. T. France who were with the defendant. The jury was charged Tuesday morning and after a few hours deliberation returned a verdict favoring the defendant. The case came from Jefferson township, where more law. is resorted to than in any other section of modest Adams county. The parties in the suit are influential men in the localities where they reside, thus much interest was centered in the suit.

CIRCULATION 2700 WEEKLY

NUMBER 31

The Mentzer divorce suit is now taking up the time and attention of the Adams circuit court. It was brought on a change of venue from the Allen superior court, having been heard before Judge Dawson some time ago. At that trial the court refused to grant a divorce owing to the protection that should be given a child, at that time unborn, and which the court thought might be sufficient to soften their feelings and re-unite them. Later events have proven the fact that such can never be, so a new trial was granted. The testimony of the former suit is being read and the findings of the court will be from that evidence. Both parties are residents of Monroeville, Dr. Mentzer being a very successful practicing physician and an estimable gentleman and is well known here. The Business Men’s Lecture Course was opened Tuesday evening and certainly under favorable circumstances. Fully four hundred citizens, nearly all holders of season tickets, listened to a discourse by the renowned lecturer, Dr. Robert Nourse. His subject was Stevenson’s famous novel, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and many persons in the audience were taught splendid lessons by his interesting descriptions. His theory is that we are all at different times Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, yet one and the same man. When we are clean and pure and doing good work, we are Dr. Jekyll, when the reverse, we are Mr. Hyde, the crippled, hedious, murderous monster. He made many good points and held his audience spell bound at times, while at others they were convulsed with laughter. Although an old man he does the heavy part of his work with apparent ease, and his closing scene is certainly an appropriate one for the lecture. In it he pictures the death of Mr. Hyde, who had finally swallowed up the refined, educated Christian gentleman, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and one could almost feel as though he were sctually in the presence of a raving maniac. The lecture is considered the best Decatur patrons have ever listened to and all are highly pleased. The sad story of a frightful accident, in which "Henry Bischoff, one of the county’s best known men met death last Friday evening, startled his many friends in this city and brought sadness and gloom to his family and neighbors. Henry with a number of other men were running a clover holler on his farm, eight miles north-east* of this city. The day was closing and the men were anxious that the work be finished when the machine choked. The Luder was thrown out of gear and Henry got inside for the purpose of cleaning it out. He soon finished and signalled the engineer to start, expecting in the meantime to get out. The machinery started sooner than usual and scarcely had his orders been issued ’ere he was caught in the cogs of the wheels. Inch bv inch he was drawn into the terrible death trap, his legs as far as the hips being entirely swallowed and terribly lacerated. The huller was finally stopped and then followed agonizing moments for Henry as well as those who were attempting to rescue him from his terrible position, the hooklike prongs had pierced his limbs and were still holding them and great gashes were torn in the flesh before he could be extricated. Fully ten minutes had elapsed from the time he was injured until his mangled, bleeding, almost lifeless form was placed upon the ground, and those ten minutes were filled with sufferings of the most terrible description to the still conscious man. He was taken to his home at once and Dr. Mentzer, of Monroeville, and Dr. J. S. Boyers, of this city, summoned. An examination proved that he was beyond human help. The right leg had been crushed while the left leg was broken and terribly lacerated. The physicians did everything possible, dressing every cut and bruise and setting the broken limb, but to no avail. The shock was too great and the reaction from the wounds which required 256 stitches was fatal and he died at ten o’clock Saturday morning. He remained perfectly conscious until a few moments before his death, and told his story of the accident to the attending physicians, accepting all of the blame "upon himself. He said he should not have given the orders to the engineer until he had gotten out of the huller, but he was over anxious that no time should be lost. Henry Bischoff was about forty-three years old and had been a resident of this countv nearly all his life. Six orphan children remain to mourn their sad loss, the mother having ditxl about a year ago. Mr. Bischoff was an honest, industrious citizen, kind and loving to his family and true and sincere to his friends, no citizen of the county was more popular. I iterances of sympathy for the children who are thus left alone are heard on every hand. The funeral services were held from the Blakey church Monday afternoon at two o’clock, Rev. William Smith officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in the church ceme tery nearby. The funeral was one of the" most largelv attended of any ever held in the county, 140 rigs forming thesolemn proeesession which followed the remains to their last resting place.