Decatur Democrat, Volume 44, Number 27, Decatur, Adams County, 13 September 1900 — Page 1

ALL THE NEWS ALL JHE TIME.

VOLUME XLIIII.

Hon. R. K. Erwin addressed an enenthusiastic democratic meeting at the Buckmaster school house in Jefferson township, Tuesday evening, upon the paramount issues of the day. His speech was up to the usual high standard and the audience duly appreciated same. Hon. John T. Kelley also addressed the meeting in anable manner, and a Bryan and Stevenson Club with a long roll of names was organized. Three Bluffton men, named respectively A. E. Oldfather, Sherman Ripple and Henry Lewis were arrested Tuesday on the charge of changing the denomination of paper money. The arrests were made on affidavits filed by Thomas E. Halls an agent of the United States secret service, on information from H. H. Deam, their intended victim. They had skillfully changed the face of the bills by adding a cipher after the figure 1, and one of these they passed upon the clerk in the Snavely restaurant. The men were taken before Commissioner T. J. Logan at Fort Wayne and the case set for trial September 21. The shipment of horses to Germany by Adams county dealers has again opened up after a several months rest on account of the inability to secure passage for theanimals. Eli Sprunger left Tuesday night with forty head of fine horses, the property of Frisinger, Gerber & Sprunger. His wife will leave today and they will take passage Saturday morning for Hamburg, expecting to be absent several months. John Frisinger, of the same firm, who has been looking after business inter ests abroad for several months will leave Hamburg Saturday on his return home. He will bring with him twelve stallions which he will offer for sale. The only new entry on the Adams circuit court docket this week is Amos E. Houk, ex parte, admission to bar. James T. Merryman, D. B. Erwin and Shafer Peterson were appointed by the court as an examining committee and after a favorable report the applicant was duly admitted. Mr. Houk is a resident of Allen county, living just across the line and has studied | law several years. He is attending ■ school at the state university and is making a specialty of corporation law, with the expectation of locating in a large city. He is a bright young fellow and no doubt has a brilliant future before him. He is the sou of Samuel Houk, formerly connected with the Eagle manufacturing company, of this city.

A runaway on Second street Monday afternoon caused excitement enough for a few minutes to satisfy anyone. A horse belonging to Mrs. Lewis Swartz became frightened near the river bridge and ran west on Monroe street, turning south on Second street. The animal was going at a 2.04 gait up the middle of the street when some one ran out to stop him, causing him to swerve just enough to collide with another rig standing in front of John Brock’s tin shop, overturning the latter rig and throwing the Swartz horse upon the sidewalk. This did not cheek the horse however, and he soon gathered himself together sufficiently to make a dash along the sidewalk, overturning baskets of potatoes, apples, etc., in front of Archbold & Son’s grocery and making pedestrians scat ter in every direction. “Schucks” Schumacher tried to stop the beast by hanging on to the rear of the buggy, but was too light. Abe Boch finally got a good hold on the bridle and stopped the horse, much to the satisfaction of all who witnessed the affair. Both rigs were damaged slightly, but to no great extent. The most terrible disaster of the nineteenth century occurred at Galveston. Texas, Sunday night, when an awful hurricane broke in all its force over that city and surrounding country. The loss of life is unknown but it is estimated to be from 3,000 to 5,000. while the loss of property will reach $20,000,000. The storm raged four hours, tearing down at least half the buildings of the city and Hooding all to such an extent that life was almost impossible. Every church, hospital and public building was destroyed ana the scene the next morning was simply too horrible to lie described. Hundreds of bodies floated about the streets and were found in every nook and corner of the city. The news of the awful storm was re ceived here with horror, but more so when it became known that a Decatur young man was in the midst of it, ■ten Waggoner having gone to the doomed city on Monday previous to the storm to accept a position as telegrapher. His parents and friends here were almost distracted and were unable to get any won! whatever until yesterday afternoon when a telegram was received by his father, John Wagoner, reading as follows: ’Am all right, but lost everything. Great damage to city. See letter.” The message was sent from Houston, rejas, Tuesday evening and was not received here until last evening at •our o’clock. Ben very probably had a narrow escape and his letter will lie •<'oked for with interest by his friends here, ft is believed he went from Galveston to Houston by tug as that has been theonly means of travel from •he ill-fated city since the storm.

Anthony Holthouse, of Jonesboro. Arkansas, surprised his Decatur friends by arriving unexpectedly Sun day evening. He came to visit at the old stamping ground for a week and to accompany his daughters, who have spent the summer here, back home. Tony is looking first class and save he feels likewise. He is well pleased with his Arkansas home and is building himself a handsome house with the expectation of remaining there for many years. Henry Koeneman, the Madison street meat market man, had long ago been scheduled among the incorrigible old bachelors but he has fooled his friends and is now numbered among the benedicts. He was united in marriage last Sunday to Miss Emma Wichmeyer, the ceremony l>eing performed at the Bingen church. A large number of guests were present, including many friends from this city The bride and groom are both well known and we join with their host of friends in offering congratulations. They will make their future home in this city, being already at home on North Sixth street. Titus Meillers, a well known young man of this city, was adjudged insane at a meeting of the insanity Ixiard last Saturday and was taken to” Richmond and placed in the Eastern asylum by Sheriff Erwin the first of the week. He has been gradually losing bis mind for several months but seemed to be even in a worse condition than usual last Thursday and Friday. He attended the Beery and Lynch horse sale and purchased one of the animals giving his note for same» which they, knowing his condition, of course refused to accept. He then came up street and proceeded to ask every one whom he met to sign the note with him. Being unable to get security he returned to the stock yards at theU.& E. railway and seemed to take an especial delight in being about the horses. His friends feared he would lie injured in some way and accordingly asked Sheriff Erwin to look after him, which he did. The board who held the inquest was composed of Dr. H. F. Costello, Dr. D. D. Clark, Justices James H. Smith and Elias Coverdale. Miss Ella Touhey and Mr. P. J. Hyland were united in marriage by Rev. H. Theo. Wilkins at the St. Marys Catholic church at 5:30 o’clock Tuesday morning. They were attended by Miss Katie Touhey, sister of the bride, and Mr. John Confer. The ceremony was very impressive and was attended by a large number of friends. As Mr. and Mrs. Hyland emerged from the church they were besieged by a crowd of young folks who made them the target for a large amount of rice and shoes, etc. and even took the bashful couples’s picture Soon after the wedding party entered cabs that were in waiting and were driven to the home of the bride’s mother where an elaborate wedding breakfast was served. The happy couple left at noon over the Clover Leaf for Toledo, from where they will go to Cleveland, Detroit, Niagara Falls. Buffalo, and other places of interest in the east, being absent about three weeks. The bride and groom are both, well known here and friends without number join us in extending well wishes. They will be at home soon after their return in the Bosse cottage on Fourth street, now being arranged for their convenience,

The excursion to Marion last Sunday resulted in a general' mix-up between Bluffton and Decatur boys just as the train pulled into, the f >nner city, on the return home. The fig tis said to have lieen started by a drunken Blufftonite who tried to show a young man from this city a few points in the way of using one’s fists. The fight was quickly taken up by excursionists from the two towns and soon a regular battle was waging. The Bluffton boys got off the train at their station and eacii secured an armfull of stones wnich they proceeded to hurl through the car windows and several narrow escapes are spoken of. The Bluffton lioys seem to have got the worst of things and several are said to have been pretty badly used up. To the credit of that city it should lie said that they in no way uphold their boys in the affair as may lie seen from the following taken from the Banner: “Two young fellows got off at the tank, armed themselves with good bigdornicks and when the train pulled up to the station they ran up and fired them th. nigh the windows at the surging crowd. The reporter saw the rocks strike but could uot ascertain how much damage they did. The boy« ran as soon an thev threw them and as the train pulled out across Washington street a window was smashed into a thousand pieces by a stone thrown by a man who stood near the John Ashbaucher property. The rocks were thrown in at the windows while the train was standing still, knives and revolvers were flashed bv those on the train and if any more stones had lieon thrown it is likely some shooting would have Ixjen -lone. It was a ven disgraceful affair ana Conductor Clark was glad to get his train out of here. If w probable the railroad company will look after the ones who threw the stones as tlmrW is a very heavy i>enalty for so doing.

DECATUR. INDIANA. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13. 1900.

3_, . H •8 HA \ E mailed statements to all delinquent subscribers £ H w and expect a prompt response in the way of cash... When ►- paid one year in advance, remember that the subscription price t H is but one dollar, otherwise one dollar and a half... The Indiana H H State Sentinel is given advance subscribers. •8 t •8 £

Our list of paid subscribers this week include the following: S. J. Bowers, A. W. Holmes, George H. Martz, W. W. Smith. Mrs. E. F. Coffee, Win. Hall, Fred Stegmeyer, C. C. Cline, J. W. Cowan, Wm. Tieman,. John Shrank. Katie Bieberstine, Dr. Metier. William Gilbert, J. P. Crist, Dan Pontius, Mrs. Tim Coffee. F. B. Robinson, W. S. Cross, S. L. Vance, Ed Heller, Ed Neuenschwander, Catherine Rugg, 0. F. Lindsey, J. Close, Albert Gase and Henry Peters. A continued session of the city council was held Tuesday evening at which time Mayor Beatty presided and Messrs. Suttles, Haefling, Myers, Leßrun and Niblick were present. |The following bills were presented and upon motion each allowed: Harry Daniel, printing, 82.25 J. D. Wisehaupt, setting meters. $318.25. Mr. Niblick moved that the water works superintendent be requested to make a report of how many water meters have been set and when and to hereafter keep a record of same. Motion carried. A motion was then put and carried that the matter of using explosives within the city limits be refered to the judiciary committee and city attorney. This motion alluded to the blasting at the stone quarries north of town, it being claimed by some that the heavy explosives are injurious to the buildings. It is said that a smaller amount of dynamite will do the work of blasting just as well and no ill-effects result therefrom.

Several people in this locality are beyond a doubt soon to become heirs to immense fortunes as the result of the settlement of the Silvers estate. W. A. Silvers of Marion is devoting his entire time to the case and declares that he will soon succeed. As mentioned in this paper some time since, the estate lies in England, Germany and the United States and descends from Nathan Silvers and Lord Torniey. It is said the entire estate is valued at $400,000,000 and Tuesday’s Marion Chronicle in speaking of same said: Os the above amount about $15,000,000 decendsto John H. Silvers of Butler county, Ohio, father of W. S. Silvers. Others to share this amount are the latter’s brothers, Lewis of Nottingham and Edwin, living near Decatur, his sister, Mrs. Colbert of Hamilton, Ohio, and a half brother, H. 0. Silvers of Berne. For the remainder of the big estate there are about 1,200 heirs. Their shares- will of course depend upon the closeness of their relationship and the numlier of persons in their immediate branch of the family. Win S. Silvers of this city is one of the heirs. He is a greatgreat grandson of Nathan Silvers, but as to what his share may be is of course an uncertain quantity. It will probably be a couple of years before the estate can be fully settled.

The officers of Jay county have actually got a move on themselves and arrested Dee Leggett for the murder of Gertrude Weeter, but he has been released on bail. The sad death of a poor girl when caused by the hand of a base villain seems to create no special interest in that county and it required a large amount of energy on the part of Coroner Clark to even secure Leggett’s arrest. From reports there is but little doubt of guilt ami why the officers acted so reluctantly is a mystery. The affair is spoken of as follows in the Portland Review of Saturday: Dee Leggett, the young man against whom affidavit and information was filed Friday by Coroner Clark, of Adams county, was arrested late Friday evening by Sheriff Whipple and Marsha) Fremont Carrat Poling in Jackson township on a bench warrant issued by Judge Smith. The officers went first to the home of his parents, Wm. Leggett and wife in the north part of Jackson township and they were told that they would find the wanted man at Poling. The parents of the boy exhibited some emotion but said it was not the intention of their son to try to eseape and of course expressed a confidence that he was guilty of nothing. Leggett did not appear the least bit nervous when the paper was read to him by the officer, saying that he did not mean to offer any resistance or make anv effort to avoid trial. He was brought to Portland and placed in the county jail and will probably be released on bond in the next few days. The affidavit filed by Coroner Clark charges Leggett with prescribing ami administering medicine with criminal intent resulting in the death of Miss Gertrude Weeter, the nineteen-year old daughter of John Weeter, an oil pumper in Jackson township. Later the young man gave bond for his ap-1 pearance in the sum of SLOW), his bondsmen being his father. Lase Davenport and J. L. Sisk. He was immediately released by Sheriff Whipple and proceeded home with his father.

Rev. H. W. Vite, of Indianapolis, who was the guest of his brother and father at Vera Cruz, left for Decatur and Lima, Ohio, Monday. On Sunday he spoke at the mission festival of the Reformed church near Honduras for his brother, Rev. 0. P. Vitz. Very interesting sessions were held in the morning, afternoon and night and were largely attended. C. A. Vitz and family, of near Huntington, were guests at the parental home also and returned home today —Bluffton Banner. Will Miesse and Herb Leßrun have started for an extended trip through the west and they will make same in a very novel manner. They have been planning the tour for some time and when they left Friday morning were well supplied and equipped for several month's travel. They will make the entire trip by wagon, sleeping, eating and traveling in their rig. They expect to take their own time and when either they or their horse become wearied, will stop and rest. According to their plans they will go from here to St. Louis over just as direct a road as possible and will probably arrive there next week. After a few' days’ stay they will go to Hot Springs, Arkansas, thence to Denver, Colorado, and on to the Pacific coast. The trip is made in search of better health and the several months’ outing will no doubt be very beneficial to the boys.

Rev. E. A. Allen has arrived at his Kokomo home safe and sound after a several months trip abroad. A recent issue of the Dispatch describe? a reception given him thus: A surprise was sprung on Rev. E. A. Allen Thursday evening in the form of a “welcome home" reception by his congregation, which assembled in the church parlors in gala array to take him by the hand and give him a hearty greeting after his absence in foreign lands. The affair was almost impromptu and for that reason all the more enjoyable, and the ladies who planned it Well, neversay again that a woman can’t keep a secret. It was was a thorough surprise as was shown by the expression of the pastor’s face when he came in with his bible expecting to conduct the regular Thursday evening prayer meeting and was met instead by a jolly crowd, who helped him eat cake and sherbet. The short talk he gave of his travels w*as much enjoyed, included in which was a short outline of some special subjects which had particularly interested him abroad, and of which it is his purpose to talk at different times during the coming winter. Mr. Allen made it his business not to try to see evervthing but see some things most thoroughly. Vocal and instrumental music was a part of the evening’s pleasures, in which connection must be mentioned the whistling by Miss McCauley to piano accompaniment.

Mrs L. W. Lewton died at her home in Root township last Saturday after an illness of but a few days duration. The funeral services were conducted at the Concord church Tuesday afternoon by Rev. R. C. Jones and the Ixxly was interred at Maplewood cemetery in this city. During the services Rev. Jones read the following account of deceased's life: Mary Catherine Robinson was born in Root township. Adams county, Ind., Feb. 24,1852. and departed this life Sept. 8, 1900, aged 48 years, 6 months and 15 days. At the age of 20 she was united in marriage to L. W. Lewton. To this union were born three boys and three girls. Os this number one girl died in infancy. Her parents were pious Christian people and members of the Baptist church. She was reared and taught in that faith and duringall the years of her girlhood and womanhood, her noble life bore ripened fruit of the Christian example and religious training of childhood's golden hours She was a kind and devoted wife, always sharing with her huslrand in his sorrows and reverses, his joy and prosperity. She was a good mother. Her eyes never grew too weary to watch at the bedside of sickness of her children. Her feet were never too tired to take her on an errand that wonld bring gladness and comfort to the hearts of her children and husband. She loved her home and was queen over every department of household duties. She was given to hospitality and no one ever left her home hungry. She was a good neighbor, a noble Christian woman. Her sudden departure has cast a pall over her once happy, but now desolated home and has cast a gloom over the entire community. She leaves a husband and fivechildren, three boys and two girls, one stepdaughter, one step son, a mother, two sisters, one brother with other relatives and friends to grieve over their irreparable loss. We shall miss her in the home and walks of life, but we shall meet again around the great white throne.

Jesse Steele of Alexandria, was in the city the first of the week attend - ing to business. Asked regarding the story sent out that his brother, Maurice had embezzled S6OO from the Model Grocery Company, he replied- “ That is certainly a mistake so far as the embezzlement is concerned, although Maurice is gone and his whereabouts are still unkown.” Jesse still believes he will hear from Maurice as soon as he is located. As to the Model he says is flourishing and that he is well pleased with his new location . Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Christen and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Vaughn were the guests of friends at Rockford, Ohio. Sunday. They had a pleasant time until we.ll on their way home when an accident occurred which greatly marred the day’s happiness. When near Willshire a bolt slipped out of the buggy tongue allowing same to drop and frightening the horses. Fred was driving and held on to the lines while his wife clung to him. The team proved too strong for them however, and after running about two hundred yards succeeded in dragging them both from the rig and getting away. The horses ran down the road a mile or so and stopped. The occupants went to Willshire and waited for another surrey load of excursionists who had also been enjoying the day at Rockford, and after their arrival arrangements were made whereby all came home in safety. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn were severely bruised but neither received serious injuries and the results are considered quite lucky after all.

The funeral services over the remains of C. A. Hocker were held from the Mennonite church at Berne Saturday afternoon. Mr. Hocker was one of the best known young men of the county and the news of his death from quick consumption was heard by his many friends here with much regret. The Berne Witness container! the following concerning him: Albert Hocker died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mary Baumgartner, in Berne last Thursday morning, at the age of 33 years and 22 days. He was born in French township on the 14th day of August 1867. .He leaves his aged mother, five brothers and one sister, who mourn the loss of a member from their family that endeared himself to them in his kindness, but who have the blessed assurance that only Christian faith can impart, of a happy meeting in the land of the blessed. Mr. Hocker received his education for his useful profession in Valpariso and Depaw, and has worked as an untiring leader of the rising generation in the schools ot this county for a number of years. His last four years in this work were spent in Wabash town ship, two years in No. 2. one in Ceylon and the last year in No. 1, He was especially successful in working up the Young Peoples' Reading circle in the schools ne taught. He accom plished this by the novel scheme of making the firewood for the terms he taught with the boys of the school, and w-ith the proceeds he was thus able to build up considerable libraries. His last illness took its start before he had finished his work at Dist. No. 1 last spring.

Bertha May Hoagland, wife of Dorsey Hoagland, and daughter of John D. Stults. was born in Root township, near Decatur, Adams county. Indiana, November 26. 1881. and departed this life September sth, 1900, of that dreaded disease, consumption. She was converted and joined the United Brethren church at Union chapel at the age of twelve years, during the pastorate of Rev. E. Balduc, and she kept the faith until death. She was truly a loving, obedient. Christian child. She was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Dorsey Hoagland. Nov. 30, 1899. While this union was very brief they lived happily together until death separated them. During her affliction she man ifested the desire to get well that she might live with her young loving husband and her dear papa, but when she perceived that it was the will of her heavenly Father that she should leave them so soon in life she became very reconciled and resigned to his dear will. She was all consecrated and very happy in the dear Lord Jesus. She would often express herself to her friends of her readiness tq depart as her hope for eternal life was bright. A few days before her departure she said to her father that she longed to go and be with het mother and two little sisters who preceded her to the heavenly land in 1886. Before her departure she set her house in order. She selected three of the hymns tp lie sung on the occasion. She gave a description of her casket and where she should be laid away. She leaves an affectionate husband, a dear father and one as loving and dear us a mother. one'loving brother, Francis Marion, one sister, Nora Lavetla and many kindred and friends who are left to mourn her departure. She will lie missed by the dear ones, but she has ceased from her lalsirs and pain and lives before the throne of God. Services were held at I nion chai*el Sept. 7, at 3p. tn. Text, Rev 21 I. “For mer things are past away." Her remains were laid away in the church cemetery. Officiated by Rev. E. Balduc. of Geneva, Ind.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 27

The annual reunion of the 89th In I diana Volunteer regiment of the civil war will be held in this city Wednesday and Thursday, October 3 and 4, and arrangements are already being made for the occasion. Citizens and business men have subscribed freely towards the entertainment fund and everything will be in readiness for a good time. The exercises will be con ducted at the court house and armory i and the visitors will be entertained by citizens at their homes. The final meeting of the committee to complete arrangements will be held Saturday evening, September 22, when details will lie decided upon. It is the plan : now to allow the visitors and members j of the regiment to conduct their own | exercises and each one will be given | the privilege of making a short talk, the only oration by an outsider being lan address of welcome by Mavor Beatty. The meeting at Peterson & France’s office Tuesday evening for the pur pose of organizing an oil company to prospect about this city was not verv largely attended, but every one present was desperately in earnest and if our citizens will assist them just the least bit we will soon know whether or not there is oil or gas in this itnme diate vicinity. James H. Stone was made temporary chairman of the meeting and a committee was ap pointed to sell stock. It is the pur pose of the company if they succeed in organizing to put down ten wells in various localities, thus making a thor ough test. The stock will be sold at ten dollars a share and for the present is limited to 1,01)1) shares, the contract provides that one-tenth the money subscribed for shares shall be paid i when the drill is started into the earth I and one-tenth every twenty days thereafter until oil or gas is secured or the test completed. If they are successful the company will meet and organize as a permanent corporation. The plan is a good one, and as you are bound only for your own share, any one can afford to have some stock. The company is organized for the benefit of the city of Decatur, and | every loyal citizen and every property owner should have stock in same.’ The committee is composed of Messrs. George Roop. Levi Barkley and James H. Stone. They will call on you soon very probably, and if you desire the betterment of your best interests you I will do well to subscribe for a few I shares of stock. Now' is the time if I you desire to find out wnether or not we have oil or gas beneath us and in i what quantity. The circuit court docket of Adams | county contains a record of this week’s business as follows: State vs Floyd Leßrun and Erman Mentzer, piea of guilty, each sentenced to jail five days, disfranchised one year and fined three j dollars. Mutual Life Insurance Com | pany vs Amanda Entzminger et al, I set for fourth Friday. Ida E. Evans i vs Thomas E. Evans, divorce, set for I second Friday. State vs Samuel and Rachael Schafer, foreclosure -SI44X), | appearance of Schurger & Smith for . defendants, withdrawn. Isabelle Wil- ; liams vs Peter B. Manley, review of judgment, affidavit by defendant for i change of judge. John E. and Lavina I E. King vs City of Decatur, damages SISOO, affidavit by defendant fir | change of venue from the county. | Christian Beerv vs Malinda Baker et al, partition, answer filed by defendant Daniel Weldy. Old Adams County Bank vs Thomas Callihan et al, note, i $75, dismissed and costs paid. Erastus j Fritzinger vs Fredrick Bohnke Sr.. : demand S7OO, amended complaint filed I ruled to answer, demurer filed and overruled. Mary E. Richard vs James Richard, divorce, amended complaint filed and rule to answer, demurer overruled and case set for second Friday. James C. Moses et al vs Mary Anu Arnold et al, quiet title, default of all defendants, submitted, judg ment that James C. Moses and Emily Moses are the owners in fee simple of the described real estate and title is quieted. Judgment against plaintiff for costs. Schafer, Son & Loch vs Mattie Schlegel and George J. Bippus. foreclosure, bill of particulars filed and motion to make more specific overruled. ten days granted to file bill. E. Fritzinger vs Mattie Schlegel and George J. Bippus, motion to have complaint made more specific over ruled. Holthouse, Callow & Co. vs Mattie Schlegel and George J. Bippus, motion by defendant to have complaint made more specific overruled. Lee S. Higgins vs Alferd Johnson, contest of will, answer filed by guardian, Judson Teeple. Amos Bwhtol vs. Barbara Beehtol, divorce granted and judgment vs. plaintiff for costs. Indiana Mutual Building and Loan Ass-o nation vs. Geo. W. and Rose E. Htimma, foreclosure, judgment for $60.18 and $25 attorney fees, sale ordered ami shares of stock ordered canceled. H. I. K. Roe, vs. Mary M. Roe, divorce granted and defendant’s for trier name, Mary M. Lhaman restored to her. Loretta Shaw vs. Oscar Shaw, , divorce, dismissed and judgment against plaintiff for costs. Ezra Lis ter vs. City of Decatur, rule to answer. James. P Ford vs. Lewis C. Miller, dismissed and costs paid. John M. Holloway vs. Sam Soldner, adtn’r of Smith estate, claim $152, dismissed at cost of estate. Araos C. Houk, ex parte, admitted to bar.