Decatur Democrat, Volume 44, Number 45, Decatur, Adams County, 17 January 1901 — Page 1

,L THE NEWS ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLIIII.

NORVAL BLACKBURN, Again has the hand of death lieeti felt in our community and another citizen, perhaps as well known as any in the county has been chosen as vic ; tim. Norval Blackburn, died at his home on Third street, a few minutes after nine o’clock Tuesday evening of apendicitis, after an illness of but four days duration. The uncertainty of life has never been better illustrated. Only last Friday he attended the, funeral services of his old com rad, J Ezra Lister and afterwards attended to business duties at his office, being apparently in as good heatlh as usual. Towards evening he felt severe pains in the stomach but was not alarmed to any degree. However on Saturday morning he was not improved any and Dr. J. S. Boyers was called who pronounced the trouble to be appendicitis. His condition did not become alarming until Sunday evening about ten o’clock, when the’ pains became more severe and his suffering became almost unbearable. His physician at once decided that unless an operation was performed he could live but a few hours and preparations for such an operation were accordingly made. Dr. Miles Porter and Dr. B.Sweringen of Fort Wayne were summoned as were also, Drs. Beavers. Miller and McMillen of this city, and at eight o’clock Monday morning they operated upon the patient. The disease seems to have had a terrible hold on its victim and this fact coupled with his age made recovery almost an impossibility.; although the operation from a surgical point of view was most successful. Only a few hours elapsed however until peritonitis or inilamation of the peritoneum set in and death could in no way be warded off. Tuesday morning Dr. Boyers told the patient and his family of his condition and during that'afternoon his many friends were allowed to see him for the last time in this life. Early in the evening he lost consciousness and at 9:11 his spirit took its flight to the great beyond; the intense suffering her had endured for two days was over and his labors at an end. The news of his serious illness came as a shock to our citizens, most of whom knew nothing of it until Monday morning and even now it seems impossible that he has been called to his reward. He was a kind, loving and considerate husband and father and his home will indeed be desolate for those who are left to mourn the terrible loss. In public life he was courteous ami patient. He was good hearted to a degree of lavishness and many a poor family of our city have received from him the necessary provissions to last them several davs. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the National Union, and the G. A. R. and in all these orders was held in high esteein, and under the auspices of these societies the funeral services will lie conducted Friday morning at ten o’clock. Rev. C. G. Hudson will officiate and the ceremonies take place at the Methodist church. Had Mr. Blackburn lived three hours longer he would have reached his fifty-eighth birthday having been born in Holmes county,’Ohio, January 16, 1843. He was a member of the Adams county liar and that association at a meeting yesterday afternoon adopted the following resolutions which also gives a good story of his life. IS MEMOBIAM. Norval Blackburn was born in Holmes county. Ohio. January 16, 1843. He was the son of James K. and Anna Blackburn, natives of Pennsylvania. When but a mere boy he moved with his parents to Adams county, Indiana, and lived with them on a farm until he was twenty years old, receiving a common school education. In September, 1863, he enlist«d as a private in company C, eleventh cavalary, 126th regiment, Indiana volunteers’, and was afterwards promoted successively to Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and Captain of his company. He was mustered out September 19, 1865, at about which time he, together with several other officers were examined for commissions in the regular army, at which examination he was successful and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the regular army of the United States, which commission he holds to this day Mr. Blackburn was united in marriage August 21,1869 to Sarah J. Stoops, daughter of James Stoops of Decatur, ■ who, with two daughters Nellie and Hattie now mourn the loss of a loving husband and father. From the time of his discharge from the service until September 1874, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Adams county, he was engaged in various pursuits and avocations. He held the office of deptuy sheriff for four years and was elected clerk of the Adams circuit court ane entered ui>on his duties as such clerk November 1, 1879, and held said office until November I, 1883. shortly after which he purchased a half interest in the Decatur Democrat and in February following he became the sole proprietor. On Mav 14, 1885 he was api»ointed postmaster at Decatur, Indiana, and held the office for four years, during all which time he performed the duties as editor of his newspa|>er as well as postmaster of said city. His long service as a public official has made him universally known in the county and he is always spoken of as a liber-

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al. kindhearted and popular citizen. Os the fraternal orders of the city of Decatur he was, and has been for a long time a member of the Masonic order, being at his death a member of Decatur lodge number 571, and also a member of the Grand Army and of the National Union. Mr. Blackburn was also a member of the Adams county bar. While he gave no special attention to the practic of law yet he was always recognized as a member in good standing of the legal profession anti understood to a considerable extent the practices and duties of an attorney at law-. Os Norval Blackburn it is the truth to say he was just, that he was upright, honorable and courteous and patient, ever ready to lend a helping hand to a needy fellow man. He was of the highest type of generosity. He was a lover of goodness, uprightness and honesty in mankind. Such is the character of the man we now mourn. Therefore lie it resolved that the members of this bar learn with profound sorrow of the death of Norval Blackburn who for so many years went daily in and out among his fellow citizens in the discharge of his various duties as a private citizen and as a public official. Resolved, that the bar further lament the loss of one of its members who, in life had such an exemplary public and private record. Resolved, that his memory is entitled to be cherished by the members of this bar for the high honor and integrity as a citizen and as an associate. Be it further resolved, that the bar of this court extend to the wife and daughters of our deceased brother sympathy in thi° their sad hour of sorrow and bereavement. Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions and memorial be presented to the Adams circuit court and spread on record in the order book, and that a copy be presented to the family of the deceased brother, and that the a copy be presented to the newspapers of the city of Decatur for publication and that a memorial page of records of the Adams circuit be dedicated to the mory of our brother, Norval Blackburn. John H, Lenhart, Lewis C. DeVoss Shaffer Peterson.

Judge Watkins of Huntington, sat on the bench here long enough Mon day to overrule a motion to strike out part of complaint, in the case of Williams vs Manley. The lawyers present in the case were Dailey & Simmons of Bluffton, Peter B. Manley of Marion, and Clark J. Lutz of this city. Only five days after the death of her husband, did Grandmother Ehresman of Pleasant Mills survive, and now side by side they rest in the little cemetery of that village where they had lived so long. John Ehresman died Monday of last week and from that time his aged wife, Margaret, who had for years suffered with asthma grew steadily worse until Friday morning when she too. laid down the burden of life. She was nearly seventy years of age, and well known in her neighborhood. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon. During the year 1901 there will be two sets of questions on science of education and literature for each examination for a common school license. On each subject there will.be a list on the general field of the subject and a list on the work of the Reading Circle books. An applicant may select either list. No definite chapters of the books will be a basis of the examination. The questions in reading for the diploma examination for 1901 will be based upon the following selections; March, “For A' That and A' That”; April, “Chambered Nautilis”; May, “Biography of Holmes”. There will be no high school examination questions for the examination of graduates from non-commissioned high schools sent from the department this year. Among the old pioneers of Adams county who have passed to their final reward this week is Mrs. Johnauah Fitzgerald, who for sixty years has watched the growth and progress of events in this neighborhood. She was a most highly esteemed lady and her friends were many. Death came from infirmaties of old ago. she having been quite weak for several years past, finally yielding to the inevitable Saturday morning. Rev. Wilkens conducted the funeral services from the St. Mary's Catholic church Monday morning at nine o’clock, and the large church was filled with relatives, friends and loved ones who thus paid the last tribute of respect to Grandmother Fitzgerald. Interment was held at the St. Joseph’s cemetery. Johanah Fitzgerald was born in Ireland March 6, 1817, where she resided until 1830, when with her parents she came to this country and located at W ashington, D. C. There in Is’l'i she was married to Mr. O’Connell, and to them were born two children, one of whom John O’Connell of Fort Wayne, well known here still survives, i She came to this county in 1840 and shortly afterwards 1813, was married to David Fitzgerald. From this union eleven children were liorn. four of whom survive and are Mrs. James Dailey of Bluffton, Mrs. George Haefling of this city, and two sons who reside respectively at Chicago and Pittsburg. Mr. Fitzgerald preeisxled her in death a number of years ago.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1901.

Editor Knight formerly of the I Montpelier Herald, is said to have regained his mental balance in mind, which caused his friends much anxiety | a short time ago. Herbert Bremerkamp, the youngl son of John Henry Bremerkamp was the lucky holder of ticket 103 which j drew the handsome chair at Fristoe’s Smoke House last Saturday evening. J. T. Burley, the Geneva poultry ■ man who spoke before the Farmers’ | Institute here yesterday, went to De-I catur last night where he is on program for similar discussions at the institute to lie held there Friday and Saturday.- Bluffton Banner. The Times, a brand new paper is announced to appear at Berne and will make its initial bow some time during the first part of next month. Still another is also promised before the wild flowers bloom and the citi zens of Berne will surely be well cared for in the news line. The annual sale of delinquent lands and town lots is published in this issue of the Democrat, and so much of them as may be necessary to discharge the taxes, interest and penalty, will be offered for sale at the east door of the court house, on the second Monday in February, or February 11. A communication fiom Mr. and Mrs. Smith Stephens, gives us the information that the Tribe of Ben Hur, of which order their son Berton who died a short time ago was a member, have responded witha check for SI,OOO which amount of insurance was carried. The money was paid within ten days after the death of Mr. Stephens,

showing the order to be strictly alright and as good as their word. At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Decatur National Bank last week officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, P. W. Smith; Vice-president, W. A. Kuebler; Cashier, C. A. Dugan; Assistant Cashier, E. X. Ehinger. The Board of Directors consists of the above named officers and Daniel Sprang, John B. Mason and J. H. Hobrock. This institution is acknowledged one of the safest and most reliable in the state, having SIIO,OOO capital and surplus and a half million in total resources. The Right Rev. John Hazen White D. D., the Bishop of the diocese of Michigan City, will preach in the Baptist church in this city on Tuesday evening. January 22, at 7:30 o’clock. Bishop White succeeded Bishop Knick erbocker, whom many in this community will remember with affectionate regard, and in the recent division of the state became bishop of the northern diocese. He is a very strong preacher and though this is his first visit to Decatur he will doubtless attract many to hear him. The service is a public one. The house of Chalmer Schafer, corner of Jefferson and Sixth streats was the scene of a disastrous fire about seven o’clock Monday morning. The fire started in the bath room on the west side of the house and seemed to have burned several hours before discovered. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer were absent, having been at Fort Wayne several days and the origin of the fire is a mystery as there was no light or fire of any kind in the portion of the house damaged. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schafer were at the place Sunday evening at which time everything was all right. The household goods were badly damaged by smoke and water and the loss will proballv be SSOO, while the loss to the house which is owned by Fred Schafer is about S2OO, both fully insured.

The regular semi-monthly meeting of the city council was held Tuesday evening, Mayor Bea*ty presiding and all members but Niblick present. The minutes of the January 1 meeting were read and approved, after which bill were presented and allowed as follows: Holthouse, Callow & Co., supplies 80 cents; Rose & Bell, setting meters $32.27; E. Fritzinger, gravel and tile $97.31; Eli Myers, livery hire $1.00; Ashbaucher & Koenneman, tai low $1.11; Central Electric Co., supplies $34.69; National Carlxm Co., supplies $54.00; Ft. Wayne Oil Co., supplies $7.42; Gerding, Amman & Bro., supplies $65.05; Elmer Miller, labor $1.75; Wells, Fargo Express Co., 76 cents; Ed Luttman, gravel $14.50; Schafer. Loch & Co., supplies $22.45; H. B. Knoff, pay roll $10.85; Shelby Henderson, police $25.50. Resolutions for temporary loans to pay off outstanding bonds were adopted by a full vote. Mr. Suttles moved that the mayor be authorized to put in a reliable fire alarm at the waterworks station and said motion was carried. Haetling moved that the fire chief be instructed to take care of fire hose. Motion carried. Myers moved that bill of Huffman, Augsberger <& Run yon for use of city plow lie S3.(X), carried. Mayor Beatty was instructed to buy a new fire nozzle. By motion of Mann, Thomas Haetling was changed to night duty at the water station and Jacob Eady given day work. Suttles moved that the acceptance of the ordinance of H. M. Romberg and John \v. Tyndall and W. H. Tforkins lie adopted and spread of record. Motion carried and council then adl journed.

Mrs. D. D. Heller is suffering from a severe attack of grippe, having been c- nfined to her bed since Monday. She was considered some better yesterday. Letters remaining in the post office uncalled for are as follows: Frank Martin, Geo. Niblick, Perry D. Tobler, Cary Thomas, Hester Smith, W. H. Chapman, Horace Crampton, A. F. Burns and Mrs. E. J. Prunson. Bert Mangold, representing the Decatur High School was at Winchester Saturday to attend a meeting of delegates from the various schools of the Eastern Indiana Oratorical Association. Other students present, were J. O. Pierce of Portland. Morton Hunt, Winchester; and Fred Davenport, Bluffton. F. L. Jones, state superintendent of public instructions, is considering the terms of a bill regulating the pay of school teachers. It may be that a minimum wage will be recommended with a sliding scale, dependent on the average upon examinations that the teacher receives. Representative Neal of Noblesville, is considering a similar bill. Both men feel that the country school teacher, especially, does not receive enough money for his work.

The P. C. C. & St. L. Railroad, or the Pan Handle as it is more frequently called, says the Richmond Items, is to be no more. For years the southwest system of the Pennsylvania lines has gone under that name, but it is now announced that the entire system, east and west, will be under the name of the Peusylvania Lines. This not only includes the Pan Handle but the P. Ft. W. & C., the Vandalia and the G. R. &I. It is said that in a year’s time all cars and engines on all lines of the Pennsylvania system will be lettered “Pennsylvania Lines.” The jury in the Jay countydamage case, Susannah Kinsey vs Mattie Penfield et al returned a sealed verdict late Monday night and the same was read in court the following morning. The finding was for the defendant and now a motion for a new trial has been filed by the plaintiff on the grounds that Ixffore the verdict had been read in court the defendant took a number of the juryman to the Burt House and treated them to cigars. During the progress of the trial a child of one of the juryman became dangerously sick ami by the consent of both sides he was allowed to go home, the case being concluded before eleven juryman. The lecture course has suspended, and Decatur people who have invested their cash must be content with the recollection that although a little high priced they have had the opportunity of hearing Mrs. Anna Shaw in a splendid lecture and an entertainment by one of the best concert companies on the road. The lecture course was under the auspices of the Ridpath Bureau. Chicago, and it was supposed their word was as good as a contract. However, they have dis covered that such is not the case for word has been received that the rest of the course will not lie given owing to the fact that our citizens have not patronized them sufficiently. There is said to be a small amount of money in the treasury and this will be divided among those bolding season tickets, The blow is a hard one to those who for several vears have been laboring for the establishment of a substantial lecture course. Mrs. David Fitzgerald died Saturday morning at her home in Decatur, January 12, 1901, aged eighty-four years. She was a native of Ireland, County Kerry; she came to this country when but twelve years old. Her maiden name was Coffee, and her family consisted of one sister and four brothers who have all gone liefore her. Her sister died just a month ago at Notre Dame, Ind., when told of her death she said “well I soon will follow.” Her first husband’s name was O’Connell; there were two sons of this marriage, Daniel and John; Daniel died in 1881, John, of Fort Wayne, the eldest still living. While her first husband lived their home was at Washington, D. C. He died six years after their marriage, then she came to Indiana with her people and her two son’s; in this state she met and married David Fitzgerald who died in 1881. She was the mother of a large family, many of whom she has lived to bury; the members still living are P. H. Fitzgerald of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Thomas of Chicago, John of Fort Wayne, Mrs. George M. Haetling of this city and Mrs. James T. Dailey of Bluffton. Her grand children number sixteen, and two great grand children. She came to this town when quite young and from a hamlet of a tew houses, with a wilderness surrounding it she has lived to see the changes the last sixty years has made in town and county. She was a gocxl mother, and a faithful member of the Catholic church from which she was buried Monday morning. Father Wilkens said the highest tribute to ones memory was that tney had lived at peace with their fellow man, and that could lx* truthfuly said of her in the church and out. All her children and grand children were present at the funeral. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth their works do follow them.

Mary A Pickett, the Jay county lady who tried to commit suicide last summer on account of being jilted by her lover, Thurman Huey and who afterwards brought suit against him for breach of promise asking $5,000 damages was awarded $275. The case was heard in the Jay circuit court last week. The Indiana school teachers, in their recent state association meeting at Indianapolis, recomended that files of the neighborhood newspapers be preserved in the school libraries. The teachers did this because it was their opinion that no lietter record of events which could afterwards be refered to as history could be found. It is far better to take history written at the time the events occurred than to obtain it from what some old inhabitant remembers. J. T. Burling, the well known dealer in fine Plymoth Rock chickens and whose farm in Wabash township is a model of neatness was here Tuesday on his way home from Bluffton where he attended the annual institute of the Wells county farmers. He reports a splendid meeting with enthusiasm unbounded. Mr. Burling himself told a few facts which caused some interest for those present, among them being that the poultry production of the United States during the past few years has excluded the pork production. Mr. and Mrs. James Richards have been refused a divorce as praved in the Adams circuit court three weeks ago. The suit was brought by Mrs. Richards and the complaint alleged abandonment after two weeks of wedded life, the papers in the divorce suit being filed before the justice who married them had made his return of the necessary papers. The complaint alleged also cruel treatment and adultery, while the cross complaint alleges like facts. Judge Heller did not render a dicision until Saturday and then refused to grant the divorce. The number of separations in the last year have certainly been alarming and perhaps a refusal now and then to grant divorces when asked for would serve in a degree to check some. Mary E. Nevins, wife of W. G. Spencer, died at her home on Second street, Wednesday night, January 9, at 11 o’clock, She was born in Oxford, Ohio, March Ist, 1833. She came with her parents to Decatur, in the fall of 1842, and was married to W. G. Spencer, Mav Bth, 1851. Her ageci husband and three children, Mrs. Flora Gardner of Rapid City, South Dakota, W. G. Jr. anti Charles N. Spencer of Decatur, survive her. She was the daughter of the Rev. J. H. Nevins, first pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Decatur, of which church she was a member for more than fifty years. The funeral services were held at her home Sunday afternoon, January 13th. and were conducted by the Rev. H. C. Duckett, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. W. G. Spencer and family wish in this way to thank their many friends for kindness to them before as well as during their sad bereavement. Civil cases have been disposed of this week in the circuit court as follows: Daneil Railing vs Mary Brown et al, damages $1,500, dismissed as to defendants Carl Lang and the Carl Lang Brewing company. Lizzie Hendricks et al vs Hubert Topp et al, judgment that plaintiff is owner of second, third and fourth notes described in complaint and $55.56 is due her from defendant, who is ordered to pay same and deliver said notes into court and in default of his doing same he shall pay $444.50. judgment against Topp for costs. Daniel Railing vs Toledo Brewing and Malting Company, and Charles Geimer, cause of action dismissed as to the defendant Charles Geimer. Affidavit in attcahment and bond filed, bond approved and writ ordered. Isabelle Williams vs Peter B. Manley, complaint to revive judgment, motion to strike out first paragraph of answer by plaintiff. Joseph Eckhouse vs Charles H. Barnhart et al, note S3OO. Default of defendants and judgment rendered for S4BB without relief. Mary E. Richards vs James Richards, divorce, judgment against defendant for costs, divorce refused. Charles A. Dugan extr vs Norval Blackburn, note $125, demurrer overruled. Joseph D. VauCamp vs James Q. Neptune, motion by defendant on written reasons filed for new trial. Daniel Boze vs Andrew Gottschalk, admr, claim $540, settled and dismissed at cost of estate. Samantha J. Agler vs John Turner et al. quiet title, default of all defenduno, uuu jiiirgmbnt that plaintiff is owner of land described in complaint and order that title be quieted. Ida M. Foreman vs John Foreman et al. quiet title; default of all defendants and same entry as in previous ease. Elizabeth Able vs William J. Able, divorce, rule to answer. Susanah Kinsey vs Mattie Armfield, damages S3OO, tried by jury and verdict returned for defendant. Motion by plain tiff for new trial and motion by defendants for judgment on verdict. John Reynolds vs G. W. Roop, damages $2,000, demurrer by defendant [to each paragraph of complaint. C. ■ Dallas Spuller. ex parte, admitted to 1 bar.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 45

As stated in last week’s Democrat, Herman L. Confer came in last Thursday evening fresh from his western home in Sturgis, South Dakota, and is now busy relating long drawn out fairy tales about the celestial beauties of the far west. Herman is prospering in away that is most substantial. Mrs. Noah Merrica had the misfortune to receive a badly broken arm 1 uesday morning. She was working about her home when she accidently fell, striking her left arm and breaking it in two places between the elbow and wrist. A physicion was called who attended her and she is getting along nicely although suffering con siderably on account of her age. The biennial report of the Indiana Bureau of Statistics, just published, contains a detailed report of the number of marriages and divorces in this state during the last four years. In 1897, the number of marriage licenses granted in the state was 23,900, and in the same year there were 3,080 divorces. In 1898 there were 25,043 marriages and 2,896 divorces. The next year the number of marriages had increased to 25,232 and the number of divorces went up to 4,031. In 1900 the number of marriages was 26,671, the largest ever known in the state, while the number of divorces was 4,699. A number of people were guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Bell Saturday evening for tea and from current reports they were glad of it. The supper was a most delicious one and following that eventful part of the program came several hours of unalloyed enjoyment. Among the guests were Messrs and Mesdames F. M. Schir meyer R. K. Erwin, W. H.Nachtrieb, D. E. Studabaker. Frank Dibble, Daniel Sprang. W. H. Keubler, J. C. Patterson. Mrs. Florence DeVilbiss. Mrs. Belle France and Mrs. Erwin and daughter of Winchester. All who have ever enjoyed the hospitality of the Bell home know without further comments from our pen that the occasion was all that is claimed therefore. Probably the most valuable tract of unimproved land in Wells county was sold at commissoner’s sale this after noon at the east door of the court house by Commissioner A. L. Nichols, of Winchester. The land conveyed was the property of the heirs of Peter Cable and consisted of 120 acres of virgin timber land lying near Vera Cruz. It was divided into tracts, one of forty and the either of eighty acres. Smith A: Bell and Will Engeler bid in the forty acre tract at $3,000 and Al>e J. Hawk, of Berne got the eighty acre strip paying for it $6,450. Smith A Bell will remove the timber from the forty acres and Mr. Engeler will then take the land which joined with the 82 acres which he already owns will give him a farm of 182 acres of continuous territory. Mr. Able will haul the elm timber from the laud purchased by himself to the hoop mill at Berne of which he is the proprietor and will sell the other timber on the market. Bluffton Banner. Shortly after ten o’clock on Wednesday evening of last week came the death of Ezra Lister at his home on North Third street. He had been very low for two weeks past and for a day or so had been unconscious. The end came with scarcely a struggle and after months of suffering he calmly slept away. Mr. Lister was the oldest setler of the county, having imigrated here in 1828, and for nearly threequarters of a century had lieen a citi zen of Adams county almost coutin ously. He was of sturdy character and had scarcely known what it meant* to be sick until aliout a year ago when he contracted a severe cold, which finally settled on the lungs and resulted in consumption. Even after having a number of hemorhages and when one lung was entirely wasted he lived a year. Uncle Ezra was a great fisherman and hunter, and many an interesting storv could lx* related of the days when deer were plentiful in the woods. Even during his latter days he captained many a crowd to lakes and forests at a distance and enjoyed the sport as much as men fifty years his junior. Ezra Lister was born in Ross county. Ohio, Jan nary 15. 1825 and died January 9. 1901, lacking but six days of being seventy-six years old. His education as that of all pioneers was very limited but his knowledge was increased by contact with all classes of people and he was considered a sharp trader and a keen business man. He was actively engaged in farming until a fewyears ago when he retired and m<pe»J to this city During his hie time iie has married four tim«<s. the last surviving him with their only son. Thomas Tilden. Another child. Mrs. John Woods, of Logansport also re mains, two having preeeedefl tin* father. In politics Mr. Lister was a democrat, and the party has always lieen strengthened by his labor of those principals. He was not an office seeker nor a politition but never failed to express his views in away to do great go<xl. He was an old veteran land the funeral services which were ; held from tin* house at ten o'clock i Friday morning were in charge of the G. A. R Rev. H. C. Duckett official ling.