Decatur Democrat, Volume 45, Number 11, Decatur, Adams County, 23 May 1901 — Page 1

all the news ALL THE VIME.

VOLUME XLV.

Yesterday the board of county commissioners and Henry Knapp entered into a contract whereby the latter completes a fence around the old fair grounds at a price agreed upon and stipulated in the contract. Work will Iwgin at once and the same completed within a short time. They will receive bids Tune 11 for three bridges. A record type writer is a new addition at Clerk Johnson's office, the same being set up and adjusted Monday. It is quite a complicated piece of machinery but has been in use long enough to lie found practical and all I right This is the first machine that I has appeared in the Adams county court house. ,], R Graber, the superittendent of (he county infirmary, wrote his check [or >llOl.Ol and turned it over to the proper county officials, that being the amount due’ from revenue derived from the farm since the first of January this year. Mr. Graber's financial ability’is continuing to assert itself in away that is certainly acceptable to all concerned. After an absence of five years, Al Ayers, better known here as “Grandpa." arrived in town Thursday even ing. During his time away from us he has seen some of the world, in fact about all of the southern United i States and has dealt in various kinds of business. He was at Beaumont in I the Texas oil field for several weeks I just prior to his visit home. He exI [>e< ts to remain several months. Miss Ellen Bollman died lastevenI ing at 5:15 of nervous prostration and heart trouble. For a week past she sank rapidly and friends and loved ones knew that only a few hours with I her was all they could expect. YesI terday meriting she became unconscious and only a thread of life seemed to bold her among the living until I the time mentioned above when she I was relieved from her suffering. Rev. i H. C. Duckett will conduct the funeral services which will lie held from the I residence at ten o’clock Saturday I morning. A Bluffton citizen, Jacob Blair, has gone to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he will solicit the assistance of W. J. Bryan in securing the release of his son from the Nebraska state reformatory. The boy went to visit his mother, who has been divorced from Mr. Blair for many years, and during the visit she had him placed in the reform school, just to be hateful, says the father. Mr. Blair heard the facts in 1 the case a few days ago through an attorney and at onee decided to seek the aid of Mr. Bryan, whom he will lx“g to go before the governor in his behalf. Dr. J. W. Stoneburner, once located at Berne, where it will be remembered he became entangled in an ugly mixup over the death of a young lady, arrived in the city a few days ago. He is located at p'-wrt at Leland, Idaho, and his mission heie is to secure evidence and depositions for use in a suit for divorce which he has filed. Mrs. Stoneburner is now ;1 Leland putting up a fight for her own rights. In her cross complaint she asks for the sum of S3OOO as alimony and payment for her m jured feelings. She alleges that her husband has a good business and is making considerable money, tc part of which she is entitled. The Union township oil well is under headway, the drill being started yesterday morning and now it is but a matter of a few days until citizens of that section of the county are relieved from the strain thev have been under for some time as to whether or not there is oil in the locality. It is impossible to state the exact length of time necessary to complete the well as that fact depends entirely upon the condition of the soil and rock they penetrate. The well ''ill be about 1300 feet deep and if luck is with the boys wo may have a gusher within ten days, although often six weeks time is required. Manager Bowers says the fever is still growing and it is now assured that at least six test wells will be put down. Miss Frank Brown died Friday evening at five o’clock at the home of Banker George Chaes at Richmond, Indiana, after an illness of only a few hours. At noon Thursday she was taken with acute kidney trouble and until the following evening suffered the most terrible agony, when she was relieved by the angle of death. She was a most popular lady here, where •he resided during ten years of her hfe, making her home with the families °f R. D. Patterson, A. G. Holloway »nd D. F. Quinn. She was amiable and 01 a sunny disposition and her friends among young and old were indeed numerous. During the last few years she has lived at the Chaes residence 111 Richmond and in that city also she "as favorably known. Frances Brown "as bom at Williamsburg, Wayne county, Indiana, in 1862 and wasthirty--111118 years of age. Her parents still reside at the old home town and the funeral services were conducted there • unday afternoon. The news of her Na| i leath came as a shock to her Del‘atur acquaintances as none were even ®"ure of her illness. Mr. and Mrs. -vunn, of this city and Mrs. N. K. odd, of Bluffton attended the tuner I at services.

The Rosenthal property, corner of First and Jefferson street’s, has been purchased by the Decatur Lumber Company, who will at once remove the I houses now on that site and begin the erection of lumber sheds. The lumber stock now on their Monroe street i grounds will be removed to the new’ yards and a large stock added. This necesitates our townsman Fred Hoffman to seek a new location. France, Dungan & Mitten is the combination of two law firms now doing business under the title of one firm. The partnership was formed last week, but did not go into effect until this morning, when France & Mitten moved their equipments and law’ library from the Boos building into the quarters occupied by Mayor Dungan. It was only in January last that the firm of France & Dungan was dissolved. Huntington Herald. At 6:30 o’clock yesterday morning from the St. Mary’s Catholic church occurred the marriage of Miss Rose Durkins to Mr. Charles Kitson, Rev. H. Theo. Wilkens performing the sacred ceremony. Miss Rose Egan acted as bridesmaid' and Mr. Frank Kleinhenz as groomsman. A wedding dinder was served to a few invited guests at the home of Mrs. Coffee on Second street. Both the bride and groom are popular in this city and have a vast number of friends who wish them the best possible future. Banker C. A. Dugan’s new palatial home is now a certainty and will be erected on his Monroe street purchase during this summer. The plans have arrived and are now in the hands of the contractors for estimates, and by the middle of July work will begin and be pushed to an early completion. The new residence and future home of the Dugans will be a modern colonial styled, ten room residence, with all the latest improvements and conveniences. The architecture is from the well known designers, Wing & Maurin of Fort Wayne, and is a beauty.

Clifford Zimmerman, the six years old son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Zimmerman, of Van Wert, died Sunday morning at six o'clock of kidney trouble. Clifford was a bright and clever little fellow who made friends with everyone and his parents are heartbroken over their sad loss. He was sick about two weeks, suffering the most terrible pain part of the time, yet bearing with a wonderful fortitude for one his age, the illness which he deemed to realize would eventually be relieved only by the band of death. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon. The Bluffton newspapers are warming up considerable cold type about the supposed robbery of J. B. Evans, the well known dealer in nursery stock there. The Democrat has investigated the story pretty thoroughly and is convinced that Doc’s pocket book was lost here and not stolen. That part of the story that it contained $l7O and that SIOO of it was recovered by the officials here is true, and Doc ought to be mighty thankful he is again in possession of that much of it, for had it occurred in Bluffton the story would be different, and Doc would be the loser of the full amount, with expenses of recovery added. Herman Wieeking the Bluffton manufacturer of the famous cigar that bears bis name, and who visits this city at regular intervals in the interest of his cigar business, is thus spoken of by the Bluffton Banner: Herman Wieeking, the great Tammany traveler, has under consideration a tour that will eclipse any of his former exjieditions and put him in the same class with John L. Stoddard and Bayard Taylor. He is seriously thinking of going around the earth, leaving Bluffton some time next Novetnber and visiting San Francisco, Honolulu, Japan, India, the Philippines and returning via Italy. England | and New York City The trip would I require nine months or a year and would involve traveling 27.000 miles.' Junta year ago tixluy he returned; from a visit to Europe.

One of the prettiest law suits from a legal poiut of view ever tried in our circuit court is now being heard by Judge Heller, the same being entitled Lake Shore & Michigan Southern and Fort Wayne & Jackson railway companies vs the city of Fort Wayne. The Hunt of 825,(XX) is asked as damages because of a street being laid through their yards and die counsel are among the best in Indiana, the plaintiff being represented by N. B. Doughman and Judge Olds of Fort Wayne and J. T. Merryman of this city and the defense by W. H. Shambaugh and Henry Colerick of Fort Wayne and R. K. Erwin. An arbi tration committee composed of men selected by the two corpc rations met some time ago and after considerable argument awarded damages to the railway companies. However, the sum was not nearly so large as they lielieved themselves entitled to and they appealed the case to the circuit court, which is the regular method in such suits. The case was brought to this county on change of venue and is now being heard. Every point is lading fought to a warm finish and our local attorneys are watching the progress of the case with much interest.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1901.

It is said that Falk’s juvenile orchestra are preparing to make an extended trip to the various lakes of this state and Michigan during the summer season. They will visit Rome City, Winona, Wawausee, Petoskey, Mackinac and in fact all the popular resorts. They expect to stay several days at each place and to make their expenses and a few dollars on the side. Clark J. Lutz was at Berne Monday and while there the town officials contracted with him as their attorney for one vear. They anticipate an unusual round of public improvements, among them being the building of brick streets, a sewer system and stone or cement sidewalks. Their selection of Mr. Lutz was both judicious and wise as he will disentangle them from any and all difficulties in which they may find themselves. Rev. H. C. Duckett delivered the baccalaureate sermon to the High School graduating class at the Presbyterian church Sunday evening. A large number of students attended the exercises and listened attentively to the able sermon from the text, “Ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Many appropriate and fitting thoughts were brought out and the address throughout was interesting and inj structive. After a weeks’ duration the trial of Abraham Boegly vs the Wabash school township, went to the jury Monday afternoon, and resulted in a decisive victory for the plaintiff. The case was a long and tedious one, a hundred witnesses being examined and the jurymen wore a tired feeling look during the last several days. The suit was on an account, S3OO back payment for the erection of a school building being denounced. The defendants claimed that the school house was not properly constructed and claimed damages. The jury were out but a short time and returned a verdict for the plaintiff, awarding him $162.57.

Another school year has practically closed, this being the last week; examinations in the various grades were passed last week and only lighter duties are bothering the minds of the students at present. Tomorrow evening at Bosse’s opera house will occur the commencement exercises, to lie followed by a reception at the high school rooms in honor of the class. The graduating class, as before mentioned consists of Misses Smith and Weldy and Messrs. Schrock and AdI dlesberger. The usual interest is being manifested by friends of the various members of the class, and the opera house will lie crowded, in fact, already the seats have been pretty well taken. Dick France is home from Fort Wayne, where he has been practicing ; for a week past, preparatory to maki ing a trial as pitcher in the inter state base ball league. The managers wanted him to go with them on their trip Tuesday, but Dick decided to take advantage as their first offer not to make his trial until he felt that he was right. He will return next Wednesday, when the boys play against Columbus and will very probably do the twirling. He has made a decided hit with the team and managers and all are confident he will make the team. During the league teams’ absence he will work out with the Shamrocks pitching for them at Delphos, j Celina and Battle Creek, Michigan. ■ Dick says he has speed and good curves, but that his arm is still a little weak, he having not vet had sufficient practice James Theodore Dailey of Bluffton, as well known here as in his home town, died at half past four o’clock I Tuesday morning of kidney and liver trouble. He has been in poor health | for three months, but refused to go Ito bed until the day proceeding his I death. Os his life the Bluffton News said: The deceased was nearly forty i eight years of age, having been born , June 21, 1853, in the old Dailey homei stead, a brick residence standing on j I the present site of the jail. He was' the second son of Janies and Adaline: Niblack Dailey, and at the time of his | birth bis father was auditor of the! county. Most of his life was spent in the sheriff’s office as he served four years as deputy under J. B. Plessinger, four years under M. M. Justus and in 1888 was elected and served as sheriff until August 1892. Since his retirement he has done little besides looking after his investments, with the 1 exception of a few months in the grocery business. He was a director in the Old Adams County Bank, of whose stock he held SIO,(MX) and also in the Geneva bank in which he held S2,(XX) in stock. Besides this, he owned several residences in the city and a farm in Lancaster township. Mr. Dailey was married in June 188(5 to Corine E. Suuier, a daughter of Anthony Suuier. She died in 1890, while Mr. Dailey was sheriff, leaving a little daughter, Corine, now aged fourteen. On October 29, 1891, he married Miss Ella Fitzgerald of Decatur. who with his eight vear old son Gerald, survives him. The funeral service will be held at his late residence in Bluffton this afternoon, Kev. J'. H. String officiating, and a number of people from this city will attend.

While in the city attending the Masonic banquet Tuesday, Hon. S. W. Halo of Geneva, informed us that his recent trip to Washington was quite pleasant as well as profitable. He represented the board of trustees of the Eastern Insane Hospital at a meeting of national charities, and saw and listened to such distinguished speakers as the Hon. Bird S. Coler of New York. He was accompanied by his daughter, Miss Clara Hale, and during the eight days saw much of the beauties of the national capitol. A motion for a new trial was made by A. M. Ball’s attorney Tuesdav, but the request was refused by Judge Montgomery. He was then sentenced to the penitentiary north for an indefinite period of from two to fourteen years. Ball will be detained as a witness in a case in court the latter part of the week, and will probably be taken to Michigan City Monday. After receiving his sentence Mr. Ball called the attention of the attorneys to a rather peculiar circumstance. He stated that this was his third sentence to the penitentiary and each came on the thirteenth day of the month. The two previous sentences were from Decatur and Indianapolis.—Rochester Sentinel.

’Squire Foreman’s court at Berne was doing a land office business last Thursday when ten Amish farmers were brought before him, the charge being a refusal to swear or affirm to the enumeration blanks, the questions contained in which they readily and correctly answered. It seems to be an unpardonable sin, according to their biblical teachings, to raise their right hand and obligate themselves according to constitutional law. Their motives or good intentions can seldom lie brought into question, but their ancient methods of doing business in this twentieth century are decidedly out of date. It is time their creed was being revised to conform with the present generation. A Bluffton newspaper predicts that the Bell telephone monopoly will use their combined efforts to break into Bluffton with a local exchange, and incidently try to divide the business with the United Telephone Company. This brings to mind the effort of the Bell people to get a foothold here some two years ago, with the assistance of home talent. They were finally beaten out and for their pains j now have the additional competition of a Fort Wayne toll line, which was built by the company here and is the liest paying piece of property they ; own. So far the Bell people have been getting the “hot end,” and the prospects are good for a continuation j along the same line.

The commencement exercises of the Geneva High school occurred on Wednesday and Thursday evenings of last week at which time four graduates, three ladies and one gentleman closed their school duties and have now entered upon the sterner pathway of life. They were Misses Luella Reicheldeffer, Carrie Ensley and Emma Pontius and Mr. Elroy Reiff. Wednesday evening was given to the delivering of the essays by class members and Thursday evening to the oration. The subjects for the various themes were: “The Race Problem” and salutatory by Mr. Reiff; “Sowing and Reaping," Miss Pontius; “Ideals,” Miss Reicheldeffer; "The Spirit that Should Move Us,” and validictofy Miss Ensley. Each per formed their part in an earnest man ner and the occasion was in every way a success. Several from this city attended.

An important meeting of the Decatur board of school trustees was held Saturday evening at which time the teachers for the ensuing year were so lected. Several changes were made, the most important being in the high school department. The eighth grade > teachers are done away withand this I department will hereafter be taken I care of by the high school teachers. Prof. H. D. Merrell, of Kokomo, was chosen as principal and instructor in ! mathematics; Miss Olive Dailey, latin; O. L. Vance, rhetoric and grammar; J. B. Dutcher, chemistry and physics; C. M. Simcoke, business department. John R. Parrish will serve as principal of the south ward schools; Arthur Suttles, west ward, and Jonas Tritch, north ward. The other teachers are Misses Lizzie Peterson, Tessa Barkley, MattieAuten, Bessie Congleton, Nellie Krick, Kate Jackson, Nellie Winnes, Blanche Reynolds, Maude Foster, Eva Acker, Dora Steele and Lulu Miller. Miss Blanche Addleeperger will serve as music instructor and Miss Wanda Weldy as supply teacher and librarian. The new teachers are all well known here excepting Mr. Merrell and need no recommendation. The latter has taught with splendid success in the Kokomo high schools, he is a graduate of that city and will next week graduate Lorn the State Uni ver sity at Bloomington. With this corps of teachers, under the supervision of Superintendent Hartman, who will also instruct in German, our schools are certainly in gixxl hands. The board also selected janitors as follows: William Darwachter, David Buckmaster. John Beery and Will Hurst. Another meeting will be held next Saturday evening, when the teachers will be assigned to their respective grades.

The hoodoo still dings to our once far-famed Place’s Creams and they were again made to bite the dust last Sunday when they went up against the professionals at Matthews, Indiana. Charles Woodward made the only run of the game, while the opponents put sixteen men across the home plate. The Mathews club is composed entirely of salaried men and is one of the best independent teams in the state. They are sustained by the manufacturers and business men of the town as an advertisement and they claim to win 95 per cent of the games played.

According to the New York Herald ther are twenty-four millionaires in Indiana, and they are A. H. Bowman, Delphi; A. T. Bowman, Delphi; Samuel Bayard, Evansville; J. H. Bass, Ft. Wayne; F. W. Cook, Evansville; Judge J. H. Cheney, Ft. Wayne; William Culberson, New Albany; Joseph Collert, Terre Haute; Silas Davis, Greenville; Newland T. DePauw, New Albany; Mrs. Sarah C. Deming, Terre Haute; Charles W. Fairbanks, Indianapolis; Herman Huffman, Terre Haute; V. F. Malcott, Indianapolis: W. R. McKean, "Terre Haute; David J. Mackey, Evansville; James Oliver, South Bend; A. L. Pogue, Richmond; Clem Studabaker, South Bend; Charles Schulte, Evansville; John C. Wright, Indianapolis. According to the Rochester Sentinel the Cincinnati, Richmond & Fort Wayne interurban railway is working the subsidy racket like an old time grafter. The proposed line is 187 miles long running from Cincinnati to Chicago, and in thirteen townships enroute, they have been voted subsidies amounting to $492,250. While it is the proper thing to lend all the encouragement necessary to the establisement of these projects, yet in the mind of the Democrat the voting of subsidies to them is a’ rank fraud, and is only giving money to a few individuals who will pocket it and laugh to themselves at the easy marks who gave it. There is much merit in the building of interurban lines, but there is merit enough for the projectors to bond and build them without the aid of large juicy subsidies. Yesterday the commissioners opened bids for the contract of the two Kirkland township macadam roads. The two roads are about six miles in length the one running north and south and the other east and west through the township. Three bids were filed, that of Fred Hoffman being $9,488 on the Peterson and Prairie road and $11,530 on the Kirkland township road; John S. Bowers & Co. $8,989 on the Peterson and Prairie and $10,998 on the Kirkland township; Calvin Miller $8,807 on the Peterson and Prairie and $9,779 on the Kirkland township. The bids were below the estimate made by the engineer, and the contract for the Peterson and Prairie road was given to Calvin Miller, he being the lowest bidder. The contract for but one road was made owing to the fact that the amount bid on both roads exceed the statutory limit of indebtedness by about $5,000. By this time next year this objection will be removed and the second road will be built, and then the Kirkland township citizens will enjoy peace and plenty and have the best roads in the universe.

In Masonic circles there has been no more pleasant or profitable occasion, nor one more delightful in every respect, in the history of the Decatur lodge than the event of Tuesday afternoon and evening, when guests to the number of nearly one hundred were entertained by the boys of No. 571. The visiting brethren were from var ions lodges over the country and all mingled together in a manner denoting fellowship and good feelings and proving the strong ties of the Masonic brotherhood. Representatives were present from Geneva, Willshire. Van Wert. Bluffton. Fort Wayne, Cincinnati, Pittsburg; Pennville, Nottingham. Portland and other cities. The largest delegation came from Van Wert, their crowd numbering fortytwo, and traveling in their own special ear. They brought with them their uniforms and paraphanalia for conferring the third degree. Geneva was represented by almiit thirty members. Three candidates, J. B. Corson Earl B. Adams and Henry B. Heller \vere initiated and the gentlemen will long remember the event as one of the most pleasant of their life. The lodge work began at three o’clock, and continued with an interval for supper until eleven, when the entire crowd repaired to the Hotel Burt and partook of a delicious banquet, in which Landlord Hill did justice to himself and made the home lodge feel proud of the fact that be was their assistant. Beautiful nsl carnations and appropriate menu cards were given as souvenirs. The banquet services were presided over by D. E. Smith as toast master. Prof. Lung of Geneva, offered a suitable prayer, and between the banquet courses toasts were given as follows: "The future of Masonry,” J.T.Merryman; “Liberty and Progress,” Prof. Puer of Geneva; “Masonry and Progress," John VanLiew of Van Wert; “Fraternity." Clark J. Lutz. Not a thing tnarnsl any part of the evening's program and the affair has Issm declared by both visitors and home members as a socia 1 success.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 11

Wilda Watts arrived home Tuesday from Van Wert, where he had been called on account of the very serious condition of his sister, Mrs, Asa Mahan, but w’ho we are glad to say is improving and now- has an even chance to entirely recover. For several years Mrs. Mahan has been in rather poor health and at times her mind seemed to be affected. Last Friday evening she become despond ent over some trivial affair and drank a large amount of carbolic acid which happened to be in the house. Although medical attendance was secured at once, she came near dying and for hours she was thought to be breathing her last. However, she finally revived and is now believed to be on the way to recovery. Her mouth and throat were fearfully burned and only the fact that the acid had been in the house several years, and had lost much of its strength can account •for her ultimate recovery. Among the delightful occasions of recent months was the reception given by the junior class of the high school in honor of the seniors, who will close their school work this week. The affair took place at the home of Miss Bertha Heller on Fifth street last Friday evening and was a brilliant and enjoyable event. The guests included the members of the graduating class, the high school teachers and the trustees. The house was handsomely decorated and presented a most attractive appearance, the colors of both classes blending in a charming manner. Various games and contests, piano solos by Miss Margie Hanna and delicious refreshments were parts of the program and each was enjoyed to the limit. The repast was served by Misses Irene Bell, Francis Merrymany, Leota Hower and Emma Huffman and they did their parts gracefully. Pink carnations were presented to each guest as souvenirs, these being the junior class flowers. Everyone present is speaking in a warm manner of their evening’s pleasure and have only praise for thecleverness of the juniors’ Last evening occured the most elaborate entertainment of the season for the young married people of the city at which time Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Niblick and Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Quinn received guests to the number of one hundred at the handsome of the latter on North Second street. The event was in honor of the first wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. James Waldron and the guests included all voung people who have been married during the past ten years. Every possible means of entertainment, including dancing, cards and various kinds of guessing contests, were provided and the hours glided past in a manner most pleasant and enjoyable. A most delicious dinner was nicely served and not a thing was left undone to complete the pleasures of the evening and make the memories of same the most lasting of any event of the kind in recent years. The guests of honor were heaped with congratulations and the hosts and hostesses with thanks for the occasion. Here’s hoping that the golden anniversary of Mr. Waldron be just as happy and a like entertainment be provided at which we may be allowed to partake to our heart’s content.

The business of the Adams circuit court this week may be told in words as follows: Mutal Life Insurance Co. vs Amanda Entstninger et al, motion for new triaj overruled, ap|>eal grant'ed to appellate court. Sarah A. Walton vs Julius J. Hofer and Catherine Dary, note S2OO, leave granted plaintiff to file second paragraphs of complaint and same done, rule to answer. Lake Shore A Michigan Southern and Fort Wayne & Jackson R. K. Co. vs City of Fort Wayne, damages $25,000, jury trial refused and ease now being heard before Judge Heller. Abraham I Boegly vs Wabash school township, ! contract s.'>(X), tried by jury and verdict returned for plaintiff. Isabelle Botkins vs Hiram Aspy, all depositions on silo in this case ordered published. Joseph Rich vs John Shank and Ferdinand Jack, note $117.58, answer filed to cross complaint of Jack, default of Shank, submitted, judgement for plaintiff in sum of $111.5(5; finding that Jack is surety and property of Shank lie exhausted first. Mathias Colehin vs Lucy E. Rout et al, sub mitted, finding that defendant owns one-third and plaintiff two thirds of real estate in question. Minnie Monday vs John Monday, divorce granted plaintiff given custody of minor children and alimony in sum of S3(M). James F. Mann and A. P. Beatty vs Adams county, plaintiff relieved from answering interrogatives in part, time for answering other interrogatives extended five days. Joseph Chrisman vs Thomas E. Mann et al, demurer overruled to each paragraph. John Shank vs Mary M. Shank et al, operate demurers by each defendant to complaint. Mary J. Everet vs Barnabas Eve ret, defendant ordered to pay into court for plaintiff’s use in her trial the sum of SSO; restraining order i against defendant modified so that ho I may dispose of property not exceeding S2(K), answer filed. Daisy Mann vs Frank Maun, default, rule against prosecuting attorney to answer. Evelyn Eckert vs 1- rastus Fritzinger, dafWhges $5,000 rule to answer absolute in five days.