Decatur Democrat, Volume 45, Number 12, Decatur, Adams County, 30 May 1901 — Page 1

ALL WE NEWS ALL THE TIME.

volume xlv.

\ new addition in the way of an 1 office han been added to the grain business of E. L. Carroll in this city, j The new building is attached to the scale shod near the Clover Leaf railway and is now ready for occupancy. Smith & Bell’s saw mill at Liberty Center is idle, owing to the fact that a caved well in their engine room came near capsizing the whole concern. By active work on the part of the employees the well was filled up and now a new one has to be drilled before operations can resume. Au abeess was taken from the abdo men of Martin Kiefer, of Preble town ahip, Sunday morning and the opera tion very probably saved the life of that gentleman. The work was done bv Dr. J. M. Miller and Clark Bros, of this citv. The alx-ess was caused bv Mr. Kiefer being kicked by a horse gome time ago. Blue Creek township soil is the best that lays out of doors. Not only the soil is productive, but they have an ewe over then l that gave birth to twin lambs six weeks ago and the other day a third put in its appearance, and is the heartiest of the lot. Can’t beat Blue (’reek township when it comes to raising no matter what. Marshal Ault, of Geneva, was a wit uess in the Botkins Aspv suit this week. Since his election the first of this mouth, great has been the reform ation that has taken place at this oil metropolis of Adams county. Slot machines have been laid up for re pair, poker joints have been "busted” wide open, and there is but little work left for the Salvation army to do. Rev. C. S. Coblentz, of Topeka Kansas will be the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lower over Sunday and will preach at the United Brethern church in this city Saturday and Sunday evening. Kev. Coblentz is a minister of considerable reputation and is on his way home from Fredricsburg. Maryland, where he has been sent as a delegate to the national conference. He will also conduct services Sunday morning at the Pleasant Valley U. B. church. He is said to ta a pleasant and polished speaker and no doubt will be welcomed at his services in this community by large audiences. Hugh Woods informs us that the contract for the lateral sewers, now in progress with three different gangs of men engaged, will be completed about the first week in Julv. This city will then have the most extensive and complete sewer system of any place of its size iu all the country. New Orleans people have made no complaint as St. Louis citizens have done about the Chicago drainage canal-yet Warsaw's sewerage will pass that city on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, via the Tippecanoe, Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. If that city intends to complain, it is now too late, as the r w’’ ta completed before they could get a decision from the courts! See? Warsaw Northern Indianian. Erwin Ac Erwin as attorneys for Marv E. Johnson have brought suit for divorce from her husband, John S. Johnson. It is alleged that the defendant has been guilty of cruel ami inhuman treatment towards plaintiff and their children, has called them vile names and threatened to kill them. The complaint shows that the couple were married J uly 28,1886, and lived together until last October. The defendant is an ex-soldier and as such draws a pension, which it is alleged is always spent in drinking, while the family have been provided for by the township. There has been born to the Johnson family four chil dreu. ranging in age now from eight to fourteen years. A decree of divorce custody of the children and S3OO alliniony is asked for. Joseph Sullivan, whose true name is unknown, is now a boarder at the Adams county jail on a charge of assault with attempt to commit murder on the person of William Royston, a Chicigo A: Erie brakeman. Sullivan is a tramp of the genuine stripe and his countenance will be almost sutli cient evidence to insure him a trip over the road. He is a cripple, and last Tuesday tried to invigle Decatur citizens to buy some of his lend pen vils. For some time the C. XE. tank west of town has been a great rendezvous for knights of the road, and to this place Sullivan repaired Friday morning and when a west bound freight came along procceeded to secure a position on the rods underneath a box car. Brakeman John Ward saw him and fearing an accident ordered him from his perilous position. This angered the tramp and he struck at Ward with his cane; the men clinched and fell and a rough and tumble fight ensued, in which the hobo seemed to lx* getbug the belter when Royston, another brakeman approached. Sullivan then paid his attention to the new man and started at him with a razor' He would no doubt have killed or badly injured Royston had Ward not got in his work with a stone which landed with some force on Mr. Tramp’s neck. Ward notified Prosecutor Moran who had a warrant issued for Sullivan’s arrest. He was captured at Huntington Saturday and brought here, where he is now in jail awaiting trial.

QecA-nIR

Assistant Superintendent Lower of the state public instruction office at Indianapolis was the guest of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lower over Sunday. He also called on other friends while here, among them being the Democrat. The members of the Decatur Driving Club will hold a meeting at Peapie’s livery barn tomorrow, Friday evening, at which time further arrang ments will be made for the races the Fourth of July. This will be one of the best series of races ever given in the city, as some of the fastest speed ever tracked here will be on deck. Sheriff Daniel Erwin left Tuesday evening for Michigan City, where he conducted Henry McKenna, who was convicted a few days ago for commit ing an assault upon a five years old girl. McKenna stoutly declares his innocence, but says appearances were against him and" that he expects to take his punishmont like a man. John G. Kohne of Coldwater, Ohio, was here this week attending the funeral of Peter H. Colchin. mention of whose death appears elsewhere. Mr. Kohne is an old time Adams county citizen and for the last twenty-five years a reader of the Democrat. In 1883 he moved to his present home at Coldwater, where he has since lived. He will return home the latter part of the week. Marshal Fox arrested James Beitman, living east of the city in Adams county. Saturday night on a warrant sworn out by James Niblick, former proprietor of the court house restaurant several months ago. Beitman boarded with Niblick at one time but failed to pay his bill. Fox has carried the warrant for three months but never had a chance to arrest his man until Saturday. Beitman was taken before Mayor Plessinger and given a preliminary hearing. As a result he is out on bail, which was furnished by J. C. Dawley, proprietor of the Bluffton House, and his trial will come off one week from Wednesday. Bluffton Banner. When the Commercial Traveler come through Malinta, Ohio, Thursday evening at 6 o’clock the lifeless body of W. L. Baxter, the operator was found hanging over his key. while his brains oozed from a terrible cavity in his forehead. There was no one near the station at the time the deed was performed. The remains were found bv a switchman. The lone operator had applied a revolver to his forehead and blown out his brains. By the dead man's side was found a brief note saying that he was “tired of living.” No other explanation was offered for his act. Baxter had been despondent for some time and it is talieved that the long night watches in the lonely station drove him to insanity. Superintendent Graber of the county infirmary has turned over his cheek to the county for SI 101.01. that being the proceeds in his hands as manager of the county farm. Mi. Graber has developed great abilitv in the capacity in which he has served the county for the past few years, and is deserving of a better and more lucrative salary. He is not only a good financier but his whole time as well as that of Mrs. Graber is taken up. day and night, in care of the property and the inmates confined there. Few people would care to undertake the work done by Mr. Graber at any reasonable salary, and the number are few indeed that would care to step into hie shoes at the present salary He earns more, deserves more and we hope hi* will get it without a murmur. A continued regular session of the city council was held Monday evening at the city hall and some business of importance transacted. Suttles, Haefling, Myers. Niblick and Mann were j present. Leßrun being the only one absent. Clerk Hower read the min utes of meetings of April 16, 18 and 23 and May 10 and 21. which were approved. The following bills were presented and allowed: M. Burns. I Mdse., $1.25; H. B. Knoff. pay roll. $19.80; J. K. M inn, pay roll, $38.30; Wells, Fargo Express Co., $.80; J. T. Merryman, expenses to Columbus. S13.ll; H. H. Bn>merkamp,oil,® l l.9o; Charles Allegan latar, SI.OO. The bill of Daniel Weidler, 8711.68 for building Lister sewer was referred to street committee. Petition for a side walk on Sixth street by B. J. Terveer was referred to streetcommittee. Mr. Suttles then presented a resolution that the services of night-watchmen be dispensed with, which was prompt ly ruled out of order by Mayor Beatty. A petition asking that people lie prevented from burning rubbish containing nails and pieces of iron on. the streets was presented. lieing signed by the various draymen and same was referred to the street committee. The petition of C. J. Lutz and others that David Buckmaster be appointed as overseerer of the Elm street sewer was referred to the sewer committee. Al Burdge complained that water was running from the roof of the city hall into his cellar and said matter was referred to the fire committee. Mr. Niblick moved that the petitions for sewer in the north part of the city be referred to the committee for further consideration. Motion carried and council then adjourned.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1901.

Notice is given by Auditor Boch of the meeting of the county board of review, on Monday, June 17. This board is composed of the county as sessor, auditor, treasurer and two appointed by the circuit court. The latter two have not as yet been named. The citizens of Blue Creek township have organized a fair board and are making great preparations for a big fair this fall. For any information address William Edwards, president, Willshire, Ohio, or H. L. Holmes, Steele, Indiana. Farmers, prepare your grain and stock for the premiums. Wm. Shoemaker, of Hartford town ship, tells us that the grade for the Shoemaker gravel road in that town ship is about completed, and with sixty days of fair weather will see the road ready for acceptance from the contractors, L. O. Bears and John Brown. Mr. Shoemaker is superin tendent, and with his extended know ledge upon the building of gravel roads, the citizens down there are assured of the best kind that is made. The road begins at the Jay county line and is four miles in length. Anderson has been annoyed by junk thieves who stole everything from old rubber boots to brasses from the machinery in the factories. It was shown that some of the junk dealers encouraged the thefts and the city council enacted an ordinance which will probably put an end to the evil. Under the ordinance the junk dealers are required to file daily reports of the junk they purchase together with the names of parties from whom they purchase it. While the law is hard on the legitimate dealers it is believed to be justifiable because of the curb it will place on the dishonest dealers. The Marion city council is considering a similar ordinance. Ih the Wayne circuit court there is on trial a rather peculiar ease and it seems to have many interesting features. It is the case of the State ‘on relation of Ruth Ward against David McFarland, anil it comes to Wayne county on a change of venue from Randolph county, says the Richmond Item of Thursday. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant, who is a sa loonist in Ridgeville, sold intoxicating liquor to her husband while he was drunk and that by this process he was unable to attend to the management of the farm, and that he is practically ruined. She also avers in her complaint that as a result she looked after the management of the estate from which she become broken in health. She wants damages in the sum of $5,000. On Sunday May 12th at twelve o’clock occurred the marriage of J. H. Fulk to Martha E. Reppert the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Reppert of French township. Rev. Vitz of Vera Cruz in a beautiful and impressive ceremony pronounced them husband and wife. The bride wore a lovely dress of Per sian lawn and the groom wore the usual black. Miss Emma Reppert was bridesmaid while Lewis P. Fulk accompanied the groom. Afterwards congratulations and refreshments were served. They received many beautiful presents from their well wishing friends who were present. The after noon was pleasantly spent and in the evening the newly married couple departed for their new home which was recently purchased and furnished by Mr. Fulk on Elm street in this city. Criminal and civil business has lieen transacted this week as follows: State vs Henry McKenna, motion for new trial overruled. Sentenced to State prison for term of from one to twenty-one years. State vs Green Burkhead, operating gaining room, continuing recognizance with D. Coffee as surety thereon filed and approved. State vs Charles D. Murray, renting gaming room, bond fixed at 8100. Sarah A. Walton vs Julius J. Hofer and Catherine Dary, note S2OO. Answer filed by Hofer and case reset for ninth Monday. Lake Shore <& Michigan Southern ami Fort Wayne & Jackson Railway Company vs City of Fort Wayne. Evidence concluded. Nichols & Shepherd Co. vs Peter Heath et al. motion for new trial overruled and appeal granted to appellate court. S. A. D. Whipple vs Citizens Gas and Oil Co., cause continued at cost of defendent. Install Botkins vs Hiram Aspy. damages $5,000, now being tried before jury. Isaac Peterson and Abraham Boon vs Thomas Pierce et al, proof of publication filed, default of defendents, find ing that plaintiffs are owners in sever alty of property described in com plaint, also that mortgages and been fully paid. Judgment against plain tiff for costs. J. F. Mann and A. P. Beatty vs Adams county. Answer to ink rogatories filed. Change of venue granted to Jay county. Joseph Chrisman vs Thomas E. Mann et ai rule to answer absolute in five days. John W. Voglewede vs Clover Leaf Rv. Co., damages SS,(XX), set for ninth Wednesday to make issues. Mary J. Everet vs Barnabos Everet, reply filed to answer and answer fikd to cross complaint, set for ninth Thurs day. William Walker vs C. AE. Ry. Co., and John A. McCartv. rule against McCartv to answer. Evelyn Eckert vs Erastus Fritzinger motion I to have complaint made more specific.

Cards will be issued today for a so ciety event of considerable prominence to be given next Thursday evening at which time Mrs. W. W. P. McMillen, Mrs. G. G. Flanders and Miss Orvis will entertain at the McMillen home, 20 Winchester street, from seven to ten o’clock. Guests to the number of one hundred and fifty will be invited and the affair will be an elaborate one. Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Briggs, of Ge neva, were in the city Tuesday, being witnesses in the malpractice suit which has been on tap in the circuit court since Monday morning. It was in front of their beautiful Line street home that the accident occured, Mrs. Botkins being thrown from a buggy, suffering a broken leg and a fractured knee joint, which were followed by a stiff knee and this suit for damages. A decision is expected in a day or two. Among the new cases filed this week in the circuit court is one wherein C. J. Lutz as attorney for plaintiff Jennie Baker seeks a divorce from her husband Ira Baker. She also asks for SS(K) alimony and the sum of $l6O per year for the maintainance of their only child. Pearl Baker. Mr. and Mrs. Baker were united in the bonds of wedlock, October 31, 1897 and cohabited as man and wife until April 13th last. The usual category of complaints, principally cruel and inhuman treatment are included and it is further alleged that the defendant carried a revolver for several weeks, threatening to kill his wife should he see her speak to any man other than himself. W. V. Buckmaster, ex-trustee and a lively agitator of the macadam road question in Jefferson township, desires the Democrat to announce that there will be a macadam road election at the Buckmaster school house on Saturday evening. June 1. The I weather that has been prevailing for the past week or two, will lend encouragement to those favoring better ■ roads. Jefferson township agitators | will never have another opportunity j to completely macadam their principal I thoroughfares as the proposition now submitted to them affords. It gives them three good roads and ten years time to pay for them, thus not being the least bit burdensome. Their election on June 15 should register a large majority on the side of better roads. State Superintendent Jones Friday announced the program for the annual meeting of the county superintendents' association of Indiana which will lie held in the supreme court room at the state house June 12, 13 and 14. It is thought the attendance will be unusually large this year, considering the fact that the school laws passed by the last legislature will be thoroughly discussed. The new wage law, which fixes a minimum wage for teach ers, will be specially considered and superintendent F. J. Young will discuss the law in all its phases, after which there will ta a general discussion on the subject in which it is expected all the memtars will take part. The association will elect officers for the ensuing year. The president of the association is Samuel A. Harris of Greencastle and M. W. Deputy of Vernon is secretary. At the Chicago & Erie railway bridge over the St. Mary’s river, Jacob Hedinger met instant death Sunday afternoon at three o’clock. He i was a shoemaker by trade and has ta*en about this city since 1872. For i years he has been engaged by J. H. Voglewede and worked for him last week during the absence of one of the tays. He concluded his work there Saturday and Sunday afternoon start ed to walk to Wren, Ohio, where he expected to get work. While crossing the bridge a west-bound freight came in sight and Jacob being unable to get to either end, stepped to the south side of the bridge and sat down on his tool box. He seems to have been too near the track and was struck by the pilot of the engine and thrown into the river. The accident was witnessled by Thomas Mvlott and William Jackson and the latter at once waded iu and carried the old man to the shore. An examination showed that death had came instantly, the back of the head being crushed to a pulp and the neck broken. The remains were taken to the Yager undertaking establishment where many people looked for the last time upon his kind old face. He was hurried at the St. Joseph cemetery Monday afternoon at one o’clock. The deceased was sixtysix years old and a native of Switzerland. His life story was a sad one and known only to those most intimate with him. He was of good parentage and when a young man was nrosjierous, marrying a young lady of high esteem in her community. His whole life seemed to ta centered in his desire to please her; but after a few short months shedied and the old home place no longer held for him any attractiveness. He dritted to this country and finally came to Decatur, where he has since made his home now and then he would visit surrounding towns but invaribly came back, and has never failed to cast a vote at election time in this city. Hi* was pleasant and friendly, though quiet, and had many warm friends here. His only living relative is an older brother who lives in Switzerland.

The independent telephone companies which have built a network of toll lines covering northern Indiana will hold a meeting within a few weeks to agree upon a uniform rate for rural service. Thousands of farm ers since the construction of the toll lines, have put in 'phones, and there are almost as many schedules of rates as therearecountrysubscribers. Within two years local telephone authorities say every farmer of standing will be connected by 'phone with all the northern Indiana towns, and with his neighbors. New cases filed with the clerk of the Adams circuit court this week are entitled State vs Joseph Sullivan, assault with intent to kill. State vs Green Burkhead, operating gaining room. State vsC. D. Murray, renting room game purposes. W. H. Williamson vs Grier F. Gemmill et al, complaint on attorneys lien, from Jay county. Jennie Baker vs Ira Baker, divorce. Frances Andrews et al vs Elsie McAlhanev, note $l7O. Mary E. Johnson vs John S. Johnson, divorce. Charles M. France vs John T. Wliliams et al, account demand $75. Fred Schafer et al vs William A. Bowman, note $350. The Van Wert Bulletin spoke of the Masonic meeting held here last week as follows. An inter-state meeting of Masons was held at Decatur Tuesday night. Van Wert was represented by a delegation of forty in number, who traveled to and from the Hoosier town on a special train over the Chicago & Erie road. They were received at the railway station by a reception committee and later welcomed at the asylum of Decatur lodge together with members from Willshire, Geneva and other towns in this locality. In the earlv part of the evening the Master's Degree was conferred bv Geneva Lodge. This work was immediately followed by an exemplification of the same degree by Van Wert Lodge in their usual superb manner. The ceremonies were concluded with a banquet at the Hotel Burt. David E. Smith. W. M.. of Decatur. acted as toast master and received responses as follows: “Personal Worth,” Robert Puer. Geneva; "Future” James T. Merryman, Decatur; "Masonry and Progress,” John Van Liew, Van Wert; ‘ Fraternity,” Clark J. Lutz, Decatur. The meeting, characterized by good fellowship, was one of the most enjoyable ever held in this section. Another school year has passed and another class of graduates has been launched upon the waves of life, to battle with realities of a business or higher educational career. The class this year was composed of two ladies and two gentlemen, they being Misses Nora Smith and Wanda Weldy and Mrssrs. Robert Schrock and Charles Addlesperger. The commencement exercises were held Friday evening at Bosse’s opera house and a large crowd of friends were present to listen to the well prepared program. The room was decorated in an appropriate manner, the school colors being the most prominent. Precisely at 8:15 as announced, Prof. H. A. Hartman addressed the audience in a short talk of welcome. Rev. C. G. Hudson then invoked the blessings of the great Teacher of us all. after which Mrs. C. J. Lutz rendered “Songs A La Foret” (Dreams of the forest) ti inscription brilliante, by Francis Bendell, a beautiful piano solo. Mrs. Lutz was at her best and the large audience were more than delighted at her representation of thunder, lightening and rain. Miss Wanda Weldy opened the program proper by a thesis upon the subject “Indiana’s hall of fame,” telling of our famous men and their doings. By request Charles Addlesperger then gave his oration “The Ploughman Poet” which won laurels for him at the Portland contest a short time ago. His subject was to have been “Margin” but at the last moment he was permitted to repeat his former splen did effort. In her usual bewitching manner Miss May Niblick sang “Could I,” so winning her hearers that she was compelled to answer the applauses by another solo. "Mignon,” Miss Nora Smith's subject was "She was just cut out for that” and right well did she picture the duties of the modern woman. The closing essay was by Rotart D. Schrock who chose for his subject “Man.” He did great credit to himself and class and won hearty applause. Miss Margie Hanna followed with a piano solo entitled “Paderewski Op 10 Polonaise,” which she rendered nicely, well meriting the acknowledgement she received. The honor of delivering the validictory or class farewell was allotted to Miss Nora Smith and she did her duty in an easy, graceful and appropriate manner. Prof. Hartman in a fewwords, well chosen, concluded the evenings evercises by presenting the “Sheepskins,” for which the class members had striven so many years. From the opera house the class repaired to the High School Assembly halls, where a a reception was held in their honor. Light refreshments were served and the occasion was most enjoyable, at least we judge so from the time some of the young folks remained. A special home orchestra furnished the music which was far | above the average.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 12

The Rochester Sentinel says: A. M. Ball was taken to the Michigan prison Tuesday noon to serve an indeterminate term of from two to fouri teen years on conviction for forgery. He stated Monday that the people have an entirely wrong conception of his case. He says that when busiest he is most likely to forge notes, and | that he has often found a bunch of i notes with fictitious names to them in j his pocket. At other times he has j found forged notes on his desk, and when he made them out he is unable to tell. His first trial for any misdemeanor was held here. When arrested lat Decatur and Indianapolis on the i charge of forgery, he pleaded guilty and no trial was had. He believes that if he returns from the prison in good health and can go to a farm where he will be more away from the temptation he may be able to overcome his seeming inability to control his actions. Monday witnessed a business transaction which in a short time will take away from the business and social circles in this city, one of the most genial and accomplished landlords that ever presided over the destinies of the Burt. On the first day of June the hotel fixtures and good will passes from the ownership of F. Hill & Son to H. H. Elliott, the latter now a resident of Pittsburg, and a hotel man from away back. He has been connected with this business practically all his life, now being the owner of the Keeth hotel at .Spencerville. Ohio. As landlords generally are he is a pleasant gentleman such as are always welcome iu this city. Retiring Mr. Hill is a hotel man of varied knowledge and thoroughly capable, as the merits of the Burt under his management fully testify. While the sale and transfer goes into effect next Saturday, yet Mr. Hill will have charge of the house until some time next week, when Mr. Elliott and family will arrive for permanent residence. Mr. and Mrs. Hill and daughter Mae will take up a temporary residence in Chicago, probably spending the summer at one of the northern summer resorts. In the meantime Mr. Hill will endeavor to again place himself in the hotel business, for which he is so well equipped. Gust Ehinger was drowned iu the St. Mary's river just back of Borling’s poultry house some time Tuesday night and his body was recovered yesterday morning about 9:30. There is an air of mystery concerning the affair and it will never be known just how it happened or whether or not his drowning was accidental or suicidal. ■ For several days he had drank quite i heavily and Tuesday evening was said to ta in a sad condition. About eight o'clock he was seen by Mrs. Homer King, standing on the north side of Berling's stable, but as he often went there that lady thought nothing of the matter and after watching him a mo inent went into the house and closed the d<M*r. Yesterday morning some of the boys employed by Mr. Berling went to the barn and saw Gust’s hat and umbrella lying on the bank. They recognized them at once and a further investigation soon disclosed where some object had fallen into the ■ water, the weeds close to shore being broken down. The news spread quick ly and quite a crowd gathered on the i bank, two boats were secured and i volunteers were soon in them draging the river. After a search of two hours or more the body was located by Charles Meibers. He drew the lifeless form to the surface and with assistance from the men in the other boat brought it to the shore. The remains were taken to Yager & Sons undertaking rooms and there prepared for burial. It was at first believed that he had gone to the barn to sleep and while attempting to open the door, had lost I his footing and falling down the em bankment, plunged into the river, and j this version is still believed by many lof his friends. However, several peo I pie have been found to whom on j Tuesday Gust said “you will never see ime alive again." It is also said that i the same afternoon he was shaved at I Sprague’s shop and when the bartar started to sponge his face he said I “never mind. I’ll have that washed ; soon enough.” These and other re marks lead many to talieve that he committed suicide and this will per haps lie the general opinion, although as stated before, the truth will never be known. The body was recovered nearly in the middle of the river about 125 feet from where he fell in. ami as the water is very high now, owing to the recent heavy rains, there is a very 1 swift current at that spot. The fact i that he was carried so far is claimed i to be evidence that he struggled to ! save himself but was carried away by j the current. Augustus Ehinger was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Ehinger, highly respected citizens, and was born at Independence. Mis souri, September 25, 1871, tai ng 29 I years. 8 months and 3 days old. He came to Decatur with his parents when young and has since resided here. He was honest, industrious and good hearted and had many friends. His father, mother, one brother, who is in the west, and one sister survive ! him. The funeral will occur nt four .' o'clock this afternoon from the home on Nuttman street. Interment at St. i Joseph cemetery.