Decatur Democrat, Volume 46, Number 15, Decatur, Adams County, 19 June 1902 — Page 1

ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLVI.

Don’t loose truck of the 4th of July celebration at Decatur. It will lie the best by far of any in this section of the country. Mrs. A. R. Bell and family and Mrs. Florence DeVilbiss left this morning for Oden, Michigan, where they will enjoy cottage life during the warm season.

The Blue Creek oil field is just nowcreating more excitement than anything in this section of the petroleum world. The Hunsicker well which

came in two weeks ago is making 1500 barrels a day. Rev. R. H. Park of Valencia, Pennsylvania, was the guest of Charles F. True Tuesday. They were old school mates, but had not met for fifteen years. Rev. Park was at one time a s-hool teacher in Allen county.

The band concert Thursday evening was up to the standard and was greatly enjoyed by everyone who beard it. The boys are getting there with lioth feet and deserve the encouragement of every citizen of Decatur.

Marriage licenses were issued this week to three couple whose names according to the county clerks docket are as follows: George Brunner and. Florence Bovine, Dallas Marion Hower, and Clara Waaber, Albert H. Harlow and Clara A. Shoemaker. But one new case has been filed this week in the Adams circuit court and is entitled Charles C. Schug and .Julius C. Schug vs John Robinson and John M. Robinson, note demand $175. Attorney John C. Moran filed the suit for the plaintiff.

In announcing the Fuelling school picnic last week we made a mistake as to the day. Instead of last Sunday the picnic will be held next Sunday at Boerger’s woods. It will be a great gathering and a good old fashioned time, the weather permitting. H. D. Merrell left Tuesday for his home at Kokomo where he will remain throughout the summer. He will return about September Ist and again assume his duties as principal of the Decatur High school, in which capacity he gave entire satisfaction last vear.

The following is a list of the unclaimed letters which remain in the Decatur postoffice.' Charles Burn, Charles Bressler, S. S. Anderson Miss Ethel Bass' Lourina Devinney, Bertha H >well, M. Houthlsman. Henry Keifer, Lulu Miller, Susie Miller. Laura Pearse and Rosella Yager.

A big celebratian is announced to occur at Williams on the evening of July 3rd and it is expected that a big crowd will attend. Among the amusements for the occasion is a balloon ascension, fire works display, sack races, greased pole climbing, slack wire walking, wheel barrow race and acrobatic feats. The performances begin at six o’clock.

The first straw ride of the summer was indulged in Wednesday evening and if apjiearances count it was a happy event for the participants. In the crowd were Misses Marie Patterson. Jessie Sheller, Blanch Dibble. Bertha Heller, Genevieve Hale. Agnes Schrock, Vera Patterson and Messrs. Dan Vail, Jesse Niblick, Fred Patterson. Thomas Ehinger, Frank WemhofT, Louis Holthouse. Bert Mangold and Charles Merryman. The Bluffton Evening News of Thursday said: Mrs. George Morris entertained a party of fifteen little ladies yesterday afternoon at her home on Wiley avenue in honor of h<-r guest. Miss Reba Quinn, of Decatur. The guests were Misses Estelle and Elizabeth Spivey. Martha and (■race Dougherty, Josephine and Elizabeth Dailey,Catherine DeHaven, Gertrude Gutelius, Margaret Todd, I lorence Wandel, Reba Quinn and Harriet McFarren and Danold Dougherty and’French Morris. A bright light north of town dur ing the storm of Friday night caused some qu?rries. The supposition that some building had been struck by lightning was a correct one, the fire being on the farm of Newton Hawk, located about eight miles north. Lightning struck the large bank barn and within an hour it was totally distroyed with all the contents, including a large amount of bailed hay and some other grain. Mr. Hawk carried uo insurance and the loss which will aggregate several thousand dollars falls very heavily on him. E rank Touhey demonstrated that he had not lost his nerve by giving a sky scraping balloon ascension at Keystone Saturday and those who “ -’V it Bay Inal it was a success in every- particular. Charley Smith began inflating the balloon at 4:45 and at 5:30 Touhey left the ground. He started from a field just west of the depot and landed on the L. E. & W. track 200 feet south after going to a height of 2.000 feet. His parachute shot downward 200 feet before it orxsned and spectators feared that a fatality would result. Touhey came down with considerable force and was slightly injured, alighting across a fuil on the Lake Erie tracks, and ho just got away in time to escape lieing hit by the south bound passenger.— Bluffton News.

UfeCATIIR

Kenith, the little son of Dr. and Mrs. C. E. Neptune fell off the fence at his home Thursday afternoon and broke his right arm lietween the wrist and elbow. Dr. Miller reduced the fracture and Kenith showed his nerve by never flinching.

H. M. Romberg of the American Telephone Company, was in town Monday afternoon looking up friends for an hour or two. He accompanied his family home from Fort Wayne, leaving during the day for Cleveland, ()nio, where he is making his headquarters for tbe present. Homer Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith of Bluffton, met with a very painful accident Sunday evening about a mile northwest of town by being thrown from his bicycle while running at a high rate of speed. He was on. his " a y to Decatur from the Jesse Williams farm.

Tom Railing, Arthur Ford and Dee De\ inney wen- at Ossian Saturday, assisting the Hoagland ball team in a game against Ossian’s famous club. The game was a close one and a number of brillant plays are reported in which our boys figured to no small extent. The final score was four to three in favor of Ossian. A social at the home of William H. Myers on west Monroe street was given Thursday evening under the auspices of the ladies of the Presbyterian church. Financially, socially and otherwise it was a complete success as a large crowd was present and the church realized the very handsome profit of twenty-five dollars. ’ The west bound fast train on the Clover Leaf known as the Commercial Traveler, left here on time Sunday evening, but when two miles out one of the drive rods of the engine broke and a serious accident was narrowly averted. The broken part was patched up in a rude manner and the train proceeded at a snail’s pace arriving at Bluffton two hours late.

Mrs. D. E. Studabaker of this city, was the only Decatur representative in attendance at the annual meeting of the Northern Indiana Editorial association at South Bend last week. The meeting was one of the most enjoyable ever held, and South Bend one of the best towns in the state, fairly outdone herself in entertaining the visitors.

Last Saturday was Flag Dav. the 125th annivesary of the adoption of the stars and stripes but you would scarcely have known it bv a glance at our city. Only one or two business houses went to the trouble to hang out Hags. Perhaps they feel that holidays are coming too frequently, however we should feel patriotic enough on such an occasion to at least display the american emblem of liberty and freedom. The murder trial of Charles E. Shepherd is being heard this week at Portland and is attracting no little attention. All day Monday was consumed in an attempt to get a jury, but out of twenty-five names but three men were found qualified to set as jurors in the case. Shepherd mur dered his wife at Redkey March 27, and immediately afterwards attempted to commit suicide. He is the son of Dr. G. W. Shepherd, one of the best known men in Jay county. Prosecuting attorney Dell Dragon is appearing for the state and McGriff and Bergman are defending.

The Root township Sunday School convention will be held at the L'nion Chapel church on Sunday, June 29. and the following program has been arranged: Song. Devotional, Rev. E. 11. Pontius. How Can the Sunday School Association be made more effective? C. A. Lamar. Discussion, Rev. Pontius. Song. Relation of the S. S. to the temperance movement, .Rev. S. P. Overholz. Discussion, by Convention. Evening - Devotional, A. Van Camp. Position of the S. S. in the progress of the 20th century, Rev. E. A. Allen. Sabbath Desecration, Rev. J. H. Miller. Discussion, A. Van Camp. All ministers and. others interested in Sunday School work are earnestly requested to be present.

The closii g week of the April term of the Ad ms circuit court has not been a very busy one; Judge Erwin having been attending to duties at Huntington Monday and Tuesday. The record shows the following business: Mathias Colchin vs Lucy E. Rout et al. filed objection to distribution of funds, which is overruled and distribution ordered as per report of commissioner. A. C. Brittenham vs Thomas McDonald, judgment for plaintiff for $53.41, appeal granted to appellate court. Arthur M. Ficher vs E. Bml Lenhart, adm'r, separate an swer by defendant, J. B. Weber, rule to reply; demurrer by plaintiff, demurrer bv defendant overruled. Isaac N. Teeter vs Mary Teeter, change of venue granted to Jay county. John L. Case et al vs Louis Harmon et al, demurrer filed by Harmon and oyerrulled. Willis C. Glendeuing vs Geo W. Bolds et al, answer by D. P. Bolds and also cross complaint, rule to answer, answer filed in general denial. Luella Vnniller vs Samuel Aumiller, defendant rule to answer within five days. Alm Booh et al vs A. J. Smith, demurrer by defendant overruled. .

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 1902.

i Earl Coverdale and Lawrence Hughes, two of the most popular ! young men of this locality, graduate! last evening from the medical department’ of the University of Chicago. A number of their’ Decatur friends attended the exercises, and the boys no doubt received their diplomas with due credit and honor. The big picnic at Preble Sunday was certainly a monster and the many Decatur people who attended say it was a success if there ever was one. Music was furnished by the Preble band and various other amusements kept the crowd in a good humor during the entire day. Refreshments were served on the ground and netted the church a nice profit. The two new trains on the Chicago & Erie railway were put on Sunday and seem to meet the approval of everyone in this locality. A change of time on the other trains also went into effect at the same time and and it would be well for travelers to glance at a revised time table before attempting to leave the city and thus save themselves anoyance and trouble. Prof. Charles M. Simcoke arrived liome Monday morning from Joliett, Illinois, where he closed a very successful year as instructor in the business department of the county high school. He seems to have given entire satisfaction, at any rate he has in his possession a contract for another year with advanced pay and which he will very probably accept within the next week.

Rains are becoming too frequent to suit the farmers of this section. Too much rain, they say, is as injurious to growing crops as too little. When the ground is too wet, corn turns yel low, wheat “rusts" and meadows do not mature as well as when weather conditions are normal. The one thing that corn needs now most of all is cultivation. The rain has made the ground too wet to cultivate. Hence the farmers are wishing for a change.

Yesterday was circus day and a fair sized crowd was in town to witness the great exhibition of John Robinson’s ten combined shows, although many of the farmers could not come on account of work, corn plowing being more profitable just at present. The Robinson show is one of the oldest on the road and their exhibition of yesterday proved beyond question that they are traveling on reputation alone. The big exhibition was all that was claimed and gave good satisfaction. They left here last night for Huntington where they appear today.

The Presbyterian church one of our oldest landmarks, and one about which there lingers many sad and happy memories is a thing of the past and not much of the- old building can lie seen today, owing to the industrious work of Fred Huffman and his workmen who have made great headway during the past week. Within a few days bids for the new building will be in and the contract let. It is the hope of the officials that the corner stone be laid about July 15th and if this is done, they hope to have the building for use by the middle of October or early part of November.

Henry Krickenlierg of L'nion township drove into town Tuesday afternoon and hitched his rig at the rear of J. S. Bowers & Co. hardware store. About six o’clock a team hitched near became restless and backed into the buggy, frightened the Krickenlierg horse and caused him to pull loose. He got out on Second street some way and came south through the business portion of town at a madening pace. The street was lined with rigs and the buggy struck several of them, finally tearing loose. The horse continued south running upon the sidewalk and across the court house lawn dashed against the baud stand and was caught. The buggy was badly wrecked as were also the two struck, but no one was injured, though things looked pretty squally for a second.

The dedication of the SISOOO Pres byterian church at Ossian Sunday was a memorable event and the little city was thronged with people from a distance, among who were a number from here. The church was dedicated free of debt, thus entitling them to the Carnagie gift of a handsome pipe organ which will no doubt be coming in due time. The music for both morning and evening services was render ed by a quartet composed of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Deam and H. Stark of Bluffton anil Mrs. J. C. Patterson of this city. Rev. W. M. Hindman of Kenton, Ohio, had charge of the services. A most pleasing and effecting scene was the appearance on the rostrum of the Rev. Wilson M. Donaldson assisted by his son Rev. Robert M. Donaldson, of Urbana Ohio. For more than thirty years he had minis tered to the spiritual wants of the congregation as their paster and he had come all the way from Minneapolis to once more greet his old members although he is eighty-five years old. There was many a tear stained cheeks of those who remembered him as their pastor years ago. He served the congregation from 1846 to 1876 and laid the foundation for the splendid church organization that now exists in Ossian and vicinity.

The fishing party who camped at Turkey lake last week arrived home Saturday morning with glowing reports pf a good time with plenty of fish to satisfy their raving appetites. Captain Elias Crist is said to have carried away all records in the art of catching the finny tribe, with Lieutenant Frank Railing a close second. A number of young society folks from here drove to Magley Monday evening where they participated in a delightful entertainment given at the home of Miss Mina Case in honor of her guest, Miss Lillian Case of St. Louis. Dancing and cards, with delicious refreshments made the occasion one of the most pleasant of summer.

The ball game between the Shamrocks and a pick up team Sunday resulted in a victory for the former by a score of thirteen to eight. The game was interesting and but for the third inning in which the Shamrocks made three scores would have been a close one. Ned Bobo pitched for the Shamrocks and Ralph Knoff for the pick ups. Prof. E. B. Smith, of Monroe, who for several years has held a position as an instructor in the mechanical department at Purdue university arrived home Monday for a visit with relatives. Mr. Smith was married a few days ago to a popular young lady of LaFayette and they will enjoy a part of their honeymoon in this county. They will make their future home at LaFayette.

The Bluffton Banner of Friday evening said: J. D. Bolinger, of Decatur, who has the contract for the brick of the new scale truck factory building, is in the city today. Mr. Bollinger is getting everything in readi ness for the work to begun as soon as the foundation is built. The foundation has been under process of construction for some time, but owing to the scarcity of building stone, it has been impossible to complete it. An epidemic of petty thieving seems to have again struck Decatur, and some of these would-be burglars may find themselves in a tight place some of these days. Some one entered the office of the Decatur Egg Case Company Friday night, scattered papers about and stole about five dollars from the money drawer. They made no effort to gain an entrance to the safe, which fact seems to show that the job was not done by professionals.

Few people realize how much money our merchants are called upon to give to charity in the course of a year. There is scarcely a week that they are net asked to contribute toward some object which may be worthy or may not be but they wili make enemies if they don't give. Those who ask these little sums seem to think that since the merchants live by public patronage he must give liberally to the public. Such is not the case. The merchant earns his profit and it is his. He should not be eternally held up any more than anybody else. He should be allowed to deside for himself when to give and when to refuse.

The county board of review convened at the auditor’s office in this city Monday morning, the day being devoted to organizing and getting things in readiness for the rest of the session, which continues twenty days. The board as appointed by J udge Erwin consisted of John W. Tyndall of this city, L. L. Dunbar of Linn Grove, County Auditor Boch and Treasurer Voglewede. Mr. Dunbar appeared Monday and explained to Judge Erwin that his absence from business at present would mean a serious loss to him and he was accordingly excused, Jacob Miller of this city accepting the appointment. The duties of the board consist of the hearing of all complaints of unequal and unjust valuations for assessment of personal projierty, of equalizing valuation and adding to the tax list any omitted property.

Officials of the Clover Leaf are making a quiet investigation of an attempt made near Metcalf, 111., one night last week to wreck the Commercial Traveler, one of the fast trains. The attempt was frustrated by a man named VanSickle, who was returning to Metcalf along the railroad track about 10:30 o’clock. Something over a mile west of Metcalf he found a tie placed across the track with evident fiendish intent to ditch the night flyer which passes Metcalf going east about midnight. The dastards who were responsible for the act had done their part well, one end of the heavy timber being placed between two ties and under the rail, while the other ’ly acrosti the rail on the opposite side. Mr. Van Sickle experienced considerable difficulty in removing the obstruction but he stuck to his task, however, until it was accomplished and then ran a mile or more to Metcalf, where he gave iufor mation to night operator Wells of what had occured. The latter sent in a warning order to the train, which was tearing along at fifty miles an hour, and a careful watch was maintained as the stretch of track for several miles Wost of Metcalf was covered at reduced- No clue is as yet forthcoming as to the perpetrators of the deed.

Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Keubler enter- | Only the business man can make a tained at six o’clock dinner Sunday | success of advertising. The announceevening and a most enjoyable occa-1 ment that has not a business quality sion was the result, as is always the will not be a pulling one. It takes case at this popular home. The ■ business ideas to make business sueguests included Mr. and Mrs. Vi. H. cess and it is more essential in telling Nachtrieb, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Bell, the people at large than merely speakMr. and Mrs. C. A. Dugan, Mr. and ing to the one in front of you. The Mrs. L. G. Ellingham and Mrs. Flor- merchant who can talk at long range ence De\ ilbiss of Lancaster, Ohio. to the imaginary customer and who

L. L. Dunbar of Linn Grove, one of the substantial business men of southern Adams, has been in the city this week serving as a member of the county board oi review. Mr. Dunbar is engaged in the wagon and buggy business and operates an institution that is certainly a credit to his town.

While here he gave us a pleasant call and didn’t neglect his subscription to the Democrat.

Harvey Harruff, ex-county recorder has opened a law office in the stone block and is again prepared to greet his numerous old friends as well as new ones. He will pay particular attention to insurance and abstracting and will no doubt do a thriving bus iness. Mr. Harruff retired from the firm of Harruff & Lenhart a short time since expecting to locate in some western city, but after due deliberation concluded to remain with old Adams.

Postmaster Andrews is now conducting the postoffice with plenty of help and no doubt has an occasional opportunity to slip away from duty. Besides the regular deputies Sam Schamp and Fred Blosser, there are now on duty three new deputies who are preparing themselves to take charge of affairs June 30th, when Mr. Andrews steps out and Albert Brittson assumes management. The new assistants are A. F. Acker, Maynard Frisinger and James B. Beery.

Will Bowers, ten years old and son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bowers was quite badly hurt Monday evening. He was riding a colt on First street and when near the laundry some boy threw a stone which struck the horse causing him to lunge. The sudden movement caused Will to lose his hold and he fell to the street alighting on his head and shoulders. He was rendered unconscious and remained so several hours, but has since been improving nicely. He was at first thought to oe seriously hurt but no bones were broken and he will probably be as good as new in a few da vs.

Regarding the threshing union which has been organized pretty generally over the state the Bluffton Banner recently said: Many farmers are protesting about the new scale set by the threshers association, and propose to unite to purchase an outfit and do their own threshing. Members of the association say they are not alarmed by this. Such unions do not last usually more than one year, they say. Those who join dispute about when their threshings are to be done, the part of the cost and expense to be borne, and harmony does not long prevail. The professional threshers are all farmers themselves, they say, and most of their work is done among their neighbors, whom, for various reasons, they cannot afford to be exorbitant with. The national association will also endeavor to get some roail rights for threshers, and new laws on this subject will be introduced, at their request, in many legislatures, they sav. The city will not have upon its records ordinances providing for Hagmen at the Winchester. Mercer and Adams street crossings. The ordi nance was passed at the last meeting, but a few days ago Mayor Beatty filed his veto to said ordinances and at the same time stated his reasons for so doing, namely that they were not a necessity to protect the lives and property of our citizens and further that the ordinances were passed illegally. The matter was taken up at the regular meeting Tuesday evening and an attempt made topass same over to the mayor’s objection, but same failed to vote standing aye Peterson, Fordyce Nay-Weaver,Cor-bett, Teeple and Stetler. Every member was present at the meeting and after roll call, the minutes of meeting of June 3rd was read and adopted. Bills wire allowed as follows: J, D. And’ews, guard. $16.50; Roman Bar thal, labor, $18.15; J. I). Wisehaupt, labor, $8.91; G. R. & I. Co., freight, $20.35; Holthouse, Callow & Co., goods, $1.25; L. C. Helm, pay roll, $11.25; John B. Weber, rental. $7.50; J. S. Peterson, insurance, $37.55; Krick & Tyndall. $22.50: Christ Boise labor, SI.OO. A resolution for the allowance of salaries of officers due Juno 30th was read and adopted. Mr. Peterson moved that the clerk be authorized to advertise for bids on the Sehug sewer, in the Decatur Journal and same carried. An ordinance providing for the collection of monies due the city and for sale of city prolierty was adopted. Corbett moved that all mistakes or irregularities of water consumers be referred to the water works committee and motion curried. The contract for the use of gas nt the water works plant was accepted upon motion by Fordyce. The matter of purchasing a hook iffid lad der outfit for the city was referred to the fire committee.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 15

can get the interest of that customer by telling sensible things about sensible goods will know without question that his efforts will be successful and that the result of what he is doing will be to his own satisfaction as well as the benefit of his commercial standing.

The Ohio State Journal published at Columbus, Ohio, recently contained the following relating to the late

exodus of our colored population: A meeting of the Lillian Clayton Jewett Anti-Lynching league was held Tuesday night at St. Paul’s A. M. E. church for the purpose of discussing the recent outrage against a number • of colored people in Decatur, Indiana. Resolutions denouncing the outrages were adopted and it was decided to institute proceedings in the courts of Indiana to punish those responsible for them. A statement was issued calling upon all the leaders in the country to join in the work and aid in bringing to justice the men respon siple for the Decatur affair. It was also urged upon the colored people of Ohio to meet in mass convention and protest against the failure of the Indiana officials to apprehend the leaders of the mob and to assist in the collection of funds to carry on the prosecutions which will be instituted. Steps will be taken at once to bring the proper proceedings in the Indiana courts.

Henry Colchin died Friday morn ing at ten o’clock after several years affliction with lung trouble. For nearly four years he has resided at Trinidad, Colorado, in hopes of his ultimate recovery and prior to that time he spent several mouths in the mountains of Tennessee, but to no avail, save possibly the prolonging of life a short time. He arrived home Thursday evening with his family and accompanied also by his father who met them at Chicago. His home coming was certainly a sad one for his relatives and friends, only a few hours life being granted him. He was the son of Peter H. and Magdaline Colchin and was born in this county thirty-six years ago. He was reared near here and was always popular. being honest and straight for ward in all his dealings. In September 1896 he was united in marriage to Lucy Heideman and to them have been born four children, two boys and two girls, all of whom with the faithful wife remain, together with the father and many other relatives, the mother having died several years ago. The funeral services were held from the St. Marys Catholic church in this city Monday morning at nine o'clock conducted by Rev. H. Theo. Wilkens. Interment at St. Joseph cemetery. Mrs. Jesse Williams, residing two miles northwest of town was the victim of a most pleasant and agreeable surprise, the occasion being the sixty third anniversary of the birth of that estimable lady. Early in the morning the relatives and friends from far and near began to arrive and by eleven o’clock about seventy persons had gathered to lend their assistance to make the occasion an enjoyable one. At the stroke of noon the large crowd were summoned to appear forthwith to partake of the many good things on earth which were spread on several large tables in the orchard, and which disappeared like the dew in the morning sun. After dinner the guests indulged in various Vames, vocal and instrumental music and conversation. About three o’clock the crowd was ordered to line up to have their “picter took,” which was done by Artist Jesse Roop of this city. Then ice cream and lemonade was served, and during this time W. E. Smith entertained both old and young with a number of selections from one of his celebrated phonographs. At five -o’clock the crowd liegan to “hook up" and left for their respective homes wishing Grandma Williams many more such happy occasions. Those present were John Smith and family, and Mrs. Ed Smith and children of Bluffton, Jesse and Ira Elzey of Hartford City. Miss Pearl Majors of Fort Wayne, Elmer Grimsley of Hoagland, John Overly and wife of Elwood, and those from Deca tur and vicinity were Mrs. Sapdi Smith, Mrs. Will Smith and children, Mrs. Mary Hudson, V. S. Reed and family, Jesse Roop and family, John J. Mayor and family, Mrs. William Drummond and daughter. Miss Ada Ruckman, Miss Laura Pierce, Win. Mcßarnes and wife, Frank Butler and wife, Fred Avery and wife, Jennie Patterson and children, Will and Dell Ktickman, Will Butler and family, Will Williams and family, Noah Sheets and familv, ('. C. Sheets and family, Thomas C. Fisher and family. J. Sphurimd family, Ben Butler and family. (hie of the pleasing feat ures of the day was to s<s« the twenty grandchildren and two great grand children grouped in front of Grandpa and Grandma Williams while having I their picture taken.