Decatur Democrat, Volume 46, Number 51, Decatur, Adams County, 26 February 1903 — Page 1

All the news ALL THE TIME.

«JUME XLVI.

' A case has been filed in the circuit at Elkhart in which William iMgache/asks for a divorce from his ■M who was formerly Mrs. Gus gLkgel of this city and who resides A summons for her aphas been received and servad Hi t the ease will probably go bv defJlh Desertion is the alleged Q<l i Rosenthal, the modern clothier, is arranging the furniture and fixtures well known stock of clothes. desk has been removed ,3L center of the room and the forpart of the store is being filled new spring and summer Gus believes in keeping up toulftte. and generally does so. no dis what happens. WBc beautiful new residence of Mr. Mrs. Charles A. Dugan was a bSof lights Monday evening, the oc Ogjl being a meeting of the Whist The session was rather a one, as the club has not beel meeting regularly, and was in hMr of Mr. and Mrs. George HolloRavenna, Ohio. The event most delightful one. and the eaßrtainers were certainly at their High scores were made by L G. Ellingham and W. A. Delicious refreshments were 'jKd. Mfw. utv horse power gas engine ar lA m the city Tuesday for Waring 3#ve Co. and it will be placed in poat once. A number of men wMtalking about this machine and a bit of speculating was done in nKd to what the term horse power It is a unit of capacity for that a working body can do, and so raise 3.3.000 pounds one foot in or 550 pounds one foot one H. P. of strength is reqiiired. James Watt found that London draft horse could ®[this much work, hence the term power. Warmcastle, a young man m resides in Allen county was in Ai. Friday. An old man named Join W Bowers claimed that Joseph him and preferred charges him. Marshal Cordua found iSmeastle at Beery & Holthouse's &Br barn and arrested him. He slightly but was taken any wj and things went along smoothly the jail was reached when he pjtlJed an open knife from his pocket, marshal didn't wait for any pre tries but quickly dealt the y®ng man a blow that put all notion ofuiingthe knifeout of Joseph’s mind, taken l>efore 'Squire Smith and fined a dollar and costs to eleven dollars, for public intoxication. Bowers failed to appjbr against him on the first charge JMd. that of assault, and that case dismissed. Marshal Cordua flfcght the boy had lieen punished etßugh and therefore didn’t fils any cob aint. business change of some magni occurred when Will C. Edmondsojof Elwood, assumed charge of the HKatur Lumber Company. The went into full force and effect Tie-lav morning when Mr. Henretired from the active manThe new manager Mr. Edfflpdson, is a bright young business mli. with the appearance of every necessary to success. ■ was formerly connected with the Lumber Companv where he jfvM l a glowing mark of success, l>efamiliar with every feature of the Mr. Hendrickson who came from Hartford City some years and who placed the Decatur Company on a proper footis a citizen of excellent repute the kind that a town can not lose regret. His future plans are not yet settled or if settled not ready Hare before the public. Whatthey may be, it is hoped that holds charm sufficient to him as a resident of the best on this side of the globe. reliable information we are that a representative of the W’. Morgan Syndicate will be in the next week to look over the route ■ a proposed line of electric railway B Indianapolis and Toledo as the ■ninal points. The line will conW* with the system as planned at Wert, 0., thence running in a hwest course intersecting this in the vicinity of the Decatur Wert public highway; thence on Monroe street, west ’■l’reble, south to Peterson, Hon- ■'"*■ I inn Grove, White Oak; thence ■Jg by the way of or in the vicinity ■Montpelier. Hartford City, Anders’ Noblesville, terminating at In ■napolis. It is not known definitely ® t route will be inspected, but how ; ■ r enough information has been ob■jed to determine the general route ■me proposed undertaking. This ■posed line will intersect one of ■ best farming sections of the state, Jr will greatly accommodate a great ■ ri ,V people, from the fact that this route will traverse a section ■he state which is remote from any ■ti ■ ac . p,, nimodations whatever, ■■‘his line is established it will be hrst dir«M-t route of accominoda- ■>« established between the cities of ■jedo and Indianapolis. This is the ■>e line mentioned a few days ago.

DecAtdß DB^ oc Mr.

Jacob Mock, aged seventy-nine I years, died at one o’clock Tuesday | morning at his home just north of Williams Station. The deceased was well known in this city and held the respect’and honor of all who knew him. He leaves a wife and eight children to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. The body will l>e taken to New Haven for burial and the funeral services will be held at that place. For several years Martin Miller has been one of the progressive farmers of Preble township. He quite recently sold his real estate holdings and on March 10 holds public sale. It is not his intention to quit the business of farming, as he already purchased a fine tract of land near Berne and after the sale on March 10, will take up his residence there. It has not been many years since Mr. Miller left this city and took up the work of a farmer, and since then has been successful in the extreme. In probate court Monday morning Willis C. Glendenning made application and was appointed guardian for Lake E., Bertie R. and Willis D. Glendenning. His bond for SIOOO bearing the signatures of William and Sherman Glendenning was filed and approved. In the case entitled trusteeship of Walter B. Ayers, Perry L. Ayers, guardian, a petition was filed by J. H. Voglewede for order against trustee to pay a judgment against Walter D. Ayers. In the Jacob Bender estate, application for letters as executor was made by Israel Bender, bond was filed and approved, letters duly ordered, issued and confirmed. John Mayer received word Sun day the of death of his uncle, R. C. Shaw, at Farmland, Indiana, which occurred Saturday night. Mr. Shaw was one of the best known and influential men of Randolph county. He was a friend and benefactor to everybody. and he was often heard to say, "I will help any one who tries to hefp himself.” He has lived a quiet retired life for several years, chiefly interesting himself with his large and valuable collection of Indian relics and precious stones ami minerals, which are said to be the finest in the state. He is also the author of a book which has recently published entitled “Across the Plains in ’49,” dedicated* to his relatives only, in which he tells of the hardships and privations while going overland by wagon train to California to seek for gold. He leaves a wife and four children to mourn the departure of a loving and devoted husband and father, and Farmland mourns the loss of a true friend and' public-spirited citizen, who was ever ready to assist in the upbuilding of that beautiful little city. John W. Cowens of Beuna Vista, is one of the regular panel of the jury and while home over Sunday received won! of the very serious condition of his uncle, John Powers, a well known and wealthy farmer who lives just across the Wells county line in Nottingham township. Mr. Cowens and family immediately drove over to the Powers home and found that their uncle was indeed in a very serious condition. While working about his place Thursday he fell and broke his left leg at the hip joint. He was helpless of course but the extent of his injuries were not known until two days afterwards when physicians were summoned from Bluffton and the leg was set. The old man who is seven-ty-seven years of age, was given ether and three hours afterwards when Mr. Cowens and family left he had not yet regained consciousness. No word was received from him yesterday but it is believed that owing to his age he cannot recover and it is almost certain he can never use his leg if he should live. He is the father of Will Powers, a well known Bluffton con tractor. Prosecutor Moran concluded the final argument in the case of the state vs Will Ward, at 1:45 Tuesday and Judge Erwin oroci-eded with the usual instructions, which occupied about twenty minutes, the jury going to their room, with J. H. Smith as bailiff, shortly after tw’o o’clock. Ward is charged with selling about twelve tons of hay, the property of Mrs. Elizabeth France, now deceased, and converting the money, $92.25, to his own use, the crime being designated as embezzlement. The trial of the case began yesterday morning with J. C. Moran appearing for the state and A. P. Beatty and C. J. Lutz for the defendant. The jury was composed of the following men: Philbert Gase, William Wobdward. William Baker, Charles Dutcher, Albert Spuller, Frank Winans, Solomon Tab ler John Chronister, Alonzo Ball, Bud Brokaw, Thomas Perkins and George A. Bunner. The evidence was all in at ten o’clock and an hour on each side was allowed for arguments. Moran opened with a statement of the case, Beatty and Lutz followed with apeeches for the defense and Moran closed. At three o’clock the jury returned a verdict signed by William Baker, foreman, which read, “We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty.” This was the result of the second ballot, the first standing ton for acquittal and two for , conviction. 1

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2(>. 1903.

Robert Wertzberger, Albert Gessinger, Milred and Merle Johnson were entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gessinger. Sunday, in honor of the third anniversary of the birth of Lewis Glenn Gessinger. \ arious kinds of games were afforded the little ones, and refreshments were served. Things were run in “kindergarten” fashion, and the little fellows had a time which they will never forget. A new partition suit was filed in the circuit conrt Monday morning by Attorney Butcher of Geneva. The case is entitled Rebecca J. Rockwood, Clerinda Wilson, Permelia A. Knox vs. Mary Patton. The consent of the defendant was filed for the petition as prayed for in complaint and Nathan Haesbarger, I. N. Veley and W. C. Felty were appointed commissioners. This is the first case filed for a week past. The death of Mrs. James P. Hale occurred Monday evening at 7 o’clock at her home in Bluffton. She has been suffering with cancer for several years, though her recent severe illness has continued but three months, during which time she suffered terribly. She was about forty-two years old and well known here, her husband being a brotherof John D. Hale. She was formerly Miss Delia Wilson. Her husband survives her and is heart-broken. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock. Henry McLain is laid up with a broken arm, a badly disfigured face other bruises and injuries, the result of a fall down a flight of stairs. For many years he has roomed over this office and about one o’clock Tuesday morning he felt sick and started down street to see if the fresh air wouldn’t do him some good. He was weaker than he thought and as he started down the back stairs fell head first. He lodged in a peculiar position and was unable to extricate himself. He was dazed and his left arm broken and he remained lying there, head downward until nearly five o’clock when he managed to make Dan Coffee, who has a rooii in the same block hear him. He was assisted to his room and Dr. C. S. Clark called who dressed the injuries and he is being cared for as well as possible under the circumstances. He is very ill, however, and his age will make recovery elow. He believes some one struck him and tried to rob him in the hall but there is rib way of ascertaining whether or not this is the true theory. The issues have been made up in the ease of Sadler vs Smith, a suit brought here on change of venue from Jay county, and it promises to be one of the hardest fought legal battles ever made in the Adams circuit court. It is quite probable this case will be tried the latter part of this term of court, so we were informed this morning by one of the attorneys. Sadler is a commission man, whose home is at Cincinnati, and Smith is a stock buyer from Jay county. The case is the result of a suit in closing up a settlement, and the account runs over SIOO,OOO, though the amount in controversy is but 53,000. The attorneys are Thomas Campbell, of Cincinnati, and of national reputation through his connection with the Goebel case, and Hon. C. J. Lutz, of this city, who appear for the plaintiff, and David Taylor, of Portland, and D. B. Erwin, of this city, for the defense. It’s a foregone conclusion that the case will be contested for ail it is worth and will occupy at least a week’s time in court, It will be watched with interest, especially by the legal fraternity, on accountof the connection with the case of so great a lawyer as Mr. Campbell. Last Saturday evening, February 21, 1903, at the country home of exTrustee John Steele, occurred the marriage of Wilson Miller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Washington Miller, to Anna Steele, the beautiful and accomplished young daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Steele, all of Washington township. At 6:30 p. m. Miss Ima Archer took her place at the organ and began playing the wedding march. The sixty guests present anxiously waited for the appearance of the happy young couple. They had, however, not long to wait. They soon came and after taking the place arranged for them, Rev. Payne, in his usual polished manner, performed the ceremony which made them husband and wife. After congratulations were over, the dining room doors were thrown open and all invited to enter. Jerry Archer and his estimable wife bade the guests to be seated around the table, which was elaisirately spread and almost groaned with the many palatable delicacies that caused even the writer to feel that it was good to be present. Supper being over the guests repaired again to the par lors, and spent the rest of the evening in social cheer, which was enlivened now and then with some excellent music, both vocal and instrumental. At a late hour, which came ail too soon, the guests departed for their respective homes, wishing Mr. and Mrs. Miller a long, happy and pros perous journey through life. They were the recipients of several beautiful presents.

Tuesday morning a caboose on the Clover Leaf was burned to the track at Peterson and now nothing remains but the wheels and other iron work. The caboose was attached to an east bound extra freight train and was left standing on the track while the engine and train pulled away to do some switching. The origin of the blaze is not understood but it is presumed that it was caused by the explosion or a signal lamp. All railroad papers, trainmen’s extra clothes, overcoats and sls in money was consumed. Terry McGinley took a gang of section men to Peterson and cleared the track of debris. Mellville, the eight year old son of Granville W. Rupright, trustee of Preble township, came very near losing his live on last Sunday. He chased a red squirrel up an apple tree on his Grandpa Rupright’s farm, and in pursuit of it, he climbed the tree to a distance of about fifteen feet, when his footing gave way and he fell to the frozen ground beneath, dislocating his right elbow and breaking his left arm at the wrist and otherwise bruising him. A physician was immediately called who reset the injured members and dressed his wounds. The boy is resting easier today, but he knows that he took a tumble Sunday. There are now in the state hospitals for the insane 402 epileptics, 209 men and 193 women; in the school for feeble minded youths 265, 107 male and 158 females; and in the county poor asylums 273, 157 males and 136 females. This makes a total in all these institutions of 960, 473 males and 487 females. Four hundred and eighty-five of these are insane, 410 feeble-minded and 65 have no marked mental deficiency. Eighty four are under eighteen years of age, 650 are between sixteen and forty-five years and 226 are forty-five and over. All these are now charges upon the public. Would it not be better for every reason if they or certain groups of them were gathered together in an institution of the best type for their care, treatment and training. A few days ago Postmaster Brittson showed us the new two cent postage stamp and to us it appeared the perfection of beauty and good workmanship, but now comes the news that the series has not pleased the critical people who make a study of these new designs and the series will be recalled by the postoffice officials. The stamp contains the head of Washington, taken from the famous Stuart painting. That part of the stamp is all right, but the ornamentation is heavy and gives a crowded appearance to the stamp. So the new issue will be called in, and dealers and collectors who are wise will lav in a stock before the stamps disappear. The department will continue the Stuart face of Washington, instead of the Houdin bead, which is on the old stamp. A new departure in the latest issue is the name of the head on each stamp appears under the figure. It is a considerate postoffice department indeed that will recall a big issue of postage stamps because a hvpocritical public objects to the alleged inartistic border about the picture. When we consider that no more than one in a half million persons ever looks at a stamp he affixes to an envelope we can understand how considerate the postal department is. For twenty-four hours and twentyfive minutes the jury in the case of the state vs. Oliver D. Reynolds argued, debated and deliberated on what their verdict should be and at the end of that time were no nearer an agreement than on the first ballot. Prosecutor Moran made the closing argument Saturday afternoon and Judge Ei win read the charges to the jury, sending them to I heir room at 3:30, with Jesse Butler as bailiff. It is stated that immediately upon ar riving there Henry Stetler was chosen foreman and a ballot taken on the guilt or innocence of Reynolds, the vote resulting «ix to six. Another ballot resulted the same way and then the arguing began. Every hou or so another ballot would be taken but at no time during the twenty-four hours and a half was there a change in a ; single vote. It is probably the only case on record in the county where the jury stood equally divided and never changed a vote. At 3:30 Sunday afternoon Judge Erwin called the jury in and asked them if there was a chance of them Teaching a verdict and the foreman ,'replied that there was not. Judge Erwin then asked if they were in doubt about a point of law or whether the disagreement was caused by a difference of opinion on facts and the foreman answered that it was a qestion of facts. They were sent to their room and the attorneys questioned as to their (opinion on discharging the jury. No objections were made and at 3:50 the twelve men were again ordered in and discharged. There was never a chance for agreement as the men had their minds fully made up and as expressed by one juryman would have remained there until harvest. A new trial will be necessary to decide whether or not Reynolds is guilty of kidnapping and the case will prob abiy not lie reheard before the next term of court.

Carriers on the six rural routes that run out from Decatur have decided to establish an express system over the territory which they cover, and will have a schedule of prices made out within a day or so. They propose to handle any kind of merchandise that can conveniently be earned by their wagons, from an order of groceries to a new buggy. Packages can be for warded with reasonable dispatch all oyer the county. All the farmer needs to do is to leave an order in his mail box for delivery, and the same will be attended to by the carrier. The establishing of the system seems a good move and will certainly be a great convenience to all people concerned. Rebecca Rockwood et al vs Mary Patten, complaint filed and commissioner appointed. Margaret Scherry vs Rosa Werling et al, ex parte, answers filed by defendants. D. B. Erwin appointed guardian ad litum and files answer. Land ordered sold, publication ordered. John Schurger appointed commissioner, bond filed at SIO,OOO. Robert M. Hunt vs W. A. Hunt and Amanda Hunt, appearance by Daily, Simmons & Daily for defendants, rule to answer. Julius Haugk vs Mary and Adam Brown, defendants ruled to answer absolute within five davs. W. 11. Niblick vs Willis W. Hoagland et al, submitted, finding for plaintiff in sum of $393.30. Lewis L. Sadler vs E. E. Smith, all depositions on file ordered published. We are in receipt of a copy of the Fostoria Review-Dispatch,which gives a full account of the terrible explosion at the Fox Magazine Cane factory, Monday, where Joseph Burdge, a former resident here, met instant death. The explosion was the result of B. S. Short, the manager, dashing a bucket of water on some chemicals upon which he was experimenting. The paper says: “Joseph Burdge, older residents of the city will re member, fell from the main stack of the Calcined Glass works a number of years ago, and was so badly injured that his life was despaired of for a long time. He has since been a cripple and the injuries received at that time was the only way he could be identified,so badly was he mangled He was forty-eight years old and leaves a heart-broken widow and two children, Earl, aged twenty, and Helen, a winsome little girl of six. He was a tinner by trade, but has been unable to work at it since the accident mention before. He was a whole-souled fellow, knew everybody and had innumerable friends.” One of the most brilliant events of the season was the Washington party Tuesday evening at the spacious home of Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Carroll, their daughter Miss Blanche, being the hostess to about forty of her young friends. Miss Blanche, a la Martha Washington, was gowned in a rich blue velvet, brocaded in pink rose buds, white silk shawl about her shoulders,high heeled shoes, powdered hair brought high on her head, with pink roses in her hair and bodice to complete her toilet. She made a most charming appearance and looked as if she might have stepped down from an old colonial painting. Every portion of the house was beautifully decorated in the national colors and flags. The first tiling that greeted the eye as you stepped into the hall was a large picture of George and Martha Washing ton drapped and flagged. The colors being twined about the balustrade, while the walls were festooned with the same. lu the parlors the colors were suspended from each corner of the room to the ehandlier, whose incandescent lights were decorated with the shades of the red, white and blue and flags over doors and windows. In the dining room the colors were suspended from the chandeliers and f astened to each corner of the table, canopv fashion. On the center of the table was a center piece embroidered in the red, white and blue and on it was placed a gold candelabra with red candles and shades which made a very attractive api>earance. On the wall was a large flag most artistically draped, smaller flags and the colors decorating the rest of the room. A short program of music was given after which came a guessing contest pertaining to the life of Washington, which resulted in Agnes Mylott receiving first prize, a beautiful medal lion picture, the consolation going to True Fristoe. A delicious luncheon was then served, Lucile Hale and Vera Ehinger attending to the wants of the guests in a most expeditious maimer. Then came the cherry tree contest. On a side table stood that historical tree hanging with cherries, to which each one was led in his or her turn, blindfolded, given a pair of scissors, and were told to clip the cherries. John Crawford succeeded in clipping off the most cherries in six trials and his reward was a box of bonbons in a heart shaped box of burnt maple. The consolation was given to Will Borling. Miss Blanche has the reputation of lieing an ideal hostess and she certainly proved herself such on this occasion. Dancing was indulged in until the wee’ sma’ hours and each one went home feeling that had the Father of his Country stepped in on the scene, he certainly would have given a smile of great approbation at the way in which he was being honored.

CIRCULATION

2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 51

Ibursday ended the responsibility that has recently been placed upon this city by the outbreaking of a few cases of smallpox. When the citizens of Decatur heard that the dread disease was prevalent here, much alarm was caused by anticipating the cases to develope in such a malignant form as Winchester and other nearby town have recently been suffering with We were fortunate however, as the at. tacks were mild and easily curbed, and though greatly relieved at the time, felt much more highly satisfied that the decisive day is at hand. The last case known to the health authorities, who have watched those exposed very closely, is the Blazer family on Ninth street, and the quarantine over that family is to be lifted this evening. Decatur people should be very careful now and each individual consider the question thoughtfully and not suffer the dishonor of being the one to carry an infectious disease into our untaminated city. About seven years ago, standard time, a committee of Knights of Pythlans were appointed to investigate the subject of erecting a business block and castle hall upon their lot oppo site the court house. At that time the committee consisted of John T. France, J. N. Fristoe, D. N. Erwin, Horace Callow and H. F. Linn. The committee at that time never came to any serious conclusion, and at the meeting Saturday evening this com mittee was dug up out of the cobwebs, and the name of A. J. Smith substituted for that of our once honored citizen, John T. France. They will be put to working again, and are instructed to have plans and specifications designed and estimates made for such a building as the committee thinks would do honor to Kekionga lodge, and at the same time answer the purposes and needs of this rapidly growing order. It is the desire that a report be ready for submission in open lodge at the earliest possible moment. It will perhaps take several weeks before the matter can be laid before them, and in the meantime hope springs eternal. C. E. Tompkins, a carpenter who lives close to Echo, Wells county, is in the county jail with the charge of shooting point blank at a man standing against him. Tompkins drove to this city Friday afternoon and about four o’clock dropped in at ihe Wigwam saloon. At that place he met a man who claimed to be a brokerage agent of St. Louis, and in a short time the two seemed to be on intimate terms. The St. Louis man was a suspicious sort of a fellow and impressed all who saw him that day as a shark or bunco man. The two hung around the place exchanging a few drinks until it was deserted, save the bar tender, Harry Maxwell, and and then gave evidence of the fact that they could run things to suit themselves: the man now under arrest even flashed a revolver two or three times. The bar tender was not to be frightened, however, but realized what the men were up to. After a short time the St. Louis man, whose name cannot be found out, but who is described as solidly built with a thick dark moustache, went on the outside of the saloon presumably to act as a dropper, and Tompkins when stand ing directly in front of Maxwell and just across the bar, quickly threw down his weapon in western style and fired. Quick as the shot Maxwell rushed from Ixffiind the bar and ’ grablied his man, a slight tussle en ' sued in which blood was shed .but gainI ing an advantage Tompkins broke | away from Maxwell’s grasp and ran | down the street. Shortly after the | police were after the fellow and saw i him driving rapidly south on Second street. He turned his horse at i Court street and by running around j the court house. Maxwell, Marshal I Cordua and Policemen Fisher and Mangold were able to overtake him'* and soon had him under arrest. The weapon, a little single shooter, was discovered concealed lieneath his mitten. Maxwell was not bit and whether a ball was fired or simply a blank cartridge discharged it could not lie ascertained. The prisoner stated that while he and the St. Louis fellow with whom he claimed no former acquaintance were playing pool, a stranger butted in and some hot words were exchanged between the two. About six o’clock Tompkins says that he was driving home when this same stranger jumped in bis sled and drew a revolver on him. He grablied the fellow’s arm, and exclaimed “For God’s sake don’t shoot me,” and then yelled for assisance. Policemen noon arrived on the scene and placed Tompkins under arrest, while the stranger made good bis es cape. The imprisoned man is of medium build, appears to be thirty years old, has a sandy moustache and is dressed as a workingman. His father resides at Lima, Ohio, and is master car builder for the L. E, & W. railroad. He was given a hearing in the circuit court Monday afternoon. The man who is most needed and undoubtedly knows all the circumstances of lust night’s affair, is gone. Ho was here for no go<xi purpose and had proba bly enticed Tompkins to help him is his design, which appears to have been the robbing of the saloon.