Decatur Democrat, Volume 47, Number 2, Decatur, Adams County, 19 March 1903 — Page 1

AL - the news all the time.

)LUME xlvii.

h v .r i; B. Allison and wife have I Florida home and are now * ma, visiting | jeir daughter. I Erne ,t Bauermeister died at | (e home of his son, east of Ossian | rhr( .,. o'clock Tuesday, after I 1011-' illnos with a catarrhal atllieI pn of the stomach. He was about I xtv years old and well known. The ■ineral services will be held Fri-E-afternoon from the Lutheran Kureh near Ossian. Rev. William ludwig officiating. I Comity Commissioner WerlDi- was up early Monday morning nd made a real estate deal beO re breakfast, selling to George I gnohl a residence ]>ro])erty in Preilr. the consideration being S6OO. j r . Werling has long been the wekbone of Preble, being interestId in a l ' the improvements that are he most benefit to the public and iis neighbors. Otto Mumma’. who has been at Plainfield Reformatory since November of 1901. was returned to this >ity Monday night. He is seventeen I rears old and/nil be on probation I intil he reaches his majority and at I >nv time can be taken back to the I »nt:Hon if the reformatory board I should think that he is trespassing Idu his liberties. The boy will make I his home with his mother who reI hides east of the city. I The case of the Ohio Farmers Insurance company vs. James Johnson was heard in the circuit ■court Monday, this being the suit ■fried several weeks ago before’Squire Baughman, who returned a verdict ■for the plaintiff. The case was appealed by Mr. Johnson. A note ■was given by Mr. Johnson for insur■ance on his farm property, but was ■cancelled about the time it went into ■effect, the company* claiming the ■policy was in force three days which ■would permit them to collect twenI tv per cent, of the premium. JohnIkm claims to have cancelled before the date of the policy. J. W. Teeple appeared for the plaintiff land Schafer Peterson for the deI fondant. I John Priest, a teamster, lost about I two hundred and fifty’ dollars early’ I Sunday morning, through a conflaI gration which destroyed a stable I that stood near the corner of DecaI fur and Nuttman streets, a team of I good horses, harness and a l>arn of I hay and grain. The fire, the cause lof which is unknown, was first disI covered by Mr. Priest about four o'clock in the morning, who rushed out and endeavored to get the horses, but was unsuccessful, owing to the intense heat, as the flames I had already spread over the entire building. An alarm was turned in but the fire hud made so much progress before the arrival of the department that but very little good could be done. The barn was mvned by’ Mrs. Mites and the horses and equipment by’ John Priest, and both were total losses as they’ did not carry any’ insurance. The city council has been advised that the 300 horse power boiler which they ordered some time ago from the Bass Foundry and Machine company of Fort Wayne, has been completed and that it is now ready for shipment. The boiler is a large one, being eighteen feet long, seven foet in diameter, and when mounted stands twenty-one feet high, and as it is very heavy and difficult to move, it will not be ordered until the roads are in good condition and favorable to the moving of the steamer” from the railroad to the lower plant. The new boiler is of different build than those now in use >n this city and is known ns a water tube boiler. Instead of the fire coursing through the flues, the water is run in the tubes and the heat circulates around and through the many pipes. The advantage of this system over the old style boiler lie 'n an economical way, as steam is •ttore readily gotten up and with >uuch less heat and fuel. When the hew steamer is putin working order Ull d the boilers now in use repaired, I he city power plant will have boil'■rs enough to develop 540 horse power which is certainnly sufficient so meet any emergenncy.

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Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Lower arrival home from Indianapolis and will make their future home here. They’ will begin housekeeping in the Ashbaucher residt ‘nee. Albert Gray, father of Otto Gray the little ten year old lad killed here Sunday morning,is profusely thankful to the good people of Decatur who rendered aid and assistance to the poor lad during the short time he remained alive after the injury. A very interesting write-up from F warty*rille of different sections of South Florida, by Major R. B. Allison, which appeared in the Decatur, Ind., Demorat. of February’ 9th, was unavoidably’ crowded out this week. In our next week’s issue our readers may exjtect a rare treat in the perusal of this excelllent article. —-Braidentown, Fla., Herald Henry, the six months old child of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Holthouse, died Monday at half past twelve o'clock. The direct cause of death was broncho pneumonia which developed from a severe case of whooping cough, that was contracted by’ the child about six weeks ago. The funeral was held Wednesday morning at the St. Marys Catholic church and interment made at the St. Joseph cemetery. John Trim, a son of Jacob Trim of this city, recently moved here from Van Wert and is making preparations to start parcel delivery system for Decatur. A wagon for the service is now under construction and as business warrants it, more carriages will lx* put in use. The regular price for deliveries will be ten cents and parcels can be sent to any’ part of the city’ for tliat price. It is the promoter’s intention to make quick service the most noticeable feature, which is the highest essential to a successful delivery system. The installation of this parcel delivery* will certainly* be a great convenience to merchants and the citizens of this town, as it is just what is needed. Decatur is in the throes of an epidemic of grip which has affected ])eople of all ages. Physicians report hundmls of cases, many of them very* serious in nature. The epidemic seems to lx? widespread, reports from over the country telling the same story. This nerve racking malady* has grown from a fad to a very serious reality. It affects all classes, the man who works in the store or office, as well as he who duties keep him in the open. A few years ago, comjjaratively, the grip was an unknown quantity. If it existed it was under another name and was probably charcterized as malaria in a severe form, or something of that character. Dispatches from St. Louis and Chicago state that there are from 15,000 to 25,000 well developed cases in each city. The weather conditions recently have doubtless caused the local afflictions. The malady* seems to be growing worse with each succeeding year since its appearance. The Great Falls Daily Tribune of March sth, said: Warren W. Moses, a popular young newspaper man of this city, and Miss Edythe Ruth Chase were married last night at the residence of the bride’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. George H. Chase, 919 Third avenue North. The nupial knot was tied by* the Rev. Frederick A. Ager, pastor of the First Baptist church. The bride was gowned in white and carried a large bouquet of white roses. She was attended by Miss Rose Davis. C. A. Thompson supported the groom. The bride was given away by* her father. The ring ceremony was observed, Miss Cleo Stevens, a niece of the bride, acting as ring girl. The marriage ceremony was witnnessed by about 40 persons, relatives and friends of the family. The happy couple will be at home to their friends in apirtments in the Bach-Cory* block. Mr. Moses is highly esteemed as one of the most geniel of the newspaper fraternity, and for the past three years has been employed on the local staff of the Leader. The bride is a charming young woman, popular in society and among her numerous friends the announceent of the wedding will be greeted with pleasure.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1903.

Judge Vaughn of Bluffton, is one of the circuit judges in the state who benefits by the last legislature with an increase in his salary. A circuit judge with two or more counties in his district, gets S3OO added to his yearly* salary. Will Reiter, who has been employed at Fort Wayne for a year past, has accepted a position with the Holthouse Drug company* and will begin his duties April Ist. Mrs. Reiter and Will expect to move here next week. They have many friends in Decatur to welcome them back. Mrs. Julia Moses was most pleasantly reminded of another milestone reached in life by* a number of friends nd neighbors calling upon her on Monday evening, bringing with them well-filled baskets of tempting eatables. Rev. and Mrs. E. A. Allen, Mrs. L. C. Miller, Mrs. John Everett and daughter, Mrs. E. J. Beardsley, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Watts and daughter, Mrs. Nettie M. Schrock and Mrs. Patterson and daughter were guests who made the evening a happy one long to be remembered occasion. Clover Leaf section men have been informed that after April Ist, they will be working on a different schedule of wages. They are to get a raise which they* richly deserve if any* railroad employee does and hereafter section men will receive one dollar and thirty cents a day, straight time, and section foremen will be paid forty-five dollars per month. Railroads all over the country have been raising the wages of their employes, but no company* has increased the schedule to such an extent as the T. St. L. & W. railroad company. That road is endeavoring at the present time to put their track and roadbed in firstclass condition and they* appreciate the extra amount of work which will be placed on the track builders and repairers and are considerate enough to pay them for it. Transactions of a legal way in circuit court cases were docketed Monday as follows: Decatur National Bank vs. Steven Longenberger and Peter Heath, evidence of Steven Longenberger ordered taken at the law office of C. J. Lutz next Saturday morning; George Haines vs Louisa Haines et al, answer filed; A. P. Beatty* appointed to represent Charles Haines and files his answer. Julius Haugk vs. Mary, Adam and Issaac Brown, apix*arance entered by* Heller & Son for Isaac, ruled to answer in five days. Samantha Cassel vs . Joseph Beery, answer filial to complaint. Ohio Farmers Insurance ccompanny vs. James S. Johnson, suit on note, evidence heard by Judge Erwin. In probate court the guardianship caes of Emma, Louis and Huber DeVoss, L. C. De Voss, guardian, was ordered leit off docket. A motion was filed in the case of James T. Dailey, guardian for Mary G. Gage, to build a line fence and drill a well and the same was ordered. Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Peterson entertained the members of the Young Matrons’ club Monday* evening and about half the members are complaining today of aching sides, the result of frequent laughs. About thirty’ guests were present and jxxlro and dancing were the popular games At the former Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Reid formed a combination and carried away all the honors. Refreshments were served, Master Robert Peterson acting as chief waiter. After the games were over the guests were given blank ]>apers and asked to write thereon the name of the lady whom they considered the most popular, the same to receive a prize, then followed the most hotly contested campaign ever witnesstxl in the city, every lady talking at once. When the smoke cleared away and the votes had been counted, Mrs. J. H. Heller was declared the winner and as a reward for her diligent efforts was made president of the club. Although the usual talk of unfair means to secure votes was made, the election stands, an attempt at resignation even being turned down. The event was a very happy one for everyone. The domino contest was won by Mrs. D. E. Smith.

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A party composed of J. and Mathias Brandyberry and their respective families, left over the Clover Leaf Monday* for Paragould, Arkansas. These men are industrious farmers of Monroe township, and go to Arkansas with the intention of buying land and residing there permanently. The board of commissioners were in session receiving bids for supplies at the county infirmary. Contracts were awarded Niblick & Co., for dry goods, $21.84, Boston Store, groceries $25,53; tobacco $15,86, Smith, Yager & Falk, drugs $8.70, Schaffer Hardware Co * hardware $1.45. The board appointed William Shoemaker as superintendent of the Brnshwood macadam road* Governor Durbin has finished his part of the work of the legislature and has gone to Anderson for a short rest. He signed 248 bills and vetoed thirty-eight. The copy for the acts of 1903 is now being rushed to the state printer by Frank I. Grubbs, deputy* secretary of state, and will probably* be ready* for publication about the last of May or the first of June. The acts of 1901 contained 266 bills, but the acts this time will be almost as voluminous. Thegoverrnor signed Senator Park’s bill providing that county commissioners shall make an allowance of thirty* cents a day* for care of dependent children who are sent to the orphan's homes. Representative Branch’s bill authorizing the school board of Martinsville to issue bonds not to exceed $20,000, was vetoed, but afterward it was recalled and signed. Several neighbors of Mrs. Robert S. Peterson rushed in ujxin her Saturday* evening and exasperated her terribly for a moment until she realized that she was the victim of a deep and well laid plot. The Petersons have lived in the home on Chestnut street for twenty-two years and some close friendly ties have tx'en formed with the neighbors of that community*. Owing to a fact that they* will move to the north part of town within a few days, the surprise was executed. It was a most enjoyable affair for all concerned and everyone, present seemed to lx l there for the express purpose of making the others happy. Among the features of the evenings program was a fancy cake walk by two of the guests, and they* were encored again and again. A guessing contest was given and the prize was awarded to Miss Carrie Tester. Mrs. Robert Perkins gave the recitation, “Curfew Shall Not Ring Tonight.” The ladies presenUxl Mrs. Peterson a beauiful jardinier. William A. Lower of this city, concluded his term as deputy* superintendent of public instruction Saturdayevening,after four years of faithful service. He has proven himself an efficient public official and made many friends over the state. Mr. and Mrs. Lower arrived home Monday evening. The Educa-tor-Journal in its March number contained a good likeness of Mr. Lower and said as follows: “The Educator-Journal takes pleasure in recording on its pages words of praise for the work of Mr. W. A. Lower, just retiring from the deputyship in the depart ment of public instruction. Mr. Lower is a young man of successful experience in school work, having lxx«n a teacher in the schools of Decatur and Adams county for a period of nine years. He was graduated from the Decatur high school and was a student in the Tri-State Normal achhoool, and in the Indiana Business University. He entered the office of the State Department of Education in 1899 us chief clerk in charge of school lxx»k requisitions, and two years later was promoted to chief deputyship, a position he has held with honor to himself and gtxxl service to the state. In this position Mr. Lower has complete charge ot the collection and compilation of the department statistics and has lx>en secretary of the Indiana Reading Circle Board and Clerk of the State Board of Eduction. Mr. Lower retires from the office with a host of friends. He will probably engage in the mercantile business. We arc confident of his success.”

Six boys who gave their names as Frank O'Leary, Frank Wley, Fred Scanlonn Akron’ Ohio, and Richard Clark, Fred Eden and George Gundesell, Hamilton, Ohio, were arrested by* Marshal Cordua Monday* evening and Tuesday were given a good lecture by* ’Squire Smith and released on promise to leave town at once. Thomas Davis of Van Wert, and Frank Elzey plead guilty* to a charge of intoxication and were fined ,the former $9.80 and the latter $7.30. Elzey paid and Davis went to jail. R. B. Gregory* & Co,’s wallpaper and paint store is undergoing a cleaning up and repairs that give it the appearance of being brand new. It is one of the cleanest and most interesting stores in town and the season’s stock is pretty* and fills he shelves up completely. During the present week Bob has been trying himself on ceiling, decoration and a glance thereat shows even the most skeptical that he is a graduate in the art of jiaper hanging. The ceiling is finished in colored wall paper and decorated with gold moulding. The combination of red, green und yellow is charming and is certainly a good sample to show the customers. The hurry up season in this line of work is just opening up and the way* orders are being booked now makes one believe tht this is to be the busiest year in Decatur’s history* for painters and decorators. Lwtis L. Sadler vs. Edward E. Smith bet al, answer to motion to strike but filed. Otto Bolds vs, William and Minerva Shoemaker, deposition of Leah Bolds ordered taken. A. R. Bell and A. E. Rose vs. Geneva and Charles D. Murray, jury* impannelled and cast* now on trial. Stephen Longenberger vs. Mary* and Forest Light, dismissed and costs paid. Troy Huey, ex parte, dich proceedings; no remonstrance being filed the court ordered sufficient drain constructed and same was referred to James M. Willey, George McKean and Martin Laughlinn, who were ordered to meet at Geneva on March 23, and to make their report March 30. Isaac Wheeler vs. Amos Walker et al, affidavit of the non-residence of Amos Walker and Birkley Walker filed; notice by* publication oder.ird. Judge Erwin will render his decision in the case of the Ohio Farmers Insurance company* vs James Johnson, tomorrow morning. The cast' is on note and was tried Monday. Lawrence Felts, a brakeman in the employ’ of the Grand Rapids A* Indiana railway, was perhaps fatally injured Saturday evening, while his train was switching in this city*. A number of cars had been left standing on the main track, just north of the Niblick elevator, while the engine run down and switched a cut of cars in on the siding which is known us the house track. Felts rode in on these curs, which had been cut loose from the engine, had set the brakes and was climbing down the side ladder, when he was caught and rollisl along between the cars on the main track and the one on which he was riding. After being rolled along this way* two or three times over, the divergence of the tracks jx'rmitted his Ixxly to drop through and he fell to the ground. His fellow trainmen carried him to the depot and Dr. Boyers was immediately summoned. An examination showed that his left shoulder was severely bruised, his left leg badly injured and his shoulder blade torn loose. A report was telegraphed to the officials of the road at Fort Wayne and Conductor Quivey of the switch run on which Felts was braking, was ordered to set his train off and bring the injured man to Fort Wayne. A fast run was made by the engine and caboose and in a very short time the brakeman was at St. Joseph hospital. Dr. E. J. McOscar attended him and stated that his condition was very serious. Felts is a qjpgle man, twenty-one years old and his parents live at Fountain City, Indiana. He has lx*en in the railroad service but two months and was certainly«. unfortunate in nus-ting with such a severe accident in after so short a time.

CIRQULATION 2800 WEEKLY .

Six little boys, only one of whom is over the age of nine, dead headed a freight train from Bluffton over here Saturday. Their names are Hower Smith, Buck Huffman, Roy Miller, George Walbert and Lew C inr.ett. The last named is said to be the leader of the crowd and is fourteen years old. He has planned these trips several times and it is said that action will lx 1 taken at once in the Wells circuit court to send him to the reform school. The boys left Blutffon about eight o’clock Monday morning and arrival here some time before noon. They’ being about the railroad all day without a bite to eat. At five o'clock Constable Pennington saw them and ordered them out of town. It was growing dark but the little fellows started west down that track, crying from fright and hunger. Three of the boys walked home the entire distance of sixteen miles, while the other three hid near the G. R. & I. crossing. About this time the parents of the lads began telephoning and kept the lines busy for awhile. At seven o’clock Mr. Elliott and another gentleman from Bluffton came over to get the boys and were very* angry when they learned that an officer had driven their boys out of town under the circumstances. A telephone message from Bluffton tha next morning said the boys had all arrived safe and were none the worse for wear. The little boy* killed here Sunday morning in an attempt to board an east bound freight on the C. &E. railroad and who told Conductor Hamilton that his name was Amos Craig and his home St. Louis has been identified. His name was Otto Gray* and his home at Sims, Indiana, a little station between Marion and Kokomo. His father, Albert Gray, arrived here this morning accompanied by a friend, William Turner. A glance at the body of the boy was all that was necessary for identification and the broken-hearted father wept like a child. Little Otto was but ten years old, having lx*en born November, 1892. He has always txxm a fairly good child a little obstinate at times and on different times and on different instances has gone away* from home for a few days at a time. The father is a glass worker and has lived at Sims only about a year. He is a steady worker and provided for his family, but Otto, boy like, wished to get out on the road. He left home March sth and went to Greentown, from where he walked to Marion. There he was picked up by* the police and told a pitiful story, saying his name was Amos Craig and that he had been driven from home by* a cruel step-mother. He was adopted twice within a week, but neither home seemed to suit him and he left there Sunday* morning for this place, where the accident at the Erie formed the closing chapter of Ins young career. The Gray’ family’ consists of the mother and father and five children liesides the boy they now mourn. They are resjx'ctahle people and Mr. Gray’ is a thorough gentleman whom years of trouble and hard labor, still gives the appearance of a man of noble character. His work has been at night and as a consequence he was forced to neglect his children to a great extent. He knew nothing of the death of his boy until last night when a neighbor, Mr. Gillenwater, noticed an account of the lad's death in an Indianapolis paper and recognized the name ns one under which the lx>y had bi>en traveling. Mr. Gray at once callixl up Decatur and .the description answering with Otto, he came here Tuesday morning. The body was prepraed for burial by* L. Yager A’ Sons and sent to Sims at 11:25 the snneday. The funeral services were lx> held yesterday at Crawfordsville, the former homo of the Gray’ family. Mr. Gray says he has no idea why the boy changed his name and says they have no relatives in St. Louis and know no one by the nanye of Warren I). Craig, who was su])]x>sod to lx l the lad's father. The mysterious part of the affair is that Otto should give another name after he was so Ixidly’ injured.

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