Decatur Democrat, Volume 47, Number 31, Decatur, Adams County, 8 October 1903 — Page 1

all the news ALL THE TIM®.

VOLtME klvii.

Fred H.Bonke certainly has the best rat story to tell of any one around these parts of the country, and Fred says he will make Oath Ito same, and it is this, that on last Saturday he caught 12 large rats in la wire cage and on Monday morning [he captured 21 of the pesky things ancfsays he kills them by drowning. The informal reception given Rev. and Mrs. E. H. Pontius Friday [evening was largely attended and p proved i m ist enjoyble occasion . 3lr. and Mrs. Pontius assure us their (hearty appreciation of this expression of good will on the partoftheir (many friends. They are made to Ifeel most welcome as they take up their work with us for another year. I A new graft is being worked among the farmers in different ip irts of the state. This time it is a non-freezing stock tank that is offered for sale. When the farmer buys one he is given the exclusive [agency of several townships without extra charge. This simple request is made, however, that he sign three papers, all which turn ■ip as promissory notes. Letters at the postoffice are for Lizzie Miller, B. H. Ager, Julius Burgess, John Dohle, Chas. Hammond. B. E. Odell, Mrs. M. Mark., Mrs. Ben Meyers, Wilt J. Miller, Mr. Chas. Middaugh, James Nickell, J. Miller, John M. Morrle, Mr. <)liver Sallon, Mrs. Laura Shods, IH. Selby, Mrs. Mattie Shills, John Solway, Geo. Trip, Mrs. Mary A. Stilwell. We are requested by C. D. Kunkle, chairman of the Adams county farmers institute to announce (that the . sixth annual conference of the Farmers Institute i workers will be held at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct., 13, .14 and 15. A splendid program has been arranged and persons (who care to attend can secure half fare by applying to W. C. Latta, LiFayette, Indiana. Judge Branyan of Huntington was (holding court here Tuesday the case before him being entitled William H. Niblick and Charles A. Dugan [vs Ellen and Perry Robinson, a suit to foreclose a chattel mortgage of te6sO. A reply was filed to the ansI wer that morning and a request for [a special finding of facts granted. (Evidence was heard in the (case. The plaintiff are represented by J. T. Merryman and C. J. Lutz and the defense by A. P. Beatty and Schafer Peterson. Daniel P. Bolds, of Peru, formerIly County Treasurer here is suffering from an aggravated attack of '»• <’<" ■-J’ 1 * V’»’ '•‘V’-V I The affliction was first noticed last Saturday when a slight breaking out on the forehead became apparent. Dan was not worried however and came here Monday evening to attend court being interested in the case of W. H. Niblick et al vs Ellen Robinsonetai. Tuesday morning his face began swelling and at noon his eyes were nearly shut and his I face swQilpn .almost beyond recognition. Mrs. Jennie Studabaker had a birthday Saturday and the event was celebrated in good style by her friends who planned and executed a complete surprise on that good lady. The various relatives and I several outside guests were present and each enjoyed the occasion equally as well as Mrs. Studabaker herself,who will long remember the forty-seventh birthday. ProgresI sive flinch was indulged in with delicious refreshments at ten [o’clock. Mrs. Studabaker was the [recipient of a number of beautiful | presents. Thirty Belgium stallion the proplerty of John Frysinger & Company arrived in this city Saturday even- | ing on the Chicago & Erie fast exI press. They were in excellent condition and the greatest bunch of [horses ever imported to the United states. The express on the stock from New York City here was $461. The animals are being cared for at the company’s quarters at Steele’s Park and are well worth a trip to | s ee. Frisinger& Co., are certainly a great concern and arc considered so among foreign horse dealers.

Two new cases were filed in circuit court Tuesday the first by attorney J. C. Moran and entitled Peter Holthouse vs Wesley W. Mumma, suit on note demand SBS and the second by attorney A. P. Beatty entitled Henry Nelson vs John S. Bowers, suit on acount demand SIOO. Thomas Balzell was awarded the most first premiums on sheep at the Great Northern fair for an Adams county man and secured a twenty five pound pail of Prussian Stock Food from the Holthouse Drug Company, while John Everett was the lucky winner on chickens and received a twelve pound pail of Prussian poultry food as a reward. The commissioners met Monday in their regular monthly session, and immediately settled down to business. The proof of publication of the notice of extension of the Decatur & Monroe macadam road were entered of record. There were no remonstrances to the petition. The requisition for the needed during the calendar year of 1904, was also filed with the auditor, and a record made of the same. James Foreman, Elmer Fuelling and Joseph D. Winans were appointed viewers on the only ditch petition up at this term. The viewers on this petitioned ’highway are Jacob Yager, Henry Hobrock and John Hessler. Bills [took up the time of the remainder of the day. For real downright artistic beauty there is nothing that beats the work in pyrography or burned wood, the handiwork of Mrs. J. E. Moser. Her display at the Moser gallery is attracting the eye of every one who has seen it, and what is better the sales have been beyond anticipation. The designs are original and beautiful beyond description, thus showing exceptional taste and talent in Mrs. Moser for this late and attractive work in the art line. The figures in water colors measure up alongside anything to be seen in this line, and in all it is the work of a real and genuine artist. It will pay any one having a weakness for this kind of artistic beauty to visit the Moser studio and see the display of pyrography Fire got in its work on the barn owned by Isaac, Emery in Blue Creek township “ Saturday ‘’’night, and ended with a total loss of both building and contents. The barn was a new one, built last spring, and while not large was a model little building for purposes designed. Four horses, hay and other grain, wagons and farm machinery were all consumed in the blaze, there being no chance to save anything after the discovery was made. The teSSili CoTiSvquv'iißE. Vs xV-t-'-'i-sAC ■ amount to $1,500 or more. Insurance on the building was carried in the French Township Mutual, the exact amount being’unknown but it is thought the amount of the policy is S3OO. Besides this live stock insurance to the amount of $250 was carried by T. M. Gallogly as agent for the Home of New York and he went there today to adjust the same. The origin of the fire is unknown. ..Tt'iJpss will be keenly felt by Mr. Emery, but like every other instance of its kind, it will have to be born with a smiling face. Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Wagner of Fort Wayne, and who are well known here celebrated their twen-ty-fifth wedding anniversary yesterday. Mrs. Wagner is a sister of Thomas Baltzel], one of the best known farmers in this county. Among the many guests who attended the event were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Baltzell, Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Terveer, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Forbing and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Knapke. At nine o’clock in the morning Mr. and Mrs. Wagner repeated their marriage vows in St. Patrick church. Father Deloney officiating. A wedding breakfast followed and last night a reception and dance was given. Mrs. Wagner wore a becoming gown of stray silk with garniture of point lace on the bodice. In the mornin*’at the church she wore a gray hat with white trimmings to complete the costume. Many remem-fa-ances and gifts were sent in by friends and relatives. The anniversary was an enjoyable one to all concerned.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1903.

George W. Bolds, local manager of the Indiana Oil Company's interests was the recipient Friday of a very nice and useful present It was an auto of the St. Louis make and is one of the best ones on the market. The machine was presented to Mr. B >lds by the m i’ agers of the Indiana Oil Co., and will prove quite a convenience for Mr. Bolds in looking after the interests of the company in the field. George took the “thing” out for a trial run Sunday and says he was surprised very much at the great amount of brains he really has. He had always been under the impression that only ‘smart” man would be a “chof.”—Portland Commercial-Re-view. It certainly is a fact that the majority of our readers are not aware of the fact that we have an industry here in our city that is doing more good to Decatur than they are credited with, and that is the picture business that Lyman & Brothers have established over Acker, Elzy & Vance. Our correspondent was at their studio this morning and looked the place over and it certainly resembles a bee hive. They have over a thousand orders that are unfinished and made the remarkable shipment this morning of over four hundred that were finished to one place. Mr. Will Lyman informed us that it will be absolutely neooessary for them to get a larger place and to get more men to do the work as it is now the Lyman Brothers are ably assisted by the two artists, Charles Ross and Mat Popkins whose work cannot be excelled by any one and it is now their determination to get two more men as good. They also expect to move the picture frame factory here and to make Decatur their headquarters, he also informed us that they have over twenty five agents on the road now and are willing and anxious to get more good men for traveling purposes. This enterprise is a good one and should be encouraged by our ci'izens. Miss Emma Byerly of Berne, has been employed by the board of school trustees and will enter upon her duties as teacher in the seventh grade of the Decatur schools next Monday morning. This actioh became necessary from the fact that just one hundred more pupils are in school now than a year ago and three more have signed their inten tion of starting within a few days, making a gain in a year of 103. The seventh grade at present has fifty seven students which is more than the seating capacity of the room and several more than can be , satisfactorily handled bygone teacher. At a meeting of the school board held yesterday it was decided to secure the services of Miss Byerly if possible. This lady has taught a similar grade at Berne for seven years and has been very successful. She resigned last spring but as the Berne board had rot yet secured anyone to take her place she was accommodating them until they could secure some one. When offered the piac’ti here"' sac* ately gave the Berne board notice at noon today telephoned that she would be here Saturday ready for duty Monday. She is an excellent teacher and will without doubt give the best of satisfaction. Arrangements will be made to hear part of the seventh grade in the library room and that institution will be open only at such hours as shall hereafter be decided upon. Mr. O. P. Mills will continue in charge of part of the seventh grade and Miss Byerly will instruct the other part. Every room in the four public school buildings is comfortably filled while several are crowded and this condition means but one thing and that is that before long probably by next year, a new school building will be necessary. While the board have never mentioned or perhaps considered the matter it is nevertheless plain and the chances for a high school and library building within the next year is one of the probabilities. Decatur is proud of her schools and a High School building would but add V>the splendid facilities’we already have.

The viewers report on the extension of the Peterson & Prairie road was accepted and November 2, set as a time for receiving bids on the construction of the same. The extension completes a line of road that was badly needed, and gives Kirkland township good roads. Next Saturday bids will be opened and a contract awarded on the north Preble township road, that was recently carried by popular election. It is expected that some work will be done yet this year on the construction of the thoroughfare. Chairman W. W. Stevens of the committee on agricltuure, horticulture and live stock of the St. Louis World’s Fair commission, has made public the list of agents who will assist.him in collecting the exhibits to be made in his department. The agents were recommended by the various fair commissioners in their respective districts on account of their peculiar fitness for the position. Each agent will look after the collection of specimens in his own county. For Adams county Davis Diiley one of the progressive farmers of St. Marys township was selected, and it is expected that he will make the proper effort to show up the many advantages to which Adams county is heir to. We have many things to be proud of and it is hoped that something will be done toward showing the world’s fair at St. Louis, that as part of Indiana, we are an important consideration. Mr. Daily can now distinguish himself and it is hoped he will proceed to do so. Adams county has three men who have taken premiums at the famous Chicago live stock show, and it ought not to be a serious task to make a creditable showing at the world’s fair exposition. Mr. Dailey should now name an executive committee to take up the matter of representing the county at the fair. The annual conference convention of the Ladies Home Missionary Society of the *M. E. church will be held in this city November 17, 18 and 19 and arrangements for their entertainment began Friday at the regular meeting of the local society at the home of the president, Mrs. D. D. Heller. Quite a number were present at the meeting and after the regular prorgam, which, oy the way, was of unusual interest, Mrs. Heller announced the appointment of various committees and which are as follows: Program and badges—Mrs. J. W. Vail, Mrs. Dan Sprang, and Rev. J. C. White. Decoration —Mesdames C. C. Schafer. L. G. Ellingham, D. E. Studabaker, Saumel Amspaugh. Reception at trains —Mesdames David Studabaker, D. W. Beery, J. W. Vail. Reception at Ciitircn—MeSiiubies v . •> ? Myers, A. R. Bell, D. E. Scott. Joseph Helm, M. A. Hamm, William Pillars, Henry Krick and J. H. Lenhart. Assignment to homes—Mes dames John Niblick, Daniel Sprang and D. W. Myers. Register—Mesdames D. N. Erwin, John Rex, Wash Gilpen and T. H. Blosser. Committee to solicit for homes for guests—Mesdames David Studabak.Lr, D. D Heller, T. H. Blosser, D. N. Erwin, John Rex and Wash Gil pen. Music —Ella Bell, Mrs. J. W Vail and Miss Mary Meyers. This meeting will be a very important one and 120 delegates, besides many other visitors will attend, including the state officers. Mrs. Bunyon, of Richmond, is president of the conference society and Mrs. W. H. Daniel, of Fort Wayne, president of the district organization. The program will be prepared at a meeting of the officers of the general society to be held at Poneto next week, and will then be made public and from now on the various committees will be kept busy organizing for the big convention. The meetings here will be public and much interest is expected to be manifested. In conjunction with the convention a meeting of the state missionary union, composed of delegates from the southern, northern, and northwestern Indiana conferences will be held. This organization was completed last July and this is their first meeting. At the meeting this afternoon the program subject was “ Work in Cities” and the various readings were very interesting.

Through a letter from J. H. Stults at Longmount, Colorado, we learn of the death of a former resident here, Mr. Stults’ sister, vieve Stults Armstrong. She died September 28, and was buried at Longmount. The deceased was born in Highlands county, Ohio., May 22, 1823. She was first married to Peter Maddox in 1839, and from this marriage there are five children that survive her. In 1878 she married Samuel Armstrong who now deeply mourns the loss of a fai'hful and devoted wife. The case of John T. Williams vs Calvin Miller, complaint on accounting and disolution of partnership and demanding $6,000 was refiled in circuit court here Monday. A .similar suit was filed a year ago but after several months was withdrawn after a change of venue had been taken to Fort Wayne, becaues of an uncompleted contract in which both parties were interested. Mr. Williams lives in Grant county and Mr. Miller in this city, both being well known. The case was filed by attorney Amsden of Marion. Other business transacted today was as follows: Troy Huey, ex parte, motion by petitioners to refer report back to commissioners for amendment, so ordered. Adam Cupler et al vs John J. Black, reset for November 2. Madison Timmons vs Eilizabeth Cummins, reply filed to plea in abatement, same entry in case of Benjamin Waggoner vs Eliazbeth Cummins. Melvin Davis vs Matilda J. Davis, reset for trial next Saturday. Eil Baumgartner vs Fred Ellenberger, demurrer filed and overruled, motion to strike out interogatories overruled. Michael Mcßrien vs George H. ’Kelley, demurrer filed and overruled, set for trial Wednesday October 28. Elizabeth Liken vs William Liken, demurer by defendant overruled. Joseph Osburn, charged with the murder of his father-in-law, John Busenbark, was arraigned in court Friday morning, this being the first time he has been out of the county jail since the memorable evening of September Bth. He appeared before Judge Erwin at ten o'clock, looking pale and slightly haggard, but no signs of nervousness or fear were apparent. Deputy Clerk Haefling read the indictment, as returned by the recent special grand jury and Osburn listened attentively throuhgout standing the entire ti ne. The indictment is in six counts and required four closely written pages of legal cap paper. The first count charges that Joseph Osburn, on September 8, 1903, did unlawfully, purposely and with premeditated malice, kill and murder one, John his fists. The second count repeats the charges of the first and also alleges that Osburn choked his victim, the third recites that some other weapon, other than the fists, were used, the fourth notes that the face was badly cut and mutilated, the fifth that the victim lingered until the following day, but died as a direct result of the beating, and the sixth ; a •summarj . .- the charges. The indictment shows that the following witnesses were examined. Frank Roupe, Laura Osburn, C. S. Clark, C. H. Schenck, J. S. Coverdale, Ira Richards, Fred Thieme, Elijah Walter and Homer King. While Deputy Haefling was reading the indictment Osburn stood close by, apparantly reading the paper also. When it was finished the defendant answered “not guilty.” Attorneys for the defendant made a motion to quash the indictment, but same was overruled. Judge Erwin then announced that the case would be tried the fifth Tuesday of the November term, December 15. A consultation between Osburn and his attorneys, D. E. Smith and D. D. Heller, followed, after which the sheriff escorted him back to his cell in the jail, where he will remain until the morning of his trial. He was away from the jail about thirty mniutes. Only a few people were in court during the scene, as it was not generally known that the prisoner was to be arraigned today. The case will, no doubt, be a hard fought one from a legal standpoint.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 31

Postmaster Brittson has concluded his September report as postmaster and in glancing over the rural route statement we notice the following items of interest. Route number one, Clayton Daily, carrier, number of pieces of mail delivered 5,149, number of pieces collected 465; cash collected for stamps $8.93. Route number two, William H. Engle carrier, delivered 4,759 pieces, collected 447, stamps cancelled $8.43 Route number three, Ralph Betber carrier, delivered 5,054, collected 399, stamps cancelled $7.31. Route number four, Henry A. Fuhrman carrier, delivered 4007, collected 303, stamps sold $5.63. Route number five, M. J. Butler carrier, delivered 5871, collected 546, stamps sold $lO.79. Route number six,gElmer Archer carrier, delivered, 455, collected 448, stamps sold $8.59. Total for the six routes, deilvered 29,395; collected 2,608, stamps sold $49.68. Route five again makes the banner showing by a good majority while route one pushes into second place. The routes are all showing up well compared with routes in other counties and the annual report December first will certainly be a splendid one for the first year. There are still a number of people along the routes who have not secured boxes and to these we would say get into the band wagon of modern twentieth century progressiveness, secure mail boxes and subscribe for the Democrat. Unless the city council takes some definite action towards a settlement with J. S. Bowers for the building of the Elm street sewer and unless they take that action this week a mandamus proceeding will be filed within the next week. The papers were prepared by Henry Colerick and J. E. Fracne of Fort Wayne and D. D. Heller & Son of this city and have been in possession of Mr. Bowers for some time. The complaint is entitled the State of Indiana on the relation of John S. Bowers vs the City of Decatur, D. D. Coffee Mayor and members of the council S. W. Peterson, C. J. Weaver, C. D. Teeple, T. C. Corbett, S. B. Fordyce and H. C. Stetler and sets for the following facts, that on February 7,1901 a resolution that the city engineer be instructed to prepare plans and specifications for the Elm street sewer and its branches and said resolution was adopted. A week later the resolu tion for the construction of the Elm street sewer with Shamp and Line street branches was adopted and on March 22 following the engineers plans were adopted. Ten days later, April second bids were P-1. 1 . < in. .-\pril 4, 1901 John S. Bowers was declared the lowest bidder and was awarded the contract which was duly entered into, it being provided that said work be completed by January 1, 1902 and Mr. Bowers gave bond to that effect in the sum of $25,000. W.E. Fulk was appointed engineer to superintend the construction of the sewer and George M. Haefling .. appointed inspector.- Work onthe sewer began at once and was completed by December 17, 1901 on which day engineer Fulk filed his report. On January 7, 1902 the sewer was duly accepted by the council and Mr. Fulk filed report showing the value of the improvemen to be $17,789.62. On Feoruary 4, 1902 the council appointed F. M. Schirmeyer to assist Engineer Fulk in making assessments against the property owners bene fitted. The complaint will further state that after the completion and acceptance of said work a new council was voted into office and they have refused, neglected and failed and still refuse, without any legal cause to grant Mr. Bowers a legal assessment against the property benefited, although he has often demanded same. Wherefore the plaintiff ask that a writ of mandate against said defendants be granted or that they show qause why they do not make said assessments. The action has been pending for several months and it is understood that unless something is done at once, the papers will be filed in circuit court next Monday.