Decatur Democrat, Volume 47, Number 44, Decatur, Adams County, 7 January 1904 — Page 1

■■THE NEWS Si'. THE TIME.

■die klvii.

Gerber issued his first marlcer.se Friday, the lucky holdthe document being Dall SSger and Emma V» Nusbaum. he last license issued by Clerk jensen went out Thursday to rankjMelntosh and Nellie Miller. The marriage of Charles I. Davies > Miss Bessie I. Willeman of Steele xsflßHted at the Monroe M. E. pariniigp Sunday afternoon at 8:45. hewwill reside in Cleveland, Ohio, I Mr. Davies holds a lucrative nas a salesman. Both are r young people and we wish he best possible good fortune ppiness for their future. erry crowd of about 35 boys iris composed a sleighing Hew Year's evening and chose ’s brother’s home as their of destination. Games and nusic were indulged in till about ight o’clock when a royal lunch iHired by the hostess was served, kbotit nine o’clock all returned oSlieir respective homes saying hey could not have chosen a better ibww for their evening entertainment. Rj J. Hothouse, wife and children left Tuesday for a trip to Jonesboro, Arkansas, where they will enjoy a several weeks visit with R. -T.’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Holthouse. The visit is a surprise -and we imagine that the meeting will boa happy one. Clem Holtliouse and wife of Delphi will join the party and a family reunion of the Holthouse family is sure to occur tomorrow. As Roman boarded the Grand Rapids train this morning he bore every mark of the Arkansaw traveler, carrying in his arms three babies, two grips, a band box. a bird cage and a box of lunch. Those who were brave enough to face the cold weather Monday and attended the production of •‘Pecks Bad Boy,” at Bosse’s opera house were not dissappointed in anything that this company had adiKtised. The show was a clean and up to dute vaudeville and the small crowd present were in an uproar throughout. The specialties were far above the average and were ren<»red withpleasing effects. Perhaps What pleased the crowd most wus the spectacular three round sparing laatch between the Madison brothers, who seem to know all thetricks ® the trade. There was no plot .IL the play and it seems to have z Seen written espec ialjy for amuse■■pent. ■ On account of the extreme cold Sveather the attendance at the Btocial dance given by Miss Fletcher ■of Fort Wayne at the Columbian Iwi'lub rooms Monday night was not ■hs large as was expected but those Kvho braved the cold certainly enKoyed themselves. Various new ■dances were introduced during the ■evening and among them were the ■ tag” waltz and two step. The ■music was furnished by Miss ■Daisy Haynes also of Fort Wayne ■and was the best. These dances Kaie growing in popularity and on ■next Monday evening the “FloraKdora,” a dance, although popular Kin many surrounding towns, which ■has never been introduced here, ■ will be given among others David Miller a former resident of j ■ this city but now traveling with a | large vaudeville company out of I New York city arrived in this city I Thursday to spend a day or so I with his sister Miss Myrtle Miller | and to bid her good bye before he I left for Europe. Dave is well knewn I here and has ma ny friends who are ' glad to learn that he is away up in his profession. The turn ho does is that of a contortionist which necessitates his presence on the stage of only ten minutes duration I during which time he all but ties ; himself in a knot, and for which I | he draws a large salary. The com- ' pany he is with will make a tour of i the old country and Dave having! been granted a weeks leave hasten-; ed at once here to see his sister be- ‘ fore he leaves as the company are i uncertain bow long they will remain in Europe. He expects to go ' from here to Anderson to see his mother for a few days and then' hasten back to New York to join i his company.

Decatilß DEMOCR4T.

Attorneys in the Elm street sewer case arrived home Monday evening from Portland where they argued a demurrer in the case. Judge : Smith did not rule on the question i but took same under advisment for a few days. Unofficial? it is stated th.it a settlement in this case may be made before it goes to trial. William Miller assumed his duties as county commissioner Frieay will serve in that capacity for the ensuing three years. He is a well qualified officer and will perform his duties with credit to himself and the county. He succeeds Samuel Doak who has so well transacted the business of his office. The board met this morning and organized, Jacob Abnet of the third district being made president. A trip was made to the county infirmary and an inventory of that institution taken. It was rumored Friday that the parents and friends of Miss Grace Miller, who is attending the Chicago Music Conservatory, had grave fears that she was among the victims, as they could not obtain communications with her. A representative of the Democrat talked to L. C. Miller her father, Saturday and he said: “The statementis not true, who have never felt any anxiety concerning Grace for two reasons, first, she would lie busy during the afternoon and not likely to attend a matinee; second, she lives with friends and had anything happened to Grace, we would have heard from them, before we | heard of the fire. ” Mrs. W. W. P. McMillen Tuesday I morning received the sad informa--1 tion that a twelve year old cousin :of hers had perished among the I other six hundred in the awful catastrophe at the Iroquois theatre on last Wednesday afternoon. The name of the child was Vinton Clayton and lived at Rogers Park. This little fellow like many others all bright and intelligent looking boys and girls was caught in the awful struggle for life in the first balconj’ of the theatre in trying to reach safety and trampled under the feet of those who surged and forgot the freedom behind him and is now laid to rest like so many others who : were present there on that fatal | day. Bids were opened for the construction of three gravel roads, all of them iu this Washington township, and which will be known as the East and two West Washington township macadam road extensions. The bids on the east road were J. S. Bowers $4170, Julius Haugk $4016’, £.Woods $4094, West Washington number one J. S. Bowers $3680. Butler & Krick $3577, Calvin Miller $3437. West Washington number two J. 8. Bowers S4OIO, Butler & Krick $3939. Calvin Miller $3837. According to the bids Julius Hougk gets the east load and Calvin Miller the two west roads. The bidding was very close, the difference being only a few dollars in each bid. Tho extensions will be built as soon us the weather breaks for the spring. A Van Cam]) is home from Tremont, Ohio, where he was inI vestigating the plant and affairs of i the Albion Manufacturing Company for the Commercial Club,mention of which was made in these colums a week or ten days ago. The report of Mr. Van Camp finds the members of the company as being gentlemen of credit, and their plant one that employs from fifteen to twenty men every day in the year. They manufacture a cheap grade of furniture, the sale of which finds a ready market,and the profits satisafetory to those engaged therein. They want better rail- • road facilities is the cause assigned for the change and it is a sufficient one. At a meeting at the Commercial Club Friday afternoon a vote of thanks was extended Mr. VanCamp for his interest in the matter. They agree to come here for the expense of moving, which will be something more than S2OO, and this amount will be raised by the club. Some of the gentlemen con nected with the concern were expected here that afternoon but they failed to come.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1904.

A sled load of young people from the neighborhood of school number seven, Root township, drove to the Grandstuff home at Monmouth Sunday evening and enjoyed several hour’s. Music, singing and other amusemnts made the time pass rapidly and pleasantly. The lutch string at this old homestead always hangs out. The nine high school boys charged with assault and battery upon Ralph Mcßride had a nice little New Year present handed to them this morning by the jury that heard their case. It was only scrap of paper but on it was written: “We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty, Frank Mosure, foreman.” This verdict was read at nine o'clock and the nine boys were lined along the west side of the room to hear it read.—Bluffton News Will Smith of this city presented us with a copy of his latest march together with a few recommendations from the leading musicians of Fort Wayne. The name of the piece is the “High School Belles” and is a society march. This is piece was solely composed by Will and published by C. C. Rowell of Fort Wayne. The front page is advanced by a fine likeness of Will himself and from what we know of music it should prove to be a winner. Will has worked hard to make his first effort a success and the same should meet with a ready sale by all lovers of good music. Any one desiring a copy of this latest march can have same by notifying Will at Nuchtriebs Drug store. We predict a big sale. The third township institute held by the Union and Root township teachers convened at District No. 1, Root township. Jan., 2, 1904. Institute was called to order by Supt. Brandyberry. Opening exorcises were conducted *by F. M. Troutner, teacher of the school. The first subject, ‘ Lincoln” was ably discussed by G. W. Warner. Belle Barkley and Etta Mallonee. The first speaker on the next subject. “Jean Mitchell s School” was Nora Ahr. She talked of the personality of the teacher, and her way of gain ing the confidence of the children. This subject was further discussed by Clyde Rice. The next subject was‘•Dinner” in which all were ready and willing to take part. “Ivanhoe” was very ably discussed by E. S. Christen, the first speaker of the afternoon. Very interesting talks on “School Management” were given by Robert Mann and Mary Miller. Next was current events by Nettie Miller, followed by “Young Peoples Reading Circle Work" Ida Magley. Lust subject was “Course of Study” by Golds Stolter. After assignment of work for the next institute adjourned to meet at Dist. No. 5, Union township, Feb., 6. 1901. William W. Reed died very suddenly at two o’clock a. m. Thursday at his homo on North Second street. : He was in good health when he retired at nine o'clock Wednesday ■ night and had worked hard all that day. He moved here from Delphos, Ohio, about a month ago and • was engaged in the business of making ax handles, having a shop just back of his house. His death is said to have been due to rheuma tism of the heart and this was the coroner’s verdict. Several times recently he has suffered peculiar at- ■ tacks asleep but on each occasion would revive .quickly after his wife had rubbed his face or would shake him. That night however this remedy had no effect ujKin him, though Mrs. Reed, who was awakened by the restlessness of her husband, did everything in her | power. Finally becoming frighten-1 ed, she went to another room to ■ arouse a brother of Mr. Reed who ; was there, and returning found her ' hubsand dead. He was thirty two ' years old and leaves a wife and two ; months old baby. Mrs. Reed is heart broken anti almost prostrated j over the sad affair. Mr. Reed as i stated worked all day Wednesday i and was feeling fine when he “’ent i to bed last night. He had arranged to go to Delphos today to attend to some business of impOTtance. |

‘ J Wednesday night a sled load of | young people,about twenty in num. i her drove to Peterson where a party ' was held in honor of Miss Lena Menefee, of Brookville, Indian !, at I the beautiful home of Josephßeory. i They spent the evening in games ' and old fashioned contests. The crowning pleasure was the refreshments, served at a late hour. No doubt the participants are all eager for the next party. Elmer Landess, undertaker at Van Buren, is conducting an interesting experiment with embalming fluid. Over a year ago Mr. Landess concluded to chloroform a fine bird dog which he owned and which would not stay at-home. The dog was chloroformed in August 10. At the same time an artery was taken up and u gallon of embalming fluid injected into the liody of the dead animal. The dog was then stretched out to resemble his life sleeping attitude in the burn. The handsome Gordon setter remains to this day as natural as life. Flies and i other insects have never bothered the carcass which is apparently as hard as bone. Word was received at this place Thursday by Mrs. J. N igel and I Mrs. Frank Morgan that their brother, John Harmon who had been visiting relatives ar Columbus for several days past, died at eleven o’clock Wednesday. Harmon went to Columbus last week to attend the funeral of his cousin Murray Flatt, who was killed in'a railroad ; wreck near that city, and after the ! funeral he concluded to remain in the city for a few days to visit relatives and was the guest at the home of his cousin Mrs. Kate Schrader where his death occurred. When ho left St. Marys he was in the best of health and the announcement of his death this morning was a groat shock to his sisters here. He wasja son of Pat I Hurinon, formerly of this place, ‘ but who is now making his home ; with his daughter, at Geneva, Ind. ‘The remains will arrive here this I evening.—St. Marys (Ohio) News. ■ Mr. Harmon was quite well known i in this county. i Hon. John A. M. Adair, of Portland was unanimously re-elected us • Chairman of the eighth congres|sional district of Indiana, and memi ber of the State Central Committee at the convention which convened lat the court room here at 1:30 Thursday. The meeting was well attended by democrats from all over i the district, brim full of confidence and democracy. The court room j was suitably decorated for the big ;convention, with flags, bunting and I big red roosters, making one feel • ' the signifiehce of the convention. ■ There were roosters everywhere ‘ and everyone seemed to erow vic- > tory for 1901. Chairman Adair call-, ied the meeting tft order at 1:30, . 1 read the call and announced the ! purpose of the convention, adding I that nominations for a Chairman • man wore in order. L. G. Eiling- ' . ham nominated Judge J. D. Erns-1 ' ton. of Anderson who was unani- ’ inously chosen and who made a i 'rousing speech. E. A. McKee of I the Portland Sun was made score, j tary and democratic editors of the J district, assistant secretaries. The Indiana Glee Chib then rendered i several selection and won the hearts: of the several bundled democrats, including a delegation of ladies who arrived just at this time and who ; were paid a deserving compliment j by the chairman. Then came the j call for candidate for district com- ; mitteeman (Jay county was called' firstand Mr. Hartford presented the name of J. A. M. Adair. The • other counties were then called and each seconded the nomination, making Mr. Adair’s election unan-1 imous. Genu i n c democratic ■ s]x»eehes were made by Mr. Adair. Judge Ernston, of Anderson. Richard Hartford. Portland: J. H. ; C. Smith. Bluff ton and Judge Erwin. D. E. Smith. J. T. Merry -j man. C. J. Lutz and others of this j city. Mr. Adair is an • able and i noble demoerat. well fitted for the j I position to which he was re chosen. He has held numerous offices in ' his county and is at present a mem-, l ber of the St ite Legislature. |

Someone kindly sent F. J.Henderson of Poplar Bluff, Missouri the Daily Democrat during the recent murder trial and in reading same he discovered that his cousin, Albert Butler is sheriff of this county, iHe immediately wrote a letter to his relative and sheriff Butler was surprised Friday morning to hear from his cousin, the first time in twenty five years. Mr. Henderson has been police Judge of Popular Bluff for twelve years and during that time has tried 2958 cases. He says murder trials are frequent there, no less than three occuring each year and quite often the death penalty is inflicted. If justice does not miscarry, Harry Bennett, who was employed as telegraph operator at tho Grand Rapids station here for six weeks, may be sent to prison for embezzlement , says tho Berne News. According to the report Bennett is now in Colorado awaiting trial upon the charge of peculating tho funds of the E. & I. G. Railway company in Colorado. It is understood here that he diverted about SBO of the company's money. Bonnet lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was sent here to take the place of an operator who hid been transferred. He made friends quickly and with in a week after his urriva] was a favorite among the younger set. Officers, meanwhile, had been looking (or him, in Michigan and had taken the precaution to secure a requisition upon the governor of that state. When officials of the company for which the young man worked while here, learned that he was wanted, he was transferred to Michigan and word has reached here that he had no sooner crossed the line than the detectives took him into custody. The trial of a famous Wells county case began before a jury in the Adams circuit court at one o’clock Tuesday afternoon ai d will require • from two to three weeks for a hearing. It is entitled Faylor vs Studai baker and is a suit to set aside a I conveyance of land. The suit is to : set aside a conveyance made by the late Katy Faylor of 110 acres jof land made to D. D. Studabak- • er on the ground that the conveyance was secured by fraud and undue influence. Miss Faylor had no heirs of her body and collateral heirs expected to inherit her property. A short time before her death it was learned that she had deeded her largest farm to D. D. Studabaker on the consideration that be was to keep her the remain- : der of her life and at her death give her suitable burial. Suit was brought then to cancel the deed ; which had never been placed on I record. During the pendency of i the suit she died. The suit as .it will now be tried is on about the ssme lines as the first. It is alleged that Mr. Studabaker took the deed knowing that the eonsiderationwas not valid and that Miss Faylor was of unsound mind. The ease was quite an important figure in recent democratic primary anil has made some very bitter enemies as it was alleged that W. H. Eichhorn and W. J. Dustman who helped make the deed knew Miss Faylor ’s alleged unsoundness of mind. Mr. Dutsman was a candidate for treasurer and his part in the case was made an issue in the tight against him. This, is the third trial of the facts in the case, the first Iteing a suit to find Miss Faylor of unsound mind. After her death the suit to set aside the conveyance was tried and the jury found for the plaintiff's. The defendant then t<xik a new trial as of right and the ease was venued to this county. The case has on each of the former trials required eighteen days and the accumulated costs are already enormous. The plaintiffs attorneys are Daily Simmons & Dailey, Mock A- Sons ; and Charles E. Strugis of Bluffton and D. D. Hellerte Son of this city;. ( for the defendant are Wm. H. Eich- J i horn. Bluffton; John Burns. Harti ford City, U. S. Lesh, Huntington and D. E. Smith of this city. The array of talent is certainly a brili liant one and the case will be a [hard fought one from start to finish.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 44

At seven o’clock Thursday morn- ■ ing the police call rang out on the cold crisp air announcing to tho ■ members of the police force that there was trouble brewing in the city, and it was after found tliat ■ two tramps were insulting the ladies ■' on Sixth and Tenth street. Mar--1 shal Cordua at once responded and i captured both culprits, who plead ' off and to save expense to the city the Marshal did the right thing and sent the two Weary Willies to the Tramps Refuge at Bluffton, where they started with u long weary and wistful look upon their hungry faces. As announced a special continued session of the city council was held Wednesday, with Teeple, Fordyce. Weaver and Corbett present. Mayor Coffee was absent and Mr. Corbett was made Chairman. The object of the meetiag was to hear further objections on the Marshal street sewer, Erwiw, Miller and Meyers branch sewers, Monroe extension sewer and Fornax and Rugg street improvements. The only additional objection filed was that of Joseph Tonnelier. Mr. • Weaver moved that the report of . the city commissioners on Marshal street sewer and branches be accepted but motion lost. Mr. Teeple moved that the city com missioners report on the assessment of the Erwin, Miller and Meyers branch sewers and the Monroe extension lie carried and same carried. Mr. Corbett moved that the report of city commissioners on Fornax and Rugg street improvements be accepted and same carried. Bill of Anson Van Camp for $234 was allowed. Council adjourned to meet in special session next evening. Friday was an important one about the court house and especially for David Gerber and Clinton C. Cloud who assumed the duties of county clerk and county recorder respectively. They took charge of affairs in a matter of fact way and will' conduct the officers in a thorough and business like manner. Both have had years experience in dealing with the public and are affable, genial men who will meet the public and attend to their wants in away that will prove most satisfactory to everyone concerned. They were nominated at the democratic primary held Friday, January 10, 1903 and elected the following November. At this time a short history of these public officers may be of interest. Da vid Gerber is a native of this county, having been born in Wabash county March 1, 1861. He resided on tho old home farm until 1881 , then he removed to Berne and formed a partnership with Eli Sprnnger in the meat market busi ness, afterwards branching into the wholeasle stock business. In 1893 the firm sold their interests at Berne and came to this city where the engaged in similar business, operating the large packing establishment now owned by Fred Scheiman. They sold out in 1899 and since that time have been engaged in importing draft horses. Mr. Gerber has made several trips to Eurojie and is known as a successful business man. Clinton C. Cloud won his nomination after a stiff fight against eight strong candidates, thus proving his popularity. He is one of the best known citizens of this community, having lived here since he was two years old. He was born in Cincinnati, August 20, 1847, coming to Adams county with bis parents in 1849. They located just west of Decatur, where the subject has lived ever since. Since a boy he has txien engaged in fanning and teaming. Fourteen years ago he started a dairy farm and has since paid considerable attention to that business, which will now be assumed by his son. jHe has lieen a life long democrat • and the office he now nssnnu s is well merited. His daughter will assume the duties of deputy recorder. In the clerk's office Paul Baumgartner, who has served for several . years as deputy treasurer, will iww act as deputy clerk and his duH/f will be wellperformed. greet the new county ' J / >,f j