Decatur Democrat, Volume 48, Number 40, Decatur, Adams County, 8 December 1904 — Page 1

ALL the news ALL THE TIME

VOLUME XLVIII.

resigned the superintendency

The resignation of County Superintendent Irvin Brandyberry has been placed in the hands of the auditor, and the township trustees have been called to meet at the auditor’s office Thursday morning to elect his successor. The resignation came as a genuine surprise to e very one, save and except to a few personal friends, to whom Mr. Brandyberry had confided his inIRVIN BRANDYBEHKY. tentions. The cause leading up tc the same are purely personal, ill health being the sole and only eause. For some years he has been contending with a stomach trouble that has been aggravating in the extreme, and in addition to that is loosing eyesight. Occulists in Fort Wayne and Chic igo advised an immediate retirement from office on the ground that a continuation meant the perhaps entire loss of sight. Such information could not be easily cast aside, so immediate action was taken, the resignation asking that it take effect Thursday. In conformity to this the auditor has called the trustees to meet on that day to elect his succesor. Sevreal of Adams county'.- prominent school teachers are being mentioned as the future county supreintendent, among them bei g Harvy Oplinger, of Hartford township; John Parish and G. H. Liughrey of this city and E. S. Christen of Root townsjiip. Mr. Brandyberry was elected county superintendenton June 6, 1897, he now serving on his eighth year. Since his election at that time he has faithfully preserved the trust imposed and has given an adminitration in which much deserved credit is given and due him. He has demonstrated his ability and knowledge of school work and has made an admirable officer, and will retire Thursdav amid the regret of many friends and the well wishes of eveiyone. His future plans while perhaps understood, will not be made public at the present time. He will spend several months in recuperation and treatment of his afflictions and when the results of this care are evident, he will launch out into something agreeble to his tastes and desires. The Democrat hopes he will soon recuperate and that good health will bless and reward him.

If all arrangements that are now being made carry out those wishing to visit Steele's park next summer may do so by taking a car and not walking, as Milliard Steele the oxner is contemplating putting in a railroad to connect his park with the city. Surveyor McKean and deputies were at the park this afternoon surveying and giving Mr. Steele a grade and from the present outlook this project will carry through. Mr. Steele has a beautiful park, which, however, is handicapped by being too tar from town with noway to reach It except by walking pr hiring a rig, *nd it is fur this reason more than «ny other that he will construct the line. Tie railw »v will start at Second street and proceed along the public highway to the park, where the line will be extended to reach around the entire park, thns giving sight seers a fine view of his resort. If arrangements can be completed Mr. Steele will connect his line with the Springfield & Fort Wayne line, and thus have power furnished him at a small Cost. O her wise he is undecided as to what power will be used It is hoped that the project wid be completed as it will add materially to Mr. Steele’s holdings 1 and to the convenience of the public.

Übcatilr

Mrs. W. E. S nith was badly burned Tuesday morning about the arms and face, caused bv a g as explosion in a coal stove. She opened the stove door to stir the fire, when the explosion occurred. 1 wo more cases were filed against the Berne Canning company to foreclose mechanics' lien. This makes a total of fourteen oases against this concern Today’s oases are entitled Joseph Lugenbill vs O. F. Bowman, Berne Can ning Company, National Grocery company, Daniel Welty and Samuel Simison, complaint to foreclose mechanics' lien, demand SSO. Oswin Sprunger against same defend - ants, to foreclose mechanics’ lien of $55. The total amount of liens so far filed against the company aggregate $3,828. John M. Blossom has filed suit in circuit court for a divorce from his wife, Elsie S. Blossom. The complaint was filed by Attorney Shaffer Peterson, and says that the couple were married August 21, 1902, and lived together until April 20th last. The plaintiff alleges that his wife abused him daily, ordered him out of her presence, that she would leave him two weeks at a time without telling him when or where she was going. She left last April and took along her household goods and clothing, and has since refused to recognize or speak to her husband, though she has afterward often passed him upon the streets. E nployes of the Western Union Telegraph company were in the city Friday and Saturday, putting n their observation clocks, which are set every hour from the main office at Washington, D. C., thus giving accurate time. The clock is one of the most modern of inventions, being self-winding and so arranged that it is set by electricity, being attached to the Western Union wire. They are made bv the Self-Winding Clock company of New York City. Six of the clocks were installed in Decatur at the following places: Burt House, Murray House, Circuit Court room, Old Adams County Bank, Peoples Holthouse livery barn and the Democrat office. Besides these a regulator is placed in the Western Union office here. The clocks wind themselves every hour and are certainly a most convenient time-piece, being kept in perfect running order by the Western Union, who collect a rental each month. The clocks are all up and running, but the wiring will not be completed until Monday. The Andrews-Hite contest for the office of trustee of Washington to vnship, is now a thing of the past, Hite winning. He will therefore be the trustee of said township for two years, his term of office beginning the first day of next month. Os the twenty-four or more ballots contested, theie were but four of them that the board thought worthy of computation, three of the four were voted for Andrews, and one for Hite, which if counted would leave tl e latter a winner by one. This being true, and the counting of them would make no change, the board agreed to find for the ointestee, and such is the record th it will be made. A description of the hallo's has previously been given, which in a court would seem questionable, and would not perhaps stand fire. The election boards, however, are in a better posiition and should have counted several ballots that could not be counted in court. They are many times too eager to disfranhise voters by contesting their ballots. However tnat may be, the commissioners certainly acted with no desire to be partisan. The merits of the case □nly were considered, and their decision bears out this statement. This will end the contest. During it all Mr. Andrews has acted fair and honorable, fully demonstrating the fact that he deserved better consideration than he rece.ved from the democrats of Washington township. The trustee-elect Mr i« ore of Decatur s sound 1S and will without doubtlll the office with satisfacHon te and credrt to bunself-

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1904.

Claude Briggs, son of W. W Biiggs, was quite seriously injured Friday of last week. He was riding a pony and performing some of the rough rider pranks when he was thrown and his foot caught in the stirru p and he was dragged a short distance. His head was considerably bruised. Dr. Aspy was ealled and gave the necessary medical treatment. He is getting along well.—Geneva Herald.

Word was received here Monday from Berne, announcing the fact that Arthur E. Rose of this city, had been appointed city electrician of the Berne plant, and would assume his duties at once. Mr. Rose is quite well known, having engaged in the electrical business here for several years, and having had vast experience elsewhere. Mr. Rose will have the general overseeing of the Berne plant, and run the same to the best interests of the plant. The Berne plant is at present one of the best equipped electrical plants in the state, and is a model concern. In appointing Mr. Rose the Berne people have made no mistake, as he is careful and fully acquainted with the business. The position-carries with it a handsome salary, and Mr. Rose is to be congratulated upon his success in receiving this appointment.

But eleven days remain until the special election called by the board of county commissioners that the legal voters of Decatur and Washington township may say “yes” or “no” to the proposition of giving the Clover Leaf railway a subsidy of $28,000 for the building of a round house, icing plant and establishment of a division here. How are you going to vote'? The gen eral opinion seems to be that the vote will be overwhelmingly for the subsidy, and still it is too important a question to take that opinion of the outcome as final. Don’t let the interest die out. Talk it to your neighbor. Show him the advantages of » railroad town where work is always plentiful and times good always. This is bnt a the start for a greater Decatur and we should each do his utmost to secure. The railway officials as well as the trainmen and laborers are anxious to come to Decatur to make this their home and we must welcome them by proving in the election that a large majority of our citizens want them.

John S. Peterson, the well known insurance man of this city, has been promoted by the Metropolitan Insurance company, with whom he has been associated for the past two years, and now takes the place occupied by W. R. Neal, and will act in the capacity of assistant superintendent for this territory, assuming all the duties that were taken care of by Mr. Neal, and has full charge of the office at this place. This appointment was made last evening aud confirmed by Superintendent Conway, of Fort Wayne, who was in our city negotiating the change. Mr. Neal, who has been with us for two years, will be transi ferred to a higher position, as he ; now stands in line for promotion. Where he will go and when has not as yet been made known, even to Mr. Neal. In making his new appointment the oompan ’ has placed a large responsibility upon Mr. Peterson, which the company thinks he can easily handle, taking his past insurance record into consideration. He has worxed up an enormous business here, and in other ways further advancing the interests of the company. Mr. Peterson will make his headquarters here, his territory carrying him as far south as Geneva and west to Bluffton, making this city a central location for his business He will assume his new duties next Mondav, and until that time Mr. Neal will look atfer the company’s interest. During his stay here Mr. Neal has proven himself a worthy citizen, and our enterprising business man and it without doubt that his untiring and unceasing work is what received for him the promotion now at hand. The Democrat joins his many friends in wishing him success wherever the company may see fit to place him, and also to his sn coessor here

The Wemhoff Monument Works just completed setting up at the St. Joseph cemetery a beautiful grey granite monument for the Niblick heirs, in memory of their father, Jesse Niblick. The stone is one of the finest pieces of work ever* set in this county, and is the finest in the St. Joseph cemetery. The work is of the latest pattern and beautifully monogramed. The stone itself *is valued at SI,OOO. This company is fast becoming famous in this line, and have an establishment that ranks among the best in the state.

Insurance Inspector J. H. Heller has received an order from National Secretary W’. W. Dudley, that wherever under lease or contract the owner of any property has waived his right of recovery from a railroad company for loss or damage by fire caused ny it to the property insured, the proper clause must be used setting out these facts, attached to the policy and an additional rate of from five to ten per cent of the basis rate be charged. This is published that the assured may know where they stand should they be approached on such a proposition.

The Fort Wayne News says: “The Commercial club has set Decern tier 29 as the date of its dinner at the Wayne club for the members of the legislature from this district and from joint legislative districts from this district. The latter definition brings in Senator H. M. Purviance, of Huntington,who represented Whitley county and Senator-elect Tyndall c.f Decatur, who is a joint senator from Allen and Adams. The other members expected are Senators Sidney K. Ganiard, of Lagrange; Lew V. Ulrey, of Fort Wayne; Thomas S. Wickwire, of Ashley, Representatives Fred L. Bodenhafer, of Kendallville, Newton F. Watson, of Columbia City; Howard Mountz, of Garrett; Frank W. Salsbury, of Orland; M. T. Geake, Michael Sheii dan, Walter Hood, William F. Ranke, Albert R. Parker and J. J. Pichon, of Fort Wayne. The Farmers’ Institute closed yesterday afternoon with an interesting program rendered as follows: Music by Mrs. Rice and Mrr. Vai). A duet with piano accompaniment was well presented and well received. Recitation by Ray F. Striverson was well recited. “The Farmers’ Horse—His Care and Training,” by Martindale. First, block; draught; driver ; fast;. The light stepper is not what I want; but give me the horse that will go down the road without striking in the air. The larger the draught horse the better, if well proporioned. Train our horses t> gat used to the automobile, yet I be lieve in restricting them by law. I like a mule for what he is adapted to do, and nothing is better on the farm. Good large ones 16 hands and up. A mule will never over drink nor overeat. He has sense enough to know when he is overworked or fed and when he gets enough he quits ‘Tne Farmers of Today” by Maish. He made an nouncement of the free scholarship at Purdue Agricultural school. He is the most numerous class, being about one-third the p pulation of the United States; he is the most independent; he could live if every other class should go out of business; he is the sturdiest of all other classes of business; he is the hardest worker because be works longer days—for we must work while the sun shines; he is underpaid for his work in dcllars and cents. We must be better educated; we should be better paid; we should be better organized; we should be better informed; we must have more political sense. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, C. D. Kunkle; secretary, I. N. Teeter; vice-presidents—Union, township U.S. Mamma; St. Marys, William Teeple; Blue Creek, Joseph Dailey; Jefferson, George Brewster; Root, Joseph Lower; Washington. Henry Gunset: Monroe, G. H. Martz; Wabash, M. L. Smith; Preble, Wince Rupright; Kirkland, Joshua Bright; I French, H. O. Grove; Hartford, S. Pontius. ® • ” . - - -

Mrs. D. L. Shaw, aged twentyeight years of age, died Saturday at eight o’clock at her home, three miles south of this city on the John Brown farm, near the Hines school house, after an illness of three years duration, from that dread disease—consumption. All during her sickness she was a patient sufferer, and was never beard to complain of her affletion, being a Christian and an earnest believer in the Methodist doctrine. She was a step sister to Mrs. D. B. Erwin of this city, and a full sister of Frank Martz, also of this city. No definite arrangements have as yet been made concerning the funeral, but in all probability the same will be held some time next Monday. In. terment will be made in the Monroe cemetery. It begins to look as though Decatur would have an east and west traction lineextending from Marion to Van Wert. A Representative of the Interstate Traction company of Marion, wasjiere Monday, obtaining information, and the commissioners will soon be asked to grant a right of way for same The line will parallel the Clover Leaf from Marion to this city and run from here direct to Van Wert, passing through some of the best country on earth. The question is already being discussed in other counties. Last evening’s Bluffton News said: “The Interstate Traction Co., incorporated for the purpose of building an electric line from Marion to Lima, Ohio, via Van Buren, Warren, Bluffton and Decatur, today filed a petition with the county commissioners asking for a right of wiy through the county. They set forth in petition that they simply want the franchise to cross public roads and not to traverse them any distance. The line, it is stated, is to parellel the Ulover Leaf from Marion to Decatur. The franchise will very likely be granted and another company is also expected to ask a similar franchise as another company was recently organized at Marion to build a road over the same route.

John Welfly, ex-postmaster of this City, and one of the best known men in the county, died at nine o’clock Saturday evening. For forty years he has suffered more or less from bowel trouble, having contracted the disease while he was in the at my. During the past five ye*rs he declined in health peroep tibly, but was able to do his share of work on his farm. Last Thursday evening while assisting his son Andrew to do some chores about the barn he was suddenly attacked with severe cramps in the stomach. He went into the house when he oon'inued to grow worse. Dr. Clark was summoned bnt the patient seemed to be beyond medical aid. Friday morning an operation was performed as a last resort to save the patient’s life. His age was against him and while he nil lied from the shock he was unable to improve, hi* condition having heen weakened by his years of declining health, and the end came forty-eight hours after the attack. Mr. We'flv was born in Hanover, Germonv, November 20, 1836, and was sixty-eight years and thirteen da's old. He came to this country in 1850, locating in Wooster, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was married there November 13, 1860, to Miss Catherine Sorg, who survives him. Three children were horn to them, only one of whom, Andrew, survives, John and Katie having preceded their fither. Mr. and Mrs. Welfly came here shortly after the war was over and have since lived in and near Decatur. For many years Mr. Welfly conducted a grocery here and was one of the city's most prosperous business men. He served as postmaster from from 1889 to 1893, shortly after which time he purchased a farm three miles north east of Decatur, where he has sin ce lived. He enlisted at Wooster, Ohio, as a private during the civil war and served three rears with honor. He was an hone*t, consoien tious citizen, an indulgent father and husband. Rev. Allen will conduct the funeral services which will be held at the Presbyterian church Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock-

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER IO

The funeral services for Frank M. Gessinger were held at two o'clock Sundav afternoon at the residence on North' Second street. Many friends attended the sad rites, which were conducted by Rev. J. C- White of the M. E. church, assisted by Evangelist Davidson. The members of Company B attended in a body, accompanied their late comrade to the grave, where the final honors were performed. The pall bearers were the former printer friends with whom Frank had been associated: Frank Crill, Roy Wolford, John Mayer, John Nix, E. A. Phillips and John Heller. The casket was draped with an American flag, covered over with beautiful floral emblems. Interment was made at Alpha cemetery, three miles northeast of this city.

So far as the city is concerned, the Elm street sewer has been disp s?d of, the council at their regular session Tuesday night having voted to accept the committees’ report on the revised assessments, and ordered the olbrk to make said assessments. Every member was present and Mayor Coffee presided. Mr. Porter moved'-that the report of the committee recommending that the Elm street sewer assessments made and revised and on which objections were heard according to law, be accepted. Some arguments by oounoilmen and property owners followed, and the vote resulted as follows: Aye Porter, Kirsch, Gaff er; nay, Teeple, Fordyce and Buh let. Mayor Coffee cast the deciding vote, and held that the report lie accepted. With the same results a vote was taken, ordering the city clerk to make said assessments. This relieves the city and makes it necessary for objecting property owners to fight their cases out individually. The mandate proceeding a> Portland to compel the council to take action will now be dismissed, there being no longer a cause of action. The property owners objected to the action to the last moment and now threaten individual suits. The report of the committee on the Harting sewer was accepted and spread on record. A resolution was presented by Mr. T.-eple that an order be issued to H. P. Streciher for $264.98, interest on orders issued to him for the Monroe and Fourth street pavements, and that the order be paid from the water works bond and interest funds. The resolution was adopted. The contract for the engine and dynamo to be purchased from the Elyria people was discussed and some slight changes ordered. This improvement was discussed at a special meeting held last night, The following bills will be allowed: H. R. Moltz, supplies, $4.87; J. J. Caw & Son, supplies, $12.06; A. Van Camp, supplies, $24 95; H. O Bowsman, labor, $52.50; H. (). Bowsman, supplies, $106.52 L C. Helm, payroll. $80.50; City Trucking Co., drayage. $21.51; W. J. Archb Id, express, $6.67; H. (>. Bowsman, labor, $120.50; John Thomas, labor, $47.53; W. E. Fulk, pay roll, $225.00; Henry Veltrup, labor, $11.25; Chas. Leßrun labor,s6; Ed Whitright, labor. $3; T. R Moore, supplies, $2.40; Krick & Tyndall, supplies, $7.50; F. X. Miller, supplies, $18.75 Joe Metzger, supplies. $4.50; Ed Whitright, labor, $4.50; C. K. Lharurn, labor, $10.05; Electric light salaries, $209.; S. Spang ler, rent, $10; Sam Ross, labor, $1:, W. E. Fulk labor $11.25; E T. An drews, labor, $1; Henrv Veltrup, labor, $9.75; T. R. Moore, supplies, $6.12; D. A. Bainter, labor, $20.25; Roy Wagner, labor, $3.56; C. & RRy Co., freight, $129.16; Al Buhler, expenses, $12.10; Joel Reynolds, police, $15.; Sam Frank, police, $45; William Geary, pi lice, $10; W. J. Holliday & Co , supplies, $50,05.; Jefferson Coal Co., coal., SIOB 41; Electric Appliance Co., supplies. $9341.; W. G. Nagle, & Co., supplies, $329 49; National Carbon C>., supplies, I'll *>); Tropical Oil Co . supplies, $35.83 ; C M. Anderson Co., coal, $27.66; Garlock Packing Co., supplies, $73.90; Knapp Supply Co . supplies, $95.68; Sunday Creek Coa\ Co., coal, $484 44; H. S. Porter, supplies. $9 65; John Coffee, pay roll, $111.84.