Decatur Democrat, Volume 48, Number 43, Decatur, Adams County, 29 December 1904 — Page 1

L THE NEWS ALL THE TIME

VOLUME XLVIIL

Samuel Mayer writes ns from Hiawatha, Michigan, that he has been ver y successful in hunting wild game this fall, having killed several deer and other animals num erous in that vicinity. John Drake, who resides five miles south of this city, had the misfortune Tuesday atfernoon, during the heavy wind storm to have the entire roof of his large barn blown completely off and carried fifty feet from the building. John was here yesterday trying to induce carpenters to go with him at once and rebuild it. As his grain and hay is now exposed jo the weather. Otis Shifferly and Francis Miller, two well known Union township voung men, left Monday for Los Angeles, California, where they will remain during the winter, at least, and perhaps longer if the climate and other conditions suit them. The boys will visit enroute ; at Whiting, Indiana, Chicago, and Reno, Nevada. They are young hustlersand will make their own way wherever they land. The convenience of modern in ven tion was well illustratedTuesday and it would be difficult to convince Mrs. B. J.JTerveer that the longdistance telephone, improved as it is today, is not the greatest invention of modern science Last night she was called to the long-distance telephone. You may judge her surprise when she said “Hello,” to hear the voice of her daughter, Mrs. R. J. Holthouse reply to her. Mrs. Holthouse and family are guests of relatives at Jonesboro, Arkansas. 700 miles from here. She called up her mother last night to wish her the seasons greetings and to tell her that all were well and happy. The conversation continned fifteen minutes and Mrs. Terveer says she heard every word as plainly as though she was talk-1 ing to some one in Decatur. The first fire loss of the holidays among the merchants occurred Saturday at the Coffee & Mangold bazaar in'their show window, where they had on display a small oil engine, which was running a number of toys for an attraction, and which had been attracting large crowds all day. The window was lined with cotton and in some manner the oil connection on he engine exploded, throwing oil and fire all over the display window, which easily caught the cotton and ' the window was soon a mass of flames. The fire was discovered by one of the clerks who immediate y got busy tearing out the engine and getting out several valuable musical instruments, however, not until all had been more or less damaged. J,he tire was soon under control and wasconfined strictly to the show winflow, the entire room was filled with smoke. The managers stated that they estimated their loss at nearly 1150, which is fully covered by insurance. franklin Painter, of Dayton, Montgomery county, Indiana, was : here today on the search of his brother Frank Painter who he had neither seen or heard from for thirty years. Some time ago he learned that he was located here, and this visit was for the purpose iof locating him, if possible. A eeareh of the tax duplicates failed to reveal any such name, and from ' n! luiry no one seemed to know of and he left for home without »»y more information than before name. Frank Painter is now »bout eighty-two years old, and left Ross county, Ohio, homestead *°®e thirty years ago, and since then his three brothers and one sister have never heard from him. 0108 time ago a resident of MontJ°niery county claimed to have seen here, and this information ** u sed the trip and search that is ’ n " made by the Montgomery brother. He, by the way, Sno spring chicken, being seventy years old. He was keenly Appointed in being unable to get trace of the long lost. Treaswill correspond ’Urr °ounty treasurers in the ■of o °unties in the hop? some trace of this badly Painter.

WCATIIft QEM Oc MT.

Beginning Tuesday the dry goods! M. Fnllenkamp, and c F Tru0 | will close at six o’clock except on I' Saturday night. The six o’clock closing will be in effect until Maroh ■ 1 of next year. The new law governing the elec- ■ tion of road supervisor requires the township trustee to post up two notices in each road district in his township on or before the first Mon day in January announcing the time and place for holding the election. As it happens this year, the first Monday comes on the second day of January, and as the newly elected trustee will assume his duties on that day, he will have tn get j a move upon himself to aooomp'ish ' that part of his work. Arrange-1 ments might be made for the pres- ' ent trustee to post these notices, however, and that Jwould help the new man out. Chrismas day has pissed into history again, and the records will show that the sacred holiday of 1904 was one of the happiest ever known in Decatur. Every ohurjh in the city celebrated the event in appropriate ways. In nearly all, entertainments with Christmas treesand Santa Claus were given Saturday evening, and the occasion was the source of great delight for the children. Yesterday the services were most sacred, the sermons convincing and the attendance large. Through the windows of many beautiful homes could be seen Xmas trees beautifully lighted and trimm ed and laden with appropriate and handsome presents for every one from the baby to grandparents. Many family dinners are reported, and it would require many columns to give an account of each. Suffice it to say that each was an occasion that will be brightly remembered by young and old, in the years to come. The postoffioe and banks are observing the holiday today. Mr. and Mrs. Paul G. Hooper Monday celebrated their twentyfifth wedding anniversary at their beautiful home on North Second street, and a most enjoyable time was had. A big old-fashioned six o’clock dinner was served on the same plan as they were served twenty-five years ago, which was quite a novelty, and made a decided impression on those who partook of the good things. The affair was a quiet one, only the imine diate relatives and a few intimate friends being present to enjoy the festivities. The evening was spent in playing numerous games and in listening to numerous piano and vocal selections rendered by different parties present, and at a late hour the guests adjourned wishing Mr and Mrs. Hooper many more such happy occasions. The out of town guests that were present were Mrs. R. B. Light and Drs. John and Martin Harrod, of Fort Wayne. Davis Foster, who is at present looted in Bonesteel, South Dakota, in the law business, arrived Saturday evening, and is the guest of his sister, Mrs. R. K. Allison. Davis left this city last July and finally located in Bonesteel, where he has opened up a law office and real estate business, which he states he is flourishing and on the boom. Davis while here is mixing business and pleasure together, and is endeavoring to interest eastern capital in a big interurban railway which is to lie constructed from Omaha, Nebraska, to Freemont, Nebraska, a distance of 36 miles. He stated that this company had a large amount of western capital being there, and that all they now desired was some eastern capitalist who has had some experience in engineering a concern of this description through and financing the tion to commence work on this road i'i the spring and rus o through. Davis has with ““ » [ r “ d will run >»"*' '!>“”•£X out and there isno doubt but M it will Mr. Foster will be ‘PI’ 01nt ' * ‘ i manager of th* same j week or ten day*?

DECATUR. INDIANA. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29. 1904

All the business men are well satisfied with the amount of business they 5 did during the past week, and all i state that it was one of the largest t holiday runs they ever experienced I and the diflierent places today look as i if they had been struck by a cyclone r as nothing remains but empty shelves 1 to stare one in the face. It is certain- i ly a pity that Christmas comes but j once a year. A very pleasant time was spent s Thursday night, in the form of a sur- i prise party, at the home of Mr. and i Mrs. M. Miller, on Second street. . About twenty-four ladies reminded I Mrs. Miller that she was passing < the 37th mile stone of her life. i The crowd presented her with two ' I very handsome pieces of china. I Mrs. Miller treated the. crowd to 1 a delightful lunch, after which all 1 returned to their respective homos, ■ wishing Mrs. Miller many happy ' returns The state board of chartities ha" just completed a bulletin which will be full of interest to sheriffs and county commissioners throughout the state’‘lt will be a hand book on the best ideas on the management of jails,” says Secretary Butler, ' ‘‘containing details of the most approved methods of construction, illustrations of the best types of jails and concise particulars as to the laws of‘lndiana in reference to the management of jails and handling of criminals.” Mr. Butler is pleased with the feeling prevailing among the county commissioners ofthe state recently met at Indianapolis. “Many of them have completely changed their views on this jail matter,” he said, “and nearly all the new commissioners elected are apparently fully alive to the necessity of jail reform.” The bulletin will be forwarded to all sheriffs and county commissioners, as well as to many of the judges. Sheriff Butler left Saturday for Richmond, having in charge Miss Anna Boehnke, whom he will place in the East Haven home. The girl’s story is sad according to the records to be found in the county clerk's office. She is but twentytwo years old, fair of face, and apparently m perfect health. Six months ago she left her home in Germany to visit her uncle, Fred Boehnke, her brother, cousins and other relatives who live in this county, and are well known citizens. Soon after her arrival here she began to act queerly, talk peculiar, and it i soon became evident that her mind was affected. Everything possible was done for her, Dr. S. D. Beavers treating her, but her condition became constantly worse until he i recommended that she be sent to ■ an asylum. An inquest was held by Drs. J. S. Boyers, W. W. P. Mc- | Millen and ’Squire James H. Smith, , the result being her recommendsi tion to East Haven. The several vice presidents or program committee cf the Adams County Farmers’ institute met in the front room of the People s State bank Thursday afternoon to prei pare a program for the next session of the institute which will take j place at the school house here in town on Saturday. January 7, 1905. i The following members were present: H O. Grove, George H. Martz, I. N. Teeter. George W. Brewster, Martin L. Smith, D. C. Sprunger, Joseph E. Baily and A. \V. Clymer. They arranged the fol - | lowing program : Forenoon season, '9am. Music—- Instrumental. W. E. Teeter. Invocation— Rev. J. W. Kliewer. Vocal Music—A Farm . Song . Clover—Successful Methods of Clover Culture, M- A. Hart, of Pleasant Mills, Ind. General discussion. Cheese Making, D. C. Sprunger. Discussion. Music —Vocal, O. PMarsh and daughters. Dialogue, pupils of District No. 2, Wabash township. Afternoon session, 1 p. m Music-Orchestra. Prof. Ryan and others. Teaching Agriculture in Rural Schools. C.E . Brenner. Discussion. Recitation, Frances Myers. Live Stock Session—The Care and Management of Hogs for the> Greatest Profit. Hart. General discussion. Music. W. E Teeter. Recitation.<izzie BeiMer. How to Manage the Farm to Realize the greatest Profit, Mr. Gs. H. Martz wil opm the discussion. Music, < '*• chestra.—Berne News.

Roy Dutcher, the little boy who was injured last Wednesday evening by having a heavv oak counter fall over on him while playing in his father’s restaurant, is reported as being some better and resting easier, although he is still far from being out of danger. The blow he received was a heavy one and injur id him to some extent internally. Mrs. W. J. Myers received the sad news by message today announcing the death of her brother at his home in Pleasantville, New Jersey, stating that he had died last Fiiday evening at seven o’clock. Rev. Hunter was quite well known in this community, having lived here during his boyhood days and having visited here recently with his sister, Mrs. Myers and had a host of friends and relatives residing in this city and county. He was pastor of the First Presbyterian ohuroh at the above named place. Mrs. Myers will not be able to attend the funeral, having received the news too late. Up in one of the rooms at the state house are three bright members of the general assembly of Indiana with blue pencils in their hands and regrets in their hearts. These members are Senator Fremont Goodwine and Representatives Cantwell and Honan, the committee appointed by the governor to examine the needs of the different state institutions. They have about finished their examinations and are now going over the requests made by the institution’ managers for regular and specific appropriations. The committee has not finished adding up the figures, but already they are close to the $2,000,000 mark, and there are more to hear from. So they regret that they can not give the institutions all they ask for is followed by the soft ‘ r-r-s-sh” of the blue pencils as the request for appropriation after appropriation is scratched out. And after the blue pencils are worn down to a stubby point the iequests figure up almost $1,000,000. So the pencils wil] be sharpened again and more editing done. The committee is anxious to have its work finished so it may make its report and have the document in the hands of the general assembly on the day the legislature convenes, but the members are afraid they will not be able to do so because the pruning business is taking up so much of their time. The two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ridenour, of New Corydon, died in terrible agony Fiiday evening, the result of eating fifteen grains of arsenic. Mrs. Ridenour was in bed sick and the children were playing about the house. The little baby girl had wandered into the kitchen and had climbed up on a chair to find something to eat in the cup board. She reached her little hand in and grasped a box, the first thing she touche 1. Getting down on the floor she soon eat the entire box of sugar coated arsenic pills, which had been left at the home by a physician who was treating Mrs. Ridenour. A moment after eating the poison the child began suffering and ran to mamma’s bedside, where she told her in a babv way of the trouble. An instant later the child went into convulsions. The distracted mother, herself in a serious condition, realized the terrible results that were soon to come, and sent for Drs. Schenck and Ralston at once. They arrived within a very short time and used the most powerful remedies, but without re suit. The babe grew rapidly worse, and turned black from head to foot. So severe were the convulsions that when the physicians would place ♦he rubber tube to the stomach pump in her mouth she would bit? them off instantly. Her sufferings were soon over, however, death coming within fifteen minutes. The poor mo' her is prostrated and her condition most serious, owing to her weakened condition and the terrible shook. The funeral services were held Sundav at New Corydon, and it was indeed a sad Christmas for the Ridenour family and their friends. Tn fact the sad event oast a shadow of gloom over the entire community.

Fill'-six of the good people of I Monroe give a Cnristm giving party to Mrs. Levi Hendricks of Monroe. Cash to the amount of $22 besides provisions to beat the band were presented to Mrs. Hendrioks. Her gratitude for the blessings of such good friends and neighbors would be hard to describe. A pleasant social evening was also enjoyed, j Night Policeman Reynolds ar- | rested a young man Saturday night named Samuel Brown on a charge of disorderly conduct and celebrating Christmas in too boisterous a manner. He was lodged in jail until this morning when he was brought before Mayor Coffee. His argument, however, was so inconsistent that Mayor Coffee decided that he was entitled to a small fine so that hereafter he would know how to behave, and accordingly fined him $1 and costs, amounting in all to $9.30. He stayed the dock et and was igven his liberty. In his annual report Postmaster General Wynne recommends the establishment of a postal rate of three cents a pound on packages not exceeding five pounds in weight, at the postoffice at which the rural route starts on which the consignee resides, but not otherwise. That is, it is a special rate for merchandise that does not travel through any mail except that de- i livered on that route. For example, a resident on rural route originating in Decatur could send his order to a merchant there, and pay only the three-oent rate; but if he ordered it from C hicago, for example, he would have to pay full merchandise rate, because the package would have to pass through the regular mails from Chicago before reaching his rural route. The newspapers generally commend Air. Wynne’s suggestion as it would protoet the country merchants against the mail order houses. But if congress shall pass this measure it will prove the opening of a campaign for a general parcels post, that has really been demanded by many in this country f or years, because it costs too much to send small parcels by express. Marshal Green Friday night made a hurry-up run to the Erie depot, being called there by Agent Tredway, who had captured a young desperado named Joen Royston, who hailed from Willshire, Ohio, and who was causing considerable trouble. This young man had on board more booze than he could carry, and had wandered into the depot just before the 4:40 train was due, and at once became noisy, and tried to run the whole concern. He was politely called down by the agent. This seemed to anger the fellow,'who nulled a revolver from his pocket and made all the occupants of the depot get out, threatening to kill them. He could not. however, bluff Agent Tredway, who came out of his office, walked up'to the young man and took his revolver from uim, forced him to set down and then called up Marshall Green who at once proceeded to the jail with the young fellow, where he was thoroughly searched, being relieved of nine extra cartridges and a wicked-looking knife. While on the way to the jail he informed the Marshal that he meant no harm and merely pulled his gun to have a little sport. He said he had been out with several fiiends who forced him to drink against his wishes, stating that he would never have committed the offense had he not been intoxicated. Roystan was tried this morn ing before Mayor Coffee on a charge of intoxication and allowed to tell his tale of woe, being by this time completely sober and able to realize his position. He how ever, plead guilty and threw himself on the mercy of the court. Mayor Coffee immediately fined him one dollar and costs, which in all amounted to nine dollars and thirty cents, and gave the young man a severe lecture on’oarrying concealed weapons. Young Royston stayed the docket and was discharged. During his hearing he informed the mayor that he was not I yet 21 yars of age and that his I father was a section man, and la respectable citizen of Willshire*

CIRCULATION 2800 wets: *

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Kielviril H. Ainsv *rth. tiv his attorneys, W. H. Dailey and E C. Stitz, has filed suit in Common Pleas court at Van Wert, for damages for injuries received because of alleged neglect and carelessness on the part of the 'officials of said village. Mr. Ainsworth claims that he was injured to the extent of SSOOO by being thrown out of a buggy, which dropped into an uncovered excavation dangerously near the center of State street in said village. The excavation in question was a sewer ditch and was about three feet deep and eighteen inches wide. As a result of his buggy dropping into the ditch Mr. Ainsworth btveis suffered permanent injury to his spine, and has everTsince sought a money consideration for his alleged injuries at the hands village. He failed in hisefforts, hence his action in Common Pleas court. The first of a series of lectures was given Tuesday night at the St. Mary’s Catholio’"church by Rev. Father Valentine, a favorite among the people of this oitv, irrespective of church or creed. The missionary was in fine form ’and gave an exhaustive and comprehensive as well as instructive review’of the teachings of the Catholic church. The speaker had every right to feel honored with the presence of such a magnificent audience, the large and stately church being filled almost to the limit. Many questions were answered, some of them conveying information heretofore unknown to non-Catholios The series of lectures are for the {purpose of better informing the public as to not only the mission of the Catholic church, as a church, but also their beliefs and conception of the bible. Rev. Valentine is a bright and shining light in the priesthood, and is also deserving of the feme achieved. He is both brilliant and able and during the week will no doubt be heard by the greater part of the population of this city. Deputy Sheriff Butler Tuesday arrested Otis Wells of Blue Creek township, and Howard Dav s, of this city, on a charge of larceny. The warrant was issued by ’Squire Smith <>n affidavit made bv Joseph Murphy, a well known farmer of Monroe township, from whom a double set of harness, two bridles and other articles were stolen on the night of November 9th. Wells was found last evenng at the i home of a sister and arrested. He confessed his guilt and when 'arraigned before ’Squire Smith today plead guilty and was bound over to court. In his confession he also implicated. Howard Davis and Perry Sells two I well ’known men of his city, against whom affidavits had also been made by Murphy, they having been suspected of knowing something of the robbery. Search warrants were issued immediately giving the officers permission to search the premises. The stolen bridles were found in Davis’ barn and the harness in Sells’ grainery. The harness were covered with five fly nets, completely hidden from view. Sells claims to have bought the harness and to have paid fifteen dollars for them. A warrant has been issued for his arrest and will probably be served today. Tie men will be charged with grand larceny, and the officers say the case will have complications that may surprise many people. Wells is about thirty years old an I has had some police notoriety. He was convicted about two years ago for stealing horse blankets and served a term in jail, and has been under suspicion several times since. Davis is queit well known and has borne a reputation here of being “poor but honest.” He has a family. Sells has lived here many years, owns some property and has never beefi accused of crime before. His friends believe him innocent, though Wells’ story implicates him deeply. ■ The officers were told bv Wells just where the harness and bridles were and they went at once to Sells’ house and demanded the same. He said, “all right,” put on Iris coat and immediatelv went with them to the grainery where he delivered the goods.