Decatur Democrat, Volume 48, Number 45, Decatur, Adams County, 12 January 1905 — Page 1

L THE NEWS ALL THE TIME

VOLUME XLVIIL

Elmer Johnson is preparing to ship a fine oar load of Adams county horses to Pittsburg, Saturday, where he will hold a sale. On February 3rd he will ship a fine load from Berne to the same destination. Elmer says he tmarket is now at its best. Senator John W. Tyndall came home Saturday from Indianapolis, where he has been attending to official business since Thursday. The senate and house organized and are ready for business Monday morning having adjourned until that time. The inauguration of Governor Hanley will occur Monday, after which the legislative bodies will begin active work. Senator Tyndall says a democrat hasn’t much opportunity for greatness, but that the democratic members are all men of integrity and force, who will be heard from during the term. He will return Monday morn ing. Root township’s worthy assessor, Phillip Soheiferstein, was surely surprised Monday evening when twenty-five of his friends called at his home t o remind him that he had passed the thirty-first milestone of his life, and from all reports the occasion will be one long remembered by those present. The evening was delightfully spent in playing pedro, at which all enjoye d themselves, but Ed Luttman and Mrs. Bernice Magly, who proved to ba the poorest players. At promptly nine o’clock the guests were invited to the dining room where they were seated at a table at which all the dainties of the season were presented. After supper the evening was delightfully spmt in numerous pasttimes and at a late hour all departed. Mr. and Mrs. Scheifer stine are fine entertainers and all those that were present are looking forward for another invitation. A S2OOO damage case was filed here Tuesday morning on change of venue from Allen county, and through the complaint is short it bears evidence of being at least a little interesting. It is entitled Grace Blaising vs John R. Haitzel) and says that September 17th last said John R. Hartzell did then and there in a rude and violent manner unlawfullly and feloniously touch, pull, jerk and beat this plaintiff, whereby he, the said plaintiff has been damaged in the sum of S2OOO, and judgment in that sum is therefore prayed for. The complaint fails to say whether the suit is the result of a lover’s scrap, a school teachers’ tussel or what not. The case was filed in Allen county October 31st last. The entire oomplaint requires but ten lines, and is the shortest damage complaint ever filed here. Attorney Phil B. Coleriok represents the plaintiff and Robertson & O’Rourke the defendants. The G. A. R. and W. R, c. j r . stalled their new oflicres Thursday night, and the event was made a pleasmtone. The G. A. R. officials are John D. Hale, commr.n ler; Daniel K'tson, 8. V. C.; John Williams. J. R. C.; M. Andrews, chaplain ; D K Shackjey, offioei of the day; A. J. Teeple, officer of guard; Jacob Railing, sargeant major; Ezra Cutting, quartermaster; T. R Mooie, >• lj«' mt. The W. R. C officers .ur® Mrs. Eliza ‘"Peterson, Pres.; Mr». Rainear, S. V.; Mrs. J. W. McKean, J. V.; Mrs. Ltju Kennedy, chaplun; Mrs. John Mayer, conductor; Miss Maggie Poland, secretary; Mrs. John Bollinger, guard ; Mrs. Samuel Doak, assistant conductor; Minta Russell, P. C.; Mrs. Fisher, Misses Louden, An draws and Mallonee, color bearers; Mrs. Maggie Louden, treasurer The following program was given after the installation: Music by W. E. Smith’s rag-time orchestra: music, Mandolin club. Welcome ad ■dress, J. D. Hale. Duet, Miss Orvis and Mr. Kintz. Reading, Mrs. W. F. Brittson. Vocal solo, Mrs. Studabaker, Bluffton. Address, Rev. E. A. Allen. Solo, Miss Grace Peterson. Address, Henry Lankenan. Solo, Maggie Dai iels. Readiog. Mrs. Studabaker. Address. Bev. J. C. White.

Obcatilß

’Squire Smith united Miss Cora Hooker and Elward Newport in marriage Wed. afternoon at three o’clock at the home of the bride. The marriage was a quiet affair, no one being present except the immediate relatives. The happy young couple will reside in this city. The man who kindles the fire with the catalogues from the department stores, and gives all his trade to his home merchants, is the man who helps to put a better value on your property. The more a town grows, and the more business it does, the greater the increase in the value of property—both city and farm. The man who pitronizes the city department stores i preference to his home merchu: ts, thinking that he may thereby sav” a few pennies, is simply ’detracting from the wealth of his own community. Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 10.—William E. Hinstaw, who was released this morning from the Michigan City prison on an unconditional parole, signed by Governor Durbin, on the day of the latter’s retirement, reached Indianapolis this evening on his way to Winchester, the home of his aged and invalid mother. The trip to Indinapolis was uneventful, and wh en he reached this city he was met at the station by Union B Hunt, secretary to Governor Hanley, whose guest he was during the evening. Until late tonight Mr. Hunt’s apartments were crowded with visitors who called to congratulate Hinshaw on his release. Hinshaw will leave Indianapolis at 7:30 tomorrow morning over the Big Four for Winchester. Tonight he said it vas his intention to engage actively in farming. The fourth institute of the teach ers of Washington and St. Mary’s townships was held Saturday, January 7, 1905, at the High school room at Pleasan; Mills in St. Mary’s township. The percent of attendance was good. The in . itute began at 9:30 with ex-Trn«tee Coffee of Washington township as the chairman. The teachers showed usual promptness in responding tn questions which were asked by the various instructors of the classes. They also made an interesting and profitable meeting by nearly everyone joining in some very lively discussions which were brought up. A number of visitors were present, a part of whom were the late trustee of St. Mary’s township, William Teeple, an ex-trustee of Kirkland township, George Brown and also an ex-teacher, William Brown. After ;the program was completed the program for the next institute was read by the chairman of the committee, John Nelson, same to be held Feb. 4, 1905, at District No. 9, Washington township. Melvin Mallonee. By order of Chairman Coffee. A representative of this paper while on the search for news stepped into the Old Adams County Bank just as one of the officials of that institute -n was undoing a package of rather large dimensions. In a moment a package of bills the size of a bundle of drv goods was brought to view. The package contained 2,000 crisp and brand new one dollar bills, and the assistant remarked as he stored them away “That is Larey Waring's month’s consignment, used to pay his help at the mitten factory.” The statement was true, and each month this amount of currencv is used by that institution to pay off the one hundred girls employed at that place. It is easily figured that with the odd change used and a few bills of larger denominations the weekly pay roil is about $750, and when vou consider that this sum comes from distant cities and is distributed here each week in the year, the advantages are by no means slight, and prove what an increase in the town’s business a few industries wonld make. One hundred girls nr more obtain employment at the mitten factory, and each earns from five to ten dollars per week. During the holidays the factory closed down a week and several business men mentioned the fact that a “fall off” in their business was immediately noticeable.

DECATUR. INDIANA. THURSDAY, JANUARY 12.

The squirrel and quail law is now out and squirrel can not be killed before August 1, and quail before November 10. License to hunt in Indiana is not requried except from October 1 to November 10, and that for water fowl only. No license is now needed to hunt rabits. County Auditor Lewton has completed the January distribution, which shows the following’ figures: Union township, $2368.26; Root, $2910.76; Preble, $29 63.17 ; Kirkland $1579.18; Washington. $6085.47; St. Mary’s, $37969.50; Blue Creek, $1573.81; Monroe, $4602.18; French, $1079.89; Hartford, $358.38; Wabash, $3456.62; Jefferson, $1599.92; Decatur corporation, $9667.47; school, $7817.45; Geneva corporation, $1872.39; school, 2084 65; Borne corporation, $2221.49; school, $2421.83. The distribution also shows a total of 7707 school children in the county. The total of the different funds are SISOO liquor licenses; common school, $11,329.29; congressional school, $376.53; township tax, $7547.49 ; tuition. $9291.36; special school, $1,6208.99; road $313.12; township poor, $925.06; township bridge, $183.51; corpora tion, $13,761.35; library, $368.52; and a total distribution of $61,805.22. According to notice already given by Treasureer Voglewede, the amounts due the various trustees and school board treasurers will be paid out January 28 and 30. Marion Smith, a young man of this city, will leave the latter part of this week for Midland, Mich., where he will arrange to open a large clothing store on March Ist. The firm will be Brittson & Smith, the senior member being Albert Brittson, at present postmaster of this city. Mr. Brittson will re main in Decatur for some time at least, though he may become a future resident at Midland. The bovs have purchased about 700 acres of land >n the county and expect to make other investments. Their clothing store will be the only exclusive one in Mildand, which is a city of 4,000 people, and their future success is an assured fact. Mr. Smith is an old clothing man, having been in the business in Decatur, Geneva, and other places. The big stock has already been purchased, Messrs. Smith & Brittson having been busy with traveling salesmen here for a month past. Midland is a splendid town, with a great future, and is surrounded by fertile land. In that city is located the Dow Chemical Works, a concern employing 300 men at good wages. The owners of the new store have many friends in the county who join us in advancing wishes for their success, even beyond their expectations. Peter Forbing, one of Decatur’s foremost citizens, informed us that at present he was busily engaged in making arrangements for the erection of a house and barn on his farm, one and one-half miles west of this city in the Forbing grove. The buildings are to be of the latest pattern and put up Jwith the best material that can be purchased. Mr. Forbing is contemplating putting up a house that will be a credit to the citizens of Washington township. The location he has chosen for the new home which he and his family expect to reside in is a beautiful spot, one of the prettiest groves in Adams county. The house will be built some distance back from the public highway with a wide drive way running up to the veranda, which will be constructed with gravel. The barn will be of ihe bank order and will be fitted with all the modern conveniences. Mr. Forbing stated that he would commence work on this beautiful structure as soon as the weather would permit, as he desired to have the same completed by fall so that he could move before winter sets in. The large grove will be left intact and will only be cut up in so far as necessary to build the house and cut through numerous driveways, which will be constricted throughout . Mr. Forbing is absolutely positive that he will have one of the prettiest homes in Adams i county, as be will spare no expense in making it so.

The t ix rate in Bluffton, or that part of the city situated in Harrison township, is $4.48 per hundred according to the official figures made out. The rate would be just one dollar less on the hundred were it not for the fact that the one per cent voted to the aid of the C. B. & C. is counted in this year.—Bluffton Banner. The Adams County institute that was held Saturday at Berne, was one of the best institutes that the Adams County association has ever held. The attendance far surpassed all expectations and many had to be turned away. The program introduced brought forth some excellent paper. The best one probably was furnished by C. E. Brenner whose subject was “Teaching Agriculture in Rural Schools,” after which a general discussion of the subject was had. The meeting was presided over b.y C. D. Kunkle, of Monmouth, who conducted the meeting in his usual easy manner. The program also consisted of music and recitations, all of which were well received by the audience. Mr. Kunkle is enthusiastic of the the lesult of the institute and says the same is increasing in interest with each event. “Two thousand children within the school age died in Indiana during the past year. Os these according to reasonable calculations, 1600 died of diseases contracted in the schools of the state. There is no denying the fact in this matter, yet the county superintendents and others seem to rest perfectly satisfied with the conditions.”—Dr. J. N. Hurty, secretary of the state board of health. Dr. Hurty says many people in the country are suspicious of any efforts made by officials who live in a city to improve their conditions. “There ouvht to be complete medical inspection of the schools in this state,” said the doctor. “Ofher states have such a system. Japan, a heathen nation, as some of us call it, has had inspection of schools for years to save the lives of the school children. If such a thing were done in some parts of Indiana, the people would call it official tyranny and invasion of personal rights. Many people do not understand when you are trying to do them some good.” Jesse Brandyberry, seventy-seven years old, and a resident of this county for over sixty years, died at his home on South Second street at It :30”o’clock Friday morning. The announcement came as a sad surprise to his many frends, Ur while he was known to be in feeble health, it was not generally known that his condition was so serious. For over a year he has suffered from a severe case of catarrh of the stomach, and during last fall he failed rapidly. He improved from that attack and even as late as yesterday was able to walk out in his yard. He suffered a severe relapse yesterday afternoon and sank gradually into the sleep from whence there is no awakening. He became unconscious at eight o’clock this morning and remained in that condition until his death at noon. The deceased was born in Carroll county, Ohio. September 11, 1827, and came to Adams county with his parents in 1841, having resided here ever since. He was reared on a farm and followed that vocation until 1890, when he retired and removed to this city. He was married October 10. 1817. to Catherine Stults, and to them were horn eight children, two of whom have proceeded the father. Those surviving are Mrs. S. B. Fordyce, Mrs. H. A. Hartman, Mrs. George Rouderbush and County Superintendent Irvin Brandyberry, all of this city, and Noah Brandyberry, Boulder, Colorado,; Mrs. William R. Coon, Spencerville, Ohio. Mrs. Brandy berry died in 1889, and in 1891 Mr. Brandy berry was married to Mrs. Young, who remains with many other relatives ’and friends to mourn their loss. The decreed was a civil war veteran, having gone to tfie army from this county. His life was a busy one, and be was 1 one of the best known men in this pa:t of the county.

Indiana oil received am t ier cut by the Standard Friday, and the market now is only 93 cents per barrel. The cut was three cents on the barrel and represents part of more donations for John D. Rockefeller. Oil has been going down rapidly during the past few weeks and oil men are unable to give any good reason why such should be the case, as the supply does not equal the demand. Along with Indiana oil eastern oil was slashed today also, a cut of 5 cents being dealt out to the eastern producers. The abolishment of the grand jury as a part of the court system of states in the Northwest is being widely discussed in other states Ohio being included in the number. The lawyers and others in this t iwn are among the list who are giving the matter thought, and from the extent of the discussions it is probable that a vote may be taken on the point in Ohio in the near future. It is argued that grand juries have outlived their usefu'ness and the purposes for which ancient England created them ; that they hear only, one side of a case; that they frequently return indictments on such slight evidence that courts promptly quash them, and that they cost more than they are worth because officials and courts worx just as well without them. Mrs. W. A. Kuebier entertanied a number of lady friends Thursday at her beautiful home on Fourth street at a kitchen shower party in honor of Miss Emma Jackson who is soon to become a bride. And the event was a most decided success throughout. The evening was pleasantly passed by playing the popular game of progressive euchre. Mrs. P. J. Hyland and Mrs. Ed Ehinger captured first prizes and Mrs. Harry Moltz and Miss Harriet Wertzberger the boobies. Refreshments were then served, and at a late hour all departed, wishing Miss Emma a long and happy married life. The presents that were given to Miss Jackson included coffee pots, iron kettles, dish pans, buckets, sauce pans, and in fact everything imaginable that would be of use in a kitchen, thus insuring the furnishing of that part of Miss Jackson’s new home. Next Monday before Judge Lafollette at Portland will begin a lavsuit of considerable importance to Adams county citizens, and of interest all over the state. It is entitled The School Town of Geneva, Adams county, Indiana, as the Logansport & Wabash Valley Gas company, a corporation. The suit is one to collect $12,000 damages for the destruction of the Geneva school building on the night of December 16, 1901. The suit was filed here January 22, 1903, the complaint’being in three parargaphs, alleging that on account of the carelessness the Gas company the school building caught tire and was totally destroyed. Three facts are alleged in the complaint as follows: First, no watchman was employed by the Gas compnv to watch their regulators; second, the gas pressure had been low and the company, tailed to notify their patrons of an increased pressure; third, the company allowed the pipes, regulators, etc., to become rusted, stopped up and out of repair generally. These careless acts combined caused the fire it is alleged. The school building was valued at SIO,OOO and the contents at $2,000. The Gas company will make a test case of this suit, and will make a determined fight. The case was set for trial hero last May but before the date of trial came a change of venue was granted and the case sent to Jay county, where after the usual delays it was set for trial next Mon day. The attorneys for Geneva are I Merryman X- Sutton, C. J. Lutz and D. E. Smith of this city and Mr. McGriff, of Portland, while the Gas company’s interests will be cared for by D. D. Heller & Son of this citv. Judge Smith. James Moran. |of P rtland. Judge Shirley,’ of Kokomo. and other prominent Dwyers lof the state. Th? case promises to be a livelv legal battle and the outcome will be watched with great interest by the pu®ic, and especially in this county @ ®

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 45

A meeting of the Decatur Cemetery association was held Thursday evening at the office of D. E. Scott ;in the Stone block, the occasion being the annual election of the board of trustees. The vote resulted in the selection of J. 8. Coverdale, Solomon Linn, J. H. Stone, Sylvester Spangler, M. Kirsch, J. W. Teeple and John Niblick. The board includes two new names, J. W. Teeple and John Niblick, and at the meeting held immediately after the election, the following officers were chosen: Solomon Linn, president ;J. H. Stone, secretary and J. S. Coverdale, treasurer. Among the business changes of the present year comes the announcement of the slight re-ogani-zation of the Old Adams County Bank. It has had a successful and uneventful career covering thirtythree years, and the change contemplated is but an expression of appreciation of that fact. Since the death of Judge Studabaker, the present stockholders have decided and agreed to either give up $25,000 worth of their stock or increase the capital of the bank to this amount. This amount will be distrituted among the old patrons and friends of the bank. The present stock holders feel that this is due those who have made the bank grow and prosper until it ranks as the second large state l>ank in the state. It first began business July 3, 1871, Jesse Niblick and J. D. Nuttman being the owners, they each placing SSOO into its vaults, and which amount was its working capital. In 1572 Judge Studabaker and R. B. Allison were taken info the partnership. August, 1874, it organized under the state laws and increased its nap t i.l to $50,000. The officers under this organization were Jesse Niblick, president; D ivid Studabaker vice president; R. B. Alliscu cash:, r and W. H. Niblick, assistant cashier In 1881, the capital was increased to $75,000, and remained so until 1894, when their charter expired. At that time it was again reorganized and its name changed to the (Hd Adams County >ts capital being swelled to $120,000. The officers elected at that time and who have so served ever since, were W. H. Niblick, president; Dsvid studabaker, vice president; R. K. Allison, cashier; and Charles S. Niblick, assistant cashier. It’s long an 1 successful career covering this period of thirty-three years is not alone a matter of pride to those financially interested in the bank, but to the county and city as well. Much of the county and city im provement has been made possible by this bank, and the success of many individuals who are located on the right side of easy street, can he traced to the same source. It has done well for itself and thus done well for others. Its deposits amount to the stupendnous sum of $700,000 and its total assets to $900,000. W. H. Niblick has heen continuously connected with the bank since its organization, being its first assistant cashier and in fact at that time doing all the work and all the business of the bank. H’ wrote the first draft, and that was for Uncle Jacob Gloss, who was then engaged in the shoe business. Beniamin P. Rice was also among the early patrons of the hank, which was then located on the Nuttman corner where the Holthouse, Schulte & Co. clothing store now is located. For the first seven months Mr. Niblick acted in the capacity of assistant cashier without bond, and in that time signed many thousands of dollars in drafts. Ho was then but sixteen years old, a confidence then reposed that would not be thought of now. R. K. Allison who has been at the head of the hank as cashier since 1894, has shown great capabilities as a banker, a financier i and a business man. He has managed the funds carefully and at the same time extended credit to those who demonstrated honest intentions and careful business management. The responsibility of such a position is bound to gefcout the best that is ,in a man. and Mr. Allison has demonstrated clearly his worth and I ability. The Democrat, wishes the Old Adams County Bank thirty three years more of fruitful prosperity.