Decatur Democrat, Volume 48, Number 49, Decatur, Adams County, 9 February 1905 — Page 1

.t ALL THE NEWS ALL THE Tl?«

VOLUME XLVIU.

WITH AN AXE Ckm Knoff Assaulted Dee Jackson Yesterday. Dee Jackson a well known young man, of this city is at present laying at the point of death in west part of the city the result of being hit in the head with the blunt side of an axe by Clem Kncff. Young Jackson was actins’ as constable and was serving an ejectment notice and endeavoring to set Knoll's goods out in the street, Kaoff having occupied the house for several months without paying his rent, claiming sickness n his faimly as an excuse to retain possession of the same. Jackson’s attitude so infuriated Knoff that he picked up an axe and with all his strength struck -Jackson on the head with the blunt end, the entire weight of the blow falling on Jackson’s right temple. Jackson fell like a log, while Knoff retreated into the house and afterwards came to the city. Eye witnesses at once hastened to Jackson’s assistance and picked up his apparently lifeless body and carried it into the home of Mrs. Chron'ster, and Dr. J. M. Miller summone a , who arrived soon. Sheriff Butler was al -o in - firmed and started out after Km>ff. Kncff was arrested jit three o’clockyesterday p.m.Jwhile p.isti g the court house. Sheriff Butler taking charge of him and placed him in jail. The charge against him will depend on whether or not his victim recovers. | Marshal Green this morning received word by the long distance telephone, from United States Marshal Hall, who is located at Fort Wayne, advising him to be on the watch for a tall heavy set, light haired man.w ho is roaming about the country raising one dollar hills to ten dollars. He does his work in such a sn.ooth manner that it is harl to detect the raise at a glance, and has in this manner been realizing thousand* o <o ar . The Unite I States marsha’s are on his trail and using every precaution to capture this wiley gentleman. It would be wise for our business men to look closely at all ten dollar bills, especially if tendered by a stranger. As stated in Monday's issue Mrs. Laura Oiborne has filed suit for divorce from her husband, Joe Osborne, the pipers having been filed hv Attorneys Lutz and Moran. The complaint is rather short and alleges cruel and inhuman treatment in that on September 8, 1903, Joe in the presence of this plaintiff and their children killed a certain member of the plaintiff's family; that in February, 1904, judgment was rendered in the Adams circuit court, adjudging Joe guilty of t le infamous crime of murder. Mrs. Osborne asks for the care and custody of the t .vo children. Dale, aged nine and Wade, aged four. She alleges that Joe owns real estate to the value of $4,000 and asks for $2,500 alimony. Mr. and Mrs. Osborne were married October 11, 1891, in Grant county. The story of the family's ’’troubles are well known, especially since Septembers, 1903. when Joe killed his wife’ father, John Busenhark, after a quarrel over some land, then catne here and gave himself up to the officers. He was convicted of murder in the second degree and sentenced to prison for life. His case was appealed, but the supreme court has not yet given their decision, though it is expected soon.

Dbcatilß

“ Dr. E. fj. Leßrun returned Monday evening from Paragould, Arkansas, where he was for three weeks looking over the condition of t he state j and crops. He was favorably impressed and says he likes the country. While there he traded dogs and now has the now acquisition on exhibition. George Breswter. the well known Jefferson township farmer, has | just returned from a three weeks' i trip to Oklahoma. He says it's a great country and that opportunities are numerous wherein one can make splendid investments. He will probably purchase some land in that section of the country. He brought home some wolf and badger hides that he will use as robes. During his absence he also visited at Cherryvole, Kansas, where he formerly lived. A crowd of Decatur people took advantage of, the good sleighing t . evening and drove to the home of Mr. and Mrs- Robert Cise at Ma gley and from all reports had a most, enjoyable time. The party left this city at 4 o’clock and made the drive in good time. On their arrival they found a tine supper awaiting them. After supper the guests were inviteedinto the parlor, where they spent the evening in games and in other amusements, being entertained in a royal manner. Those jrresent were: Dr. and Mrs. P. B. Thomas, Dr. and Mrs. J. Q. Neptune, Mr. and Mrs. D. XX’. Berry, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Colter. Mr. and Mrs. Ernslerger, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Moltz, Mr. and Mrs. P. G. Hooper, Mr. and Mrs. J. Meyers. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Nachtrieb, Mr. and Mrs. J. \v. Vail, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sprang and Mrs. T. H. Blosser. Bswate of pneumonia, alias lung fever, during the sudden changes of the weather at this time of the year. This is the warning sent out by the boards of health all over the state and it is worthy of more consideration than judging from the number of cases reported by the physicians. There is every indioa tion there will be from 2.0C0 to 5,000 deaths from this disease in Indiana the first four months of this year. Think of it, enough deaths to depopulate the entire city. Mortality lists show that an average of one out of every four oases prove fatal. Pneumonia is rapidly becoming more virulent and more destructive Doctors are helpless in many of the oases. The dis ease is becoming more dangerous and has increased tho fatality list nearly eighty per cent. In Indiana during the month of March, 1904, there were 758 deaths alone from pneumonia. This was in excess of any month's record in the history of the state by several hundred. The mortality list in the state for any month previous since records have been kept never exceeded 500. Commissioners’ court adjourned to tho court room, their old quarters being insufficient to accommodate the large number of Monroe township remonstrators who came to testify and lend their moral sup port to the cause of temperance. Nearly a hundred, mostly from Berne, came in on tho morning train. The first evidence introduced was the election record, which credited that township with 657 votes at the last national state election. Their remonstrance contains the names of 45(5 legal voters of that township, about iwo-thirds of the entire voting piphlace These names were procured by eleven solicitors, and these solidtors are all here to testify as to the I validity of the signatures. Rev. I. A. Soner called and was on the witness stand the entire forenoon. They are questioned along tho line as to when such a signature was made, where he signed it. how old , he is and a million more questions not here enumerated. During the forenoon 116 names were passed and at this rate the case will continue for a day or two yet. The solicitors who will testify in addition to Rev. Soner are Rev. <l. A. Sprague, Rev. Vornholt. T. S. Peters, A. R Brandylierrv, D. J. Sprunger, E. M. Ray, H. P. Ray, J. P Hibegger Fred Rohrer, MP. Hi adricks and Benjamin Sprunger.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1905.

The will of Matthias Miller was* probated at the county clerk's office Saturday afternoon. His son,Micha< 1 Miller, was made executor and the will states that after the settlement of funeral exp maos his money and estate shall be divided equally among the five children, namely, Mrs. Margaret Kurbcr, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilhe'm and Michael, Mat thiasand John Miller. The will was written by F. M. Sebirmeyer, February 26, 1896. Word was received here Tuesday that Oscar Eicher, who formerly lived here, was iecently killed while | working in a mine in Arizona. He was a son of Alex Eicher, who a "umber of years ago was a promi- I nent citizen here, being interested j in various enterprises, and who was one of the company who built the old woolen mills, now occupied hf? the Berling packing house. Oscar will be remembered by many of our readers. We wore unable to learn particulars of the accident*, which caused his death. J. M. Frisinger Tuesday received six head of tine full'-blooded registered Polled Angus cattle, from Smith & Loomis, of Holgate, ()., and with the same shipment he received fifteen head of tine fullblooded Shropshire sheep from the firm of Decko & Loomis. This stick will he placed upon Mr. Frisinger's farm just south of the city, and will bo used for breeding purposes, as it is the intention of Mr. Frisinger to make an extens’ve stock farm out of his place. His farm consists of eighty acres and is all good land, and the location of the same will make it an ideal stock fawn. This stock that he purchased is merely a starter, and he will keep on increasing the same until he has a well stocked farm. Tuesday morning at 8 o’clock, at the St. Mary’s church occurred the wedding of Miss Barbara Wasika to Mr. Frank Colchin, both residents of this city. A large crowd was present at the ceremony, which was performed by Rev. Wilken. Miss Rose Cjlchin acted as bride's maid and Mr. Jjhn C ilohin us groom’s man. The bride was dressed in white silk, while the groom wore the convention*l black. Immediately after the ceremony was performed a wedding breakfast was served, at which only a few immediate fitends ai.d relatives were present. B>th of these young people are well known in this city and come from g, od families. It is the intention of this happy young couple to make the ; r future home in the West, for which p'ace they will leave in a few week*. The Democrat extends congratulations. With the words, “This is toe prettiest day I ever saw," upon her lips, Mrs James Steele, who lives southwest of Paterson, fell dead, about <’ o'clock Tuesday morning. About a month ago she suffered an attack of lagrippe, but had recover ed, though she had not regained her usual health. Yesterday after noon she went out into the yard where her husband was at work and said she felt like she was going to die. The family did not notice any symptoms of bad health, and thought nothing of the remark. About three o’clock this morning she awoke her husband, told him she didn’t feel very well and asked for a drink of water. He got it for her and she slept until daylight. She got up this morning, dressed herself and was apparently in good health, talking while her daughters prepared breakfast. Finafiv she went over and opened the door and spoke of the beautiful day to ber son. who was standing near. Almost instantly after saying these words she turned deathly pale I sank to the floor and within one minute was dead. The family are I terribly shocked over the sad event and ha ve the sympathy of the en i lire community. Her husband, ‘ five daughters and two sons survive her. She was fifty-six years old and a sister of Dr. E. H. and Alex D'Brun of this city. Coroner J. S. Falk was called and conducted an inquest. His verdict will no doubt show death due to heart failure. The funeral arrangements have ' not yet been completed.

Clarence McCarty, a Van Wert boy, about fifteen years old, is wanted here on a charge of petit larceny. Prosecutor Moran filed an affidavit in circuit court yesterday upon information furnished by James XV. Duer, which says that on February 4th, last, while McCarty was visiting in this county, he stole a five dollar lap robe and a twentyfive cent whip from said Duer. Clarence had been living with an uncle in Monroe township, hut when Sheriff Bu’ler went out to make the arrest, the boy had returned to O lio, no dout.t having heard of the intentioned prosecution. The home of Mr. ana Mrs. D. B. Erwin was the scene of a surprise party Friday night, Mrs. Erwin being the victim, it being her birthday, and the occasion was duly and nroperly celebrated. The surprise had been planned by Mr. Erwin, he having invited a number of the immediate neighbors, who appeared on the scene at just the proper time and took Mrs. Erwin un awaros. A number of games were played. Pit was the most fascinating and the whole North End was kept awake for a number of hours by the noise that is.‘u jd from this house. During the evening Mrs. Erwin was presented with a beautiful couch and at a late hour the guests departed wishing’Mrs. Erwin many more such happy events. Dick Christen returned Tuesday morning from Fort Wayne, where he accompanied Frank Durkins, who was operated upon yesterday afternoon at the St. Josehp hospital by Dr. McOscar. Dick stated that the operation pissed off successfully and that Frank rallied from the same in a strong condition, and when he left was resting well. This is the third operation that Frank has had performed upon him in the last two years, the first being necessary on account of an attack of appendicitis. Tlio wound failed to heal properly and the other two were performed with the object of curing Frank from the first operation. Dr. McOscar, who performed the operation yesterday stated to Mr. Christen that he fully expected to cure Frank this time and again mike him a strong man. Dr. Rosenthal performed the other two operations. The ci’v council met in regular session Tues, night. Every member was present and some routine business was disposed of. Upon motion of Mr. Fordyce, the bill for extra volunteer firemen who assisted in the Bremer kamp fire was referred to the tire committee The bill for the regular firemen ’was allowed after some discussion A bill presented by Charley Woodward for hanging paper was referred to proper committee B. XV. Sholty and Daniel Sprang filed a proof of publication and posting of notices in the matter of acting outlet number 81 of the Nuttman addition to the city of Decatur, and a resolution to vacate the lot was adopted. A motion for an ordinance for bonds for the Harting sewer presented and carried unanimously. After allowing the following bills the council adjourned to meet again Thursday evening.: W Holthouse Drug Co., supplies, $5.05; H. O. Bowstnnn labor, S2B;T. R. Moore, supplies, $19.08; J. XV. Jeffery, labor. S3B 70; XVm. Burkhead. labor, 2$ 15; Wm. Spencer, supplies, $25; Wells Fargo & Co., express, 55c; Frank McEwen, labor, $15.75; L G. Ellingham, advertising, $40.10; John XV. Robison, rent. $18; Black burn* Christen, supplies, $2.58; B. F. Middleton, labor, $1.67;1JC. <Sr E Rv Co., ooal freight, $35.10: Standard Oil Co., supplies, $49.01; New York Coal Co., coal. $36.02; Fort Wayne Electric Co., supplies, $39.07; Loohinvar Coal Co., coal. $40.32; Walter Scully, coal. $95.70; Electric Applicane Co.,"supplies. $45.08; salaries for ees, sl9l ;City Trucking Co., dryage, $39.95; Sam Fransk, police, $45; Wm. Geary, police, $10; Joel Reynolds, police, sls; John Cost-e, salary, $45.83; XV. E. Fulk, express. $8.95; W. E Fulk, stamps, $5; XV. E. Fulk, pay roll, $225: F. E. Meyer & Bro , supplies. 34c; L. C. Helm, pav roll for tire department* for Bremerkamp tire $130.50.

Homer Lower and family left Thursdao for Pittsburg, Pa., where Homer has accepted a position with Thomas Donalson, a prominent I hor«e dealer, of that place, to act in tie capacity of gene)al overseer of a large stock farm, and prep ire horses shipped to Mr. Dmalson f r the market. Mr. D.nalson is the man whom Johnson and several other horse buyers from this city ' ship to, and who owns a large sale i barn in Pittsburg, conducting a horse sale every week. The duties 'of Mr. Lower will be merely to i oversee this place and see that all work is done in the’proper manner. This position carries with it a handsome salary and Mr. Lower is to be congratulated upon his success. A real estate deal was consummated Friday evening which means I the building of addition to several I Monroe street business houses. I Tho deal has been on for j several months and was finally I closed in time to get the buildings I completed in the early spring. C. I W. Boknecht sold a slice of his l Third street property between the Robinson hotel and the rear of the buildings which front on Monroe street. The property was divided into seven lots each, about eighteen feet wide and twenty-six feet in length. The lots were taken bv M- F. Rice, C. XV. Boknecht, P. G. Hoop°r, James Bain Eich of the ‘men who own buildings on Monroe | street, Messrs. Rice, Boknecht, Hooper and Biin will build additions to extend back about twenty feet. To the south of them a pri vato alley, eight feet wide will be allowed. The Monroe street buildings are occupied bv the Journal I office, Boknecbt’s saloon and Bain’s meatmarket. The Hooper building is to be occupied by a wholesale ! commission house. The lots sold ; at a fancy price. Miss Marie Patterson had an exrperience last evening nt her home jon Second street with a drunken I man that in all probability she will i not soon forget. Her parents.. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Patterson, had left home to spend the evening with friends and had left Miss Marie in charge of the house and her brother. Bruce, who went to bed early in the evening. Miss Marie sat up uni til ten o’clock reading and then ’ started for her room te retire, hut ;in doing so glanced out of the wini dow and saw a man walking up on j the back porch. She became so • frightened that «he rushed into her I room and leaked the door, while | the man boldlv opened the door land waited into the kitchen, pulled ■ up a rocking chair by the fire and i went to sleep. The young lady I hv this time hid calmed herself to j a certain extent and thought it I was her father, but at this mo■ment the man commenced to snore and she at once knew it was n [stranger, as her father did not ■ «nore in that tone. She stayed in i her room until twelve o'clock, i nearlv frightened to death, when she heard the familiar voices of her father and mother and at once became relieved. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson name into the ! house hv the front door and seeing a lisht in the kitchen Mrs. Patterson thought that pnssiblv her little son was still up. and went out to see. In a moment she was again i hv the side of her husband, hardly ! able to sav a word, hut at last ' managed to explain. Mr. Patteri son at once where he found the 1 fellow fast asleep and in a drunken j condition. He rndnlv awakened the man and “fired" him from the l house, much to the relief of Mrs. I Patterson and Miss Marie, who . were still thoroughly frightened. Mr. Patterson stated that he did not know the man and did not i think be intended doing anything harmful, but was merely looking for a fire and place to sleep and in I his drunken condition staggered inIto his home. Mr. Patterson says I that his wife and daughter had mt : fully recovered from their fright : yet. Policeman Reynolds picked the fellow up. Haproved to he J. XV. Kernan, a pvdtsman, wiio had been working here several days. He was fined a dollar and costs at 4jis hearing this afternnon and went Ho jail.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLX

NUMBER 49

Commissioner's court c.pened with a crowded docket and the presence of many people who were interested in a maoudam road, a ditch or some other business which required the sanction of the board. The Edward Staley macadam road petition was continued after objections had been imide to the notice, which was sustained. The petition was amended. The B. F. Wiley pej tit ion to vacate highway, L. Miller, John XV. Holler and Edward Zimmerman were appointed view ers. Joshua R. Parrish was ap pointed constable 'for Washington township. The Harry R. Grove macadam road petition was again continued. A remonstrance was filed by J. F. Lohman and o’hers to the Julius .lohnloz application for license at Monroe, and XVednesday was set for hearing the c ise. The viewers' reports on the J. F. Snow and J. L. Hook ditch petitions were approved. Leonard XV. Johnson, truant officer of Adams county, and one of the best known farmers of this community,- died at three o’clock Thursday, after a short illness, at his home three miles south of town. He suffered an attack of lagrippe about ten days ago, but aft?r a few days he improved and Monday was able to get about. That night however, he suffered i relap*e and his illness soon deyelped inio pneumonia and assumed a serious nature. His family and physicians did everything in their pnwer to relieve him but he sank rapidly and at the hour mentioned death relieved him. Lem Johnson as he was familiarly known was ■ >ne of the best citizens of this county and his kindly face and hearty handshake carried good cheer wherever they went. He was popular here and whenever he came to town was greeted on every hand by his friends. He was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Aug ust 5, 1836, being sixty eight years, five months and twenty-nine years old. He came to this county in 1837 with his parents, James and Eliza Johnson. He was reared and educated here and endured all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He was married October 23, 1866, to Miss Priscilla Wisner and to them were born seven chillren, several of whom have preceded the father in death. He was one of the best soldiers sent out from this county. He enlisted August 9, 1862, in Company H. 89th Indiana Infantry Volunteers and was mustered out at Indianapolis, Jnd., Sepember 5, 1865, serving three years and one month. He was with the com-nand and pirtioi pited in the following battles: Queen's Hill, Mississippi, February 4, 1864; Meridan, Miss., Feb. 14, 1864; Fort Dußussev, La , March 21, 1864; Henderson’s Hill, Li., March 21. 1864; Pleasant Hdl, La., April 9, 1864 ; Gov. M ’ore’s Plantation, La., May 7, 1861; Marksville Prairie, May 16. 1864; Yellow Bayou, Li., Mav 18, 1864; Lake Chioote, Arkansas. June 5, 1864; Tupelo, Miss., July 14, 1861; Nashville, Tenn., Die. 15, 1864, and Fort Blakely, Ala., April 9, 1865. In the months of October and November, 1861. his command was on the Missouri expedition leaving Sr. L >uis, Mo.. Oct. 2, 1864, and returning to St. Louis. Mo., Nov. 21, 1564. making 713 miles on foot As a soldier no better ever carried a gun or marched against the enemy. As a comrade he was good a true hearted one, the night never so dark or stormy that Comrade Johnson would not go and do his fellow bomrade a favor and when the news of his death c.atne this morning, sincere tears stood in the eyes of more than one of the boys who wore the blue with him. Three years rtf o Mr. Johnson was elected truant officer of the county and the tedious luties have lieon lierformed faihtfully and well. XVe offer sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones in their hour of trouble. The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon «t two o'clock at the Methodist church in this city. Rev. Piyne of the St Paul church will officiate, assisted by Rev. J. C. White 1 -‘nr-n--I* —h,, mile at M.. pie «*»«a1 com. ,i r...