Decatur Democrat, Volume 49, Number 8, Decatur, Adams County, 27 April 1905 — Page 1

aIL THENEWS all the time

VOLUME xlix.

I The “at home” to 1)6 given by ||«esdames Thomas, Hooper and All|liaon at the latter’s home tor Mrs. II rx nf Bellefountaine, Onio, will IB be given Friday afternoon instead 11 of Th irsday as stated in our issue ffl o f yesterday. E Monroe Blossom returned today || to the Soldiers’ Home at Marion, | Ind. after s P endin ß bis tbirf y | davs' furlough here with friends f| aD d relatives. While at Marion f| Monroe keeps himself posted on I Decatur happenings by reading the || Daily Democrat. The Euterpean society will meet | Thursday evening, with Mrs. C. C. | Schafer when the following pro- | aram will be rendered: Solo. Miss | Marie Patterson ; Five Minute Essay ■ on Alfred Austin, Mrs. E. A. Allen; I Solo, Miss Josephine Niblick; Read- | ing, Miss Fay Smith; Solo Miss | Carrie Thomas; Five Minute Paper |on Dudley Buck, Lila Hoffman; | Solo, Miss May Niblick; Biograph- | ical Sketch of Hofmann, Mrs. Chalmer Schafer; Solo, Miss Lucile Bryson. Eugene Barnes, of Geneva, was here on business Tuesday, part of which business was the renewal of his Democrat subscription. Mr. Barnes has taken every paper—and paid for them—that was ever printed by the present publisher. This peculiar distinction is one of which we are proud, as it covers a period of eighteen years. Pat Hyland Thursday secured a contract from the Bank of Berne to put in a steam heating job. A number of outside bidders were present, but Pat succeeded in underbidding them all, and has properly closed up his contract with the bank. Work will start as soon as the material arrives, and the same pushed to completion. The same fixtures will be used as was used in the Burt House in this city. Mrs. 0. D. Lewton gave a farewell party for Mrs. Miles Pillars, who leaves with her husband, Thursday evening for Jonesboro, Arkansas, where they expect to make their future home. About a ? dozen ladies enjoyed the hospitality I of the Lewton home last evening and the occasion will be a happy remembrance for Mrs. Pillars, as well as the other guests present. V. S. Day, of Alexandria, was here Monday, looking for a location for himself and brother to open a real estate and insurance office. The firm have been in the same business at Alexandria for several years and have been very successful. They are making a change owing to the fact that the failure of gas has flattened out their town with the rest of the belt I cities and wish to settle in a prosperous, steady growing city. Twenty-five car loads of ties and other material for the construction of the new yards, tracks etc., for the Clover Leaf division arrived last evening and are being unloaded today along the “y” just south of the old Protestant cemetery. We are informed that machinery and ties are being loaded at Delphos and Toledo and will be here in a few days. By May Ist the work of construction will be ■under way and Superintendent Shonts’ words, “It must be done by the time snow flies,” will no doubt prove true. Petty thieves have been getting in their work the past few days and relieving the South End Bargain Store of numerous articles. The last thing to mysteriously mike its disappearance being a pair of shoes, which were taken from the advertising rack outside. The shoes, however, were not mates, one being a 4% size and . the other a 7 size, and the party taking them will experience oonsid- ( erable trouble in using them. At the same time, however, two pair of Oxfords made their disappearance and have not as yet turned U P- Suspicion rests upon several parties, and unless the goods are returned inmmediately prosecutions will follow, otherwise nothing will be said. The shoes the management can easily identify and the guilty party will be unable to use them for anything but ornaments-

The Fullenkamp lot sale was held Tuesday and was a success. The eight lots brought $2376, selling for from $225 $340, an average of 1297. Those who bought were ■ H erman Derkes, two; Fred Bentz, two; Fred Thieme, two; L. A. Gra- . ham, one and Henry riite, one. , A masquerade surprise was held Friday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Dorwin, who reside on North Second street, in honor i cf Mrs. Miles Pillars, who leaves next Ihursday for Jonesboro, Arkansas, where they expect to make their future home. A large crowd was present and the surprise was complete in every respect. The i evening was spent in numerous games and music, and refreshments were served. Before departing the guests presented Mrs. Pillars wi<Ti a solid silver berry spoon as a token of their friendship. Sheriff Butler received an order from the clerk of the superior court, Fort Wayne, demanding the immediate return of the writ of execution issued against the city of Decatur in the case brought by George E. McKean. The latter obtained judgment for <450, and the city gave notice that they would appeal. In some way the appeal was delayed and the time expired. Mr. McKean's attorneys then had the execution issued Since that time, however, the appeal has been properly made and the appellate court has issued a superoedeas, which stops the exeoutijn until the case has been heard in that court. The horse sale held Thursday at the Riverside livery stables by the Decatur Horse Sale company, was without doubt one of the largest sales of this kind ever held in this city. Sixty-five head of horses were offered for sale and all were sold. A large crowd was present and the bidding was high and spirited. The horses offered for sale were a clean bunch and as sound as a dollar. Fred Reppert- did the auctioneering and his work was clever, and no doubt resulted in the high prices that the animals brought. Another sale will be held at the same place on May 6th. You should enter your horses. Frederick Richards, who was paroled from the state prison at Michigan City, on December 24, 1904, paid cur town a visit, Saturday and shook hands with many old acquaintances. He had not seen Berne for over twenty years, and expressed his surprise at the growth of our burg and said he could get lost in it now. He remembers the faces of many of the older citizens and business men, but has trouble in recalling names. Mr. Richards has of late been working in Monroe and east of there where he did some ditching. While at the ditching his feet became wet and as a consequence he suffered with rheumatism for a few days. His health otherwise is first rate. Mr. Richards is one of the tallest and heaviest men in the community His weight at present is 265 pounds, but used to be over 300. His age is 56.—Berne Witness. John M. Welke, a prominent young business man, and his sweetheart, Miss Minnie Melching. were the principals in a frightful tragedy which occurred Tues, night shortly before 12 o’clock at the home of exSheriff Melching, 326 East Wayne street, in a fit of jealous rage Welker shot the young woman twice, inflicting probably fatal injuries, then put a bullet into his own and cut his throat with a penknife. It is hardly possible that he can recover. The couple had been devoted lovers for more than a year past. Evidnces of a fierce struggle leads to the belief that she had no warning of her im pending fate and fought her assailant to the last. There were no witnesses to the awful scene, but all the evidence goes to show that Welker carefully planned his part in the tragedy and carried it out with deliberation Miss Melching is .shot through the left breast and has another wound through the left cheek, the bullet probably lodged in the brain, She received the attention of Drs. A. H. Macbeth and Dr. Schiok.-Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1905.

Seven carpenters are busily engaged at present on the big bank barn at the county infirmary, and are pushing it through to completion. The barn is to be a large one and will add materially to the appearance of the farm, and was a badly needed building. Miss Lizzie Gault and Mr. Ervie E. Elzie were married in. a queit way Saturday at three o’clock, by Rev. G. E. Luke, at the (J. B. parsonage. All would have gone well had not Mr. Elzie been way laid on his way home by some “footpads” and compelled to “set ’em up.” The worthy couple start life in their new relations under favorable circumstances and are followed with the best wishes of many friends. The International Revenue department of the government has made a new ruling regarding the dispositon of cigar boxes which will be of interest locally. The new regulations have caused many inquiries to be made of revenue col lectors over the state to what right dealers have to use the boxes or whether or not they may be given away as heretofore. In giving away empty cigar boxes dealers formerly scratched the stamps only. The new ruling provides that not only the revenue stamps, but also the caution notice and brand be destroyed. This rule goes into effect May 1. Jacob Heath, a well known young farmer, who lives near Bobo, collapsed this morning, while standing in front of Smith, Yager & Falk’s drug store, falling to the sidewalk and striking his head on the front of the building. An ugly gash was cut over his right eye, requiring severel stitches. He was unconosious and was carried into the store and Dr. D. D Clark called, who attended the injured man. He regained consciousness in a few minutes and was able to go home, though a severe sickness may fol low, unless be takes good care of himself. Heath is a hard worker and the physician says his present state of exhaustion is due to that fact. A the meeting of the Kort Wayne Presbytery in Kendallville this week the Rev. Asher H. Brand was chosen moderator and Rev. E. E. Combrink of Ossian, was elected permanent olerx. Theodore Fulton a student of the Winona Lake school, whose father is a missionary in China, was received under the care of the presbytery. Mr. Fulton was born and raised in China and speaks the Chinese language fluently and will take up work there on bis graduation at Winona. On the vote of 35 to 3 the overture pertaining to the union of the Cumber land Presbyterian church and the Presbvterian church of North America was adopted.

Dr. Miles S. Porter, of Fort Wayne, assisted by Dr. S. D. Beav ers and Dr. H. F. Costello of this city, Tuesday morning performed an operation upon Louis H. Bochnect, at his home in Root township. This operation was the result of a severe attack of gall stone colic that Mr. Bochnect suffered last Saturday while in this city. The operation was a success in every respect and was what is known as a double operation, the appendix and gall stones being removed at the same time. The operation was a tedious one and consumed the greater part of an hour and a half to complete the same. The appendix and gall stone bladder were both found Lo be in a very bad oondiition and Dr. Porter considered both operations necessary. Mr. Bockneoht stood the operation fairly well, but owing to the long standing of the disease and his physical condition being somewhat run down, does not make him the best subject for a full recovery. The doctors however, are of the opinion that he will recover, but in the future will be forced to take the best of care of himself. A trained nurse has the case in charge and Mr. Boknecht is being given the best of care and attention. That the operation was a success will no doubt prove encouraging news to his many friends.

Secretary C. D. Kunkle, of the Great Northern Fair association, informs us that arrangements have been made to secure the Fountain City famous lady band for Wednesday of the fair. This is one of the greatest musical orgmiaztion of the country and should prove a good attraction. Sunday, May 7th a special service will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic church, at which time a class of fifty-two children will receive their first communion. This class consists of twenty-seven girls and twenty-five boys, and is one I of the largest that has been taken | into the church in years. This t oommuniou service is held every year, and is always an attractive one. and draws a large audience. On the following Sunday, May | 14th, Bishop Alerding will arrive and confirm the entire class, at which time they will be made full members of the church. All the local members of the Eagle lodge met Monday evening at John Reiter’s barber shop and made preliminary arrangements to organize an Aerie in his city. The necessary blank applications have been sent for and as it only takes fifty members to secure a charter, the organization will no doubt I prove a success. This step is being taken for the reason that the local members do not feel able to go to Fort Wayne to attend meeting and if an Aerie can be secured in this city will be able to save money and time. A paper will be circulated for membreship in a few days. It is quite the fashion, so Tuesday afternoon Miss Lucile Bryson announced to a company of her friends that on Tuesday afternoon, June sixth, she would wed Mr. Jerimiah Willson Torrance. The announcement was made to a company of t riends whom she enterrained this afternoon. The nuptial knot will be tied and the event properly celebrated at her Fifth street home, at half past two on the date named. It will be a large and fashionable wedding, the invitation list numbering three hun dred. The bride to be is the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Bryson, and is a general favorite with everyone in the city. The lucky benedict is a prominent business man of Marion, being a a druggist and well established. After their marriage they will spend some time in travel and after October fifteenth, will l>e at home to their friends at four hundred and three, West Fourth street, Marion. The guest of honor this afternoon is Miss Josephine Wiedemann of Eldorado, Kansas. Light refreshments were served, One of the finest social events ever held in this city was given Mondayevening by Med, Tom and True, when they held their after Easter ball at the Entre Nous club. The hall had been beautifully decorated and the floor was in prime condition for the dancers, and presented’a neat, pleasing appearance to the on-looker. The largest crowd that has attended a dance in years, was present, and at times the floor was too crowded for fine dancing. Among this crowd were a number of strangers who seemed j to enjoy the event to the fullest ex- [ tent. The event was the occasion of bringing forth many new spring I gowns of the latest designs, and patterns. The music was furnished by Med and True and they rendered nothing but the latest and up to date dance music. The grand march was called promptly at nine o’clock, after which the ■ musicians were kept busy making music for the merry feet of the dancers, and the capacity of the big floor was always taxed. At eleven o'clock an intermission was called when refreshments were served, after which the dancers proceeded with their enjoyment until a late hour. During the evening Med. Tom and True were kept busy acknowledging the compliments bestowed upon them for the easy manner in which they handled the large crowd. These boys are becoming famous in this line, and any time their name is connected with a social event its success is assured.

The Ladies’ Shakespeare club closed their year's work Monday evening with an entertainment at the Methodist church. A number of invited guests were present and the occasion was enjoyable and interesting. A musical program of merit was given by local tilent, after which Miss Niblack of Indianapolis, lectured on the subject, “Japanese Art.” Her talk was instructive and proved her thorough acquaintance with the subject. Following this part of the program an informal reception was held in one of the church parolrs, where light refreshments were served. The Schafer Hardware oompiny continues to grow in a marvelous manner. They closed a deal Monday whereby they purchased the complete stock of Walter Kauffman, who has operated an up to date harness store on North Second street for several years. The stock is being removed tnis afternoon. They have also contracted with Mr. Kauffman to take charge of their harness department located in the addition formerly occupied by the Economy store. He will superintend ail the work in that department and every set of harness sold at this store hereafter will be handmade right in the store, where you can see for yourself what you are getting. They will employ several harness makers and will add to the force as necessary. This new department will be made one of the leading ones in this big store. Mr. Kauffman is capable and courteous and will treat you right if you call on him. Thursday was the most strictly observed of all Jewish holidays, known as Pasach, and commonly called the Passover, or Jewish Easter. This holiday is observed throughout the world by orthodox and reformed alike by the change in the daily diet. Everything leavened is removed, and only unleavened food is consumed. The holiday is observed during one entire week, and during that time “matzos” take the place of bread, ana all pastry is made from matzos and potato flour. The matzos is a large, round cracker which is made of flour and water and baked hard. Family reunions are among the pleasant features of the holiday, and members who may be absent from home during the entire year, appear at the family fireside during the celebration. The poor are also given special attention, and every family which is unable to secure the necessary food is furnished with enough for their wants by some one of the many charitable organizations.

Benjamin Breiner, one of the oldest citizens of this county, died at 3 o’clock Saturday, at his home, on North Tenth street, after suffering since February Ist with a complication of diseases, originating with the grippe. He was nearly seventy-nine years old, having been born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, September 5. 1826. He came to this county forty-one years ago and located on a farm in Kirkland township, where he lived until four years ago, when he moved to this city and has since led a retired life. He was first married to Miss Catharine Goldner in 1849, and to them was born one daughter, Mrs. William Ehle, of Allen county, the latter surviving her father and was with him in his last hours. Mrs. Breiner died about nine years ago, and on October 5, 1897, he was married to Mrs. Mary A. Linn, of this city, who survives him. Mr. Breiner was a devoted member of the German Lutheran church at Preble for many years, but after moving here assisted in the erection of a church of his faith, and then transferred his membership here. He was an earnest worker and believer in his church, a law abiding and patriotic citizen and a man who believed in “doing to others as he would have others do to him.” Other relatives who mourn their loss are six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three brothers, the latter being John .William and Reuben Breiner of this county.

CIRCULATION # 2800 WEEKLY

Tues, night was the occasion of a most complete surprise on Mrs. Samuel Doak at her home, on West Monroe street, when forty-two of the Woman’s Relief Corps and other friends invaded the home to remind that lady of her birthday anniversary. The surprise was planned and executed by the W. R C., and was as usual a grand success After the turmoil incident to such an invasion had subsided and congratulations were over, the crowd engaged in various games and guessing contests. At 9:30 the Variety Mandolin club put in its appearance and enlivened the occasion with several new and up to date selections, which were frequently encored. At eleven o’clock refreshments were served, and all left at a late hour wishing Mrs. Doak many more such happy returns, and claiming that they had spent one of the most enjoyable evenings in the history of their lives. At two o’clock Tuesday afternoon Attorneys H. U. Hanna, of Fort Wayne, Shaffer Peterson and J. C. Moran, representing Mrs. Sarah Eble, filed suit against Mary A. Breiner and Levi Linn, executor of the estate of Benjamin Breiner, to set aside a will. Mr. Breiner died last Friday and was buried Mon day. Yesterday his will was probated and it was found he had left eveiything to his second wife, whom he married only a few years ago, cutting his only child, Mrs. Ehle, of Allen county, off with only twenty-five dollars. The will was written October 25, 1898. The complaint says that at that time Mr. Breiner was not of sound mind, but in his dotage and incapable of making a proper distribution of his property; that he lived alone with his wife who had undue influence over him and caused him to believe fraudulent representations against the daughter, and to nake his will in such way as to cut her out of same almost entirely. The council met Tues, evening in continued regular session, Mayor Coffee presiding and all members present. A resolution was presented by Mary E. Hanna for the vacation and replatting of the Nuttman northwest addition to the city. The resolution was adopted. This addition, which is soon to be put upon the market contains about thirty lots. Mayor Coffee announced that the board of health appointments under the new law were Dr. H. E. Keller, secretary; Homer Cross and George Louthan. The members filed their bonds ajd qualified by taking the oath of office. The ordinance for the electric light line to be extended to Bell View farm was read and adopted, all members voting aye but Teeple. It provides that the line be put in by A. K Bell, whe pays all costs, guarantees four meters on the line and receives credit for his lights until same is paid to him in return. The line must be completed by June Ist. The bill of Fred Hoffman was referred to the purchasing committee. The matter of supplying water to the Chicago & Erie railroad was referred to the water works’committee. Mr. Fordyce moved that the city attorney be instructed to notify C. F Johnson that the city of Decatur would pay to him the balance due him after ascertaining the exact cost of putting the unit bought of him in such condition of repairs as it was agreed the same was in when bought, and after making proper deductons for delays and additional expense caused by said Johnson. Porter seconded the motion and all voted aye, but Teeple, who seems to have acquired the habit of voting against all motions but his own. Mr. Porter moved the adoption of a resolution for the city to issue orders amounting to 14118 to John S. Bo wets for the city’s part of the Elm street sewer, assessments, same falling due in amounts of from SSOO to SIOOO and cn dates six months apart from July Ist next to February 1, 1908. Porter and Kirsch voted aye and Gaffer, Teeple, Fordyce and Buhler nay. Motion was lost. Council adjourned.

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