Decatur Democrat, Volume 50, Number 3, Decatur, Adams County, 22 March 1906 — Page 1

, SLL THE NEWS , ALL THE TIME

VOLUME l.

£ Burt Lenhart, M. £. Hower, and Lathes Hower went to Ossian this morning tc attend a district meeting of the K. cf P. lodge. Will Soberer celebrated his birth day Saturday evening, being forty eigh t vears old. A crowd of his friends from Monroe called and surprised him. Refreshments were jervod and a gocd time indulged in. Miss Florence Sprunger delightfully entertained a party of young people from Berne last evening, at her home on First street, and from all reports a fine time was had. The party of twenty made the drive in a bob sled and were in just the right mood for a good time. The evening was spent in playing progressive pedro and dancing, after which a two course luncheon was served and at a late hour the guests departed voting Miss Springer a charming entertainer. Hear Dr. Gao.. L. Cole at the M. E. church, March 26, Monday evening, 7:30. Admission twenty five cents. The lecture was of great va’ne and the view very beautiful and impressive. D.-. Cole talks with the ease and fluency of a man who ie thoroughly ac quaiuted with his subject and is full o' enthusiasm. The description of the habitations of these strange folks, the ancient cliff dwellers and those of the present time, illustrated with the pictures, formed one of the most instructive features of this year s work.— Grand Rapids (Mich. ) Evening Press.

It is important to fishermen of Indiana to remember that begin ning with Tuesday, March 20, it is unlawful to take any fish from the akes in any manner, even with hook and line, until May 15. The statement is made by some fishermen of this vicinity that the closed season is too early to serve the purpose of the law’s enactment, namely, to protect the bass and ether varieties during the spawning season. However, the fact may be. the law prohibiting the taking of fish from the lake in any manner between the dates set is the law of the state to be entered, as all other laws should be enforced, and all will be expected to conduct themselves aoordingly.

Repiesentative Cromer's friends have obtained from the post office department what they 'believe is absolutely reliable information to the effect that Cromer will be permitted to recommend successors to all of the eighth district postal employes who may be dismissed as a result of the recent invest! gation, and that his recommends tions will be honored to the same oxtent, as a charge against his postmasters never bad been filed. Cromer's friends have been very anxious that his rights in this matter should not be impaired. The loss of a few postmasters and carriers will not be highly important to Mu. Cromer's political interests provided he can name their sue cessors —lndianapolis Star.

Lewis Siev’d reslurant at Mon roeville was completely destroyed by fire at 11:15 Sunday night. A diepatch from there says: Night "atchman Charles Bremen had passed the building looking in about 11 o'clock and then proceed ®d on regular rounds. At that time Mr. Bremen shook the door see whether it was looked and that there were no signs of bro. About ten days ago fire was discovered in the bakeshop of this building and the indications at boat ti-n e and at the fire Sunday D ‘pbt pointed to the use of coai c ‘‘ on the floor and sides of the building, The general opinion bore is that the fire was cf incen b'wy origin. The stock in the building was insured. The build la ? was owned by Mr. D. S. , ‘ c ‘delsheimer and was partialy in Bley formerly worked for • Mills here. He went to MonvHe about three months ago. ui® is his third fire within thirty 8 y ? - Galloglv & Haefling of this y. carried the insurance, 1500, u the Indiana pc Hoy company and thorough investigation of the ( P 9e of bbe fire will be made before loss is paid.

Übcatilr

John F. Snow has been abed and quite sick for several days with an ilness bordering on catarrhal fever. His physician has succeeded in bieiking in on the fever and his immediate recovery is now expected. I nclaimed letters remain as advertised at the postoffice for the following persons: Mr. Henry Delmer, L. B. Kistler, Francis Wil’, son, H. Simpson, two; Mr. J. MoMorgan Mr. Edward Mahon, Miss Marie Blaising. A. Brittson. post master. Treasurar J. F. Laohot had not been in Berne since three months ago. During the last few months he became too lonesome for his Berne friends to stand being away from them any longer, so yesterday he and wife plowed through the snow on train No. 2 to Spend a short vist here.—Berne Witness. The funeral services of Joseph bmith. who died We nesday afternoon. were held this morning at 8:30 o’clock at the St. Mary's Catholic church, ’Father Wilken officiating. A large crowd was in attendance to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased and Father Milken spoke at length concerning the pa-t life of our beloved citizen, and said many kind words to the bereaved family. Interment was made in the St. Jo seph cemetery. The floral offering was beautful and profuse. About forty ladies repsonded to invitations sent out by Mesdames Peterson and Lower for Saturday afternoon It being St. Patrick’s Day almost all the guests wore a touch of “the green” in honor thereof. Cards bearing the names of public persons were given out in pairs and each guest, by their conversation, had to make it known who they were, thus securing their partners for lunch. The house was decorated in green and white , the dining room being espe oially pretty. The lunch, which was very delicious, was served by Mesdames Hiram Greegg and C. O. France. The favors were pretty little shamrocks. The party was one of the most enjoyable given during th« past season.

Charles Brock left Monday for Fort Wayne, where he entered the Hope Hospital and was this morning, at 9 o’clock, operated up on by Dr. Maurice Rosenthal for gall stones of the bladder. For some time past Charles has been suffering untold agony from this disease and a few days ago wa advised by his local physician to go to Fort Wayne and place him self under the care of Dr. Rosen thal and have the seat of trouble removed. The opreation is a delicate one and according to Dr. Rosenthal s own statement the result- is in doubt. Mrs. John Brock, his mother, went to Fort Wayne this morning and be at his side during the ordeal.

As yet, no action has been taken on the mctioßS filed before the court yesterday in the Terrell case, says the Bluffton Banner. The motion was a request for the ap pointment of a special judge to take charge of the case, the motion being made at the request of John Taerrell’s guardian and filed by his attorneys, Sturgis & Stine and Jay Hindman. Judge Vaughn gave a representative of the Banner to un derstand this morning that there would be no special judge appointed. He stated that already the county had been to the expense of one trial for murder, two jury trials at which Terrell was declared insane and that the court had sentenced him to life imprisonment He stated that Governor Durbin, at the bequest of Terrell’s attorneys, had stenped in and sent Terrell to the asylum where he now remained Judge Vaughn said that this branch of the state no longer had any hold on Terrell and wanted none. If the attorneys for Terrell cared to secure posseesicn cf him, he stated that they had recourse habeas cor . pus proceedings. So far a he was concerned, the case in this court was closed at this time Just, what action will betaken remains to be seen.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 1906.

The young ladies of the Foreign Missionary society will give a bazaar in the parlors of the M. E. church Thursday and Friday, end ing with a chicken supper on Friday evening. Arrangements are being made for a delightful time and the young ladies extend an invitation to tho public. Joseph Johnson of Monroe, is home from Kendallville and says that R. O. Johnson and his father in-law wil] again secure the postoffice However, dispatches from Washington sav that the appoint ment of Mr. Alexander, the new man. has been confirmed by the s mate. A letter from Mrs. Jennie Studabaker from Los Angeles California, says that Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Fisher and herself have been enjoying life in that golden land exceedingly. They have taken in all the sights in the vicinity and will leave Wednesday of thisweek for San Francisco, where they will remain two or three weeks. Taey will perhaps reach home in about a month. Mrs. Miller will slop at Oakland, California, to visit old friends.

Irvin Brandbyerry and family left on the Monday Grand Rapids for Colorado, where a complete search for better health will be made. He sold his home and fur niture to County SuperintendentOpliDger, and has left nothing be hind to cause any worry. As has been lCj» known Mr. Brandy berry has sußwed from various ailments, anti he now proposes to give himself up to several months' rest and with the climatic change it is hoped complete restoration will come. Himself and family will go first to Longmont, Colorado, where a brother resides, and from there they will go to Boulder. A Short Horn cattle and Duroc Hog sale will be conducted at Columbia City, Indiana, sixteen miles northwest of Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Thursday, March 22, 1906. Quite a few farmers and breeders of Adams county have decided to at tend this sale where some of the best cattle and hogs m northern Indiana, bred and raised by the veteran breeder T. F. Adams, will be sold at auction. This is oer tainly a good opportunity to buy good cattle, the very thing that is needed in this community. This sale is close at home with very little railroad expense and should draw a good crowd from this vicin ity. Col. Fred Reppert, the auctioneer, will vouch for every animal to be as represented and urges every prospective buyer to attend this sale.

Oae week from next Friday the voters of Union township will determine whether or not they will join the progress of the eleven other townships in Adams county. They will determine whether or not they will improve their roads or continue to stick in the mud. It is now the only township in the county with no stone roads, built with proper grade and drainage and it is theoe two particular things that really make roads and protects them. The system of laying out a township and first building the important thoroughfares is the practical way to operate road im provement. They have caught the fever in the right way, and it is safe to predict that they will carry it out. and that in five years hence Union will claim more and better roads than any other township in the county. But right now is the time for the citizens to bristle up and to fight for better roads. It is true that macadam roads cost money, but under the law of taxa tion for that purpose is as nothing to compared to the benefits accrued. The taxes can not exceed two to three dollars on a one ,thousand dollar valuation, and who of Union or any other township would not gladly pay that amount for the benefits derived from good roads. Figure this out for yourself and note the small amount of taxes these improvements actually cost. When y >u do that not a vote will be recorded asgainst road improvement.

The N. E. B. club met last evening in social session with Miss Fan ny Rice, and from all reports a most enjoyable time was had. The evening was spent in playing progressive dominoes, the prize being won by Miss Susie Mayer. A three course luncheon was then served after which the guests depaited to meet next week with Miss Fanny Robinson. The Mennonites held a busines meeting yesterday and voted SSOO annualy for four years for the support of the college at Bluffton, Ohio, to be paid out of the church treasury. In addition to this sum fifty dollars more were pledged by individuals. These amount together with the $455 pleedged by eleven other members now makes an annual contribution of $1,005 from this congregation in addition to what had previously been subscribed.—Berne Witness. Saturday evening about twenty of the Ben Hur lodge, members and friends of Mrs. Ella Sprunger, went to her heme and surprised her, the oco. sion being in honor of her thirty-seventh birthday. Some very pretty musi cal selections were rendered by Miss Emily Wyatt and also some very amusing games in which all present took part. “Laugh” was the chief feature of the evening in which all participated to their heart’s desire. Mrs. Sprunger was the recipient of many beautiful and useful presents. At a late hour they adjourned for their homes wishing Mrs. Sprunger many more such happy birthdays. On account of the weather the LaDelle attraction will be given one week later, March 29. We want the children to see our mati nee and the heavy enow fall would make it almost impossible for them to attend. They will positively appear March 29, rain or shine. See what the San Francisco (Cal.) Examiner of August 2, 1905, says of LaDelle: “The success of La Delle, the magician, this week at Fisher's, is very flattering, when taken into consideration the short lime that has elapsed since the appearance of Howard Thurston at the same theatre only four weeks ago, being heralded and featured as no other magician was before in San Francisco. It must be very gratifying both to the manasers and Mr. LaDelle at the mighty re oept-ions he receive here on his ap pearance. He has truly shown us there is something really new in magic.”

On Saturday evening, March 17 a glorious time was had at the home ol Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Keller, on West Jackson street, Mon roe, it being the thirtieth anniver sary of Mr. Keller's birth. At about 6 o’clock the guests were ushered into the dining room, where a table was spread with the dainties of the season. After supper was served the evening was spent in a jolly conversation with each other. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Omer Lewellen, Rev. and Mrs, [Jas. A. Sprague and daughter Meriam, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Hoffer and daughter Martha. Mr. and Mrs. John Rickard and daughter Cecil, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hendricks and family, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvan Babcock, and Mr. Mrs. Abe Bullinger and family, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Noffsinger and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dentnei and family, Mr. and Mrs. William Keller and family, Mr. George Keller, Mrs. Amos Brandy terry Mrs. Millard Hendricks, Mr. Gro yer Sell, Mr. Ray Rickard, Mr. David Hullinger, Misses Adda and Trella Brandyberry, Ethel Hen drioks, G jldie Noffsinger, Daisy Andrews, and Zella Keller The out of town guests were Miss Parrot, Osceola. Indiana; and Miss Viola Hardman of Bradford, Ohio. Before parting prayer was offered and a few emotional words were spoken by Rev. Sprague of our love and devotion for Mr. and Mrs. Keller, who are thinking of leaving the community. All had a very delightul time and at a late hour departed, wishing Mr. and Mrs. Keller many more such happy events.

The famous reservoir case in court at Wapakoneta will probably go to the jury within a few days The trial commenced three weeks ago today, and with but one or two days intermission on account of deaths in the families of the jurors, has been a daily grind at the court house in Wapakoneta. The costs so far amount to about $5,000. The opinion of those who have followed the evidence" closely is that the state has made a very strong case and a conviction is an tioipated. Sunday was Grand-mother Elizabeth Robinson’s eighty ninth birthday and the event was celebrated in a manner that was fitting in every respect. About thirty of her relatives and intimate friends drove to her hume near Monmouth early Sunday m erring and spent the day with her. At noon a big dinner was served over which Grandmother Robinsen presided in all the dignity she possessed in her younger days and seemed tu enjoy the occasion immensely. Mrs. rtobinson is probably one of the oldest ladies in Adams county and we wish her many more suoh happy events.

Joseph Smith, one of the pioneers cf this city died Wednesday afternoon at his home on Mercer Avenue at three o’clock, death resulting from a stroke of paralysis which he suffered nearly two years ago. He was born in Adams county on what is Known as the old Hessler farm sixty-two years ago. When but a boyc-f eighteen summers he came to this city and accepted a position as foreman in the Shaokley Wheel company ’s mill, which were then located on First street, where Kirsch & Sellemeyer are now located. He remained with this firm until the concern went to the wall, when he opened up a wagon shop ard went into the business for himself in the same building and location where the wagon shop now stands. Several years after his venture as a business man he formed a partnership with his brother. Theodore Smith, which contnued nntil the death of the latter, which occurred several years ago. During thia partnership the business flourished in a pleasing manner and the firm became extensively known. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Wemhoff, who then resided at Fort Wayne and immediately after the ceremony there returned to this city where they made their home. Their married life was a happy one, until death dissolved this union, his wife being called to the great beyond in August, 1891. To this union were born thirteen children, ten of whom are stiil living, namely, Benjamin J., Sister Angelica, of New York, Leo, Mrs. Charles N. Christen, Nettie, Albion Lawrence, Joe, Mayme and Vincent. In 1897 he was again united in marriage to Miss Mary Bosse, which union was a happy one, she still surviving him To this union was born one child, Marguerite. Shortly after the death of his brother, Theodoie, Mr. Smith suffered an attack of paralysis and for a time his life was despaired cf. He rallied, however, and was soon able to be up and around although it was noticeable that his old time vigor had left him and that he suffered untold pain. He went to Detroit a short time ago and took course of treatment, but it seemed that nothing would aid him. He then returned home and immediately sold his business, having come to the conclusion that he had seen his day at the work bench and thatwhat he needed most was absolute rest and care. He rapidly failed from that time and two ago was taken to bed from which he was destined never to arise, the dread disease having too firm t. hold on him, A tew days ago the power of speech left him and then the family became aware that death was near at hand. He made a noble sigh; for life, but his constitution was unable to stand the rav ages of the disease and at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon death relieved him.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 3

Hugh Overly of Elkhart, a general all around horseman, being a trainer and a driver, was in our city Saturday in consultation with D W. Beery, trying to arrange mateers so that he could bring a string of horses to this city about April Ist and start to getting them in condition on the local track for the coming season. The two gentlemen had a talk with C. D. Kunkle, secretary of the Great Northern Indiana Fair association, in relation to the fair association keeping the track in condition [for spring training and from what we learn everything was stisfaotory. Mr. Overly was recommended to Mr. Beery by a large number of horsemen and is competent to handle the reins over any animal His experience is vast and he will, no doubt, have a large number of winners in his string. All the local horsemen have consented to place their speeders under Mr. Overly’s care and are confident ha will land them in the money. Mr. Overly guarantees a string of twenty five horses which is some inducement to the fair association in securing him for this place. Jacob does, sr., one of the oldest citizens of Decatur, and perhaps the oldest resident of Adams county, died Sunday morning at 7:30 o'clock’at his home on Third street, after an illness of one year, death resulting from rheumatism and other complications. Mr. Closs was born in Germany seventy nine years ago and when but a mere boy he migrated to this country with his parents, who at that time located at Maumee, Ohio, where they resided for three years, during that time conducting atavern, They then and looaated in this city there being at that time but affew houses here. They at once set up a tavern where the Old Adame County bank now

stands, and for a number of years did a thriving business. It was here that Mr. Close spent his boy hood days and was reared to man hood. In the year 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Spoiler at the old Catholic church in this city aand they at once set up housekeeping here. Two years after his marriage Mr. Close set up in the manufacture of shoes with Jesse Niblick, now deceased, ami this partnership lasted for several years, finally being dissolved and Mr. Close starting up in the gro eery business. This, it seems, did not suit him and a few years later he engaged in the jewelry bust neee, whichjhe continued until a few years ago when he was forced to quit business [owing to his age and ill health. During bis life time it was a pleasure to hear his recite the early history of this city and its gradual [growth from a village to its present prosperous state, and to tell of the hardships and troubles that the early inhabitants of this city experienced. Everything was wild and gloomy and the five houses standing when he came here were surrounded by a dense forest, which gradually disappeared £as the city became more thickly populated. Last October Mr. and Mrs. Gloss celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and this occasion seemed to be the happiest’event of his long life. A few weeks before this event was Celebrated he was stricken down and rendered helpless by rheuma tism and for a time his life was despaired of and it was at this time that he prayed to be allowed to celebrate his golden wedding. His prayers were answered and he was surrounded by his old friends and relatives, the day being most happily spent. For several months past he had been confined to his bed and was given the best of care and attention, but- his constitution was unable to withstand the ravages of the disease and yesterday morning death relieved him. The funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 8:30 o'clock at the St. Marys’ Catholic church of which be was a member. Father Wilken will officiate and interment will be made in the St. Joseph cem etery. He leaves a wife and one daughter. Miss Mary Close, one son, Jacob Closs, and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn their loss.