Decatur Democrat, Volume 50, Number 37, Decatur, Adams County, 15 November 1906 — Page 3

A USEFUL CAREER Wealth Estimated at a Quarter Million ~ SAD NEWS A TERRIBLE SHOCK While Melancholy From Overwork, He Rushed Into the St. Marys River. 'William H. Niblick, president of the Old Adams County bank, and one of the wealthiest and best known citizens of this county, drowned in the St. Marys river at the foot of Marshall street, a few moments after four o’clock Wednesday afternoon. The terrible news shocked the community as has no circumstance in years and could scarcely be believed by the many who heard it as the word flashed along the streets and from home io home. For a third of a centnry Mr. Niblick has been the busiest citizen of Decatur, amassing a large fortune and controlling many varied interests. Two years ago his health began failing and his mind w ; as seriously affected, due to the awful strain of a large business carried on for so many years. At times his mind seemed as rational as ever, but at others he would be melancholy, morose and unfit for business. During these periods he often said that he wished death would end his sufferings, but made no mention of anything that would tend to give the idea that he contemplated suicide. He seemed to want to get away from everybody and everything and would sit for hours by himself. Last Monday he seemed brighter than usual, but Tuesday and yesterday again seemed morose. He was in the bank nearly all afternoon, leaving just at closing time’, about 3:45. It is believed he turned east at the alley near Gay & Zwick’s store, then turned north emerging on Jackson street, east of the Fashion livery stable. Walking east from there he started toward the river on that street, but perceiving that Mrs. J. W. Bosse was watching him he turned to First street, went north to the alley nedr the John Waggoner residence, where he turned east, then north again and emerged at the foot of Marshall street, near the J. S. Bowers residence. Mrs. Bert Dibble saw him and realizing that something was wrong, sent word to the bank. C. S. Niblick, a brother, and several others hastened to the river. Mr. Niblick’s body could be plainly seen, ten feet from shore, lying in about three feet of water. John Debolt and Leo Meyers immediately went in and carried the lifeless body to shore where a crowd soon gathered. Mr. Niblick had laid his hat on an old boat and had waded out into the cold water until he fell and strangled to death. A cot was secured and the body was carried home, where the broken-hearted wife and son could scarcely be reconciled. Mrs. Niblick had already heard the terrible news and started for the river, but was by friends. A post mortem examination was held Thursday at nine o’clock at the home, Doctors J. S. Coverdale, S. D. Beavers, W. E. Smith, D. D. Clark, H. F. Costello, C. S. Clark, J. S. Boyers, E. G. Coverdale, J. M. Miller* W. W. P. McMillen and P. B. Thomas being present. The brain was taken out and a thorough examination made of the same which clearly showed the fact that he had been mentally unbalanced, as the brain was diseased throughout. The doctors Were however, all of the one opinion that he had one of -the greatest brains they had examined in years and that there was no wonder that he was the great thinker and mental calculator that men gave him credit for being. An examination was also made of the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver, all of which proved to be in a healthy cognition ami that be had suffered no fr< m their source. The concensus of opinion of all the dqctors was that the brain had become over-taxed by constant work and worry, and that it had reached the limit of emhirai and had become thoroughly diseased, which caused him to desire to en.l his life. Several small parts of the brain were taken by the doctors tnd will be sent to a noted scientist i‘ >r his inspection and opinio!’- ’ While it was known that Mr. Niblie': was i:i poor health, the shock of his sudden death was keenly felt by everyone who heard it. Men and women wept upon the street and the sad event was the sole subject of conversation last evening and today. The deceased was born in this county fifty-one years ago last March, being the second oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Niblick, pioneers of this

county. He was reared and educated .here at when quite young began the banking business, which he followed successfully for thirty-five years. In 1871 he began work as bookkeeper in a private bank owned by Niblick & Nuttman. The following year the Adams County Bank was organized and Mr. Niblick, then but seventeen years old, held a responsible place, every moment of his time he devoted to his labors, scarcely taking any rest. He held every office in the bank, acting as cashier for years and for several years has served as president. Besides his bank duties, he attended to an unlimited amount of other business, having acted as guardian for hundreds of children and settled innumerable estates. He owned stock in various banks, was an officer of the Decatur Egg Case Company, treasurer of the German Building & Loan Company, a director of the Portland Cement Works, Jackson, Michigan, and interested in various other enterprises. His wealth is estimated at $250,000 and his funds are in excellent condition. Foi* two years he has practically been retired, owing to his health and the time has been devoted to closing up his business affairs, the result being that he has retired from many of the institutions with which he was connected. His wealth, besides his stocks, consists of several splendid farms, business houses in this city and Fort Wayne, his palatial residence, many dwellings and $26,000 in life insurance. He also holds an interest in the Niblick Store, which is closed today. The bank will remain open excepting Saturday morning. The funeral services will be held Saturday morning at nine o’clock at the St. Marys Catholic church, Rev. H. Theo Wilken officiating. Interment will be made at St. Joseph cemetery. Mr. Niblick had many friends over the* county. He never refused aid to a worthy cause and hundreds of poor people looked to him in times'Nxf need. No man was so unworthy that “Billy” Niblick would not secure and hundreds of acts of charity of which the public knew nothing. He was a splendid business man and gave his aid in any enterprise which would help the city. He served for many years as city councilman and his advice was always timely. He was an ardent Democrat and always found time to discuss the issues and to help his party in any wa.y _ he could. He will be missed in many circles and there are. many’ sad hearts in this county today. He leaves a wife, one son Jesse, four brothers, John, James, Charles and Dan, and two sisters, Misses Mary and Amelia, and an aged mother, besides many other relatives and friends. Statement by the Physicians. A post-mortem examination of the body of Wm. H. Niblick was held at his home in this city from 9 to 11:30 a. m., November 8, 1906. The examination was conducted by Drs. D. D. Clark, H. F. Costello and P B. Thomas, in the presence of members of the Adams County Medical Society, and revealed the following conditions: The body was fairly well nourished and free from external marks of violence or disease. On opening the skull an intense congestion of the veins and sinuses of the brain was found, also inflammatory adhesions existing between the skull and brain on both sides of the superior longitudinal sinus. Granulations were found on the external surface of some of the convolutions of the brain. The convolutions were remarkable for their depth and number. Evidences of localized meningitis were found in different parts of the brain. These pathological findings account for the disorded mental condition of the deceased. The internal organs of the body were examined, but nothing of importance noted,- except a remote tubercular disease of the apex of the right lung. The lungs presented evidences of asphyxiation from drowning. P. B. THOMAS. H. F. COSTELLO. D. D. CLARK. RESOLUTION BY THE CLUB The Decatur Commercial Club have adopted the following resolutions: Decatur, Ind.. Nov. 9 1906. To the Officers and Members of The Decatur Commercial Club: Your committee appointed to draft resolutions touching the death of William H. Niblick, a fellow member of this club, beg your leave to submit the following resolutions: Be it resolved by the Decatur Commercial Club, that in the death of William H. Niblick, this club has lost a faithful and esteemed member, whose congenial companionship will be missed by all. 7 This community has lost a progressive, honorable, capable and conscientious citizen who, by bis wise counsel, as well as his financial aid has contributed much to the advancement and

prosperity of this city and county, and one whose timely advice and many charitable acts have endeared him to all classes of our people. The poor, the needy and the distressed have lost afriend to whom they never appealed in vain. His church has lost one of its most faithful and consistent members, who most liberally contributed in every way, to advance her interests.. Be it further resolved that we extend to the bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy and mingle our grief with theirs and that a copy of these resolutions be presented to them and published in the city papers. FRANK M. SCHIRMEYER. WILLIAM A. KUEBLER. JAMES T. MERRYMAN. - ■. RIGHT OF WAY COMPLICATIONS Cause Suspension of Several Days— Everything in Readiness Within Month. Work has not yet been resumed on the Fort Wayne & Springfield Interurban company’s Fort Wayne-Deca-tur road which is almost completed and which within a month could be ready for the operation of ears. Work on the road was suspended some days ago because of some right of way complications which came up and it is necessary for them to be disposed of before the construction operations can be resumed. It is hoped, however, that the matters will be settled soon. Since the suspension of work the weather has been very fine and much progress could have been made. There still remains about 380 feet of track to be laid to complete the connection, which would require only a few days. About half of the overhead wire has been strung and all the poles have been set. So far, only about one tie out of three has been spiked and about two weeks would be required to complete this work. The road bed is in such condition that traffic may be started as soon as the tracks and wire work are completed, without waiting for the ballasting gangs. The power house at Decatur has been completed ,the machinery installed and everything is in readiness for tne starting of the .cars as soon as the construction work is finished. — Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. IS KNOWN AS THE SEA RAVEN Can be Seen Soon in Hensley’s Window—Bird is a Native of Foreign Lands. Frank Meyers, Monday captured a rare bird known as a cormarant. He was hunting near Preble when he saw the strange bird and shot it, crippling it so he captured the bird. Yesterday it was accidentally killed and Mr. Meyers brought it to D. M. Hensley, who is preparing it for exhibition. In a day or two it may bt seen in Mr. Hensley’s window. The carmorant is known as the ■sea raven, is a genus of sea birds and it is safe to say this is the first ever seen in this locality. It is a native of the coast of South America, Asia and England, and is rarely seen in North America. The bird measured five feet from tip to tip and was flying very swiftly when shot by Meyers. The carmorant is a deep sea fisher and can dive deeper than any known bird, always returning to the surface with its prey. It is the only webfooted bird which rests in trees and has many other characteristics. Study your natural history and then go see this rare bird. o- — MRS. J. W. BRIENER IS DEAD The White Plague Claims Another Victim. Mrs. Ida Briener, aged thirty-six years, and wife of J. W. Briener, died this morning at her home east of the city at two o’clock this morning, after an illness dating back over a year, death resulting from tuberculosis. She was taken bedfast several months ago and from that time on her decline was rapid. She was a patient sufferer and never complained of hetfaith. placing her trust in her Saviour and His will be done. At a late hour this afternoon it was concluded to hold tae funeral services at nine thirty o’clock at the house. 0 The Indiana Pipe Line Co. will compile the Montpelier-Preble division of the Casey, 111. oil line some time next week but they stiltMTave a good part of the line between Elwood and the Illinois line to build. From Storey, 111., to Martinsville, Ind., an eight inch line is used and from Martinsville to Preble there are either two eight inch lines or one twelve inch. From Jamestown to Preble there is a fall of 128 feet, the former having an elevation of 958 feet and the latter an elevation of 839 feet, but it would gravitate too slowly and pumpe are used. —Bluffton News.

, NORMAN CASE CAUSES TROUBLE r 1 — 1 - ■ ■ Frightens His Wife Who Has Him Lacked Up. Norman Case who for several years past, has been working at Hammond, Ind., returned home last evening and at once began to raise a general disturbance around the house, acting in all respects like a man who was mentally afflicted. Mrs. Case became so frightened at his actions that she called for Marshal Green and had her husband locked in jail, fearing he might do something desparate. Mr. Case was lodged in jail, where he mumbles and moans over- his fate and threaiens to do violence’ when released. He will be given a hearing in this evening and in all probability the sanity board will be called to hold an inquest concerning his mental condition. O THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Not Much Business at the November Term. Business in commissioners’ court began in earnest yesterday, nothing of importance being done until after the election Tuesday. Nothing important was brought up at this term, and the session will be short. Two liquor licenses were granted, J. J. Tonnelier and Joseph Knapke both of this city, being the applicants. The viewers and engineer’s reports on the Christian Hirschey macadam road was approved, and Monday, Sepcember 3, was set as a time to receive bids for its construction. The petiton of Lewis Reynolds for a drain, was submitted to the board, and later referred to the. surveyor wjth a view of proceeding with the work of construction. The Jacob Habegger petiton for drain was re-adjusted by agreement, and ordered to be constructed. 0 MISS REYNOLDS THE BRIDE A Former School Teacher Marries Mr. ’ Hoffman of Preble—Rev. Allen Performs Ceremony. Rev. E. A. Allen last evening handed us a copy of the Epworth Express of Thursday, November Ist. In glancing over the same we noted the following item of news of interest to our readers t ■ ‘‘ A very quiet and yet impressive I wedding occurred in our village on I last Saturday night. The contracting I parties were Mr. F. A. Hoffman and I Miss Blanche Reynolds, both of De- 1 eatur, Indiana. The wedding ceremony I was performed by Rev. E. A. Allen I our banker, at his beautiful home on I South street. Mr. Howard Simpson I a most skillful musician, placed the I wedding march. Just as the clock I struck nine the parties entered the I parlor and in a very sacred and im- I pre.ssive manner were joined in the I holy bonds of wedlock. The beautiful I ring ceremony was used. ‘ ‘ The bride was gowned in a pearl I gray soft taffetta suit with gloves I and a large velvet, hat to match. The I groom wore a handsome black suit. I Mrs. Hoffman is a memberof the Pres- 1 byterian church, of which Mr. Alien ! was for many years pastor. For the I past few years she has been one of I most proficient teachers in the De- 1 catur schools. Mr; Hoffman is a re- 1 liable employee of the Standard Oil! company. In a short time Mr. and I Mrs. Hoffman will take up their resi- 1 dence in Decatur.” Miss Reynolds left here several I months ago for a trip through the I west. Mr. Hoffman met her at Ep- 1 worth and their wedding followed. I They returned here yesterday. o I WILL LEAVE FOR WISCONSIN! Decatur Parties to Join a Hunting] ’ Party Thursday. _ I Dr. J. Q. Neptune, John Frisinger, 1 Postmaster Lyke Frisinger and Paul I G. Hooper of this city, will leave here I Thursday for Fort Wayne, where! they will join a party of twenty from] Paulding and Van Wert counties, and I proceed to the forests and wilds of] Northern Wisconsin for a three] week’s hunting and fishing trip. The I party is. a congenial one and some] great stories are expected. I 0 I The sale of the Hockemeyer macad-l am road will occur at a special session I on November 16. The road is in Root! township. Another road petition will I be presented to the commissioners at I their December term. It is also in] Root township, and will be known as I the Herman Reiter and Henry Bull-] mahn road. I

-J ~ : BIDS ORDERED FOR SEWER | Other Business Including Allowance fl of Several Bills—Special Session Friday. The City Council met in regular ses- I sion last evening, every council-] man being present. The minutes of] the last meeting were read and stood] approved. This being the night set] for hearing objections on the assess-! ment roll and the improvement of! First street in general, the council I listened attentively until several prop-] erty owners along the street stated 1 their grievance, and upon motion then] referred the assessment rolls to the] City Civil Engineer for corrections. I A resolution was then read in rela-1 tion to the McLaughlin sewer, which] covered the ground that the sewer] should be placed in according to the ] plans and specifications on file. This] resolution was adopted. Another res-] olution was then read on the same ] matter, ordering the construction of] the sewer, the material it should be] constructed of, giving the route and] ordering the clerk to advertise for] bids for the construction of the same. ] This resolution was also adopted and ] the McLaughlin sew*er was' thus dis- ] posed of and will be built, thus up-] holding the petitioners. Upon motion] by Burns, the water works engineer] was ordered to purchase a Torpedo ] flue cleaner. Upon motion by Burns ] Bill No. 6076 was dismissed. The fol- ] lowing bills were then read and al- ] lowed: Holthouse Drug Co $ 10.26 ] J. D. Hale 5.10 I D. F. Teeple 58.57 ] D. F. Teeple 78.68 I Ft. Wayne Paper & Book Co.. 34.50 ] J. D. Stults 17.50 ] Henry Peters 12.40 ] C. D. Fry 22.57] Julius Haugk 27.06® Adams Express Co 3.96] C. Vogt 70.00] Wm. Geary 10.00] Sam Frank 45.00® G. R. & 1 4.91] Frank Hackman 1--50® C. & E. R. R 288.35] C. W. Bohnke 60.00® A. C. Gregory 8.40] Geo. Keiser & Co Sunday Creek Coal Company.. 56.23] General Specialty Company ... 73.50 ] W. E. Fulk 257.63] Fort Wayne Electric Works .. 97.01] Monarch Electric Wire Co 11.84] Westinghouse Man’f’g Co. ... 3.60] M. J. Mylott 263.09 ] W. J. Archbold 2448.42] Old Adams County Bank .... 56.34 ] The council then adjourned to meet] Friday evening in special session. ]