Decatur Democrat, Volume 51, Number 3, Decatur, Adams County, 16 January 1908 Edition 02 — Page 2

HIS ARMY CAREER Served as a Commissioned Officer During the Civil War—Great Lodge Man. After an illness dating back exactly eight weeks, A. C. Gregory, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Decatur, departed this life Saturday afternoon at twelve-forty-five o'clock, death resulting from a complication of kidney and liver trouble. Mr. Gregory was born on Greene street in New York City sixty-eight years ago and it was there that he received his early education and was reared to manhood. At the ag e of sixteen years he entered the service of Uncle Sam. and for four years he served in the navy most of his time being spent on the Independence, one of the United States most powerful gunboats at that time. At the expiration of his term in the navy he returned to New York City, where he remained but a short time, going from there to Willow Creek, Wis., where he taught school for several years and followed his profession that of a bookkeeper. It was while stationed at this point that the war between the north and the south broke out and the north made its call for volunteers, and at the first summons for assistance, Mr. Gregory left for Rippan, Wis., where he passed the examination and was sent from there to Oshkosh, Wis., where Company B, 32nd regiment volunteers infantry was organized and in a few weeks he was at the front fighting for his country. He was made second lieutenant of the above named company and in this capacity he served for two years, when he was promoted to first lleutenantcy, but never got to serv, e owing to the fact that his commission was delayed through some cause unknown. It was at this time that he was seized with the smallpox and was given up by the army phyticiars, but owing to a rugged constitution he fought a winning battle against the disease and recovered only to find that he had lost the hearing of one ear and that his eyes were so badly affected that he was given a fur r ough by the commanding officer. He was with General Sherman when ho made his wonderful and historic march to the sea and it was while thus engaged that he became acquainted with John Chubb, Byron Dent and David King, all now deceased and after scur.ng his furlough he concluded to Ccm e to Decatur, owing to this acquaintance. This was in the year 1864, and ever since that time he made this his home. He first engaged in

the profession of a bookkeeper and school teacher following this for a number of years, when he branched out into the paint and wall paper business which he followed until a few years ago, when he disposed of his business and retired from active life. During the past few years he had been practically unable to do anything owing to illness and stayed close to his home. H e was the oldest lodge member in this city, having been a charter member of the Blue lodge of the Masons of this city, a member of the Scottish Rit e Masons, of Fort Wayne, a charter member of the Eagles lodge of Fort Wayne, and a member of the local G. A. R The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at th e home on Madison street at one-thirty o’clock. An Episcopal clergyman from Fort Wayne officiated after which the Scottish Rite Masons assumed charge of the services. The remains will be placed in the receiving vault at the Decatur cemetery for ten days, when the members of the G. A. R. will assemble at the cemetery and hold their ritualistic services. He leaves a wife, a daughter Mrs. Dick Townsend, of Peoria, 111, a son Robert Gregory of this city, a sister, Mrs. J. V. Genung, of New York, and a host of friends. ENDS IN INSANE ASYLUM. “Biddy” Burns, a Ball Player, Has Strange Hallucination. "Biddy” Bums, a ball player, who appeared here frequently as a member of the Fort Wayne Interstate, Geneva, Bluffton and Garrette teams in 1906 has been committed to the state hospital at Toledo, being violently Insane. His hallucination is that he is an author whose writings ar e inspired by direct telephone connection with heaven. Dissipation is probably responsible for his misfortune, for while playing independent ball he drank heavily. Biddie was a favorite among the youngsters. This is not Otto Bums, who played with Decatur, thel ast two seasons, though the latter was also known to many as “Biddy.” o ——— Frank Wemhoff was this morning able to resume his regular duties at the Old Adams County bank as assistant easheler after being absent for a few days on account of sickness.

DISCUSS Democratic Congressmen Favor Most Any Sort of a Bill. Washington, January 13. —Harry S. Brown, the veteran Washington political writer of the New York Herald, in a review of the presidential situa-. tion, printed in the Herald, says: “The plan for the defeat of Taft contemplates the control of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticutt without instructions. It has been possible to accomplish this arrangement very quietly because of the settled custom in this group of states to send their delegates to the convention unhampered by Instructions. The only time that this plan has been abro- | gated in recent years was during the McKinley-Reed contest. Washington, Jan. 13.—The democratic members of the house committee on banking and currency held a meeting for the discussion of the | Fowler and Aldrich currency bills and voted unanimously to support any motion for hearings on both bills before the full committee. It was developed that all of the minority members are opposed to the Aldrich bill because it enlarges the policy of securing currency by the deposit of bonds. Some of them also look with disfavor on the ' Fowler bill as too revolutionary in its 1 proposal of a complete retirement of all outstanding currency and the substitution of a currency secured by national bank assets. Washington, Jan. 13. —Warned by the energetic work already being done by the republican congressional committee, the democratic members of the house have urged Chairman Griggs, of the democratic committee to call • ' the members of his organization to- j gether without delay for the purpose I of laying plans and beginning opera- I tions with a view of capturing the ' next house of representatives.

OPENS MARCH SECOND Dr. Edwin Holt Hughes to be the Principal Speaker. With the coming of spring a most important event in the history of Methodism In Decatur will occur, according to an official announcement that the Fort Wayne district conference of the Methodist Episcopal church will convene in this city on the second day of next March. Arrangements for the conference are complete, providing for most interesting programs during the various sessions, with men of prominence on the program for talks and in fact every feature that goes to make an event of this kind a crowing success. As planned, the first session will ensue on the evening of March the second and this initial meeting promises to be very interesting from the fact that Dr. Edwin Holt Hughes, president of DePauw’ university will deliver an address. He is a speaker of ability, and will without doubt be greeted by a crowded house. On the evening of March third, Bishop Vincent of Indianapolis, will deliver a lecture and this also gives promise of being Interesting and Instructive. On the following evening Rev. J. K. Cecil, of Bluffton, is scheduled for a sermon, and this meeting will conclude the conference. However, during th e days of the third and fourth of March excellent programs will be rendered, including talks fre-m the presiding elders of the six districts of the conference and special music by the local choir. Arrangements to accommodate one hundred and fifty out of town guests who will consist of pastors, their wives, exhorters and Sunday school superintendents, class leaders, Epworth league presidents and presidents of the Ladies Aid societies of the various churches of the district. Rev. J. C. White who was succeeded to the pulpit of the Decatur M. E. church by Dr. Wilcox, arranged for this meeting to be held here before his transfer was made to Logansport, and although he may not be present. Decatur will have him.to thank for his effort to cause this meeting to be held in our city.

Harry Fritsinger, of Fort Wayne, spent Sunday in our city. Miss Gray, the music teacher has resigned her position in the Decatur public schools owing to ill health. While here Miss Gray gave perfect satisfaction and it le with much regret that the faculty see her go. Miss Gray went home Christmas, but failed to return when school opened and on last week word was received that she would not return again.

\yXV\l NIZxID \ J. M. Frisinger Re- lecte County Chairman—Delegates Chosen. Th e republicans of Adams county met Saturday evening from six to eight o’clock in their respective pre- . cincts, pursuant to call by county chairman Frisinger and selected county committeeman. There was a stiff fight in practically every precinct the Cromer and anti-Cromer feud being again very much in evidence. In this city the fight was very bitter, every candidate making an active campaign. The Cromer faction or the old organization headed by Chairman Frisinger, won out in every precinct by majorities ranging from twelve to forty and they also secured control of the committee in the county. Twenty-one Frisinger men were named, eight antis and two doubtful. The antis insist that their defeat was due to unfair tactics and the use of money, but the oher side only laugh at the accusaj tion and return the compliment. The committeemen elected are as follows: E. Union, C. W. Miller; W. Union, Nathaniel May; E. Root, Jesse Warner; W. Root, Harry Butler; N. Preble J. E. Spangler; S. Preble, Fred Sheeler; N. Kirkland, Jacob Spade; S Kirkland, J. Stoutenberry; W. Washington, George Barnett; E. Washington, Elmer Cook; N. St Marys, Joseph Chronister; S. St. Marys, Jerome Elston; N. Blue Creek, John W. Dague; S Blue Creek, Charles Jones; N. Monroe, Hazel Andrews; M. Monroe. Lee Reefey; Berne A, C. G. Egley; Berne B, Welty; French, Ferdinand Yake; N. Hartford, Noah Pusey; S. Hartford, Luther Martin; N. Wabash, I. N. Teeters; Ceylon, John Brown; Geneva A, Fred McWhiney; Geneva B, F. S. Armantrout; E. Jefferson, Jesse Buckmaster; W. Jefferson, Geo. Brewster; Decatur Ist ward A. John Frisinger; Decatur Ist ward B, James Smith; Decatur 2nd ward A, C. V. Connell; Decatur 2nd ward B, Dan Weikle; Decatur 3rd ward A, D. W. Beery; Decatur 3rd ward B, F. S. Litterer. In several of the precincts the antis met Immediately following the election and proceeded to select delegates to the district convention to be held Tuesday at Winchester, and this in definance to the call by Chairman Frisinger that said delegates would be chosen by the new committee, who met this morning at Frisinger and Peterson’s office to organize. The committee on credentials at the convention will decide which delegates will serve. The closest contest in Decatur was between Connell and Lower the former winning by a vote of 27 to 39. In one preeinct in Berne, a tie resulted and the candidates flipped pennies, the Cromer man winning. In Geneva an anti won out by one vote. The new committee met at eleven o’clock this morning and proceeded to organize. Two names were presented for county chi'rman, John M. Frisinger, of Decatur, and Fred McWhiney, of Geneva, the torroer winning by a vote of twenty-four to nine. Ferd L. Litterer of this city was reelected secretary and treasurer, without opposition and C. E. Egley of Berne was elected as vice chairman. The meeting was then converted into a convention, Mr. Frisinger presiding and delegates to the district convention were chosen as follows- D-coir and Washington township: Delegates, C. L. Walters and Samuel Butler; alternates, Tom Peterson and Frank Aurand; Union, Root, Preble and Kirkland, delegate, Willis Fonner; alternate, Harry Butler; Monroe, French and Berne, deleg its, Hazel Andrews; alternate, C. E. Egley; St. Marys and North Blue Creek, delegate Jerome Elston; alternate Amos Danner; Wabash and Geneva, delegate H. M. Aspy; alternate Sam Teeters; Hartford, Jefferson and South Blue Creek, delegate, C. J. Jones, alternate, G. W. Brewster. THEY NAMED A TREASURER. W. H. O’Brien Now Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, Owensboro, Ky„ Jan. 13. —Secretary Urey Woodson, of the democratic national committee, announced that the committee on arrangements for the Denver convention will hold its first meeting in Denver on Monday, January 2S. The committee is composed of Chairman Taggart, Secretary Woodson Sullivan, of Illinois; Mack, of New York; McGraw, of West Virginia; Howell, of Georgia; Johnston, of Tex as; Osborne, of Wyoming, and Dahlman, of Nebraska. W. H. O’Brien former chairman of the Indiana democratic state committee, has been ap pointed treasurer of the national com mlttee, vice August Belmont, resigned o — Charles Pilllod, of Piqua 0.. I" onr city visiting with Mrs M”ry Wei hoff and family.

A E N ’ c L K. of C.’s Met in the Evening and a Delightful Smoker Followed. The Knights of Columbus installed officers Sunday evening ( district deputy Thomas McLaughlin and staff, of Fort Wayne, assisting in the beautiful exercise. The officers who will serve during the coming yea’ and who assumed their duties are H. J- Tager, G. D; H. F. Costello, D. G. K; J. W. Bosse, C; Nick Miller, W; Thomas A. Ehinger, F. S; Otto Wemhoff. R. S; Nan Niblick, T; Charles Lose. I G; Will Johns, O. G; U. Deininger, Adv; Father George, Leet; C. S. Niblick, Dyonis Schmitt and Frank Heiman, trustees. At the close of the work a most enjoyable smoker was given. The C. B L - of J - met Sunday after ’ noon to hold an important business meeting combining the two branches of the order and to install the newly chosen officers. Thomas McLaughlin and Jaulain Franke, of Fort Wayne, were the chief guests of the afternoon. Also the lodge decided to give a box social at their hall on Thursday evening for the benefit of the public. The ladies ar e supposed to prepare the boxes and as this is the first box social that has been given in the city for some time, they are expecting a very large crowd. The officers who were installed for the coining year were: President, John Starost; vice president, Mrs. Jennie Niblick; chancellor. Mrs. Jennie Starost; orator, Miss Elize Hain; secretary, Miss Rose Colchin; collector, Mrs. Wm. Parent; asst, collector, Charley Pennington; treasurer, Miss Anna Volmer; marshal, Miss Anna Parent; guard, Joe Knapke; trustees. Frank Teeple, Chas. Pennington, Chas. Rumschlag.

LAND OPENING. February sth, 1908. On the above date w e will sell 18,000 acres of choice bottom land near tha city of Cape Girardeau, in southeast Missouri. This tract is owned by an ’"Bgli’h estate, which acquired title in 1873. The title flows from the United States to the state ot Missouri, from the state to Cape Girardeau county, thence direct to the present holders. Ibus the title is perfect. Hundreds of acres of this land le iu a high state of cultivation, having fine buildings and fences, and hundreds of acres are covered with hard wood timber, namely, oak, ash, elm. hickory, beach, maple, and red gum. and the timber is very valuable. On bu dreds of acres the timber is wo.-tn 1100.00 per acre. This tract is located near railroads, none being over two or three miles away. There are fourteen stations and and eleven miles of standard guage railroad on the land. Near good towns, schools and churches. The main roads are pikes, which are kept in good condition, and the country adjacent to this land is in a high state of cultivation, and which cannot be bought for less than $75 to SIOO per acre. The climate is mild and healthful. Farmers can work their land the entire year. Principal crops grown are corn, oats, wheat, rye, timothy, alfalfa and clover. Vegetables and fruit are raised in abundance. Do not fail to look this up, as this is certainly the finest and safest prop osition offered in many years, either for actual settlers or as an investment. Our prices range from $15.00 to $40.00 per acre. One-half to twothirds cash, balance one, two or three years, at six per cent. Excursion nates on all railroads. Hotel accommodations on application. Write for descriptive matter. GEORGE NORTHRUP, Commissioner, Cape Girardeau, Mo The C. B. & C. is gradually reducing its force of employes along the line and Friday discharged a gang of fifty more men who had been assisting to put the grade into better condition. Most of these men were foreigners.—Bluffton News. J. E. McElwaine, who the fore part of last season played ball with Hartford City, later going to Van Wert, in the I. O. league, was injured a few days ago at Fort Wayne, by being struck on the head while Working in the Pennsylvania yards on a freight train. He is in the St. Joseph hospital in a very serious condition, and is not expected to live.

Cures Billons - «?i r v Hea<l v r|RT>jfl Cleanses the sy® ,r JA|| £ LI thoroughly and cfl v • r» • sallow' complexict® ' Frnrt Syrap

edding Anniversary ! j ner __Epworth League to Give a Social. , Mr and Mrs. Andrew The home of Mr. and - Zeser of High street presented a delightful scene Sunday as the many guests gathered in response to telecalls to celebrate the birthday . Thrcsa Schafer. fL evening. Miss Lizzie ortenbrer * e rXi° ,„ re . .Ml. .be won by Harmon Gillig- Tne tion prizes were awarded to ML Angie Kintz and Mr. Roma Parent The closing feature of the evening was a delicious luncheon served by the hostess to her guests who were. Misses Eva Ulman, of Fostoria, Ohto, Elnora Lawrence, of Bascom, Ohio Margaret Zeser. of Fort Wayne; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Parent, Mrs. Peter Monger Mrs. Joe Rumschlag. Mr. and Mrs Chas. Rumschlag. Mrs Peter Zeser, Mrs. Celia Zeser, Mrs. Kate Zeser, Misses Vena Parent, Elize Kortenbrer, Viola Ulman. Messrs Harmon Gillig Ed Parent Frank and Roma Parent. Lewis Kintz, Ed Zeser, Frank and William Zeser, Lew and Ed Rumschlag, Clem Heiderman. The boys Holy Grail will meet at the M. E. church on Tuesday evening. The Epworth League of the Methodist church will give a social at the parsonage on January 20th. The piogram will consist of readings and talks along with music. The young people have always proven to be successful with these socials each year, and this year's social they are trying to make better than any previous one. A very delightful surprise party of Sunday night was given on Mrs. Earl Hendricks by a large party of friends. Games and music amused the guests during the hours of the evening. At a late hour a three course luncheon was served. The honored guest received many beautiful remembrances which were useful and pretty. Those who enjoyed the surprise were: Mr. and Mrs. Reubei Brewer, Mr. and Mrs. P. Neihl, Mrs. Erwin Briner and babe, George Hendricks, Misses Nota Wlnnes, Pearl Briner, Messrs. Jesse Niblick. Elgin King, Jesse Ricker, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Shoemaker, of Lockville, Ohio; Mrs. John Felmer and daughter, of Rockford, Ohio; Miss Mary Carter, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Steele and daughter, of Fort Wayne; Mr. and Mrs. Gehring and daughter Bernice. Mr. and Mrs. Kase. Miss Pearl Delhi, Miss Katie Kohlbacher, Miss Madgalin e McMully, of Huntington. Ind.; Misses Stella and Hattie Niblick, of Craigville. The Pythian Sisters will install their officers this evening at the hall. After the business session dainty refreshments will be served. All members are earnestly urged to be present. Mr. and Mrs. Harve Schroll pleasantly entertained a few friends at a twelve o’clock dinner Sunday noon. The guests who were so pleasantly entertained were: Mr. and Mrs. John Moser, Rev. E. E. Bergman, Misses Inez Everett, Jessie Winnes. January 14th, Tuesday evening, the Historical club will meet with Mrs Dora Erwin at her home on nonh Second street. Another merry birthday surprise party of last evening was the one given on Miss Celesta Mylott Sunday to celebrate her fifteenth birthday anmversary. Progressive peanuts was the chief game which each girl was greatly enthused over during the time. Miss Agnes Meibers captured first Prize and the consolation prize was awarded to Miss Emma Kinney. Immed.ately following a dainty two course luncheon was served the guests who were: Misses Agnes Coffee, Josephine Shoemaker, Anna Emma\T thel Marie K Emma Kinney, Agnes Meibers, Vera Hadamacher, Agnes k’nhna ,™». v™.s, ck “" ta. Garird. Forting. StelU Smith and Bernatta — ■ — —J eW ° fficera for the coming

year to serve for the rtu re | were: Treasurer, E. X Eh* retary, Hannon Yager e„. H. Bremerkamp, John o M clan Miller; cemetery drew Appelman, John Schut| Martin; Orderman. Gng vim The afternon club wifi be e at the home of Mrs. j am e on Tuesday afternoon. A number of the neighboi and Mrs. George Wemhoff at their home last night and them in celebrating their wedding anniversary, a gem time was enjoyed by all pre the occasion will long be ren by the victims of the surpr) A very prettily appointed st dinner of last evening wa. s given by Mr. and Mrs. Chas in compliment to Mr. and Mi Pilliod, of Piqua, Ohio. Th was nicely served in cours guests were Mrs. Barney Wen daughter Stella, Mr. and M Wilson, Misses Nettie Smit] Lange, Messrs. Lee Hindemai Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrenc On Wednesday evening th C. members will give aped for the club and their lady frl A large party attended the Man” at the Majestic Saturd ing. These were Mr. and Mi Christen, Mr. and Mrs. Chas Misses Edna Crawford, Netti Louise Holbrock, Anna Mar Holthouse, Kate Mylott. p at Lucile Hale. Mrs. Fanny Cole, Mrs. John H. Heller, H W. Herman Smith, Lee Hindmi Bertha Deininger. o —. A WILL IS PROB/ Mrs. Jerry Russell’s Testament—Ditch port Filed. In the Mathias Miller et al for a drain, the drainage con ers filed their report as pro law. F. 8. Artnantrout, exeeutot William H. Woodruff estate, inventory of the personal j which waa approved. Three cases are st for ti week, the Beeler replevin su day. Eaton divorce case Thurs Haviland divorce case Friday This le the last week of the ber term of court and will be ed by a two weeks’ vacation, I ruary term opening February The will of Christian Homs probated Monday. It wai ten October 21, 1907, was w by Conrad Gallmeier and 7 Bultemeier and is very short bequeathing all personal and tate to his wife, Louisa Hon

The last will and testament Mary Jane Russell, who died It was filed. After providing payment of debts and funeral e she bequeaths all her real and al property to her husband, sa erty at his death to be equally between the three children. Carry Amarine and Esther Ulysses G. Russell, th fe son. ii as executor. The will was November 29, 1907, and witne Paul G. Hooper and Rosa Gasa HIS CONDITION IMPRO Robert Slmtoon is Slowly Rec From Illness. Samuel Simison, of Berne, through here Monday enrout Bluffton to his home. He sp* day with his father, Robert I at the latter place, and he sta his father is somewhat Improv his recent sick spell. The eld Simison has passed his nln< milestone and it is quite proba he will live several years y* news of his improved condit be gladly received by his man] in this vicinity. Mrs. Sarah Blackburn and ter Nellie are both on the I suffering with the lagrippe.