Decatur Democrat, Volume 51, Number 32, Decatur, Adams County, 6 August 1908 — Page 1

J4U. THE NEWS ALL THE TIME

Volume LI

DIED TODAY Sufferings of Captain W. J. Craig Ended at 1:45 this Afternoon AN ACTIVE CAREER Former Owner of Indianapolis Sentinel and Promoter of Clover Leaf Railroad At 1:45 yesterday afternoon W. J. Craig, of north Fifth street passed peacefully into eternity after enduring intense suffering for many weeks. The deceased has lived a remarkable life. During the cours e of his business career, he hag dealt with most prominent men in the country, and has handled contracts that but few men would undertake. For eleven years past he has been an almost helpless invalid. Last March 12th he was taken suddenly Hl from bronchial pneumonia. He became weaker and weaker and hig life was despaired of at several different times. However, he regained s'rength and it was thought by his attendants that he would survive the illness. A few weeks ago, however, his health began to decline rapidly, and it was known then that death was inevitable. Yesterday morning a decided change for the worse was manifest and the dying man’s last request was for his devoted wife to remain constantly at his side until the end came. This was granted, and although unable to talk, he retained consciousness until the last. The funeral services in all probability will be held Saturday morning at the house. The remains will be interred at the old cemetery at Bluffton. All Decatur join the bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow.

William J. Craig was born at T p x- j ington, Richland county, Ohio. July 16, 1844. He was educated in the public schools and attended the Lexington Seminary three years. In Sept., 1861, he enlisted for three years in Company 7. Ohio Independent cavalry and went into camp at Wheeling, W. Va. In a month or so the war department announced that all independent companies should disband or join a regiment and this company was mustered into the 3rd West Virginia cavalry regiment, as Company A. He was mustered in as a bugler, but later resigned and was promoted to sergeant. He served continuously with his company, without seeing any detached service or being in a hospital and took part in 27 battles and skirmishes, including Mt. Jackson, Cross Keys. Cedar Mountain,, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Brandy Station. Aldie. Catlett’s Station, Beverly Ford, Kelly’s Ford, Bristoe Station, Raccoon Ford, Thoroughfare Gap, Vpperville, Falling 'Waters, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, besides numerous smaller engagements. On the 24th of November. 1863, he was taken prisoner in a small skirmish about three miles north of Culpepper Courthouse, Va„ and taken to Richmond, where he was confined to Libby Prison for three months and then taken to Andersonville, Ga., where he was confined in the prison pen for ten months. He was removed to Millen prison for about six weeks to Savannah for about four w r eeks. to Rlackshire for about two weeks, and to Thomasville about three weeks, leaking about seventeen months in all. His term of enlistment expired while fie was at Andersonville, but he was compelled to stay in prison nine months over time, making his term of service three years and nine months. In April, 1865, he was taken to Black River, near Vicksburg, Miss., for exchange, but within a few day was released on account of the close of hostilities. Shortly thereafter, with about 2,300 others, he was placed on hoard of the ill-fated "Sultana,” to be sent North, but before proceeding was pronounced by the physicians to be Physically unfit to make the trip and was taken ashore and sent to the city hospital. Four days later, near Memphis the Sultana’s boilers exploded ai >d 1,700 soldiers were drowned’. Reaching home in June, 1865, he reentered the Lexington Seminary for one year, taught school two winters, read law at Mansfield, Ohio, and

£>EcaTII B

bought, lumber at Columbia City, Ind., for about one year. In October, 1869, he located at Bluffton. Indiana, as a buyer of black walnut lumber. In Sept., 1870, he purchased the “Bluffton Banner,” four jears later selling a half interest to E. A. K. Hackett, who later became sole owner. In 1876 be purchased the Huntington Democrat, which he published for seven years with Capt. W. J. Hilligoss. In 1886 he purchased the Indianapolis Sentinel which he disposed of to a stock company four years later.

In 1874. he was elected clerk of the circuit court of Wells county, and reelected 1878, serving eight years. He always took an active Interest in politics. In 1867. he was selected as a member of the young men's Democratic state committee of Indiana and in 1874 was elected a member of the Democratic state central committee and in 1876 was re-elected. In 1886, he was chosen a member of the Democratic state executive committee. In 1870 he was elected a member and chairman of the Wells county Democratic central committee and was continued in that position several years. In 1877 a railroad company was organized under the name of the Delphos. Bluffton and Frankfort, R. R. Co.', covering the line from the state line at Willshire. Ohio, to Frankfort, Indiana. Mr. Craig was named as one of the directors and took a leading part in raising local aid and securing right-of-way and Superintended the construction, completing that portion of the line between Willshire and Warren in 1879. Early in 1880 the Western Construction company was organized with Mr. Craig as it’s president and to this company was given the contract to build certain extensions of a system of railroads, which when completed made of the Toledo, Cincinnati and St. Louis railroad. Mr. Craig's first work under this contract was in western Ohio, where he constructed 20 miles of road from Mercer, through Celina, to Versailles, thereby forming a connection between the Delphos road and the Dayton, Covington and Northern. Two other connecting links were also constructed in Ohio by this construction company, one of them being from Dayton to Dodds, 20 miles, to connect with the Cincinnati Northern, and the other about 36 miles. Ifrom Wellston to Ironton in southeastern Ohio. These two last named extensions were built under the supervision of superintendents. because at the same time this work was going on, ft was necessary for Mr. Craig to give his undivided attention to the details of the line to St. Louis, This he did. first from an office at Frankfort, Ind., and later from an office in St. Louis. This work of construction was completed in 1882 and turned over to the railroad company to operate. Early in 1883 Mr. Craig entered the operating department in charge of matters growing out of the construction of the road, and as assistant to the president. In the fall of 1883 the road fell into difficulties and Mr. Craig was appointed receiver of the system .comprising the line from Toledo to St. Louis, w’ith branches from Delphos to Dayton, Dayton to Cincinnati, Dayton to Wellston. Wellston to Ironton, with the Iron railroad from Ironton to various furnaces about 12 miles from Ironton, also a couple of small branches about nine miles in extent, making a total of about 783 miles of railroad, which he operated until they were ready for reorganization. In the spring of 1891, having disposed of the Indianapolis Sentinel, he removed to Chicago and engaged in business as a stone and cement contractor. in which he continued until 1894, when he in October went to Bedford. Ind., as a manager of the Bedford Quarries company’s properties which had come into the possession of a prominent Chicago banker. He was at Bedford almost two years,when he was afflicted with rheumatism to such an extent that he was obliged to resign and seek treatment at Indian Springs. Hot Springs, the Attica Mud Baths, Kenosha. Fond du Lac and other resorts. Instead of relief, he was rendered completely helpless after the spring of 1897. In middle life he became connected with various secret orders, among which were the Grand Army of the Republic, the Knights of Honor, the Good Templars, the Patrons of Husbandry, the Secret League,the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the Odd Fellows and in Masonry, the Eastern Star, t e Blue Lodge the Chapter, the Council, the Commadfy (Knights Templar), the Scottish Rite, 32 degrees and the Mystic Shrine.

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday, Aug 6 1908,

He was reared a Presbyterian, and at one time was a member of that church, but later inclined toward Uni-1 versalism. In 1871 he was united in marriage I with Miss Sarah Holmes, daughter of L. L. Holmes, of Bluffton, Ind. They had three children, the first born a boy. dying In infancy. He is survived by the widow, a son and daughter. Homer and Carrie, four sisters and one brother. Q. A REAL SENSATION Seattle Man Elopes With a Legless Girl from Portland MARRY AT NEWPORT John Rapp Carries His Bride from Carriage Into the Court House Portland, Ind., August 4. —Dispatches received here laie yesterday evening from Cincinnati, stated that Miss Pearl Rupel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rupel, of west Walnut street, had been married that day in Newport, Kentucky, to John B. Rapp. There was no ether information accompanying the brief announcement. When seen at her home Mrs. Rupel, the mother of the reported bride, said that Pearl had gone to Richmond, Indiana, on the morning train, in company with the man whom the dispatches say that she married. Their trip was ostensibly to visit Miss Rupel’s brother. John Rupel, who is taking treatment at the East Haven hospital for the insane. From there, if the reports which reach this city can be credited, the couple went on to Cincinnati, across the river to Newport, where they were made husband and wife. The parents of Miss Rupel ridiculed the idea that she had any thought of marriage, and characterized the report as simply a canard similar to several of like nature that have been circulated in recent months. Mrs. Rupel said that Rapp was a son of her stepdaughter, who died several years ago in the west, and that the report of their wedding was nothing short of ridiculous. Miss Rupel has been a criple for years, both limbs having been amputated in childhood, above the knee. She goes from place to place in a chair which she propels with her hands. For this reason, she is known either by face or personally to every man, woman and child in this city. The following telegram received here this afternoon, practically confirms th e wedding: “John Rapp secured a license Monday at Newport, Ky., to marry Pearl Rupel, a legless woman, of Portland, Indiana. Rapp tenderly bore his fiancee into the court house and back again to the carriage. He was uncommunicative as to the time and place of the wedding. He was only sure of the girl.” o — THE ENEMY FAILED TO APPEAR Hoagland Saloon Man Withdrew His Application. Temperance forces from Madison township held a sort of rally this morning in the court house corridors and they waited long and patiently for a foe to appear, but their waiting was i n vain. Some time ago Ed Boyles advertised the fact that he would apply for a liquor license at Hoagland and the temperance interests immediately got busy, filing a remonstrance with the county commissioners several days 1 ago. Today was the day set for the 1 hearing of th e matter, but Boyles did : not show up to make his formal ap- ' plication and the remonstrators put in several hours waiting for him. The ' temperance people claim a majority of I two on their remonstrance. This as- I ternoon Boyles appeared before the i commissioners and announced that he < would withdraw his application for a I license. He said h e believed he could show to be illegal enough names on the remonstrance to render it inef- 1 fective, but that in view of the oppo ' sition to a saloon he would not push I the matter.—Fort Wayne News. ■—o * Police circles are quiet these days I with but few offenders of the law and 1 the officers are waiting to get busy. <

BE HELD AUGUST 20 Vice Presidents and Committee of Farmers’ Institute Met Yesterday FARMERS’ INSTITUTE Will Be Held in Lehman’s Grove—Mrs. C. Vogt to Give an Address A s arranged for at their meeting last Saturday, Messrs. Ed Moses and Charles Lammiman, vice presidents of the Adams county farrners’ institute, went to Berne Tuesday afternoon where a conference was held between them and the committee which has been appointed to arrange for the coming event, consisting of Messrs. A. Gottschalk, Samuel Simison, Rudolph Schug, Levi Sprunger and William Baumgartner. The Berne gentlemen were notified of their appointment yesterday and they are willing and ready to lend their assistance to make the mid-summer institute the most memorable of any similar event held in the county. It has been left to the committee to make all necessary arrangements for the institute and the time and place was decided upon yesterday. Owing to its contiguity to the town of Berne and the conveniences afforded, Lehman’s grove hag been chosen wherein the large assemblage will be entertained on the twentieth day of this month. The program which will be compiled within the next few days will represent several eloquent speakers, including Prof. Latiie, of Lafayette, Mrs. C. Vogt, of this city and others. It will be the second mid-summer institute ever held in Adams county and it is anticipated that hundreds of farmers will be in attendance. Remember the date, August 20, 1908. KERN TO BE TOLD August 25 is the Date Announce for His Noti- ’ fication NEXT WEDNESDAY Lincoln Will Pay a Great Tribute to the Commoner It is probable that the speech to be delivered in Indianapolis by W. J. Bryan, on the occasion of the notification exercises which will officially inform John W. Kern that h e has been nominated by the Democratic party for vice president of the United States, win be the oniy speech Mr. Bryan will make i n Indiana during the coming campaign. Mr. Kern will be notified of his nomination on Tuesday, August 25. at the state fair grounds. The date wa s announced yesterday by Mr. Kern and Chairman U. S. Jackson of the Democratic state committee. The date selected by Mr. Kern is satisfactory to Mr. Bryan and to Theodore A. Bell, of California, who is chairman of the notification committee. The occasion is to be made a notable event in Democratic politics, although it will be a nonpartisan affair so far as the Republicans of the city will exert themselves in an effort to entertain the people who will be here. The notification committee is composed cf one member from each state and it is expected that the most of the committee will be here. The notification of Mr. Bryan as the Democratic candidate for president will be held at the capitol grounds in Lincoln on next Wednesday. Extensive preparations are already under way and the event will be the crowning one in the life of Lincoln. It will be non-partisan in which the citizens of Nebraska generally will take part.

| TO CAMPAIGN THE COUNTRY Chairman Mack Has Plans for an Active Campaign. Buffalo, N. Y., August 4.—Norman E. Mack, chairman of the Democratic national committee, who arrived here today hag in contemplation plans that he believes will result l a one of the most actlv e campaigns undertaken by the party in a presidential contest. Chairman Mack will remain here for several days before going to Chicago. While here he will over the reports of the genral situation sent to him and develop certain lines of battle for the presidential contest. Mr. Mack said today; “The situation as I found it in the state and. i n fact, in all the eastern states, has been most gratifying, The responsiveness of the Democratic leaders in the east to th e call of duty denotes a campaign that will be fought vigorously to a successful conclusion. Plans are in contemplaticn for a forceful campaign throughout the country, but of these I can say nothing at his time. All parts of the country is our battleground, and no one section will be neglected. Everything augurs well for the election of W. J. Bryan.” o MODERN SAMPSON Harry Waller, the Boy Hercules, Performs in Our City HAS GREAT STRENGTH New York Papers Say He is Strongest Man in America ! A man cf youthful appearance glvJ ing his name os Harry Waller gave ’ performances on the corner of Second . and Madison streets yesterday afternoon and evening that made the natives sit back and take notice. WeighI ing 121 pounds, he performs feats that have never been seen in this vicinity. The following taken from a physical culture edition reproduces comments from New York papers: Mr. Harry Waller is ftndoubtedly the strongest man of his size in America. He is nineteen years of age, is five feet one and a half inches high and weighs 121 pounds. He lifts 950 pounds dead weight. In harness he lifts 1,800 pounds. Waller is very resourceful in his tricks. He will seize a man weighing 160 pounds and raise the victim with one hand far above his head. Then he will bend a railroad spike over his knee. He can drive his fist through an ordinary kitchen chair. A heavy brewery wagon ran into an excavation on Sixth avenue, and the usual crowd collected to witness the process of extricating it. Two policemen and four bystanders were tugging away at the wagon but could not budge it, when a man of youthful appearance and athletic build, appeared and proffered his services, and requested that he b e given a chance to lift it alone. The policemen winked knowingly, and the crowd smiled when he got down under the wagon,but were amazed when they saw’ that wagon lifted out by this man and cheered him loudly. In answer to a question of the World reporter, he said his name was Harry Waller. That settled it, for he js known as the strongest man in America. Waller is from the mountains of Switzerland, and he will go to Berne in a few days to meet some of the Swiss of that place who he thinks he may know. He will exhibit on the public square at Berne Thursday night. A “Schwitzer Bulb.’’ —o — Friends of Rev. H. H. Hocker, who wag minister for the Bluffton charge until a few months ago, will be pleased to know that he has gone into the contest business with a determination to win down at Westfield, where he is now located, and Saturday night at a contest in that place won the grand gold medal prize in a contest with six others. He will compete for the diamond prize at Fairmount in Grant county, some time this fall.— Bluffton Banner.

CIRCULATION 2800 WE IE It.» v

Number 32

COUNCIL SESSION The City Dads Transact Business for the City WANT A FRANCHISE The Fort Wayne & Springfield Railway Want Another Franchise The council met in regular session Tuesday night. Mayor France presiding and every councilman being present except Van Camp, who was absent from the city, transacting other busi ness. The minutes of the former meeting were read by Clerk Ehinger after which the council proceeded with the regular routine of business which • was as follows: P. K. Kinney, who is i erecting a new house on Walnut street in the north part of the city in the citizens’ addition, asked that the water | mains be extended to his property so that he may be able to pipe the same into the house and become one of the city's customers and upon motion by Christen the city water works super- - intendent was instructed to extend the water main on that street and also on Oak street. Christen then moved that the city clerk be instructed to notify the Tonnellier heirs to repair their barn on the east side of the alley running between First and Sec- [ ond streets as the game was in a bad condition and was dangerous to the public; this motion carried. Burns then moved that the city engineer prepare plans and specifications for the construction of a cement sidewalk along the south side of the water works property and to have the same ready by the next meeting. Upon motion by Martin the purchasing comr- mittee was instructed to purchase e some Metropolitan paving brick from j Julius Haugk which will be used for sidewalk and crossing purposes. City Engineer Vogt then filed his final rel' port upon the recently constructed i- brick alleys, reporting that the same s was completed in every respect and that the total cost cf construction amounted to $1.50 per square yard or $1,683.50 and with this report he filed s his assessment roll. A resolution ordering the city clerk to give notice to y the property owners of the completion . of the same and setting the 18th day of August as a time when objections 3 would be heard to the assessment 1 roll was read and adopted and at this ) time those benefited will have a s chance to kick if they so desire as i- to their assessments. W. H. Koenig, 3 representing the interurban people, » then addressed the council in relation s to an extension of their franchise -south through the city and in connect tion therewith read an ordinance - which is exactly as their former franchise, which our readers will no doubt i remember. The council, however, re- ! fused to act, owing to the fact that s they desire to investigate the advis- ■ ability of permitting the high tension ; wire to run through the city as it is ; claimed by some that if this is permitted that the insurance rates w’iil increase and that it will practically demolish the telephone system now established and will render the plant useless. This matter will be taken up on next Monday evening when in all probability the matter will be finally adjusted. The (following bills were Then read and allowed: John Sprague $120.55 J. B. Stults 45.83 M. Leavell 6.80 F. V. Mills 1.70 F. Spuller 6.12 C. Vogt 76 00 Ft. Wayne Elect. Wofks 23.55 Sullivan Oil Co 9.72 Sunday Creek Coal Co 141.46 L. C. Helm 13.00 J. C. Patterson 2.30 H. Harruff 20.00 C. & E 105.18 City .Trucking Co 17.17 A. Fisher 50.00 Wm. Geary 10.00 M. J. Mylott '■■■■■ 242.12 O. Shaw 1-75 C. W. Dorwin 225.70 M. A. Hanna & Co 109.80 G. R. & 1 82.88 D. F. Teeple 76.17 J. O. Smith 12 - 40 No further business coming before the council they adjourned to meet on next Monday evening,