Decatur Democrat, Volume 51, Number 36, Decatur, Adams County, 10 September 1908 — Page 2

The Bryan and Kern campaign will open in earnest in Adams county next week when Thirty Cent Clubs will be organized in every nooc and corner, and there will be speeches by the party leaders. Bills were printed here today showing the exact time and places. From this time on there will be something doing constantly until ♦iovember 3rd, when it is believed old Adams will stack up a majority never before equaled in this green spot. On Wednesday of next week the first ipeeches of the seasen will take place •t the court house in this city, when Judge It K. Erwin and Hon. E. G. Huffman, committeemen of the twelfth district, will address the voters. A band and two glee clubs will enliven the occasion On the following evening. Thursday. September 17th, meeting to organize clubs will be held as follows At Briggs Hall. Geneva, address by Hon. D. E. Smith; Monmouth school house, address by Hon. Daniel NT. Erwin; Preble township. Krutzman’s school house, address by Hon. J Fred Fruchte; Kirkland township at election school house, address by Hon. C. J. Lutz; Union township at Kohr's sober'd house, addresses by Hons. A. P. Beatty and J. C. Moran: Monroe, at Hocker's Hall, address by Hon. John F Snow; Berne, at hall, address by Hon. D. B Erwin. On Friday evening September 18. meetings will be held as follows: Linn Grove, at school house addresses by Hons. Jacob Butcher, of Geneva, and Jesse Kelley; French township, at election school house, addresses by Hons. S. A. M. Butcher; Geneva and Emil Franz, of Berne: Blue Creek township at Kinsey school house, addresses by Hons. D. E. Smith and John C. Moran; Jefferson township, at Booher school house, addresses by Hons. Henry B. Heller and W. L. Thornhill. All these meetings will be called at 7:30 o’clock p. m. An unusual occurrence was that before Judge Merryman Monday morning when George Zeitz's application for naturalization papers was deferred, the court bolding that applicant was not entitled to the protection given United States citizens because he believes it wrong to vote. Mr. Zehr is one of the best men of this county, a loyal citizen and a Christian gentleman. According to his religious belief ft ,s wrong to vote against a Christian and said if there was cnly one ticket he could vote, but where there are more, he did net believe it it right. The court told Mr. Zehr of the high esteem in which he held him but said that he did not think a man who could not believe in the constitutional mode of selecting officers was entitled to papers of citizenship and refused to grant them. Mr. Zehr lives three miles northwest of Geneva and has been a resident of the county for forty years. He was born in the city of Dahn, Germany, in 1842. He said this country suited him and he would do all he could for it, but according to his Bible, he couldn’t conscientiously vote. The case will be heard later again for the purpose of making a record and the question may be decided in the supreme court. Peterson & Moran are attorneys for Mr. Zehr, An Insanity inquest was held over Clarence Gilpen at the office of Squire Stone this morning by Drs. J. M. Miller. W. E. Smith and D. D. Clark and although their verdict will, not be reduced to writing until tomorrow, it is safe to say that he ig of unsound mind and will be adjudged so by the physicians. The subject is the son of the late Solomon Gilpen, of St. Marys township, has ] area s dying sev. eral years ago. Clarence then went to eastern Ohio, returning to Adams county two weeks ago. He was employed by Isaac Smith, but was incapable to perform the duties on account of strange hallucinations about officers being after him and other delusions. John Brodbeck, an uncle to the boy, took him i a charge and he asserts that the boy’s mind is in a very bad condition. Persistence in a private habit is largely responsible for Bis dementia. Application will be made to enter him at East Have n asylum and in the meantime he will be in charge of Mr. Brodbeck. Rev Spetnagle, of the Presbyterian church delivered two eloquent sermons Sunday, his first for a month and he was at his best, feeling just fine he stated and he certainly spoke that way. His morning subject was “Digging .Wells," and his remarks were full of wholesome advice, well given. Miss Florence Sprunger rendered a beautiful solo. S. M. Passon, aged sixty-seven years and for half a century a resident of Jefferson township, was buried Sunday, funeral services being held from Grange Hall church. Mr. Passon was one of the best known citizens of southern Adams county and had many ■ acquaintances in this section. Ke is survived by his wife and five ca <’ren. Othol Human and family left Sat urday morning for their home at Decatur, after a several days’ visit with his brothers. Emanuel, Josiah and Dawson Suman and families. —PortInd Sun.

Adam Moser, the Adams county man charged with enticing Pearl Elsie Martin, an eleven year-old orphan girt from the Levi Wulliman home south of Bluffton on August 11th, was arraigned Friday afternoon before Squire Rinehart ana entered a plea of not guilty and evidence was then beard, but the case was not entered into deeply. The affidavit on which Moser was arrested alleged that the alleged crime took place on or about August first, and Moser was ready t; offer an alibi for that date, but an alibi for August Ist would not free him as that was not the date the prosecution sought to prove that he had been at the Wulliman place. Moser said he would be able to show where fie was on that date and would prove that he was not at the Wulliman farm. He had a big retinue of his Adams county relatives and friends here to trv to help him out in his -1 fficulty where they were also a number of witnesses on hand for the prosecution Squire Rinehart bound Moser over to circuit court under bond of and not being able to furnish bond he was returned to jail to await arraigment in circuit court The case may go over to the November term in order that attoraeys may prepare for trial. —Bluffton News.

The annual meeting of the Citizens’ i Telephone stockholders will be held at the office of F. M Schirmeyer this evening at seven o’clock, at which time important business will be transacted. The election of officers, reading of reports, etc., will be accomplished and other matters will be disposed of. The Citizens’ Telephone company has experienced a most successful year which is new nearing its close. Many new telephones have been installed and every department has undergone decided success and the stockholders of this enterprise have ample reasons to be grateful. The fact that the Bell people have cease business in this section will only add to the success of the local company and every indication points to a most prosperous future. The officers have performed their duties efficiently which, in a large measure is responsible for the advancement of the company's interest. John A. Briggs. M. E. Hutton. S. W. Hale and several other boaters from Geneva, were before the board of commissioners and received their approval for a special election, the game to be held at the regular voting precincts of both Wabash and Hartford townships on a date yet to be fixed by the board of commissioners. The object of the special election is the voting of a subsidy to the Bluffton, Geneva and Celina Traction company. In one sense it will be an extension of the M. B. E. line, although the promoters are combined into a separate organization. The petition asks for one per cent of the taxable property, add in Wabash township the sum aggregates 115,076.00 and in Hartford township $9,405.00. The petitions presented were numerously signed, and if they mean anything, they mean the success of the subsidy. The line will be of great benefit and will give Linn Grove that relief for which they have been praying for all these years. Geneva, too, will be helped, and of those pushers there are wise— and they are —they will #ork early and late for this road. The fifteen thousand subsidy is not a di;op in the bucket to the returns that will come to them laer on. The company proposes to build to Geneva and then later extend the line to Celina, Ohio. The school board met Friday evening in continued session and transacted business preparatory to the opening of the 1908 term. Probably the most important matter which occupied the attention of the board was the assignment of the teachers to the respective grades and the fixing of their salaries. Two hours’ time were required to adjust the salaries according to the grades and the total amount to be paid the teachers per month this year is $1,626.85, which is $146.85 more than wa s paid last year. The treasurer was ordered to borrow SI,OOO at 6 per cent at the First National bank for the general fund to be used in the special fund. This money will pay for the repairs of the buildings, accomplished subsequent to orders from the state. The following bills were read and allowed: C. E. Suttles, repair west ware, $16.50; J. S. Holcomb Co., floor brushes, $16.25; T. A. Leonard, repair on roof and spouting at south ward. $146.20; repair on Central building, $1.67; repair on North Ward. $3.00. It was ordered that the tax levy be as follows: Special fund, 47 cents on SIOO valuation; special building, 8 cents On SIOO valuation; tuition, 42 cents on SIOO valuation. This makes an aggregate of 97 cents on the SIOO. j The Huntington ball team plays Lew Scott’s Independents here two games Labor Day. One at 10:30 in the morning and one at 2:30 in the afternoon. The teams are evenly matched and the games will be worth seeing.—Bluffton Banner.

Peterson and Moran filed a suit entitled Mollie K. Hauk vs. Frank J. Hauk, suit for divorce. The couple were married September 30. 1896, and ••red together until September 1. 19'M. a Len the defendant left his family, going to Coffeeville. Kansas, where he ’ has since lived. They have two chil-!dn.-n. Lola E., aged ten, and Francis •D„ rged eigfit. in July. 1907, Hauk ■ sent for his wife and children to come to him They went with happy risicns ■ of a reunited home, but arriving there | Mrs Hauk discovered that it was onlv I a p’an for him to secure possess.t 1 jof the children He ordered her back |to in.’iana, and she came, her hns-1 i band retaining possession of the w-u j whom he still has. Mrs. Hauk chafes her husband with infidelity and asks for the legal custody of tre. daughter Lola, apparently being wi.l-' ling that her husband keep the son | ■ Mrs. Hauk is a resident of this town-; ship. Deputy Sheriff Edward Green has returned from Portland, where he obtained the foney due Mrs. H. Diller for board, George M. Ober, having failed to pay same before leaving the Park Hotel. Ober, who is in business . at Portland, remained at the Park' Hotel three days, accumulating a bill 0f*54.50 which he did not pay. Mrs. Diller filed affidavits against the man before Squire James H. Stone and his arrest followed. Mr. Ober is managing a restaurant at Portland and he pai dthe money to Green without any hesitancy. The amount was $18.20. — Night Pciiceman Fisher arrested a man Saturday evening whose true name is unknown. He is an opium fiend and displayed funny pranks on the street. He was released Monday morning and ordered to leave the city at once, which he did. John Brown, of Wabash township, appeared in Squire Smith's court Monday a. m., where he prepared a bid for a gravel road, fixing a bond and swearing to same. W'ith a program of great importance and services appropriate in their appointment, the fiftieth anniversary of the Emanuel Lutheran church of Union township was royally celebrated Sunday at the well known place of worship. This church has undergone unprecedented success during the fifty years of its existence. It was organized in 1858 with but twelve members on the roll and now has fifty-six voting members, 309 communicants and 313 souls. Carl Kruckeburg is the only surviving charter member. The I program ensued yesterday morning at 9:30 o’clock, Rev. W. Schmidt, formerly pastor of the church, delivering the initial address. At 2:30 p. m. Rev. F. Reinking of Striker, Ohio, delivered an excellent talk and in the evening Rev. H. Steger, of Arenzville, Illinois, addressed the vast assemblage. Rev. J. W. Knowlton, of Convoy, was also on the program for a talk and he acquitted himself grandly. An excellent musical program was also rendered and the golden anniversary goes down on record as a meet delightful and memorable occasion. The session of the board of commissioners opened with a continuation of macadam road business. Three roads were sold, and following is the bids: Carter Road. Hugh'Woodss6,39B.oo Erie Stone Co 6.459.00 L. O. Bears No. 1. R. N. Krofft $6,592.00 Crist Mosser 5,991.50 Cal Miller 6.823.00 John H. Wilson 7,423.00 Fred Beeler 6,264.82 Frank. Helle- 6,395.00 Decatur and Monroe No. 5. Woods and 50n529,540.00 Michael Miller 27,218.00 Julius Haugk 26,590.00 On petition of Adam Pease for the vacation of a road, David Dilling, William Frazier and John Steele were appointed viewers. In the Fred Thieme drain matter, report wa© approved, and some little change was made in the assessments of one or two parties. Petitions were granted for a subsidy election in Wabash and Hartford townships. The Bluffton, Geneva and Celina traction company are contem- ■ plating a line from Bluffton to Celina, and are asking for the aid of a one per cent subsidy. Harry Ershman Sundayed at Cincinnati the guest of Nick Wingar, who was regular catcher on Decatur I. -O. team last yeair. Nick played wfitih Rockhill, South Carolina, this season and batted 380. He has been promised a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds for next spring. A consignment of fine black bass have been sent by Congressman W. E. TouVelle to Celina, and were placed in the big reservoir at that place. The bass were from the bureau of fisheries at Washington, D. C. It is the intention to stock this large artificial pond with a fine lot of 'fish of all kinds.

Henry Meyer vs. Andrew Meyer, appcintent for guardian, answer filed by clerk, appearance by H. B. Heller for defendant. H L. Center vs. Fort Wayne and Springfield Co.. damages $250, appearance by C. J. Lutz for defendants; rule to answer. B. W. Stolty vs. J. J. Meyers, notes $290, default, judgment foj» $78.38 and for $4.45 and for costs. Default cf defendants was noted in the following cases; Henry Kleble et al vs. H. S. Porter, notes $290; Keubler & Moltz Co. vs. John J. Meyer, account SIOO. T. A. Hendricks vs. Solomon Stur- ■ gis et al. quiet title, proef of publication and notice to non-residents ordered. A similar proceeding was I made in the case of Newton C. and Helen Anderson vs. Charity C. Hetrick let al. Appearances were entered in various cases as follows: D. E. Scott vs. L A. Graham by DeVoss and Peterson & Moran' for defendant. Aetna Life Insurance Co. vs. Cardwell Box ' Co.. Decatur r-gg v ase Co., and Cardwell Stave Co., by C. J. Lutz for defendants; Mutual Mfg. Co., vs. Christine Kuntz, by F. M. Cottrell for defendant: Rurode Dry Gods Co. vs. Fred Schafer, by C. J. Lutz for defendant; Eugene Morrow vs. 'William Anderson, by D. E. Smith for defendant; G. F. Gemmell vs. John T. Hamlin et al. by C. J. Lutz for defendants. Bessie L. Davies et al vs. Clarence Williman et al, default cf defendants, titled quieted and partition as petitioned for; sale ordered; P. G. Hooper appointed commissioner, bond fixed at $6,000. Bert Newcomer vs. Lizzie Champion et al. partition of land ordered as asked; sale ordered; Jacob Butcher appointed commissioner, with bond of $1,000; finding that Bank of Berne holds lien against Newcomer’s interest for $95. Belle Johnson vs. Frank A. Johnson, divorce, proof of non-residence notice filed; default of defendant; Prosecutor Heller ordered to answer. Frank Sullivan vs. G. R. & I. RyCo.. damages $610.60, demurrer to each paragraph overruled. James H. Sullivan vs. G. R. & I. Ry. Co., damages $1,650, demurrer to each paragraph overruled. Tazwell Fritz vs. George A. Fritz et al. partition, proofs filed, report of sale filed, ratified and deed ordered. Susie Conaut vs. W. B. Tucker, linages SI,OOO, dismissed at cost of plaintiff. Della M. Chapman vz. Esther R. Chapman, et al, partition, final report filed. Henry Miller, guardian for Sarah E. Buckingham, a person of unsound mind, filed a current report which was approved. Alice L. Ray, administratrix of the Shelby Ray estate, filed petition to sell personal property at public sale. So ordered after three weeks’ notice. The case of Margaret Mayer vs. The Ward Fence Co., an account was dismissed and the costs paid. Malinda Fronefield vs. William Fronefield, divorce, cause dismissed and costs paid. Letters of administration were granted to Charles E. Simon, who will look after the estate of John C. Simons. He filed bond for $1,690, signed by Jacob Butcher. Emanuel Warmer has sold to John Toder, 40 acres in Hartford township $4,000. Gillam Innlnger et al transferred 78 acres in Wabash township to Emanuel Warmer for $5,800. - - —. Dr. C. B. Wilcox, pastor of the Methodist church has arranged for a series of Bible lectures at that house cf worship that will no doubt prove of great interest to Decatur people, and all who can should arrange to ! hear them. Dr. Wilcox is an eloquent speaker and his sermons are full of those thoughts which inspire one and makes him better able for the battle of life, no difference in what line he may be engaged. The subjects as ■ ; set out and the dates are as follows: 'i On Sunday night. September 13, j"Sarah, the Princess;” on Sunday ' night, September 20, "Esther, the Star of the Orient;” on Sunday night, September 27th, "Our Mother Eve and '.the Lost Atlantis:” on Sunday night. I October 4th, “The Witch of Endor.” i Every person in this city and locality , . are most cordially invited to attend these special lectures on Bible sub- ; jects, sure to prove as interesting .. as their subjects implies. —— o 1 Hear Judge Erwin and E. G. Hoffman at the court house Wednesday night of next week.

Attica. Ind . September Governor Hanly yesterday gave to the members of the Northwest Indiana Conference his reasons for calling the General Assembly in special session. It was not a ’campaign speech, but It was a political document of great import, and the members of the republican committee that meets at Indianapolis thia evening will do welLto read it carefully. The governor, in his address, urged the moral forces of Indiana to stand by local option with the county as a unit, and to pass the bill that will be introduced into a law in words that had no hidden meaning. He asked the four thousand ministers of Indiana to advocate from their pulpits the passage of the county option law. The governor asked that the law and order people, the members of the churches, the prayer-meetings, the Sunday schools, and ail the religious societies to urge the members of the legislature to vote for the county option law. “Say to your representative,” declared the governor, with emphasis, “that it matters not what your party affiliations are. If you vote for this measure we will stand by you.” The cost of the special session, the governor said, would not be more than $20,000 or $30,000. and its work could be finished in from ten to fifteen days. The special session was not called, he said, to repeal the Vincennes University bill, but the opportunity was embraced to put that question before the General Assembly. The governor declared that he had no part in making the conditions out of which came the necessity for a special session. The session of the legislature will afford an opportunity to put before the people matters that could not be put before them in any other way. It gave the republican party, he said, a chance to redeem a solemn pledge on the liquor question, the sincerity of which is being daily questioned. ■ -I ■ Xwwwmo

The stockholders of the Citizens’ Telephone company met Monday night pursuant to notice, at the office of the secretary, F. M. Schirmeyer, it being the annual session. Reports from the various officers and committees were heard, showing the institution one of the best investments, financially in Adams county, and everything to be in excellent condition. A six per cent dividend was declared. The company re-elected the old board of directors, including John S. Bowers, Godfrey Christen, D. D. Clark, E. X. Ehlnger and F. M. Schirmeyer. Immediately after the stockholders meeting, the directors held a session and proceeded to elect officers. John S. Bowers was chosen as president; D. D. Clark as vice president; E. X. Ehlnger as treasurer and F. M. Schirmeyer, secretary. The Citizens is the oldest independent phone company in the country and their success is well known in this locality. The fact that they will continue to progress is evident from the selection of the board and officers, all of whom are careful, intelligent business men. The annual session of the county council began at the sheriff’s office Tuesday, a. m. The appropriations for next year will be carefully compared and their official seal given to what is necessary for the needs of the county*. They will meet again tomorrow ana after a second approval the appropriations for next year will be complete. The date of the special election to vote a subsidy to the Bluffton, Geneva and Celina traction company, has been set for Friday, October 9. From this time on, it is expected that most of the voters in Wabash and Hartford townships will devote much time to this election. It is important to them both and means an east and west road, a convenience that will be hard for the to overlook. John Barone wag appointed superintendent of construction on the E. W. Dailey macadam road. Peterson & Moran were allowed $35. The A. W. Bowman macadam road was continued to the October term, Election inspectors were named for the thirty-two voting precincts in Adams county. A list of them will be found printed elsewhere. The board selected Indiana limestone for the curbing on the Decatur and Monroe No. 5 and as soon as the bonds are sold Julius Haugk, the contractor will begin work upon the construction. The stone will be furnished through the Wemhoff Monumental works, the local agent. Rev. and Mrs. W. H. Mygrant left Friday evening for their home at Van Wert, Ohio, after a several days’ visit at the home of H. L. Andrews and family, North Meridian street, Miss Clara Bishop, of near Montpelier has also returned to her home after a visit at the Andrews home.— Portland Sun. Walter bloach and wife left for Fort Wayne this morning for a short visit with friends.

"The Ides of March” for the Rev W E. McCarty fell on last Saturday afternoon. It will be remembered that this is the smiling parson who some weeks ago abandoned bis life work of calling sinners to repentance. and has ever since been devoting his talents and energy in the cause of Senator N. B. Hawkins, in his congressional race. On iast Saturday afternoon it seems that the politicoprelate informed his bride of a few months that he had paid off a certain note held by a local bank, and she was unkind enough to question his truth and veracity, and mildly Indicated a desire to be "shown.” Accordingly the reverend repaired to the bank, in company with his spouse, and secured the corroboration of the teller. Then arose that old, and always impertinent question, “where did you get it?” She knew that marriage ceremonies, funeral orations and other sources of revenue were lacking; likewise that the ecclesiastical purse but a short time since was like the far-famed pAntry of Mother Hubbard when she went “to get her poor doggie a bone.” Again in awful tones, she demanded, “Where did you get it?” No answer. Her suspicions growing apace, she switched from the Interrogative to the affirmative. “You paid off your note with my money.” she charged. This, he stoutly denied, but that brought back the question again. Meanwhile the joyful bystanders were crowding in rather uncomfortably close. At last, driven to bay, the bald-headed truth was wrung from his agonized soul. “If you must know,” he whimpered, “I got my money ffem Brother Hawkins for that letter I wrote for him that was published In the Muncie Star and other work I am doiag for him.” They say a voluntary confession is good for the soul, but judging from the ghost of a grin that embellished the phiz of the prince of smilers at this tragic moment, a confession squeezed out with a road roller is not «o beneficent as a soul sedative.—Portland Sun.

THE GERKE FAMILY REUNION Held at Robison Park Last Saturday. A goodly percentage of the 128 descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Gerke, pioneer residents of Adams county asse-hled at Robison park on Saturday afternoon and perfected an organization with the following officers for the ensuing year: President Herman A. F. Gerke; secretary. C. L. Daseicr; treasurer, Henry W. Buck; committee, Herman Gerke and wife. Henry W. Ropa and wife, and Henry C. Gerke and wife. A most delightful time was bad outside of the family interest of the event and it is planned to have all of the descendants present at the next meeting. The following were those present on Saturday: Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Gerke, Flora and Adelia Gerke, Mr. and Mrs Fred Erb. Freddie, Willie and Didia Erb, Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Gerke. Marie, Cari and Harold Geke, Misses Clara and Gertrude Gerberding, Mr. and Mrs. Max Richter, Walter, Herbert, Erwin, Alfreds and Eno Richter. Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Buck. Elmer, Lillian, Clarence and Howard Buck. Mrs. Louise Gerke, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Gerke, Lora and Adelia Gerke. Mr. and Mrs. August Hobrock, Esther. Oscar and Marcella Hobrock. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gerke, Mr. Carl Speckman. Miss Sophia Uebelhoer, Mrs. Engel Gerke. Miss Sophia Gerke, Mr. William Ropa, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ropa and Frederick Ropa. Mr and Mrs. Henry W. Ropa, Miss Tillie Ropa, Williard, Georgie and Lesley Ropa. Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Raseler and Rutl Raseler, Mr. and Mrs. Herman F. A. Gerke, Matilda, Clara and Herman H. Gerke, Miss Emelia Schultz, Walter, Ervin and Maria Schultz, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gerke and Marie and Herbert Gerke, Mrs. Wilhelmina Boester. Mias Louise Boester, Mr. and Mrs. August Boester, and Adelia, Matilda and Carl Boester. —Fort Wayne News. BRYAN CLUB AT MONROEVILLE Lawyer Steve Whipple, of Portland, Was the Speaker. Attorney S. A. D. Whipple went t 0 Monroeville. Allen county, Saturday afternoon, where that evening he addressed a democratic club being organized that night. Mr. Whipple went at the request of the state committee who had billed him for the speechend Steve knows how to make a telling and argumentative speech. He was greeted by a large audience and the club starts with a membership of about 175. Mr. Whipple says that the one issue that appeals most to the voters who were at the meeting was the one in the democratic state and national platforms declaring for guaranty bank deposits and the extravagance in state and national affairs — Portland Daily Sun. —" Every year New York City throws into the junk heap enough buildings to accommodate a small city, or * population of 50,000. In the last ten j years there have been torn 1 enough buildings to house 500,000 P er I sons. j l|