Decatur Democrat, Volume 56, Number 14, Decatur, Adams County, 6 April 1911 — Page 1

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.*#*♦♦♦♦*♦***♦ present officers. * * * * Clerk of Congregation— Laura ♦ $ Alban. ♦ $ Elder*— Ed 8. Mo»ei, W. H. Lee, * $ c. J. Lutz, Amoa Bigg», Cha*. * | # True. - * DtiCO n»—J. C. Patteraon, Jacob « t Atz J- C. Moaea, R. D. Patter- * * »on. D. B. Erwin, W. A. Lower, * a. W. Garard, Eli Meyer. * $ Truttees —Charlea F. Steele, S. * * 0 Beaver*, Oscar Huffman. * Superintendent of Sunday School * * — Ed S. Mosea. 4c C. E. OFFICERS. * $ President —C. J. Lutz. * Vice President —Hugh Perkins. $ Secretary—Alice Dailey. :|: . ■j: Treasurer —Frances Cole. * <■ * * : *♦*****♦*«! The j ’.ual congregational meeting of the 1 sbyterian church last evening war in unusually happy event, bv reason of the fact that it was also be attended by the official burning of the mon rage, which for so long has bung over the church and which recently wag cleared by the efforts of the official board. For the first time tn the history of the congregation the church is now free of debt. The fol-1 lowing i'gram was rendered last evening . Hymn -Congregation. Vocal Solo —Dr. Fred Patterson ‘Son Old Doings”—R. D. Patter-; son. . ' Hymn—Congregation. The Future” —Dr. S. D. Beavers, j Solo—Wm. P. Schrock. Slim Address —A Former Elder. “New For Something Else"—Ed 8. Moses. Burning of the Old Mortgage. Hymn—Congregation. The following history of the organi- ■ ration, contributed by E. S. Moses, is appropriate at this time: History of Organization. By .< petition of seven persons of Decatur and vicinity presented to Miami Presbytery, Isaac Ogden was directed to organize a Presbyterian | church in Adams county, Indiana ; Pursuant to public notice a meeting, was held on Saturday the 19th of, September, 1840, in the court house in Decatur, Adams county, Indiana. 1 After service by Rev. A. J. Ogden, a' church, with twelve charter members, was organized. Samuel Patterson and William Allen were chosen elders. On June 5, 1843, a call was extended to Rev. John H. Nevius. a tall, handsome looking man, with full gray beard about fourteen inches long. A custom of these times was to let all the beard grow they could support. Rev. Nevius was a noble Christian gentleman and Is remembered by a few of the older members of our church today. At the same meeting George Caskey, James Patterson and James Niblick were chosen deacons. In 1844. July Ist, a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws After it was accomplished it was inc orporated in the legislature. On December 27, 1845, a committee reported that a plan for a house of worship had been considered. It was to be a frame, 30x40. with 15-foot story and it was to be built at a tost of SBOO. September 11, 1847, Mr. James Patterson was made elder. The first financial report was given October 15, 1847, and covered five fears. The records show Mr. Nevius’ salary was $350. He received 4150 of this from the mission board. Tet, with this meagre amount he labored on tor twelve years, living on the east side of North Second street, opposite the Niblick homestead. In 18,50 the records show that the subject of building was again before the church. At this time they proposed to build 40x50, with 18-foot ”OD-. J. C. Wilson and Abraham frabbs were appointed to act with the trustees in erecting a house of worship. On January 23, 1850, Jaoob Vanßuskirk and J. C. Wilson reWed to the trustees they had purchased lots 327 and 330 for $35.00. and deposited the deeds with the recorder, this being the lots where the Present church now stands. In 1854 the building committee made a compete report, the total cost being $2,4'3- Thus after fourteen years of discussion they were able to occupy their first church building. Just after completion it was decided to sell th® pews The old records show that P'at and list of the first sale. The °nly name recorded there of a man still living is that of John Woy, who •s eighty-three years old today. Al- ’ ough for many years, and even at at tim e a member of the Concord 'Utheran church, he was occasionalJ found occupying a seat with the osbyterlans, and now we are de-

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lighted to see this noble Christian man hale and hearty, occupying occasionally a seat in the front row of pews. The plan was a financial success, but because of a sentiment against the plan it was discontinued. The complete list of pew holders was as follows: Jacob Oaks, Samuel Moses, James Rockwell, J. R. Scherer, Benjamin Rice, John P. Smith, J. Wisner, George Hunter, J. C. Wilson. William Trout, A. Bollman, P. Bollinger, H. Barnett, John Woy, William Christy, C. M. Stevens, Jacob C ratner, Jacob King, David Studabaker, E. Numbers, John Crawford, Jas. Patterson, D. McDonald, Abraham Crabbs, David Allen, U. Chapman, C. S. Scheneger, S. S. Michel, J. D. Nuttman. W. G. Spencer, D. D. Humbert, S. Miller and John Brown, one pew (Mr. Brown had sixteen children in his family, Mr. Miller, six), Asa Woodward, P. C. Bollinger, B. Wertzberger, John Bradley, J. M. Crabbs, G. Numbers, C. D. Hart, O. F. Hart, Perry Crabbs. October 15th, Rev. Nevius resigned. A short time after that Rev. 'Mclntyre was called for two years. November 15, 1862, Rev. Wilson Donaldson was preaching a communion sermon: text, Luke, 14:49: "I am come to send fire on the earth, what say ye if it be already kindled.” Scarcely had the text been announced when C. D. Porter, now a prominent business man of Geneva, but a mere youth at that time, rushed In and gave the alarm of fire. The congregation barely escaped. The entire building was consumed, without any insurance. In 1861 Rev. Elcock was called to the church. He served six years. During his pastorate a new brick church was built, costing about 3,000.

The next minister was Rev. A. B. Lowes, a young man from Pittsburg, who served nearly two years. Rev. Norman Jones was ordained in 1872 and served six years. During his pasjtorate the parsonage was built, cost- ! ing $1,698.68. This building has been ' remodeled until It is now a manse, with modern improvements, a very ! comfortable and convenient dwelling, i Rev. C. A. Kanouse followed the 1 pastorate of Rev. Jones and was with the church for four years. He was a most excellent pastor and moved to Kentucky a few years later where he died. During Rev. Kanouse's pastorate the church was remodeled at a cost of $2,051.81. Following this pastorate was that of Rev. J. A. Reynolds, which was of three years' duration. Mr. Reynolds has two sons in the ministry, one of which, Rev. Walter, married Miss Maggie Hill, daughter of Mrs. Victory Hill, of this city. After Mr. Reynolds came Rev. I. T. Hott, who served the church _ ten months, and after a lingering illness, died. During his short pastorate quite a number were received in the church. Rev. Hott came a young man, just from the seminary, and his sad death greatly endeared him to the church. Rev. E. A. Allen, from 1888 to 1893, a young man, just completing his course in Lane Seminary, proved to be the man that would just fit in meeting all the requirements of a Christian minister. During his five years of pastorate the church had an average of twenty-five new members each year. The church, for the first time, assumed self-support. Then came Rev. W. I. Alexander, just from the seminary, serving two years. During his pastorate a remarkable revival took place, in which 200 joined the church. Re* Alexander’s visits to our church and cit ’ are always of the most welcome. Rev. John F. Horton was the next pastor, serving for two and one-hah years. During his pastorate the parsonage was remodeled, and other substantial improvements made. Following Mr. Horton came the pastorate ot Rev H. C. Duckett, another young man just from the seminary, who proved to be a very devoted worker, and his pastorate was very successful A church debt of SI,OOO was paid . off' during his stay of three years, . 1898-1901. In June, 1902, Rev. Allen . was again called, this being his second pastorate, serving little more . than three years. During this time he Planned for a new church. -ffenM as an inducement to pay one-tenth o I the entire cost of the huilding. or t whatever plan they might The , result was the present heautiLß . church building, erected where _ t old church stood, comer of Adams 1 and Second streets, at a cost otat x> i . $17,000. Rev. Allen Is now -ot , 1 tho Presbyterian church at I arv , .'lllinois, where he Is busy erecting

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday April. 6, 1911

new church building, “a much larger and harder job than ever.” Just after the completion of the new church Rev. Alfred Fowler of Chicago was called. He served from November, 1905, to November, 1907, proving himself to be one among the, most competent preachers in the history of the church. The last of all the pastors to serve this church was Rev. Richard Spetnagle, a very capable and earnest Christian minister, serving very successfully two years, and resigning to take charge of the district management of the Anti-Sa-loon League, with headquarters at South Bend, Ind. At present and for the past three months, the church has been without a pastor. Paying of the Debt. A debt which has been accumulating for several years and amounting to about $3,000, worrying the advisory board of the church for a long time, was finally settled by presenting the matter in a concise statement, printed and mailed to each member of the church, stating the exact indebtedness and appealing to them for help. A subscription was started, and with a liberal response, not only the debt, but an assessment for street improvements, which was afterward: assessed, amounting to $287, wfcs also j paid, and tonight an announcement ■ made by the committee on arrange- | ments in connection with the regular! annual congregational meeting, an- I nounces there will be a program rendered and the mortgage, which has j been held against the church for so ; many years, will be burned. No col • lection or subscription will be taken.. TO UNDERGO OPERATION. L. R. Blossom, a well known Willshire resident, also known to many here, left yesterday afternoon with his cousin, Thomas S. Perkins, for Ann Arbor. Mich., where he will enter a hospital there and on next Friday submit to an operation for gall stones. Mr. Blossom has been in declining health for some length of time, everything known to medical science that was thought would affect a cure having been tried, but to no avail. So the only thing that remains which may mean to him recovery is the operation, and which he has been advised by his physicians to undergo. They left yesterday afternoon over the G. R. & I. and immediately following the operation of Friday Mr. Perkins will notify the relatives and friends of his condition. o ■ TWO MORE JOIN THE "DRYS." Frankfort and Sullivan Vote Against the Saloon. Two cities in Indiana voted Tuesday under the Proctor law, Sullivan, Sullivan county, voted “dry” by 59, and Frankfort. Clinton county, "dry" by 147. The result in each makes no change, as both cities have been “dry” for two years. The result in Frankfort was expected, but that in Sullivan was somewhat of a surprise, as one or two other places in the county have voted “wet.” and it was thought the county seat would follow suit in order to “keep trade at home.” Many other elections have been called for the last week of the month and doubtless others will be called before the commissioners of the various counties end their sessions the present week. The common council, with all members present, met in the council chambers Tuesday evening and was called to order by Mayor Teeple. The minutes of the last session were first read by the clerk, approved and ordered spread on record. The specifications for the Mylott and Allison sanitary drainage to be constructed in the Fullenkamp addition were filed and definite action will soon be taken for the construction of same. The Drayton Hill sewer, which was up for the hearing of objections at this time, was the cause for much discussion, many of the neighbors of that vicinity being present to state their opinion in regard to its construction. After hearing whabeach one had to say the council decided that the matter be continued until the next meeting, and in the meantime the street and ee wer committee will look into the matter. A petition for a sewer, known as the George Keller sewer, and to be run through the alley just north of the Harmon Brake property from West Fifth street to Decatur street, and signed by a number of property owners, was on account of the specified route, continued until the next meeting, owing to the fact that the sewer was not laid out right,

and that the water would have to be carried west just a square and then back again to the same place. The attention of Councilman Chronister was called to a number of grates In the business district, which are at the present time in a very poor condition, and some which require immediate attention. The clerk was authorized to notify Mrs. Christena Niblick to repair their property recently vacated by H. S. Porter on Madison street, several portions it being in an unsafe condition for the traveling public, the same to be looked after within ten days. The clerk is also to notify the Erie railroad company to repair the crossing at Winchester street and to put it into a better passable condition. The Vesey heirs will also be notlfed to construct sidewalks along their property on the west side of Cleveland street. The sidewalks belonging to the city plant on North Third street, which have for some time been in an almost impassable condition during a wet period, and heavy rains, are also to be repaired, the old walk to be taken up, refilled with cinders and relaid to answer the required purpose for a while when the city will construct a cement walk. The clerk was also instructed to notify the W. D. Coil Filler company and the Decatur Supply company to construct sidewalks on the north side of Jefferson street along their places of business, and to comply with the others having walks on that street. The purchasing committee was ordered to secure tre required blanks for the mayor which is needed by him for the carrying on of his business. Coun- ! oilman Hale made a suggestion that the city is not furnished with sufficient water protection in case of fire should a conflagration break out. and that the insurance rate now in use is G. E. Steele 29.01 G. R. & I. R. R V 8.22 entirely too high for the people of the city. He suggested that a supply tank be constructed on the city's grounds and to be worked by means of gravitation instead of pumping. No steps were taken on the proposition, but will be first considerd and then brought up for discussion. The treasurer’s and mayor’s reports were referred to the finance committee and will be heard from at the next regular meeting. The following bills were allowed: Meyer, Scherer & Beavers....? 25.00 Clover Leaf R. R 62.27 William Geary 10.00 Chicago & Erie R. R 166.93 Bobo Printing Co 2.50 Sunday Creek Coal Co 167.21 Carbon Hill Coal Co 36.33 Frank *Peterson 50.00 M. J. Mylott pay roll 255.50 G. F. Kintz 42.00 Webb Fuel Co .. 41.54 Seph Melchi 50.00 Jacob Huffman 3.75 L. Hammond 15.00 L. Hammond 16.50 L. Hammond 12.00 R. E. Gilpen 10.50 John Sprague 15.00 J. G. Smith 50.00 William Jackson 3.00 B. & O. Coal Co 78.19 John W. Coffee 68.28 Wells Fargo Express Co I. 1.10 Waterworks pay roll 10.00 Tilden Lister 1-50 Decatur Democrat 30.45 D. F. Teeple 12.97 C. U. Dorwin 232.69 — o ■ WALKER PLACED ON TRIAL. (United Press Service.) Anderson, Ind., April 3 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —James Walker who on March 4th, just a month ago, shot and killed Patrolman Kirkman and Chief of Police Ellis of Elexandria, and was captured after a sensational chase, was placed on trial today. His defense is insanity and there is some doubt as to his conviction. The day was spent in selecting a jury. -x RESOLUTIONS. Whereas. Our brother, T. W. Watts, has again proven his loyalty to a righteous cause; and Whereas, He freely gave up his employment alfter almost nineteen years of service with one firm, rather than be sent out of the city “on business for the company" at the time of our recent city option election, and thus be deprived of his right to cast a “dry” ballot; therefore, be it Resolved, That we, the members of the Decatur Baptist church in regular business meeting assembled, do hereby express our most hearty appreciation of such loyalty to the eternal principles of truth and righteous-

ness as Is shown by our brother in the stand he has taken. . Resolved, That as a token of our increased love for Brother Watts, we present him with a copy of these resolutions, officially signed. Be it further Resolved, That in justice to his many friends, near and far, copies of these resolutions be sent to the pres* of our city for publication therein. INA EVERETT, Clerk. CHAS. E. EHLE, Pastor. Done by order and In behalf of the church this 2nd day of April, 1911. “There is still much doubt about the verity of the article recently published by the Bluffton papers regarding the marriage of • Lawrence Green of this city to a Bluffton young lady. Lawrence says that it is not true and that every time he goes to Bluffton the reporters there have been pestering him by asking him whether he was married. The last time he was over the reporter again held him up and asked him whether it was true and he answered: ‘Well, I suppose you know,’ and he states that that is how he supposes the story got out. The Bluffton paper claims to have also interviewed the young lady and got the facts from her, but the family here is inclined to think that she replied in the same joking way that Lawrence did.” The foregoing from the Decatur Democrat sheds some doubt on a report circulated here to the effect that Miss Florence Haag of this city had been married to Mr. Lawrence Green of Decatur on February Sth at Detroit. Miss Haag was seen by a News reporter this afternoon at the home o( her sister, Mrs. Albert Dilimann. on West Wiley avenue and she positively denied that she had been married. giving much the same explanation as that offered by Mr. Green. Remarks made by Mr. Green were taken too seriously by an interviewer and the publication of the report of the wedding followed. It is very probable the report -will become reality some time during the spring. Miss Haag gave tacit confirmation to the report of her betrothal, but would give no details as to the plans for the wedding on the grounds that they are not yet complete.— Bluffton News. o SOLD 75,675 CIGARS IN MARCH Interesting Report of the Lose & Thomas Factory. The Lose & Thomas cigar factory has made things hum during the past month of March, their report- showing that cigars, of the White Stag and J. A. M. Adair brand, have been sold by them during that time. It will probably be an item of much interest to all to learn that each month, cigar manufacturers are required to make a report to the government, showing the number of cigars sold, the amount of tobacco purchased and of whom, the amount on hand, the amount disposed of, etc., also the number of stamps and boxes sold. ete. This report is required monthly, and also in case of moving the cigar factory, and ’then again a summary of the year’s work is required, thus letting Uncle Sam keep close tab on everything pertaining to this line. The report in this state is made to E. H. Neal, of Indianapolis, of the revenue department. SERMON WAS GOOD. The St. Mary’s church was nearly taxed Tuesday evening for the lenten services, when a very interesting sermon on “Judgment" was delivered by Father Flaherty. But two more discourses remain to be given during the lenten season, which will be given next week. The regular lenten service will be held this evening at the German Reformed church, to which the public is invited. Much Interest has been shown during the season of penance so far, and is increasing with the approach of Easter. — o Washington, D. C„ April s—(Special to Daily Democrat) —To the senate and house of representatives: I transmitted to the sixty-first congress on January 26th, last, the text of the reciprocal trade agreement which had been negotiated under my direction by the secretary of state with the representatives of the Dominion of Canada, This agreement was the consuftmation of earnest efforts, extending over a period of nearly a year, on the part of both governments to effect a trade agreement, which supplementing as It did the amicable settle-

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ment ot various-q<j«titlons of a diplomatic and political character that had been reached*, would mutually promote commerce and would strengthen the friendly relations existing. The agreement in. its intent and in its terms was purely economic and commercial. While the general subject was under discussion by the commissioners, 1 felt assured that the sentiment erf the people of the United States was such that they would welcome & measure which would result in the increase of trade on burn sides of the boundary line, would open up the reserve productive resources of Canada to the great mass of our own consumers on advantageous conditions, and at the same time offer a broader outlet for the excess products of our farms and many of our industries. Details regarding a negotiation of this kind necessarily could not be made public while the conferences were pending- When, however, the full" text of the agreement with the accompanying correspondence and date explaining both in purpose and its scope, became known to the people through the message transmit ted to congress it was immediately apparent that the ripened fruits of the careful labors of the commissioners met with widespread approval. This approval has been strengthened by further consideration of the terms of the agreement in all their particulars. The volume of support, which has developed shows that its broadly national scope is fully appreciated and is responsive to the popular will. The house of representatives of the sixty-first congress, after the full text of the arrangement with all the details in regard to the different provisions had been before it, as they were before the American people, passed a bill confirming the agreement as negotiated and as transmitted to congress. This measure failed of action in the senate. In my transmitted message of the 26th of January, I fully set for the character of the agreement, and emphasized its appropriateness and necessity as a response to the mutual needs of the people of the two countries, as well as its common advantages. I no’w lay that message and the reciprocal trade agreement, as integrally part of the present message. before the sixty-second congress and again invite earnest attention to the considerations therein expressed. I am constrained in deference to the popular sentiment and with a realizing sense of my duty to the great masses of our people whose welfare is involved, to urge upon your consideration early action on this agreement. In concluding the negotiation, the representatives of the countries bound themselves to use their utmost efforts to bring about the tariff changes provided for in the agreement by concurrent legislation at Washington and Ottawa. I have felt it my duty, therefore, not to acquiesce in relegation of action until the opening of congress in December, but to use by constitutional prerogative and convoke the sixty-second congress in extra session in order that there shall be no break of continuity in considering and acting upon this most important subject. Signed, WILLIAM H. TAFT. The White House, April 4, 1911. ■■ o BERNE REPRESENTATIVES. The Berne high school gave an interesting program on the occasion of the preliminary contest to select delegates to the final contest to be held April 21st by the Decatur, Berne and Geneva high schools. The following were selected to represent the school: Piano Solo —Ella Welty. Vocal Solo —Louisa Habegger. Piano Trio —Ella Sprunger, Mary Ann Sprunger and Eldon Sprunger. Plano Duet —Ella Welty, Louisa Habegger. There being no contest in violin and quartet, those doing this work will represent the school at the county contest. The oratorical numbers were judged by a resident of Berne, the winners being as follows: Oration —Walter Hirschy. Reading—Dessie Kerr. o & Clinton Parnell, employed at the sub-station on the B. G. & C., eight miles east of the city, is reported 111 with a mild case of smallpox. Mr. Parnell makes his home with Mr. anti Mrs. Dave Runyon, living eight miles east of thia city in Adams county. The case Is nothing serious at present. —Bluffton News.

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