Democratic Press, Volume 1, Number 42, Decatur, Adams County, 1 August 1895 — Page 1

THE DEMOCRATIC PRESS.

VOLUME 1.

Mrs. Dell Locke and children are at Rome City. Bob Case and family moved to Magley Tuesday where Bob has a retail and general store. Rev. Mr. Hower filled the pul pit at the Presbyterian church hist Sunday morning, Pastor Horton being absent from the city. The six months old baby of Mr. and Mrs. John Melcbi, of Bobo, died Monday, after a short illness’. The funeral took place Tuesday as ternoon, at Bobo. Harvey H. Harruff and Peter Soldner, both from Berne, were here Saturday, witnessing the last sad rites to their long cherished friend, Auditor France. Lightning destroyed the barn belonging to the Widow Heidre man, who lives some four miles southwest of the city. The loss figures up in the thousands. C. W. Stuckey, trustee elect of French township, was in town on Monday and will hereafter be weekly supplied with the Press and ail the doings of Adams. John Merkler of Chatanooga, just across the line in Ohio, is reported to have drowned in a small lake near Chicago, at which place he has liven staying for some time past.

J. C. Moran of Jefferson township, was in town bright and early Monday morning. For some time past he has been studying law in the office of R. H. Hartford at Portland. Judge Studabaker’s palatial residence is being improved and beautified, by several costly additions, which when completed will add considerable to its appearance and comfort. Mont Gouty, Henry Taylor, Har ry Richard, Harry Arnold, Maury and S. Rosenthrall, and Costa Shulton, cycled down from Fort Wayne Sunday and spent the day with their friendn. Birt Shirey’s physical condition still remains in a shadow of doubt, so to speak. For a week he has been almost constantly confined to his bed, but we hope soon a change for the better will take place. Twenty three applicants took teachers examination before the county superintendent last Saturday, three of whom took the scientific temperance examination under the 1895 legislative acts. Base ball among the young enthusiasts is just now at fire heat. Four games were played last wet k between the wee small boys and the North End boys, all of which ended in a victory for the former. The wee sma’ are hustlers from up the creek.

Dan N. Erwin came home from Michigan City Monday afternoon, accompanied by Frank Wells, who has just finished a one year sentence in the northern prison. The prisoner looked none the worse for wear, but was evidentlj’ tickled to be free from the bonds of confinement. A quaint and decidedly original healer who does business on one of the Puget Sound islands advertises in placards and posters as follows: “Legs and arms sawed off while you waite without pane” “Childbirth and tumors a specialty.” “No odds asked in measles, hoopincoff, mumps or diarrear.” “Bald heads, bunions, corns warts, cancer and ingrowing toe nales treated scientifically.” “Coleck, cramps, costiveuess and worms nailed on site.” “Wring worms, shingles and cross eye cured in 1 treatment or no pay.

John M. Frisinger and Ed X. Ehinger came back last Friday from their trip to Germany, mention of which has previously been made. Both are looking quite well, and report a very pleasant trip. The two car loads of horses were easily disposed of to what profit no one knows, but the fact that preparations are now in progress for a I second trip to that country with another invoice, is sufficient evidence that no money was lost, and that the exportation of horses to that country can be financially conducted on a paying basis. We are glad to note this fact, and also glad to note that Decatur citizens have enterprise, ability and nerve sufficient to carry on transactions abroad as well as at home. In fact Decatur people are not to I** sneezed at, any where you may find them.

C. A. Dugan and family left Tuesday for a ten days’ absence at' Clear Lake, Mich. E. De\\ itt Brothers and wife re- ! turned home to Chicago, Tuesday, after a pleasant visit with relatives in this city and vicinity. George M . Pyle of Geneva, was in town Tuesday on business. He was one of the sufferers in the blaze there, and is now erecting a couple of nice brick business rooms. Mrs. W. H 11. France and fam- ; ily desire to return their hearfelt thanks and blessings to all whoso kindly assisted and sympathized with them in their lateber<ave j ment. Herman Yager left Tuesday i morning for a few days’ spin j , throu h the gas boom region. It ! is perhaps safe to say that he will j return with his head up and tail I over the dash. Mrs. Will E. Keubler an 1 Miss J Lena Barthol came home Monday; j evening from Chicago where they l had been visiting relatives for two weeks, anti taking in the many seeable sights in the windy city. The ten years old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Gerhart of Jefferson township was kicked by a horse Saturday, from the effects of which he instantly died. The funeral took place Sunday with interment in the Loofborrow cemetery. Fuel timed letters remaining in the post ffice include the addresses 1 of Mr. Preverse, Raymond A. Whitbeck, Della Mashwin, J. M. Mullendore, Elizabeth McCollum, Manay Petters, William Hudson, Doolin & Co. and Perry Johnson.

Mrs. Cora Koerber, of Mt. Vernon, 0., was greeting her many friends in this city several days last week and over Sunday. She went to Bluffton Monday, where she was a guest of Mrs. Jennie Todd, but will return here to day and go to Chicago for a two weeks’ visit. Woman’s Place! GoodoldMatthew Henry tells us where it is; we want no better light, no newer views on the question. “Woman was made, out of the side of Adam, not out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled on by him, out of his side to be equal to him, under his arm to lie protected, and near his heart to be loved.” Mart Mylott is wearing his right hand in cotton and handling his right arm with as much tender; care as he would his best girl’s caressing smile. He is night hustler at the electric light station, aud very unintentionally got his fingers in the aimature, from which he received a shock, measuring eighteen hundred strong. The flesh on the hand and arm were burned, making it very painful, aud which will necessitate his careful nursing for a short time. Captain Miller, who, by the way, is now one of the Press corps of employees, arrived hon e Saturday night with his company of bluecoat government pieservers and reports a very pleasant week in Camp Fairview, near Indianapolis. He also reports the conduct of Company B as first-class—many compliments being passed by high military officers upon their soldierly bearing and decorum. For this and other reasons the energetic young captain is quite proud of his aggregation of soldiers. In case of rebellious rebellion we doubt not that the Decatur Guards could win, hands down.

Whether it is attributable to the temper of the people, to a bad moral strata, mismated matches or mischevions advice, we are not prepared to give an opinion, but we are prepared to say that the divorce business in Fort Wayne is rapidly assuming disgraceful proportions. Under the wide open divorce laws of the state the courts are, perhaps, powerless to stay final judgment, but it is high time to make an example of people who rush into courts upon trifling provocation to annul the most sacred contract man and woman can enter into. Last week we were regaled with the spectacle of a woman making sensational charges in a divorce complaint against her husband and two days later publishing a communication ito say that she was mistaken. I Most of the divorce complaints i filed in our courts are notoriously false, and half the allegations never sustained at the hearings can be comrades such.—Ft. Wayne J. '

DECATUR. INDIANA, THURSDAY, AUGUST I. 1895.

Miss lantha Gregory entertained ; Mr. H. Huffman, of Colnmbus, 0.,1 last Sunday. Edwin W. France has been ap pointed administrator of the estate of Wm. H. 11. France, deceased, as a notice elsewhere will tell you. August H. Sellemeyer and wife left Tuesday for a short absence at Mt. Clements, Mich., where they go to repair their health, which hasn’t been very extra good for; some time past. Mrs, J. N. Fristoe returned to Eagle Lake at Warsaw, Tuesday, and will spend the month of August amid the refreshing breezes there. Jim has purchased a lot and will build a cottage next year. August 5 is the time the trustees make their final report to the auditor, many of whom will step out of the - official gear, to make room for new aud other officers. The trus-tees-elcct hold their office for four j years. Dolph Huffman and family moved into their cozy First Street home the first of the week. It is a handsome little home, and Dolph lis as proud of it as he is of the i temple of justice, where his janitor regulations can’t be beaten. Every- : thing is neat clean and just right. Dan W. Beery came home from a three week’sabsence in Nebraska, I where he reports the most bountiful crops he ever set eyes on. He went to buy horses but he found | the people too independent to sell | anything resembling a horse withiout the tariff attached. Happy I Nebraska.

An excursion party leaves this city to day for an outing tour around the northern pleasure resorts. The party consists of Dan Railing and wife, John 11. Lenhart aud wife, Fred Schafer and wife, Alex R. Bell and wife, John Vail and wife, Paul Hooper and wife, Mr. Sprang and daughter Ellen. The commissioners came together in their business chamber Tues day afternoon and approved the bond of Irvin Brandyberry, who on Saturday was appointed by them to till the vacancy in the auditor’s office. The bond calls for §IO,OOO, and was signed by Jesse Brandyberry, Dan P. Bolds, Antone Holthouse and B. J. Terveer, and is worth many times the face of the bond. The appointee immediately entered upon the duties of the office. It is now Auditor Brandyberry . Dm N. Erwin, the efficient deputy under Sheriff Ashbaucher, has resigned his position the same taking effect last evening. This morning Emmett McLain assumes the duties encumbered in this deputyship, and will assist Pete in performing the duties of sheriff. Emmett is all right and when he gets his hand in, will make an efficient officer. Retiring Deputy Erwin knows the ins and outs of the office to perfection, and during his career in the office has made an enviable record for himself as well as many friends who would back him for anything at any time. He will work insurance and will be found in the office of D. E. Studabaker, over Nachtrieb’s drug store.

The county commissioners were called in special session last Saturday at 2:30, for the purpose of filling the vacancy in the auditor’s office. The call was issued by County Clerk Leuhart, who was also secretary pro tern, of the board—-the Indiana statutes making such provision. Very unanimously and without a dissenting voice flie board appointed Irvin Brandyberry, the deputy under Auditor France. By this appointment provisions have been made for a part of the salary to be paid to the family of Mr. France. The appointment is universally satis factory, and the board of commissioners made many friends by their thoughtful kindness in remembering the family of the popular auditor, who had admiring friends in every corner of Adams county. Besides this, Irvin is capable, competent, accommodating, honest and trustworthy, and will fill the office with credit to himself and to the board which appointed him. He went to Indianapolis Sundaj- evening, was given his commission by Governor Matthews on Monday, came home, the commissioner* approved his bond on since that time he with the various \ fice. Success to VvX

The barn of Henry Moonaugh, living just across the line in Allen county, was struck by lightning during the storm of last Friday night. In the fire which followed ; the building and contents were entirely destroyed. The loss figures ■ up several thousands. Mrs. Cather'ne Fuhrman, of south Eleventh street, died last Thursday. The funeral services ! were conducted from the Evangelical church on Saturday afternoon, with inti rim nt in Maplewood cemetery. The deceased was aged 69 years, 8 months and 2 days. Trustee Henry Dirkson, of Preble township, was in town Tuesday. He reported to the head of the Press that there is no outstanding indebtedness in his township, no unpaid orders or warrants; [something decidedly unusual. Mr. Dirkson has filled the office very ably and made a very efficient 111 ustee. County Superintendent Snow in- | forms us that three lectures will be ; delivered during institute week, the dates of said lectures being August 14, 15 and 16. Two of these lectures will be illustrated by prominent educators from Bloom- | ington, Ind., and Middletown, j Ohio. The institute promises to be the most interesting sesson yet ; held by the teachers and educators lof Adams county. It will pay any i one interested in school work to : attend.

The board of review raised the valuation of the property belonging to the gas company from 40 to 60 per cent, and the company, not wanting to part with any of their wealth that they can possibly keep, have appealed from this de cision to the state board of tax commissioners for adjustment. The old company have been paying taxes on §145,123 capital and the 20 per cent increase on that amount would figure several cart wheels, hence they object. France & Merryman are attorneys for the gasites.

The musicale given by Miss Har- 1 riet Wilmington at the Methodist church in this city, Monday even- i ing, was a decided success. The < church was comfortably filled and i the program rendered caused con- ] tinned and united expressions of < satisfaction and applause. Miss : Leo Long, cf Fort Wayne, was on I the program, favoring those pres- I ent with three vocal solos that < were simply beautiful. Her voice 1 is sweet, yet powerful, and her i execution was perfect, showing her to be master of her voice and of i the art of music as well. Miss < Margaret Doan, of Ossian, also sang i a sola which was quite perfect and ; well received. The program entire was very entertaining and inter- . esting. The largest assemblage of people ever congregated in the city to pay i their lasting respects to an honored citizen, was last Saturday, at which time the last sad funeral rites commemorate to the useful, beneficial and honored life of Auditor Will- ■ iam H. H. France, took place. The . services were under the discipline of St. Mary's Lodge, Xo. 167, I. O. O. F., of which order he has been a long and cherished member. The members assembled at their lodge room and marched in a body to the residence, and from there to the Methodist church, which failed to hold half of the sympathizing relatives and friends. The sermon by Rev. Winans of Kokomo, was eulogistic and paid many a glowing tribute to the life, character and usefulness of the deceased, whom he had known since boyhood. The services of the Brother Odd Fellows was also very impressive. The deceased looked the very picture of health, being large, finely built, which his short illness failed to destroy. Many beautiful flowers were conspicuous, the thoughtful kindness of sympathizing friends. Among the most beautiful of these was the sac simile of a chair made from exquisitely cut flowers, with the word vacant systematically worked across the back. This was presented by the remaining county officials, and was a handsome token of their regards, esteem and official socialism. Interment took place in Maplewood, after which the family returned to a desolate home, made so by the timely ending of the. life of the father who was so dear, so kind and considerate. Thus ends the life of one who will be sorely missed, and whose honored and cherished career in life will live forever.

P. W. Smith is making a record at fishing this year as several peo ; pie in this city can testify, they; being recipients of his skill and! patience in the way of fish that would measure feet instead of inches. Himself and family are i located at Bay View. Lew Effingham is evidently making a success of his Democratic . Press at Decatur, Ind. It is well printed and its columns are filled; to the brim with live local matter, a great deal of space being devoted to personals, although this feature is not classified. The first page is kept free from display advertising, as it should be.—Rural Press. Will Sheets was in town Tuesday, advertising his big show at Berne next Saturday. He was accompanied by a band, which pro- ; ; needed to make music about town,! : and with every note there blended distingishable accents of a big day there next Saturday. When you I say that Will is a genuine hustler j in making himself heard on an occasion of this kind, you very! slightly express the truth of the matter. All kinds of attractions | will be cut loose and Berne will; entertain oue of the largest crowds that has assembled there for many years. Isaac Raver through his attorney R. K. Erwin, applies for a divorce from his wife Cathetine <). Raver. The complaint shows them to have been married November 3, 1891,! ! and lived together until August 6, [ 1892, when the defendant aban- | doned herhusband without his consent. To them were born one daughter, Elsie, now aged three years. The complaint further states that the defendant is not a tit person to have care and control of the child. The plaintiff asks that the matrimonial bonds be dissolved, that he be given care and custody of the child, as well as I granted such other proper relief that may be just aud proper.

Bobo & Coffee are attorneys for Margaret McConnehey who wants to be divorced from Stephen MeCounehey, to whom she was married June 29, 1882, and with whom | she lived until May 23, 1895. The complaint shows that since July 23; the plaintiff has utterly failed to provide for the plaintiff. That the defendant is a habitual drunkard, and that for a year past he has] been guilty of cruel and inhuman ; treatment. The union has pro duced five children, Laney aged twelve years, Lulu eleven, William nine, James seven aud Harry four. The complaint also shows that the ! defendant is not fit to care for said children, so the plaintiff asks for a divorce, custody of the children! and alimony in the sum of §3OO. Council met in regular session Tuesday evening July 30, 1895. The Mavor aud Councilmen Niblick and Coverdale and the city clerk were absent. Councilman Teeple was elected president pro tern and City Attorney Mann clerk pro tern. The city attorney re ported a resolution approving the city commissioners’ report on the opening of Grant street. The resolution was unanimously adopted. V. S. Reed asked permission to erect a building on Madison street east of First street for an agricultural room. It was laid over until the next meeting. T.ie civil engineer filed his report of assessment on the completion of the macadamizing of West Monroe street. The report was referred to the street committee and they were instructed to meet August 19, 1895, to hear objections to the report, and the clerk was instructed to notify property owners accordingly. The city engineer filed the plans and specifications for the Byers alley sewer. Bids for the construction ot the sewer will be received until 7:30 p. m., August 6, 1895. The following claims were allowed: J. C. Tyndall 90 cents, H. S. Tenbrook 813.50, Geo. Demer 84.35, H. Brake 82.10, J. H. Sullivan 82.10, S. C. Neiman 81.50, Alex Hoyer 81.50 and C. Harding 60 cents. The street commissioner was instructed to look after the side walks on Russell street along property owned by Peter Colehin aud David Studabaker, and also the Jno. Edwards and Schoen walk on 9th -treet, the L. Yager walk on sth street and the Frank Schumaker walk on Ist street. On ac- ' count of the absence of the mayoi i and two councilmen the petition oi the property owners along 2nd i street to have the water pipes ! placed in the alleys, was not acted on.

NUMBER 42

Next Saturday is the day of the balloon ascension and many other variations of attractions at Berne. Preparations are being made to entertain the largest crowd assembled there, all of which shows an unusual amount of enterprise in William Sheets, who is the sole instigator of the big day. Everybody is expecting to turn loose and attend. A late swindle now being worked on the farmers of adjoining counties is that of bogus telegrams. The swindler writes out a telegram to suit the occasion for his victim, several miles in the country, delivers the message and makes his charges for dispatch and delivery from one to five dollars on account of presumed importance and distance. He collects his fee, drives on and leaves the victim poorer but none the wiser.—Huntington i Democrat. B. A. Linn a former Decatur boy but now located at Minneapolis, Minn., grew hungry for news from his old home so decided that the Press could fill the bill just right, I so this week we begin the pleasure lof fullfilliug that obligatory prom- ! ise. It has been some three years since Mr. Linn left us and If hecould squeeze an eye upon the many improvements since then, he would feel both proud and surprised. He is holding down a lucrative position in a grocery house at 1001 Fifth street, Minneapolis, and is getting along very successfully and ! prosperously. The last will and testament of Eaniel Steiner, deceased, was probated in the county clerk’s office, Monday. According to its provisions it gives his surviving wife all his real and peronal property, to do with as she may determine. 1 Should she marry, then one-third will be shared with her—the remainder to be equally divided I among the remaining legal heirs. • I The testament also appoints Peter Steiner and George Fuchs as the ! executors of the will. The document was written in German, and [ was translated into “Henglish” by ‘Godfrey Christen, for the benefit of ; County Clerk Lenhart, who can’t even whistle “Sweet Marie” with the German accent. John Blakeslee was embracing his many friends here last Saturday and Sunday. It is hardly necessary for us to go into detail about his sudden abscondance the latter part of last November, at which time he disappeared so suddenly that many thought the earth had opened and swallowed John ! with his boots on. His return reveals the fact that Texas was his objective point at that time, where ’ he remained working at one thing and another until finally patience aud hard luck ceased to be a virtue and he gradually wandered back to this part of the country. A short time ago he reached Marion, secured a good position in the insurance business, which he can hold as long as he may like. A , hankering to make himself straight here induced him to return, give himself up, and make the best arrangements possible for some sort of a satisfactory settlement. There is two grand jury indictments standing against him, each for 8700, and each for forgery. lu each of these he gave bond for his appearance at the next term of court, the same being Signed by B. W. Sholty, W. H. Niblick, Kuebler & Moltz, J. B. Holthouse, Sam poak, L. D. Adams, N. Blackburn, Amos Foreman, John Weffiy, Pete Holthouse and J. W. Place. Judging from that bond John still retains the confidence of some of the most solid financiers in the city, for the bond is as well worth 8200,000 as 81,400. It is a well known fact that Blakeslee didn’t leave with his shoes lined with the gold--1 en rod or his pockets running over 1 with silver, but he simply went up . with the panic by getting too many ■ irons in the fire, every one of which , was receiving a black eye at one i aud the same time, and when he c left town, done so with scarcely ) enough money to stick in your eye. r What he wants to do now is to fix e things so no prosecutions will arise, - then go to work and apply his 1 earnings towards the payment of e these illegal debts. We think it n quite sensible and right for him to u be allowed this opportunity to i- square himself. To have Lim sent ■- to the penitentiary would not pay r the bills, nor make his repentance >f any more severe. John has stacks d of friends here who are anxious to s see him come out on top and are d willing to lend him a helping hand.