Democratic Press, Volume 2, Number 83, Decatur, Adams County, 14 May 1896 — Page 1

fg PAGES [this WEEK

VOLUME 11.

Harvey Hart took in the cireus ft t I’ortlan<i. Tuesday. Mr* J. 8. Bundayed at Van Buren with her huabaud. Auditor Brandylterry Md wife went over to Marion yesterday afternoon. Mr*. F. M. Rchirmeyer and daughter visited Van Wert, Ohio, relative* over Hunday. Harry Wilkinson who han l»een working at the Hughes Marble Works at Marion, returned home last week. Mis* Hattie Studabaker came hoiue from Fort Wayne laid Friday aud Saturday went to Marion where she spent Sunday. Cashier Allison and D'French Quinn, of the Old Adams County Bank, went to Elkhart Monday on business, returning Tuesday. C. (’alder wood who now holds a teacher's exemption license in this countv has gone to Lafayette to prepare for professional license. With races, an industrial celebration, good speakers and ether attractions, Decatur will surely be the drawing card on the Fourth of JulyMiss Effie Bottenberg has been granted a patent od an umbrella attachment for bicycles. Thus it will be seen that the young ladies < f Decatur have more ideas than all the men around us. Bishop Radamacher of Wayne, was here Sunday and had charge of the church services at St. Mary's church. A large congregagation of our people attended the divine services Sunday morning. The Fletcher Chapel Methodist church three and one-half miles north east ofWillshire, will beded<catedon May 24. Everylssiy is invited to attend the services. A basket dinner is among the pleasures of the day. Mrs. John D. Hale will l»e home on the eight o’clock Erie train tonight. It has been something over a year since she left for California and the Pacific slope where she has seen that countryin all its picturesque beauty and magnitude. Her many friends are anxiously awaiting her arrival. The cyclone Monday found the Press office where it succeeded in demoralizing our handsome street sign, which in turn revenged itself on our plate glas> front, by smashing it into smithereens and scaring the office l»oys into eighteen duck tits. The cash loss figures $2. Now is the time to subscribe. Talk about new type, late, fancy and up-to date faces that will take a tear from your eye on sight, this office has them. We will guarantee to please the fancy of any mortal under the sun, who want printing of any kind. We have just received many new and late styles in type. We are here to do print ing, do it right and don’t 'cher forget it. The enumeration of school children has been completed, and according to the count Blue Creek has 380, French 403, Hartford 457, Jefferson 402, Kirkland 438, Monroe 783, Preble 473, Root 389, St. Mary’s 357, I nion 321, Wabash 644, Washington 507, Berne 314, Geneva 411, and D catur 1243, making a total of 7511. The count is 150 less than last year. The reduction is general, it being lees in every township and town ex cept Geneva. At the St. Mary’s Catholic chinch at eight o’clock Tuesday morning occurred the brilliant marriage ceremony of Clair V. Connell and Miss Nona Martin. The bride looked beautiful in a cream Mohair gown trimmed in cream silk lace, while the groom smiled in con ven tional black. The bride is the handsome and popular daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Martin, and her friends can’t be counted in a day nor her popularity with every one estimated correctly by a casual observance. After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served a few of their intimate friends at the bride’s home. Those present were Father Wilkens, B J. Terveer and wife, Barney Weinhoff and wife, Daniel Donovan and wife, N.Shmidt and wife, Miss Clara Vogelwede and Miss Maine lowering of Louisville, Ky- The newlywedded will immediately go to housekeeping in a neatly furnished home on South Fourth Street. Their oceans of friends unite in wishing them a long life of uninter rupted happiness.

THE DEMOCRATIC PRESS.

A. K. Grubb and young non were at Antwerp, Ohio, last Saturday. Attorney Sharp of Bluffton, was arguing a few points before Judge Heller Monday. Jacob Butcher represented that lively law firm of Butcher A Butcher of Geneva, in court Monday. The circuit court suit of Ulen Robinson vs Perry Robinnoa et al., | has lieen appealed to the aupremv court. Michael Bogner is working with the (’lover Leaf bridge carpenters, he having accepted such a position a few day* ago. Rev. Hicks and George Snyder and wife of Bluffton, were among the visitors at the Sunday school convention yesterday. A. M. Fisher came home last Friday from his extended atwence and trip to Germany. He looks 1 fat and sassy and all right. J. L. McConnell has moved from Chicago to Fort Wayne. Himself and wife were visiting Mark Me- j Connell and family here Munday. Treasnser Bolds while at Antwerp, Ohio, last Sat unlay organized a company who will Imre for “He.” They will put down a teeter and try their luck. Telephonic communications with Berne and Geneva will be due in a few days. Then those of our citizens who desire a personal knowledge upon the subject of oil, can smell same over the phone. The finest ten pound baby l>oy imaginable is now domiciled at the homeof V.B. R*ed. The little urchin was born Tuesday night, and that home is thereby made happier than a June bug in harvest time. A postal from Max Romberg dated at Philadelphia informs us that he sailed on the Carthiginian Sat unlay. He ordered the Press sent to Glassgow, Scotland, at which place be will make headquarters for some little time. The Grand Army boys have made out their program for Decoration Day, but owing to delay we are unable to furnish it to you this week. The members of the Post will observe the day in their usual patriotic style, aud every one should help make the day a true observance that has made it so memorable to so many. Cols. Kigerof Bluffton, and Harter of Warsaw, were here last Thursday and that evening inspected the military bearing of Co. B. Fourth Regiment Indiana National Guards. The boys claim they are as good as they make them, aud was duly appreciated by the high commanding officers who were present aud had charge of the inspection. Capital is being raised for the purpose of drilling a test well some where near Decatur. Let ’er go. We bank great hopes on the finding of oil, and should we succeed, then will Decatur take on a new blanket lease of life. Oil is a good stimulant for business and prosperity in general, and while Decatur is al wive the average in all commercial lines, yet there is always room for more. Every one inter ested in making money should begin now and get in on the ground Hoor. You will be kicking at your own pantaloons door if you remain on the ragged edge. Get in the wagon. “Git ep.” The Portland Daily Sun tickled itself this week with a “dead wein erwurst roast” on Decatur. It said lacked macadamized streetsand other improvements. We want to politely inform the Sun man that he is a back number and hasn’t seen Decatur for one hundred years. Decatur not only supports tine macadamized streets but the business portion ofthecity is paved with brick. Decatur is a lit! le bit the best town in this part of the country, and such back numbers as Portland, Bluffton, aud there are others, could learn much about public improvements, public enterprise, public spirit, aud various other public necessities, by breathing the invigorating atmosphere hereabouts for a few minutes. We know that Port ami is a great water resort —in wet weather—but she can't hold a candle to Decatur when it comes to business qualifications. Come over Mr. Sun, and let us show you a little high life in one of the best little towns in this state of ours. Mileage is no object when one’s reputation is at stake.

DECATUR, INDIANA. THURSDAY, MAY 14,1896.

N. K. Todd, wife and baby Todd spent Sunday in the city with R. D. Patterwon and family. A. J. Smith went to Arcola Mat unlay where he spent Sunday with his mother, and then devoted a few days to the old fatni'iar scenes. William D. Kizer of Winches ter, represented the attorney gen-j oral here Tuesday. Fees at the; clerk'suffice was the object sought. About forty Rathbone Sisters wended their way to Portland Monday aftermsm, where they feasted and enjoyed the society of Rathltonee at that place. Postmaster Weltley reports unclain ed letter* this week belonging to Mandy Baker, May Jacobs, Herbert B. Spencer, Lucinda Whitsell, A. Mustard and C. B. Ferry. John Niblick and wife will give a reception at their handsome Third street home next Monday from 8 to 11 p. in. A large number of invitations are out, and the occasion in expected to I edecidedly up to date. Mrs. William Myers, an aged and respected lady living in the north part of the county, died Monday night after a short illness. The fnneral service* took place Thur* day morning, with interment at Hoagland. While Henry Dolch of Monroe ] was working in a saw mill last Thureday, his foot caught in a belt mangling it completely. Amputa tion w.is necessary so the foot was taken off just almve the ankle. The accident is a serious one. There will be races at Steel’s park July 4. Arrangements are now being perfected to that effect. Quite a number of fast speeders | have already been entered, and the prospects now are Battering for a great big time. Boom the thing along. The pupils of the eighth grade were allowed a half holiday last Friday afternoon, it lieing granted for the universa/ punctuality of the pupils. Just think for one whole | month not one of the thirty-eight pupils were alisent or tardy. The influence of that teacher—we can’t gnees who she is—is charming beyond mental calculation. The Knights of Pythias brethren 1 have l>een working hard here of late, conferring their noble ranks on candidates who sacrifice themselves upon the alter for initiation. Thursday evening three candidates , invaded the mysteries of the Knight rank, after which a banquet was served at the Peoples Restaurant. It was a galla event, enjoyed by all the Knights who participated. Jennie Hammell, Gertrude Rugg, Tena Kern, Mamie Long, Josie Congleton, Edith Walters, Nellie Ellsworth, Faye Edwards, Hattie Burns, Lizzie Peterson, Maggie Eicher, Fred Vaughan, Will Dorwin, Norman Lenhart, Harry Helm, Ora France and John Streit are the members of the class who, this year graduate with honors from the high school in the city. The class has been studious and ) proficient in their various lines of; studies, and their grail nation adds . another link to the long endless; chain of honor attached to the public schools. The commence-' meat exercises will take place at (he Methodist church on the evenI ing of June 1. It was a pretty home wedding last Tuesday evening at which time l Harry E. Bell led to the nuptial alter Miss Ella Sprang. At 8:30 Miss May Hughes liegan playing a very pretty wedding march which was immediately followed by the intductiou of the wedding party into the parlors. A profusion of) handsomely and artistically arranged cut flowers formed an alter in one corner of the room, at which place the bridal party stopped, and where the Rev. E. T. Gregg, pastor of the Methodist church, pronounced the ceremony that sealed the compact of their betrothal. The bride looked beautiful in white silk with an organdie over-gown. Harry DeWitt, of Auburn, acted as groomsman and Miss Grace Pet- | arson bridesmaid. Congratulations followed the ceremony, at which time the thirty-five guests present embraced the opportuuityjof wishing them happiness supreme. After ; this refreshments were served. The wedding took place at their own handsome little cottage home on Sixth street. The presents were many and beautiful. The Press I extends congratulations.

Invitations are out for a May | arty at Steele's park thia even ing. The Invitations were issued by Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Devilbiss and Mr. and Mrs. J. T. France. J. Frank Mann and M. L. Byers went to Winchester yesterday morning where they attended the district meeting of Odd Fellows and had conferred ujsm them the degree of militant. An industrial parade on the Fourth of July would lie quite the thing. Let our business men waken up and take the muley cow by the horns, ami let us have a grand good celebration of the '49 stripe Peterson A Heller report their Van Buren buggy business as progressing very satisfactorilly. Quite a number have already been sold, and prospects are flattering for a continuation at this pleasant and profitable degree. At the M. E. church. Sunday School at 9:00 a. m. Preaching at 10:30. Junior League at 3:00 p. m. Preaching at 7:30 p. m. Subject "The intermediate State.” Senior League at close of evening service. All are cordially invited. The A reh bold-Hough l>ook agencies in the Tonnelier block, are doing considerable businss just now. and the prospects are flattering for an indefinite continuance. Some seven or eight employes are busy looking after the welfare and interests of the company. The damage suit of V. 8. Reed, administrator of W. E. Brown, deceased, against the Grand Rapids railway company, has been venued to Wells county, upon ap plicatisn of the defendants to the suit. The suit grew out of the fatal collision and wreck at Ceylon | last summer when W. E. Brown with three others were killed. The editor of a Southern exchange says: “Let the young man about town out of a job try a year on the farm. Plowing behind a mule will give him a new constitution, take the kinks out of his head, the frog out of his throat, the gas off bis stomoch, the weakness out of his legs, the corns off of his toes, ami give him a good appetite, an honest living, and a sight of heaven.” The jury in the Mott-Durbin court suit last week brought in a verdict favoring the plaintiff for the full amount of the note in suit and interest amounting to #175.45. The case has been in court so often that nearly every one of our readers are familiar with it in all itsdetails. The note was given by the Durbins several i ears ago, in payment for professional services rendered a daughter. Afterwards other com plications arose as to the payment of the note, so in the usual rounds it found its way into court. In the first trial the jury disagreed, in the second they gave the plaintiff a small verdict, and this time everything asked for, so we suppose this ends the case. At the council meeting Tuesday evening all were present except Vail. The election certificates of ; William H. Niblick, Harry Knot!’ and Henry H. Hart were filed and found correct, and were or dered spread upon record, alter which retiring Councilmen Buhler ami Patterson stepped down from official life, and turned their seats over to their successors. The petition of R. B. Allison and others which objected to the alley between Second and Third Street, and also between Monroe and Madison Street*, was read and granted. The brick improvements were ordered postponed and city attorney ordered to draw up a resolution providing for the construction of a sewer on said alley. A. Boch and others objected to bricking alleys, which was referred to the committee on public improvements. A resolution was passed ordering the street improvement bonds which are due May 1, paid. The following allowances were made: C. Boyers #8.25, L. Hammond #2.25, Janies Touhey #2.25, Eagle Manufacturing Co. #4.55, F. W. Dibble #1.(10, Coffee & Baker #3.50, C. F. True #7.89, Fristoe & Suttles $3.50, Albert Elzey #l, Sam Purdy #17.40, John Green sixty eightcents, Win. Tucker #0.40, Harry Cutting sev-enty-five cents, Michael Roar #2.20, F. A. Dibble #1.52, Journal #18.55, bills were also allowed in the sum of #OB for the payment of ) inspectors, judges, clerks and sheriffs at the councilmanic election I held Tuesday of last week.

Clerk Lenhart has issued marriage license* to Alliert 8. Fuller and Anna Schrank, Clair V. Con nell and Nona A. Martin, William E. Ramey ami I-aura E. Barnett, J. Wellington Vizar I and Myrtle M. Acker. The Brown-Gemmell seduction, fornication and general utility case will not come up for hearing at this term of court. By agreement it was continued. The first continuance was granted on account of the illness of the plaintiff, but this time we know not what caused the granting. The Montpelier Herald has the following which is true if you only think so: “A grease factory firm at Peru liought the i-arcasaes of three dead hogs and while hauling them to the factory were caught iu a thunder storm; after a loud peal of thunder one of the hogs jumped out of the wagon and ran down the road.” The Bolds Bros, oil well in the Willshire field proved a good fifty barrels well, a good average in any field. The indications were not good until the “critter” was “shot”—yon all know what that means. It has revived activity in that field which will virtually open up thngs and perhaps develop an output that will startle the natives. Let the good work go on. This morning at ten o'clock occurred the marriage of Dr. J. W. Vizard and miss Myrtle M. Acker, both of Pleasant Mills. The bride is an exceptionally bright and popular young lady, while the Dr. is widely known professionally, socially and otherwise. After a brief visit with the Dr’s, people they will settle down in a home all their own. The Press joins the procession of congratulatory friends. The Bryson-Bolds garden party at the home of the former last Thursday evening was quite a swell and enjoyable affair. The decorations were profuse and tieautiful, the luncheon delicious and palatable, and the amusements quite social ami enjoyable. The favored and invited gut sts were Rev. and Mrs. E. T. Gregg, F. W. Dibble and wife, D. W. Beery and wife, J. Frank Mann anil wife, Pendleton Rice and wife, R. K. Allison and wife, A. L. Devilbiss and wife, A. R. Bell and wife. Fred Schafer and wife, J. C. Paterson and wife, F. M. Schirmeyer and wife, L. G. Ellingham and wife, D. M. Hens ley and wife, A. D. Moffett and ) wife, Paul Hooper and wife, W. H. Nachtrieb and wife, J. 8. Peterson and wife, A. J. Hill and wife, J. T. Merryman and wife, J. D. Hale, j I. J. Miesse. Misses Kathereen Miesse, Ethel Hale, EmmaGilliom and Mrs. Cary of Geneva. The Decatur Oil Company is an | organization that was incorporated ! Monday evening. The company is capitalized at #5,000 with #3,200 already paid in. The members ■•f the company are France & Merry man, Peterson & Lntz, Mann & Iteatty, aud Bolds Bros. They elected officers by making Dan P Bolds president, John T. France vice president. J. T. Merryman treasurer, and A. P. Beatty secretary. They’ already have 3,000 acres of land leased and it is the object of the company to bore ami explore for oil. A well will he put down near Pleasant Mills, and will i lie completed within thirty days As a matter of fact this is “wild ) catting” pure and simple, and no small company can put down many wells without seriously feeling a financial depressio i. The business men of Decatur should go into this experiment and test it to a finish. If there is oil around us or under neath of us, the business men will reap the richest harvest outside the operators themselves. Thia organized company proposes to issue stock in denominations of #lO shares. There is not a business man who cannot afford to invest in from one to ten shares, and do it as) an experiment. If oil is found the money invested won’t be a patching) to what will come afterwards. If it is a failure no one will be hurt, and your minds will be at ease on the subject. There is no one com ing in hero to make this experiment without costing you a cent, there fore it would be much better to in-1 vest your money in a manner where you have some show of getting it back. We have no personal know ledge on the subject, yet we are firmly impressed with the fact that oil in paying quantities is around us. Let’s investigate, illuminate; and speculate. I

ONLYI.SO PER YEAR

NUMBER 83

Many Decatur residents are taking on new coats this spring, and the changed apimarance look well. R. B. Allison is making many changes inside and out at his home. New additions to the front and rear and other conveniences inside, makes it look metropolitan and decidedly nice. J. Tom Merryman added a new coat of paint and trimmings to bi* bouse. Frank M. Schirmeyer and many other* doing likewise. Decatur is right up to date in anything and everything at any timeand all times. We can prove it by Bob Allison. Progressive pedro was on at the C. B. L. lodge room Monday even ing, the contest being for a handsome up to date couch that has been on display for a few day* at the L. Yager furniture store. Twenty one tables were filled with eighty-four busy players who worked hard to capture the capital prize. All could not win—miserable fate. Out of sixteen games Simeon P. Beatty won fourteen, the highest number, and was thereby accorded the honors of the evening. Bert Lynch won the booby, two handsome “nigger” babies playing solitaire in the back yard. Home very lively playing was indulged iu. It was very interesting and entertaining, however, and every one seemingly had the best kind of a nice time. The C. B. L. boy* all had on their courteous harness and allowed no one to escape the full enjoyment of the evening. The Fortnightly Club entertainment and l»anquet last Saturday evening was one of the events of the season. The niemliers and their guests, in all forty two, assembled at the Burt House about 7:31) and were first entertained by Judge Edward O’Rourke of Fort Wayne, on the subject of Theosophy. The Judge is an entertaining and pleasant speaker, and is evidently an enthuiast npon, and a firm believer in Theosophy. His explanation of the subject was appreciated by all present, and speculation of the theory upon incarnation presented by Judge O'Rourke is still rife among his listeners. The lecture consumed about one hour and a half in its delivery, after which the members and their guests adjourned to the banquet room where a supper was served such as one rarely has the pleasure of eating outside of the Burt house. After administering jus tice to the r- past, (justice in this case not lieing blind), a number of toasts were offered. Rev. J. F. Horton responded to the toast “Our Country”, and.rather earned a reputation as a humorist considering the dry state our county has l»een in for the past two or three weeks. C. J. Lutz toasted “The Women, God Bless ’Em'' To say that he pleased the men is to sp< ak the truth. The men were rather suspicious before hearing the address that women was a blessing, but after the address their suspicious were removed and in their place came absolute certainty. Prof L. Walters toasted “The Mind”. His address was very pleasing to the audience, and they were all of one “mind” in applauding him. Hon. J. T. France presented the “Home” in his usual happy manner, and after listening to his address it is not difficult to guess why bright smiles always play around Mrs. France’s month. I). E. Smith’s subject vas a ‘ Social Expectancy”, and as usual with him when he says anything he has something to say. His presentation of the toast was eloquent and followed by a hearty burst of applause. Hon. R. K. Erwin’s subject was “Past, Present and Future”, and those who know “our Dick” know that he usually acquits himself well. This was no exception. A toast by Rev. E. T. Gregg on “Amen” closed the evening’s exercises. It is needless to say that Rev. Gregg acquitted himself well. That is his business. If he is a failure at anything the people haven’t yet found it out. The following is a list of those who were present accompanied by their wives: J. T. Merryman, president of the club presiding, C. J. Lutz, Dell Locke, R. K. Erwin, D. D. Heller, J. F. Snow, J. T. France, J. 8. Boyers, N. Blackburn, J. F. Mann, P. B. Thomas, D. G. M. Trout, Rev. E. T. Gregg, Jeff Bryson, Rev. J. F. Horton and Miss Madden, C. L. Walters, J. E. Kern, Prof. A. D. Moffett, and Dr. A. L. Devilbiss, D. E. Smith and Miss Ethel Hale, Harmon Yager and Miss Rose Christen.