Democratic Press, Volume 2, Number 85, Decatur, Adams County, 28 May 1896 — Page 1

g pages JHIS

VOLUME 11.

Senior dm* exercises nt the high building Friday Riternoon. ,\ good program hasl»ecn arranged. Miw» Flora Beatty will sixm take of the central office of the telephone company, in the place of Mr/ Leila Beatty who hastendered her resignation. Two of the Ix'st orators of the Mate will speak at Rome City on lune 2. Rev. Charles B. Wilson ofthe ML E. church nt Richmond, and President Hindley of Ridge rille College. S E. Nicholson, author of the N’icholson law will speak at the rourt house next Tuesday evening, June -’, on “flood Citizenship and Temperance.” Admission free. All are cordially invited. \V. 11. Naehtrieb left yesterday for Delta, Ohio, where he joined bis wife and baby who are visit ing relatives there. Before re turning he will explore the fishing regions near Colon, Mich. J. W. Poling, one of P. Holt house & Co’s faithful clerks, is now at Geneva where he has charge of their branch store. John is a tip top nice fellow ami will superintend the business alsmt right. A surprise was tendered Grandfather Applemann yesterday by all of his children and grand children. A pleasant time reported. Mr. Applemann is eighty years old and is yet quite robust and vigorous. J. B. Holthouse and wife have returned from an extended visit in the various parts of the west and south where they went to seek a better climate tor Mrs. Holthouse. She returns much improved, much to the gratification of herself and friends. The Fornax Mills was broken into one day last week, and surveyed by the eagle eye of a Press reporter. 'the whole force of employes were busy up to their eyes. They have a real comfortable cool place to labor this hot weather. The Fornax make a good brand of flour, lots of it, so what more could you ask. We note in Wednesday evening’s Democrat, a statement that a representative of the Bell Telephone Company was in our city for the purpose of starting a competing Ex change, also that he had received much encouragement. If it is the same sort of encouragement the Citizens Company received from the Democrat when it agreed to take one share over its own signature, and then refused to pay a cent. If this is the source of the Bell’s encouragement it will have less mil lions than it is reputed to have now. Without saving a word to us about it Simeon P. Beatty and Miss Leila M. Miller walked down to the home of Rev. E. T. Gregg, last Thursday night at 10:30, and securred his ministerial services for a few minutes. When he got through with them, they carried home a signed and sealed certificate which changed their names to Mr. and Mrs. Simeon P. Beatty. Both are popular young people in this city. They possessan innum erable number of well wishing friends, who will now take time to throw their old shoe at the happy couple. They will not go to housekeeping at present, and perhaps not until fall. Here’s congratulations. The commencement exercises will be held at the Methodist church Monday evening. The program is long so 7:30 sharp is the time when the exercises will begin. As arranged it will be as follows: Faye Lenora Edwards, salutatorian, “America’s Love of Freedom;” Harry N. Helm, “Opportunities of the Day;” Tena A. Kern, “Anne nia;” Hattie L. Burns, “How to Talk”; Fred S. Vaughn, “God’s Hand in History;” Nellie F. Ellsworth “Woman’s Life Work;' Margaret M. Eicher, “The Common Man;” Jennie M. Hammell, “Should Nations Arbitrate;” W ill Rezin Dorman, “Scholar in Business;” Mayme T. Long, “Vision of Sir Launfal;” Lizzie Pearl Peterson, “Spirit of Modern Colonization;” Edith Elwood Walters, “Tyranny of Custom;” Gertrude Rugg, “The Novel;” Norman G. Lenhart, “Influence of a Noble Life;” John F. Streit, “Cuba;” C. O. France, “Should Capital Punishment be Abolished;” Josephene C. Congleton, valedictorian, “Ethics of Poetry.” Presentation of diplomas by Supt. A. D. Moffatt.

THE DEMOCRATIC PRESS.

Fnd Neaderhoiiser of Linn (•rove, was in the city yesterday,; wearing a smile that was both lacoming and good to look at. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Walters Tues d iy evening entertained the Cecillinn Musical Club at the home of Dr. ami Mrs. P. B. Thomas A gay, festive and musical time is reported. The Decatur bise ball sluggers went to Ossian Inst Saturday and done up a crack club there by a score of ten to five in favor of our boys. Notice is hereby served on the Cincinnati Reds. A terrific cyclone swept through Illinois, lowa ami Michigan this wi*ek swwping everything before it. Many lives were lost and many million dollars worth of property destroyed and damaged. Charles Spencer came home from Columbia City Saturday night where he had just finished putting in telephone lines for a home company there. He says Columbia City is nearly as good a town as Decatur. The quartette of singers who held the boards at the court house last week, made their last apjiearance Sunday night. They were good singers ami entertained large crowds each and every evening they appeared. J. W. Place the Decatur ice cream and softdrink manufacturer, is sending out some unique advertisements this season, one of them being toothpicks on which are printed his name and business.— Portland Daily Sun. Mrs. Tim Coffee and family request us to tender their sincere i thanks to the members of the C. B. L. ami Knights of St. John and their neighbors and friends for their kindness rendered them during the sickness and death of their husband and father, Mr. Tim Coffee. A story is going the rounds about a young couple that attended a lecture recently. When the collection was taken up the youngi man began fishing in his pockets | for a dime. His face expressed great embarassment as be hoarsly whispered: “I guess I haven’t a cent; I changed my pants.’ The young lady who had been examin-| ing her unknown regions of a wo man’s dress for her purse, said: I’m in the same fix’—and then turned a pink color.” A Press representative spent a few minutes exploring the hidden regions of Gerharat Berling’s “egg factory,” last Friday. We found | things thereabouts real neat and many indications pointed to the fact that business was transacted about right Several hundred dozen eggs were being boxed up ready for shipment. Grand Rap ids cars were already on the side tiack, and by this time some hun gry people in New \ ork City are feasting on those eggs. After sur. j veying the vast number of boxes I we concluded there was enough for Millard Cowan to break in on any Easter. Mr. Berling does an immense business and handles many thousands of the filthy lucre from one year’s eml to another. The coroner was summoned to the Shanes farm Sunday, where Samuel Fahleinan committed suicide. The fatal shot was fired some time about three o’clock. Joseph Shilling and family lives, on the farm, but no one but the children and the suicide were at home at this time. The children were playing at the barn aud on coming to the house about three o'clock they found him. The news soon spread. The coroner was notified and who went immediatly, reaching there about four o’clock. The pistol used was an old worn out time piece. It carried five loads and on examination it was found that every catridge in it had been tried. The ball entered the right side of the head, just above the ear, taking a straight course through the brain, and perhaps lodging about the middle of the skull. Os course he died instantly. He has a sister living in Fort Wayne who came down Monday and took charge of tl e body. Upon his person was found a gold watch, $5.51 in money and a note calling for $l2B. He was forty years old. Poor health and no home is supposed to have caused the morbid feeling that urged him to commit the rash act of taking his own life. He was a native of Germany. Ho had worked around that neighborhood for years.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, .MAY 28.1896.

The high schtxil grrduatlng class will give a reception to a huge number of their friends next Monday night from l<> to 12, at the central school building. Rev. Pierce of Portland, was here Tuesday billing the town for an excursion to Rome City June 2, next Tuesday. The excursion is I given for the benefit of the new Congregational church at Portland. Saturday is decoration day, and while it is rather a bad day for our business men and others to devote as much time to its proper observance, yet we hop: they will make the Inst of the oppirtunities offered. The op*ning of Mary (’loss' Bon Ton icecream parlors last Thurs day night, was quite a success, and the many luxuries there exposed were freely indulged in and enjoyed by all the ladies who at tended. Last Sunday William M. Pillars ami Miss Jennie Michlin were quietly married, and now have settled down to housekeeping in a very happy manner. Both have lots of freinds who wish them all kinds of happiness. Never growl because a newspa p-r fails to give every scrap of news so long as jou take no trouble to give the editor information. The average newspaper man isn't a medium or a mind reader, but gets most of his news the same way a milkman gets most his of milk—by pumping. Abraham Brandyberry of Monroe, died last Thursday, after a few weeks of agonizing suffering from a painful carbunkle, which began its poisonous powers on the back of his neck. It grew in size until it was fully ten inches in i length. It was some three weeks ago when its first appearance was noticed. Death resulted from blood poison. The funeral ser vices were held Friday afternoon with interment at the Chapel cemetery, three miles south of Monroe. He was an uncle of Auditor i Brandy bery. The contract for the new elalio rate additions to the Methodist church has been made. But two bids were considered on the work, those of E. A. Mann $7,115.13, and J. W. Merryman $6,998. The bids were too close for comfort to the lowest bidder, but Mr. man was awarded the contract, he agreeing to allow for some old material that might be approved by the building committee. It is perfectly safe to predict that the icontract has been left in safe and conservative hands, ami that the work will lie rushed to c mpletio>, , and done too, according to specifica | tious and the satisfaction of those having same in charge. In addition to the above the church will l>e to an expense of not less than $3,500. A pipe organ, the seating I and numerous other necessary additions are to be supplied by them. I It is to be completed inside of four mouths. The grand lodge of Odd Fellows met in Indianapolis last week. We note from the report of Gram) Secretary B. F. Foster that there are now’ in Ind ana 42,837 Odd Fellows in good standing. This is quite an increase over the report of one year ago. The total resources | of the lodges in this state i 552,381, 825.86. During the six months j $56,688.90 were paid for the relief ofthe members; $2,056.67 for the relief of widows; $14,946.39 for hurrying the dead, and $1,737.19 for other charitable purposes. Four 'new lodges were instituted during the past six mouths. There are now in the state 623 lodges. In the number of lodges Indiana stands first: in the number of members third, and iu the number of Re bekah members first. The Rebekah’s paid out during the year in the way of relief $17,291.99. These figures, iu connection with the amounts paid out by the subordinate lodges, show the immense good that this order is to the poorpeople of the state. J. F. Mann, delegate from St. Mary’s lodge, No. 167, served on the committee on credentials. The most important business transacted was the passage of the resolution ordering the construction of a new grand lodge hall. The cost to be about $200,000. We are informed that Grand Secretary Foster is confined to his dwelling with dropsy. There is no hopes of his recovery. He has been grand secretary about twenty five years, and his loss to the order will be irreparable.

At M. i .church: Bunday school at 9 ii. tn.; preaching 10:30, subject “A True Helper;” junior league 3 p. m.; preaching 7:30, subject, “The Second ('■ tiling of Christ;” senior league at close of evening service. All are cordially invited. The handsome new residences of Fred Schafer aud W. 11. Keubler are Is-ing rapidly pushed to com pletion. Both will be fair samples ot th<' mansions in the skies, they being of modern style and archi lecture, and will Is- worthy exam pies for imitation. Commissioner Eek rote of Ilaitford township, was in town Mon day and reported the finding of a new gravel pit that gives evidence of Is-iug just the thing for the repairing of our gravel roads down there. We have no use for it in this end of the county. Eight years ago this corning Fourth of July was u day long to Is* rememlH-red by the people of Decatur and surrounding country. The committee for the coming celebration are endeavoring to eclipse all others, ami the way they are hustling we believe there will lie some surprises instore for the people who conn* to Deeatur July 4. Saturday Helen M. Bobo filed in the clerk’s office a suit for divorce from Patrick J. Bobo. The complaint sets out that they were duly aud legally married Octolier 18. 1893, and lived together until May 23, 1896. Cruel and inhuman treatment is alleged by the plaintiff She demands SI,OOO allimony and an ordef restraining the defendant from in any wise encumbering any of his property. Monday a written agreement signed by Isith plaintiff and defendant, was filed with the clerk, which asked that this cause of action Im* dismissed at the cost of the defendant. Some excitement was brewing about town last Saturday night, ('barley Baker drove his horse around back of the Boston store and tied it there, aud went to do a little trading at the stores. In half an hour he returned but presto change the “boss” had vamoused. Theofticers and several others trailed the town ami country for miles around, but not the sign of a gray crooked legged “animule” could they find. The next day Frank Dibble and wife were at Pleasant Mills visiting relatives, and who else did they see but that same gray nag, feasting on grass along the road. He brought it back and turned it over to the owner. It is supposed that some one who wanted to go some place that night quick, took advantage of this op portunity. They drove her until they got tiled and then turned her face homeward. All kindsof horse stealing stories were afloat that night, but none were taken outside of this one mentioned. Just before the passenger train went south last Saturday afternoon, a telegraphic disp itch was handed Coroner Clark, summoning him to Geneva forthwith, to hold an autopsy over the remains of Mrs. Charles G. Reed, who a very short ■ time before had committed suicide i by hanging herself with a clothes i line. The coroner made a bee line for the Rapids and happened to Im* in time for the train, and was therefore at the scene of death in two hours after the sad occurrence. It seems that the family connections of the silicide were and al ways had been most pleasant. That day she done her usual Saturday’s work, baked, swept the house, &c. Dinner was eaten at eleven o’clock and she kissed her husband when he left her. He was at the barn doing some work there, and perhaps an hour afterwards sent the ten year old boy to the house after something he needed.' The boy found the doors locked, but succeeded in finding his way through a window iu the kitchen. He saw his mother hanging and left badly frightened to tell the father. He rushed to the house, broke in a door and cut the rope that held the woman suspended in the air. The rope had slipped some how and caught behind the ears and under the chin, which surely made her struggling terrible before death came. She had tied the clothes liue to a rafter in the summer kitchen, gotten up ou a high stool, which she kicked from in under her when the ropes were fixed about her neck. She was twenty eight years old, leaves a husband and two children, five and ten years old. The cause of death is attributed to ill health, which caused despondency.

The Ladies Mite Society of the M. E. church of this city have made arrangements to run an excursion to the soldiers home nt . Marion, Thursday, June I. This home has l»cen made one of the I most beautiftil places in the state. An excellent program has I* prepared, including band concerts, Xe , and a big time is hoped for. $1 for the round trip. Children 75 cents. Train leaves lit 7:00 a m. and returns at 7:30 p. m. Sis* bills for particulars. The Methodist church was deco rated with flag*, bunting and n profusion of bright national color** Inst Sunday morning. Some 150 old veterans, sons of veterans ami ■ members of the women's relief corps marched out to church, and listened witli all attention to the memorial address which was delivered by Rev. E. T. Gregg. The sermon has since been highly eulogized by the members of the post ami others who were present. It was a soul inspiring address, briming with patriotism and eulogy ot the brave men who left the pleas arcs of their home and tire-side and subjected themselves to the hardships and privations of a cruel war. This was done too, with a view’ of preserving our nation and its privileged rights of fredom. All honor to the brave soldiers. Happy faces and merry peals of laughter were convincing testimony I that the members of the senior c ass and the teachers of the high school thoroughly appreciated the compliment of the hospitality Supt. and Mrs. Moffett tendered them on the evening of the 22nd. Cards liearing a couplet of jxietry were distributed as the guests arrived. Partners for refreshments were to Im* found by combining these couplets into stanzas of four lines, and a prize was offered to the one who should name the p<M*ni and its author, ami correctly read the twelve stanzas from the cards. The prize, an annotated copy of Shakespeare’s Henry V, was awarded Miss Faye Edwards, the salutatorian of the class. The house was prettily adorned with June roses. Miss I) Hie Christen presided at the punch bowl iu the (library, and Misses June Merry man and Blanche Reynolds served dainty refreshments in the dining room. After many months of constant suffering Timothy Coffee died Holiday morning at two o’clock. I He suffered all the imaginable pains of cirrhosis of the liver and Bright’s disease and was afliicted with that dread and awful malady with all its various symtoms. The d»--ceased was forty-nine years ot age, was well known by all our people and it is with much regret that we announce bis death. The funeral serv ces were held Tuesday morning at the St. Mary’s Catholic church. The Knights and Benevo lent Legion were out iu a body. Interment in the St. Joseph eenie tery followed the church services. His sickness was long ami severe ami many doubts arose among many of the relatives and friends as to the real cause of death, ami ■ to clear all minds on the subject, a ! post-mortem examination was permitted and allowed by the tamiiy. Dr. H. F. Costello was the attending physician and ir his d agno-is |of the case he very earnestly con [ tended that it was a case of hardening of the liver and kidney, aiid catarrh ami dilatation of the atom ach, with intestinal indigestion There were present at the post- . mortem Dis. Christy of Willshire. I Beavers, Thomas, Coverdale, Boy ers, Holloway, McMillen, Erwin, Clark ami Keller all of this city. The attending physical!, Dr. Cos lello, was very certain ami emphatic in his assertions made before th« post-mortem took place, after which it was conclusively proven that the doctor was right in every particular. It demonstrated that he thoroughly understood his business, and had given the case close and thorough attention. The deceased was well and favorably known throughout this community, and naturally many will be anxious to know the true results of such an aggravated and fatal case. He was taken sick some time the last of January, and was ever since confined to bis home. The first symptoms made itself felt wit h pains in the abdomen and back, headache and a tenderness in the right side. It was fatal from the first as the physician well knew and so informed those who ought I to know.

ONLYI.SO PER YEAR

NUMBER 85

The nine hobo tramps who were locked up by a posse of our officials Inst Monday night, were Hotted out before the mayor last Thurs<lny. Harry Fisher is the one of the gang against whom n charge was preferreil The rest wen* released and Fisher’s preliminary arranged for Satuiday. He was Isuitid over to court under a charge of shooting with intent to kill Dan Haley. His bond was fixed at S3OO, which he was unable to furnish, so he languishes at the county jail. Invitations have been received in this city which announce the approaching marriage of George Gladden Flanders of this city, and Miss Jessie Carlisle of Walnut Hills, Cincinnati. The ceremony will (x*cur at the commodious home of the bride at 7:30 o’clock next Wetlncsday evening, June 3. A few days afterward they will arrive in this city and g<> tohousekeeping in the J. 8. Bowers property on Fourth Street. The bride is an acomplished young lady, and will Im* welcomed in this city by the many warm acquaintances of the groom. The Press extends congratulations. The auditorium and Sunday schoolroom at the Methodist church last Bunday evening was one dense throng of fanning humanity. The baccalaureate sermon to the seven teeu proud high schist! graduates wastheeventof theevening. After the opening exercises and the male quartet had distinguished themselves in a very favorable manner, the Rev. J. W. Vitz, the learned and talented pulpit orator of the iGerman Reformed church, la*gan i his sermon to the class and friends. He sought refuge in the Gospel of John, fourteenth chapter and sixth verse, “Jesus said unto them, I am the way, the truth and the light.” The sermon was a grand let-son of instruction, during which a high tribute was paid to the great institu:ions of learning afforded by i America. He also illustrated how much an education assisted in making goisl citizens and gois! government. It was a brilliant address, much appreciated and admired by all present. Through the kindness of W. H. Niblick we are able to lay la-fore you some little information regarding the life, habits and financial resources of John 11. Wilson, the old miser who died at the hospital at Columbus, Indiana, last week. He suflered from gangrene and went to the h spital a few days before he died He there stated to the superiniendent that he was a bad e lor and should he die c< usins would inherit his wealth. He went to the hospital from Pomeroy, Ohio. Last week he died at the hospital ■and upon his person was found $9,240.10. Then a search for relatives began, and for a few days it seemed that nene would respond, but they have been turning up from ever}’ quarter of the gb be, and now there are plenty and to spare. Among the number was W. 11. Niblick of this city who ! went with Frederick R< op of \ illi shire, a cousin of the di censed miser. Many of our ] eoph* here remembers Wilson, who livid around here for some eight years. He did considerable business with | the old Adams County Bank for five years having $3,500 in gold on deposit. Some $1,500 worth of government bonds were also bought through this bank during that time. Last Thursday James L. Tilson, the appointe 1 administrator opt ned a trunk belonging to the dead miser. In it were found twenty ' cents in silver coin, and’some vain(able papers. Papers and letters I show that Mr. Wilson has during , his past life resided at Pomeroy j and Willshire, Ohio, Clitton, Virginia, and Decatur, Indiana. There was also found an old picture of Miss Lucinda Mason the mother of Iheodore Wilson, one of the heirs claiming recognition now. There was also a legal document in writing properly acknowledged before an officer in Virginia, acknowledging Theodore A. Wilson born out of wedlock, as his sou, and a number of receipts signed by Dr. Knight, the physician who waited on Miss Mason at the birth of the lioy. Miss Mason is now dead. The validity of Theodore Wilson’s heirship must be determined and graded by the laws of Virginia, which are not known. If the laws recognize the birth of this boy, then he will succeed in heiring the entire property, but if not then a division will be made among his cousins, and part of it will come to relatives here.