Daily Democrat, Volume 1, Number 279, Decatur, Adams County, 4 December 1903 — Page 1

VOLUME 1

A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT The Life and Work of Colonel M. B. Miller. Sketch of His Career as Read by Hon. A. 0. Marsh at the Funeral Services at Winchester.

At the funeral services of Martin B. Miller conducted at the Methodist church Winchester yesterday Hon. A. O. Marsh read the following: Martin B. Miller was born in Randolph County, Indiana, on March 15th, 1833, and died at the residence of his son in law, Lewis G. Ellingham in Decatur, Indiana. < n Monday evening, November 30, 1903, aged 70 years, 8 months and 15 days. His early years were spent <n the farm of his father, and he attended the district schools of that day. After he reached his majority he determined upon obtaining further school education. In 1853, 54, 55 he attended several sessions cf White Water College at Center ville Indiana. He afterward attended part of two terms at Asbury University in 1856. Taught school in the winter of ’56-7 and in the Autumn of that year, attended Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. In 1858 he liegan the study of law with Judge James Brown of Winchester remaining with him until the following autumn, when he went to Missouri and taught school ■ne winter. In the fall of l s 6o he returned to Winchester andengaged in the practice of law with Judge Jere Smith. In the winter of 1861-2 he attended the law department of Butler University graduating at the close "f the school year. In August 1*62 he enlisted in the United States service was commis sioned a lieutenant and recruited Company E 84th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was promoted

to the captaincy of that upon its organization and continued in the active discharge of his duties as such two years. In January 1'65 he was commissioned Major; April 13 he was promoted and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, and hrevetted full Colonel for meritorious service June 1 1865, and at the close of the war, was mustered out with the regiment. He was with his command and prticipated in the most arduous and dangerous campaigns of the war through the states of Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama «n<l Georgia, Was engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, Mission liidge, Blizzards Roost, Rocky face Ridge, Dallas, Resaca, Pine Mountain, Altoona, Culp's Farm Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw. Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Miirritt’s Mills, Franklin and Nash ville, and ] kissed through them all without injury except Chickamauga where his hip was grazed by “ bullet. After his discharge from the service he again resumed the practice of his profession in Winchester with •Judge Leander J. Monks as his partner, under the firm name of Miller & Monk. This ]>artnership was dissolved in 1871, when he engaged for a time in other pursuits, which included a manufacturing en terprisc at Decatur, Indiana, with which ho Hovered his connection in 18,fi, when he again resumed the practice of law in Winchester and was at different times associated with Alexander Gillett, Emmerson McGrifl and John Enos lleff. In 1885 he was appointed a K pFcial examiner for the Pension

The Daily Democrat.

Bureau and with a short intermission continued in this capacity and in other employment for the Pension Bureau at Washington until ho was srieken with disease which finally caused his death. His record in this field of usefulness is highly creditable to him. Col. Miller practiced law a great , many years but did not make it the exclusive vocation of his business life. He, however, established a wide reputation as a good, sound, safe, honest, upright, lawyer, always true to his clients’ interests. His greatest strength in the law. as well as the other walks of ilfe, was his strong common sense and the accuracy of his judgment about the ordinary affairs and transact ions of men. His legal attainments were of a high order. His general characteristics in his professional, business and social relations were those of straight-for-wardness, candor and uniform kindness. He never sought advantage ’by indirection or deceit; his friendships were not made hastily but when established were strong and ' enduring and never bounded by social or financial conditions or political party lines. On Feb. 4th, 1864 he was married to Miss Sarah J. Aker, daughter of Hon. Andrew Aker of this city, with whom he has lived most happily almost forty years, and who survives to mourn his loss, but not I who sorrows not as one without hope. Three children were born to them, only one of whom survives him, Mrs. Nellie Elliughaiu wife of L. G. Ellingham now living in Decatur, Indiana.

Col. Miller was essentially a home | man. His tastes and habits were I domestic, and his private life was sweet and pure. The best and most anxious hours of his life have been spent in the effort to provide his , family with the comforts of life 1 and insure them against possible. dependence in the future; ho died knowing that in this he had been , abundantly successful. While he had never mode any profession of religion until within two years, he hud always a leaning to the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his mother, wife and daughter belonged. He recently joined i that church and died in full communion. On Jan. Ith, 1902, at Washington, ! City, where he then resided. Col. Miller was stricken with the disease from which he died and from the effects of which he became absolutely helpless. He was, as soon as it could be done, brought home, us he himself said—to die, and I for nearly two years he has lain thus, tenderly cared for by loving hands of wife, children and friends, every want anticipated and all the . curatives of medical science exhaust ■ ,m1 in the plain effort to restore him , to health. During all this time he has been in the full possession of I all his mental faculties and realized the dreadful truth of his hopeless , physic il condition. He has borne lip under it all most patiently,cheer- . fully nobly. No word of complaint 1 passed his lips- He met his ! friends with the sumo cordiality /and kindness of manner thiC char larterizedhis mterci i:r.-e with his L f) ,|lows in health. He kept in touch i with passing events and was al1

DECATUR, INDIANA, FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 4, 1903.

ways anxious for information about friends and especially his old comrades of the war. for whose welfare he was always most solicitous. At 1 ist, when worn out and exhausted in this unequal struggle for life, be met death, that inexorable, terrible enemy of morality with the same composure and philosophical resignation to the inevitable with which on the battle field he faced the cannon’s mouth. A short time before losing consciousness he expressed himself as ready and anxious to die, assured his sorrowing family of his absolute confidence in his preparations for the future, and that all was well with him. Col. Miller has a proud military record, and, while he was reticent about his army service and was the list man to exploit, them to the public, his close friends know that way down deep in his heart Col. Miller loved his comrades in arms most dearly, that he cherished the | memories of the war, and of his services therein and was indeed most proud of his record as a military officer, as well as all who served under him know and will gladly testify he had a just right to be. His military life was characteristic of the man, quiet, unassuming, without bluster or parade ho went about the business of war with the same good sense and judgment, the same serenity and self possession of manner that he would exercise in the transaction of the ordinary business affairs of civil life. He never lost his head however sudden the emergency or grave the responsibility. The possession and exercise of arbitrary power did not inflate his vanity of his ambition. He was as self possssed and as completely master of himself in presence of a major general as a 4th Corporal. Yielding to the former all the respectful obedience which he mildey exacted from the other. Hundreds of young officers, unused as they were to the exercise of authority and command, when intrusted with it, became inflated with their own importance. For such Col. Miller had a profound contempt. He was built U})on a broader plan. He had inherited from good old Purittn ano-stry the sterl- ) ing qualities of courage and good I common sense and the training he I had at home strengthened and invigorated them. It was upon this solid anil substantial basis that he built tris military character and achieved successes whch shed and

shall continue to shed luster upon his name now that he is gone and his life work is done. Col. Miller's life has been ti long one. covering more than the allotted three score years and ten. It has been a useful one, because he has taken up his manifold duties in the various walks of life which his now lifeless feet have'trod, and faithfully discharged them with conscientious fidelity to duty. Jt has been a busy one as a glance at the hasty record of his achievements discloses. It has been partriotio and honorable, us the long list of battles in which he engaged with distincition and honor in defense of his country and its flag testifies. In his death his country looses one of its bravest defenders and most patriotic citizens; his wide circle of friends, a genial and lovable companion ; his family a faithful and devoted husband and father. BOUGHT A LOT. Teeple and Fordyce to Build a New Residence. A real estate deal was completed this morning by which Solomon Linn departs with the full lot just south of his reisdcnce on the cor ner of Fourth and Jeffernon streets to Sim Fordyce and Charles Teeple. The consideration being <IOOO. This is certainly a desirable location and a new and up to date residence will lx 1 erected as soon as the weather will permit, and will be occupied by Charles Teeple as soon us completed.

FOUGHT FOR GIRL Berne Boys’ Duel for Lady of Their Choice. Jerry Johnson Wins Fight, Loses the Girl, and Pays His Fine. j Today's Berne Witness said: Jerry Johnson of this place, was arrested unuer a charge of assault and battery Sunday evening preferred against him by Marion Tinkham, a young man from near the state line east of town. The case was brought before Town Clerk Chris Stengel last Tuesday and Johnson plead guilty to the charge. Ho was fined |l and, with costs, had to plank down 110.15 in all. The trouble is said to have arisen over Miss Effie Waggoner, a young lady working in the People's restaurant. Mr. Tinkham had faketr her out buggy riding lately and has been warned by Johnson not to do so any more. But Tinkham had another appointment with the girl Sunday evening and was about to take her out regardless of Johnson. The latter interfered just when the couple was about ready to embark, and assaulted Tinkham. knocking him down. Nevertheless, Tinkham gallantly took the young Indy out for a ride, and had Johnson arrested with the above results.

SNOW RACES. ’■ Arrangements Complete for the Event. Matinee Races Will be Given This Winter When the Streets Will Permit. Louis Hotlhouse informs us that when the sleighing becomes good on the streets of this city, and if permission can be obtained from the city officials, we will have regular Friday afternoon matinee races. It seems that every thing has been arranged as to drivers, time keepers and starters and with the number of speedy horses wo have in our city this arrangement will undoubtedly moot with approval from the lovers of this kind of spirt. The races will be opm so that any one who thinks he has a speedy horse will have the pleasure of having it tested and tried. He also gave us the list, of horses and drivers who have already signified their willingness to enter, they are as follows; Hazel Pierce, 2:19 1-4, John Peter, on; Sharlotto 2:10-1-4, Col. Dick Townsend; Harry T., 2:18 1 I, Dan Beery; Ben H, 2:19-1-4, Marion Smith; Virgil C., 2:18-1-2, Dr. Clark; Edna Premium 2:21-1-2, Jami’s W. Place. The starter will be Louis Holthouse and Mr. Canfield will act us official time keeper. It is not their intention to have any of the horses marked any lower than their present mark doing this to enable them to be in their rt spective classes next season. So with this understanding more horses will uu donbtcdly lie entered. All that is lacking now is a little more white stuff to make Decatur the scene of many good horse rue ‘s.

SPECIAL VENIRE ORDERED Forty-Five Special Jurors to be Summoned.

WILL BE USED IN OSBURN TRIAL Adams Circuit Court Getting Ready for Murder Trial. interest Manifested as Time for Hearing Case Approaches. Set for December 15. One week from next Tuesday Joseph Osburn will be placed upon trial for the murder of his father-in-law. John Busenbark and arrangements are already being made for that event of importance in the Adams circuit court. This morning Judge Erwin issued an order that the jury commissioners appear at the clerk's office tomorrow merning and draw forty five names as a special jury pannel of this court. The clerk was directed to issue service for same to appear

THE INDIAN OPERA To Be Repeated This Evening. A Beautiful Home Talent Production and its Success Last Evening. The production of the Indian opera Powhatan last evening by Mr. Baker and given under the auspices of the Ladies Aid Society of the Presbyterian church was the best thing of the kind that has ever been witnessed by the theatre going public of this city, and was greeted by a large and enthusiastic audi ence and for a home talent produc tion has never been excelled. The singing was fine and the characters for all parts were carefully picked and showed excellent judgment. It was a pretty scene who 1 the cur tain went up to see thirty young ladies dressed in the Indian style and an equal number of young tots, and from the war whoops that were given and the tomahawks and knives displayed and the savage appearance of all, one actually beleived they were seeing the real

thing. Special mention isdue Misses i Terveer, Mylott, Hower, and Black burn and Messrs Ernsberger. Baker. . Brushwiller, Fristoe and Selle meyer for the easy manner in which they handled the parts given them and baby Gladys Flanders should not Ih> overlooked ns the part she took for one of her age and the way she handled it was certainly marvelous. When she did ( her cuke walk, she fairly brought

NUMBER 279

on Tuesday December 15 at nine o clock. It is the believed that this number, with the regualr pinnel of twelve, making a total of fifty seven names will be a sufficient number from which to secure a jury competent to k try Joseph Osburn for murder. The case will create much interest being the first murder trial in Adams county for many years. The murder was com inited on the afternoon of September sth last on the farm owned by Osburn and Busenbark, four miles east of this city. The men quarreled and Osburn knocked the old man down and beat him into insensibility, the victim dying the following day wihout regaining Consciousness. Osburn came to this city and wanted to plead guilty to assault and battery, but the seriousness of the affair was soon apparent and he was placed in jail. Osburn is thirty five years old. His wife, the daughter of the murdered man pays no attention to him and it is thought will not try to save him. The defense will be a plea of insanity. The state will be represented by Prosecutor Moran and C. J Lutz, while D. E. Smith and Heller and Son will defend. The saloon case of the State vs John Ri inke is being tried before a jury today, the case being similar to the one tried Tuesday. In thee iso of Amanda A Dulin vs Samuel A. Dulin, divorce. set for trial today, a motion was filed by prosecutor to stay proceedings.

down the house. Several fancy drills by little tots were introduced lietween acts and several beautiful figures were designed by them. For the benefit of those who were unable to witness the performance last evening it will be repeated tonight. Secure your seats at once and enjoy one of the liest productions of this kind you have ever witnessed.

VICE PRESIDENTS. List of Officials of the Farmers’ Institute. The vice presidents elected at the county Farmers Institue yesterday were as follows, Jacob Koos Union, J. W. Broadlieck, St. Marys, S. Campbell, Blue Creek, Ed Ferry Jefferson. Henry Hobio.’k Root, George H. Tricker Washington, George H. Martz Monroe., M S. Smith Wabash, Josuha Bright Kirk land, Wentz Rupright Preble, V. Bell French, and S. Pontius Hartford. The other officers as stated were the same as heretofore, C. D. Kunkle President, and I. N. Tee ter, secretary. The session was a very pleasant and profitable one and the attendance fair. THE SEUNHO. Winners and Losers at Club Meeting. The Seunho Club met yesterday

afternoon nt tin home of Mrs. John Kern and the time was whiled away by playing pedro and tin prize winners proved to be Mrs. James Haetling and Mrs. Milos Pillars while Mrs. Lee Vance and Mrs. Dr. C.mnel) were hickey enough to capture the boobies. A dainty three course lunch was served after w hich they adjourned to meet next Thurs I day afternoon at the home of Mrs. Dee Lewton.