Daily Democrat, Volume 2, Number 71, Decatur, Adams County, 4 April 1904 — Page 1

VOLUME 11

PLACE COMPANY LOSES Two Big Ice Houses are Washed Out

LOSS IS NEAR $3,000 Walls Give Away and Tons of Ice Go Into River Waters are Receding Rapidly and All Danger Seems to be Over. The J. W. Place Company will be the heaviest looser* from the recent floods of anyone in Decatur, in fact they are practically the only people whose damage financially is more than a few dollars. This morning two of their immense ice houses were washed out entailing a loss of about S3OOO. The one near their big wholesale plant in the south part of town gave away first, the constant wash of the waters causing the end walls to finally break and the ioe which had recently been packed there after weeks of work and great expense tumbled into the St. Marys river in great heaps. Shortly afterward came the news that the big ice house in the north part of town had likewise given way and the result was similar to the other. Several hundred tons of ioe will be ruined and just at a time when the company would have begun to convert it into cash. The loss is a very heavy ono and is estimated by Mr. Confer, a member of the firm at from $2,500 to 13,000, and perhaps more. It is believed a portion of the ioe may be saved if the waters continue to re cede as rapidly as they’ have during the past twenty four hours However, it will be several days before any work can be done at it. The St. Marys has fallen about three feet since last evening and is still going down rapidly. The levee east of town is clear of water hnt the big ditches along each side are still brim full. Reports of slight losses atneng the farmers who live along the river have camo in. Fences and out buildings have been wrecked and while each is small the combined loss by the floods in the north part of the county will total a sum of several thousand dollars

STILL IN JAIL James Lacey, bound over to the Court of Common Pleas,on a charge of criminal assault, has not been able to find anyone who is willing to risk a thousand dollars in the way of a bond for his appearance when the Grand Jury sits next month. The case against Lacey is so conclusive that it is not likely tliat he will be v able to procure a bondsman. Another bit of striking evidence against the prisoner has been introduced when [the ease is considered in the higher court. Lacey and his wife spent Sunday at the Fish home and while there Lacey ahpped a note to the little girl. It promised that they run away and be married, and, also, contained some every endearing expressions.—Van Wort Bulletin.

The Daily Democrat.

WANTS FAMILY Touhey Would be Happy in Prison if He Had Them With Him. Frank Touhey, the forger, who was arrested in this cityandreturn,ed to Decatur, where he was sentenced to the Jeffersonille reformatory. has written to a friend in this city, in which he states that he is enjoying excellent health and is as i well pleased with his new home as he could be under the ciroumi stances. He is working in the chair factory, learning the trade. His tasks are not difficult, and he ! says he enjoys the work. He says further that the use of tobacco is prohibited, and that he suffers more from that fact than anything else. He doos not lack company, as he has 900 companions. Frank says that he attends church every Sunday, and is in love with the i minister. He says he has been converted, and upon his release from prison will lead a better life. !He asks how his wife and child, who live on West Tenth street, are enjoying life, and declares that life away from them is not worth living. In his letter he stated that if he had his family in the reformatory with him he would not ' mind the imprisonment. Touhey says that after he serves his term he intends to return to Marion to reside—Marion News-Tribune.

TO CONFERENCE Rev. John C. White Left at Noon The Annual Conference a Busy Time for Methodists. Rev, John C. White left at noon for Mnnoie where he will attend the sessions of the Morthern Indiana conference, which will be in session there during this ’week. It is needless to say that it will be a busy week in Muncie, and a decided Methodist week as well. Rev. White will be an important factor in the proceedings, his close connection with the official boards, will draw considerably on his time while there. The election of a lay delegate will be an important affair and at present considerable log rolling is already being indulged in, and the manner in which the various candidacies are being carried on, it reminds us that no new hands are at the helm. The return of Rev. White to the church here, is the only favor urged by the Decatur congregation, and that wish if fulfilled, their cup of joy will be full to the brim. The appointments will be made public some time next Monday. SPRING VACATION. The circuit court room is deserted this week, the spring vacation being on and a scarcity of nows from that usaully busy place will be noticeable this week in our columns. The April term begins next Monday.

DECATUR, INDIANA, MONDAY EVENING, APRIL 4, 1904.

MUCH DAMAGE Public Roads and Bridges Badly Damaged by High Waters. The county commissioners are in their regular session, and one of the things that is causing the individual members a slight touch of cold sweats, is the wholesale slaughter to the public roads and bridges, caused by the high J waters of last week. Take the county over and the damage was extensive, especially to levies and bridges, which will have to be repaired before any travel can be resumed. To block this is the low state of the road re- | pair fund, which were made simply i to keep the roads in good condition i without the additional cost of flood I damage. The waters were the i highest for twenty seven years so I say many of the philosophers of time and events and naturally’ if this be true, much damage could not help but result. The commissioners ! will try and do all necessary repair that will temporarilly place the roads and bridges in condition for travel.

SUNDAY FIRE Home of Michael Wertzberger Damaged Loss is About a Hundred Dollars—Mrs. Wertzberger's Hands Burned. The home of Michael Wertzberger on South Third street yesterday was the scene of a little fire, the result of which will reqiure them to buy a new couch, new carpert, new curtain and new weather boarding as all of these articles were so baoly damaged that they will be practically worthless and the whole amount of damage from tire, water and smoke, will amount to nearly a hundred dollars. The only theory i 1 hat any of the members of the family can advance as to the origin of the fire is that about ten o’clock Mr. Wertzberger attempted to light the gas and while striking a match a spark must have fallen into the laoe curtain, catching tire immediately, for as he turned the curtain was a mass of flames He gave the alarm and all members of the family responded and in a short time had it under control, but while doing so, Mrs. Wertzberger had her hands ' badly burned. No alarm was sent to the station as it was not deemed necessary. WANT IT SUPRESSED But Portland Papers Refuse to Listen to Silly Appeals. As is usual after every flood that has overwhelmed Portland the scream goes up that reports sent out to the city have given the city a black eye. “These reports in city pajiers are an awful thing,” said a citizen Saturday morning who had been reading a daily repoi t of the deplorable conditions of Friday. "It gives Portland a black eye, he went on to say. This same citizen is a man who has opposed every mo-ement ever upon foot to relieve the miserable conditions existing here. No wonder he is ashamed of it. Reports under such hamper ed conditions as those which existed Friday may not be accurate in every detail but it is doubtful whether any language yet originated can be so woven together as to tell truthfully of a condition which permits of two disastrous floods in a single week sweeping away thousands of dollars worth of property.—Portland Commerial Review.

WELL KNOWN HERE Ezra Mallonee Dies in Michigan Lived Here Many Years, and Moved Awav Three Years Age. Ezra Mallonee, for many years a resident of this city died last Tuesday, March 29, at his home at Ovid, Michigan after a most severe ill - ness. The sad news was received this morning by Rev. Allen in a letter from Mrs. Mallonee. The letter fails to state the cause of death but says Mr. Mallonee suffered terribly for ten days during which time the constant services of a trained nurse were necessary. The deceased was about sitxy five years old. He and Mrs. Mallonee left here about three years ago, going east where they [remained a short time and then removed to Ovid, Michigan where they have since resided. While here Mr. Mallonee conducted a gun smith and repair shop. He was industrious, honest and a good citizen and was well known. He was a brother of Joe Mallonee of this city. The account of his death will be a sad surprise to his many friends in and near Decatur. SAFE AGAIN St. Marys People Are Happy Move Back Into Homes, But Are Fearful of Further Rain and Winds. Special to the Dall, Democrat. ST. MARYS, 0., April 4—The situation at the reservoir here is safe for the time being, unless heavy rains and a wind storm should come up. Residents are moving back and quiet is being established. The Lake Erie and Western and the Toledo and Ohio Central railroads and the Standard Oil company kept watchi rs all last night and tonight. The oil company telegraphed: “Men needed. Get them at our expense." Thousands were here today viewing the scene of danger from all parts of the state. BROUGHT HOME Remains of Mrs. Minor Who Formerly Lived Here. The remains of Mrs. Jane Minor arrived today from Fort Wayne she having died at that place on last Friday night of paralysis. She was seventy years old and was formerly a resident of this county being formerly Mrs. Samuel Rice. The funeral services were held thi afternoon at two o'clock at the Alpha church and interment made in the Alpha cemetery. Several of her children are residents of this county and she also has a host of relatives living in this city.

HAS RESIGNED Simeon Hines Will Seek Location in the Northwest. Simeon Hain informed us today that, he had resigned his position as clerk for Dynois Schmitt in the meat market and that on tomorrow he would leave for the northwest looking over Dakota. Montana and Washington in hopes of finding desirable place to locate and should he find one will at once go into the meat market business in full swing. Simeon has been in the employ of Mr. Schimtt for the past seven years, being faithful and steady in his work and from which p’aoe he goes well recommended for honesty and integrnity. Wo regret very much to see Simeon go as he was considered one of Adams county’s young business hustlers, but we wish him all manner of success.

EASTER DAY " Well Observed in Decatur Services Held at Various Churches Were Beautiful and Largely Attended. Easter day was rather cool for new white gowns, light hats and over coats but nevertheless manywere brave enough to wear them. The event was a happy one and was duly celebrated by the young folks hunting rabbit nests and by approi priate services in the various churches. At the St. Marys Catholic I chruoh the program was rendered as given Saturday and the services were very beautiful and inspiring. At the Presbyterian Rev Allen conducted the morning while Rev. Beardsley preached the services in the evening. A special musical program was given at each service, among the features being solos by [(Mrs. Dr. Thomas, Will Schrock and ethers. A class of ten. including eight girls were taken in the church, this part of the service being very beautiful. At the Methodist church Rev. White preached his farewell sermon in the mornng, prior to leaving for the North Indiana Conference, which convenes at Muncie this week. Baptismal services were held in the afternoon and at the evening hour Rev. Earl B. Parker delivered an eloquent sermon. A special program was rendered at the German Reformed cbrnch, being given by the young people of the church. The entertainment was interesting and appropriate for the joyous occasion. Services were held at the United Brethren, German Lutheran and Evangelical, in fact at nearly every church in the county. All were well attended.

GOOD PROPERTY New Lint Acquired by Clover Leaf Meets Approval. General Tn. flic Manager Ross, of the Clover Leaf, jhas faith in the Detroit & Toledo Shore Line This is the property recently acquired jointly by the Clover Leaf and Grand Trunk, and is operatea as a connecting link between the two systems. The entire roadbed is constructed of crushed rock, and the management expect to make it one of the finest roadbeds in the United States. When this shall have been accomplished the fast, passenger service will no doubt be inaugurated, and Canadian traffic to the St. Loius fair via Toledo and the Clover Leaf.

NUMBER 71

REGULAR SESSION Commissioners Busy With County Business May Second the State to Open Bids on Seven Road Extensions. The commissioners opened their April session by hearing evidence for a liqour licence, the applicant being L. G. Botkin of Geneva. A. N. Steele was given the contract for a driven well on the court house corner, the same to have three and one half inch easing, one and a quarter inch tubing, a galvanized pump and in all things to be acceptable to the custodian of the court house, T. H. Ernst. The contract price was $1.20 a foot. It has been agreed between the authorties of the city anil county that each is to bear a one half interest in the expense cf this improvement. The viewers reports were approved on the two extensions to the Pleasant Valley & Oak Grove, the Geneva, Ceylon & Wabash Township, Monroe township Central, East Washington, and the Decatur & Monroe roads. May 2 has lieen decided upon as a day to receive bids for their construction. J. W. Merriman was appointed a justice of the peace for Blue Creek township, a vacancy occurring, caused by the resignation of Joseph Sims. FIERCE RUNAWAY Mrs. James Stump Badly Bruised Exciting Accident on Winchester Street Occurred at Noon Today.

Mrs. James Stumps of the north j part of the city was quite severely | injured in a runaway accident near ! the Erie depot at noon today and ; how she escaped without being killed is almost a miracle according to those who witnessed the scene. Mrs. Stumps was driving north on Winchester street and a farm wagon belong to J. M. Frisinger, and to which were hitched a team of heavy horses were immediately behind her. An Erie freight engine was on the crossing and its puffing frightened the Frisinger team, which proceeded to run away. Mrs. Stumps tried, to get out of the way and showed her courage by steering her horse safely between several rigs. The big wagon came thundering on , behind and finally struck the buggy .overturning it and tearing off the top. Mrs. Stumps was thrown out and the wheels passed over her hip. As she fell she struck the curb and an ugly looking gash was out in her chin. She was carried into the home of H. A. Fristoo and Dr. Beardsley called who dressed her wounds, a briused hip and the out on the chin being the only injuries excepting the nervous shock. The physician stated ho believed she would not suffer seriously from the accident. The horses were captured before any further damage was done.