Daily Democrat, Volume 2, Number 274, Decatur, Adams County, 29 November 1904 — Page 1

VOLUME II

BERNE CITIZEN SUICIDES Jacob Baker Hung Himself in Wood Shed

WELL KNOWN HERE — Father of Mrs. Milliard Suttles of This City The Deceased was Eighty-five Years Old—A Son was Killed Here a Few Years Ago. I Jaoob Biker, of Berne, one of the best known men in the southern part of the county, committed sui-, tide last evening, by bunging himself to a rafter in the woodshed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ben Allen. He was the father of Mrs. , Williard Suttles of this city, and quite well known here. His son, Ike Biker, was killed on the C- & E. | railway in this city about tour I years ago. He formerly lived in Jefferson township. This is the first suicide which ever occurred in Berne, and created considerable excitement This morning's Berne Witness told the story as follows: “Jacob Biker, one of the oldest residents of Berne, and one of the pioneers of this part of the county, committed suicide yesterday afternoon by hanging himself in the woodhouse. His son-in-law, Ban Allen, who lived with him on Eist Main street, found him just at dusk hanging suspended by a three eighth inch rope around his neck from a rafter in the woodhouse. Coroner Schenk was immediatey called and he and Ed Sullivan were there in a few minutes afterward [ and took him down. Had he been discovered a little sooner it is pro bable that his life could have been saved. His body was not yet cold when taken into the house and it is thought that the had not been hanging there very long before he was found. There is a pile of fourfoot wood along the wall of the wood house, of which Baker made use to commit the rash act, by crawling on top of it and from tbeie on a platform of boards that was built on cross pieces. Fiom that point h“ dropped and choired tod ath. His neck wasnot broken, but marks of the rope were plainly shown on his neck. Biker had been seen about town as usual yesterday and no one of the family nor anyone else suspioioned that he was about to take his life. As much as known his health was fair yesterday. His infirmities brought him many trials, however, and probably that along with other reasons, such as the dreud of winter and occasional illness, caused him to commit the act. He had a letter in his pocket addressed to Dr. Schenk. It contained nothing of importance, simply stated that he was going to do what he did and giving insanity as the cause. In less than a month, December 17, he would have been 85 years of age. His second wife died the 12th day ■of last May. He leaves seven children, two sons and five daughters. TO RURAL ROUTE PATRONS Farmers living on the old rural routes should replace their names on their letter boxes. The routes are greatly changed by the now system, and the new carriers are not familiar with their patrons. Repaint the names and you save the carrier much trouble and may get your mail quicker.

The Daily Democrat.

A GOOD TIME I Earl Bowman Entertained Crowd of Friends. Earl Bowman gave an enjoyable party to his friends at the W. A. Bowman home, east of town. The event was an enjoyable one, the amuement including games, music and a delicious lap supper. Among the guests were Misses Nora An[drews, Bessie Andrews, Lucy AmaI paugh, Dessie Berry, Bessie Fisher, Dola Baker, Orel Kitson, Bessie Bowman, Lizzie Gault. Etta Mallonee, Med a Stults, Leona Staffer, Mellie Goldner, Tisohe Singleton, Chloe Warner, Helen Sh< ets, Desie Batcher, Ida Merriman, Nellie Stalter, and Messrs. E. Elzey, C. E.! Baker, W. E. Steele, C. A. Cook, Harrj’ and Charles Fuhrman, David Cook, William Ruckman, John Singleton, George C. Steele, H. H. Weldy, Earl and Harry Butler, j Alva Baker, David Whitehurst, j Harvey Baker, E. J. Bowman, Fred Schurger, Frank Baker, H. F. Kitson, Tom Stoneburner and Lase Libby. POULTRY SHOW Many Exhibits Promised Manager Entries Will Close Monday No in December Fifth—May be Annual Event.

The Farmers’ Institute will convene next Monday, and this event always of interest, will be much more so this year .because the first Adams county poultry show is to be held in connection with same. The latter event will be held in the rooms formerly vacated by Woodward & Ball’s furniture stere, and it is believed the poultry display will lie large, and create such an interest that similar events may be held each year. Already President Kunkle has been informed of a number of jieople who will enter their poultry in the show, and it Is safe to say the display will lie a very excellent one. All poultry must lie in the room by Monday nooti, twelve o’clock. The show is not only for ohiokeiis, but tor all kinds of poultry, including ducks, geese, turkeys, etc. Bring in your best feathered stock and have them graded. All poultry should be shown in pairs or trios, and should be boxed or crated ready for convenient display. FUNERAL SERVICES HELD The funeral services of Miss Mary Dullaghan, who died a few days ago at her home on NN est Monroe street, of tuberculosis, was held this morning at the St. Mary’s church, Rev. Wilken conducting the services. A large crowd was in attendance, to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased. The floral offerings were beautiful. Ini ferment was mi le at the St. Jo- ; aeph cemetery.

DBUATUR, INDIANA, TUESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 29, 1901.

CHURCH FAIR Queen Esther Girls to Hold Annual Event in December. The Queen Esther Girls are very busy making prepirations for their annual fair to be given December 15, 16 and 17. Several new features will be intruoduced this year. One, the Ladies’ Home Journal so popularly advertized in the Journal’s last issue, will be represented, where their famous pictures will ba on sale. Also subscriptions for the paper will be taken and old subscriptions renewed. Another booth will contain nothing but Indian baskets. These baskets are made by the Indians in and around Petoskey. You must not fail to insp ot these and make a purchase of them for X nas presents. There will be all sizes and all prices of these. Besides thore will be on sale in iny useful and ornamental articles in the line of fancy work, also homemade cream candy—well, in fact everything the girls can thing of to make. They desire your patronage.

BACK TO PRISON Goes Albert Girod-Home on Parole Left This Afternoon With Deputy Warden His Wedding Had to be Postponed. W. H. Rafferty, special deputy warden from the Jeffersonville reformatory, arrived last, night and left this afternoon, having in charge Albert Girod, who will be taken back to prison to complete his term. Girod was convicted here about two years ago for horse stealing and sentenced to a term of from two to fourteen y ars He proved a model prisoner, and so impressed the officials, that he was paroled after serving but fifteen months. He returned to this county, and for a time seemed to have learned a lesson. Recently, however, he has been drinking excessively, has abused his parents and guardian to such an extent that prison officials were notified, with the result that he will be returned. He has been in jail here several days. Girod is twenty-one years old and claims he was to have been married last night to a daughter of Jacob Moser near Berne. The event has been p ostponed indefinitely.

COURT NEWS Mary C. McCollum vs John R. McCollum, petition for divorce is the title of a new suit filed today. The couple were married Sept. 19, 1872, and lived together until last February. Non support, drunkennessand cruel treatment arealleged. Attorney Jaoob Butcher represents the plaintiff. Merryman Iv Sutton, representing Christian Amaoher, till’d a petition in Court for construction of a ditch. Eva D. May vs Shaffer and Mary Peterson, foreclosure of mortgage. Cause * was dismissed and costa paid. Margaret Koenig vs John Soheiman, amended answer piled. Demurrer tiled to answer. —o— The grand jury’s work is practically over, and they will report to Judge Erwin some time Thursday. Tomorrow they will visit the jail and county infirmary, and Thursday morning will prepare their report. Quite a number of indictments will tie returned for misdemeanors.

TO JAIL Wiley Wagner Sent For Contempt Failed to Support His Children According to Order of Court—Got Ten Days and a Fine. Ten days in jail and ten dollars’ fine i the dose Willey Magner got this morning when brought before Judge Erwin charged with contempt of court. About a year ago Mrs. Magner was granted a divorce, and Willey was ordered to pay her ten dollars each month for the support of their children. He paid no attention to the order ,and during the last term of court he wai brought into court and informed what the consequences would be should he fail to obey. Recently it was rep irted to the court that ho still refused to provide, and an attachment was issued. He was brought in this morning and said his wife I had refused to let him see the j children, and since she had violated ' court orders, he felt that he could Ido likewise. Judge Erwin promptly informed him that the court made no buragins with anyone, and gave him the sentence as previously stated.

CLINE REUNION Short History of the Family Written by One of the Members. In the year 1838 Jaoob Cline, the father of our subjects, left his father’s home and kindred and everything near and dear to him. with his wife and two small children (Robert and John) to seek a home in what was then the far west. They journeyed with hardships o'er hill and dale and settled in the widerness, which afterward became Root township, in Adams county, Indiana, and is now one of the foremost counties in the state. Here they began life anew amidst the wild beasts of the forest. Jacob Cline and wife had the oldtime religion that enabled them to see the hand of God in all their efforts, and to encourage him as their ever-present Father. Nothing ever interfered with the daily devotions of that wilderness home, and It is but natural that the children all became earnest Christian men and have been a strong factor in helping to make Root township what is is today. Father and Mother Cline, after a long and nseful life, were laid to rest in t! e Alpha cemetery near to the scene of their earthly labors, there to await the bidding of their heavenly Father, in whom they always put their trust. Robert is now dead. He died on the old farm, entered by his father. His family still own and live there. The other members of the family. John, William and Jonas, are all well-to-do farmers in Adams county, and are everyone a credit to the Godly old pioneer, their father, who though dead, yet lives and blesses the community in the presence of his children. They have no relatives in the state on their mother's side, except Dr. P. L. Robison, of Bluffton, Ind , whose father, W. W. Robison, in 1859 Betti >d on what is known as the Hiram Gladden farm. This sketch is suggested by the reunion of the Cline family at the home of Jonas, near Monmouth, on rhanskigving day. A reunion full of reminisenoes and good cheer—so full of glad memories in fact, that it is to bo an annual event hereafter, where at the spirit of Jacob Cline will ever preside till the list of his house shall "sleep with his Fathers." I’. L. R.

MAY MEET Athletia Exhibition May be Given by Prof. Pitts and Kid Baker. In an interview last evening with Prof. Pitts, who is conducting the physical culture class here in regard to the statement made by Pearl Baker, the pugilist, on the evening he gave his entertainment, as to his desire to meet Pitts in asp irring match, Prof. Pitts stated that if Baker was so confident of an easy victory and was willing to back up his statement with a bet of not less than fifty dollars, he would consider a proposition of the proposed bout, stating that he did not care to waste time and money in staying here and then have his opponent back out, and he desired the fifty dollars as a mere bond for his appearance. Both Prof. Pitts and Kid Baker seem to be in earnest in their statements, ami if Baker will now only come to the front and back up his statements, Decatur spirts may be able to witness a fast sparring exhibition. Bithmenare experienced in this line, and in the art of selfdefense, and would no doubt prove an attraction worth going miles to se». Prof. Pitts said that he stood willing at any time to put up his pirtofthe filthy lucre, and it is now up to Kid Baker to come to the front and clinch the match.

MINSTREL SHOW Gus Sun’s Minstrels Coming Thursday Night. The majority of show-goers are always glad to hear a good minstrel show is coming to town. Minstrel shows like all other attractions are not exempt from people ! who imagine they are entertainers. 1 It is safe to say a goodly number of our theatrical friends should be in other walks of life which are more suited to their abilities. Many a good cook or farm hand has been spoiled by the foolish hallucination that he could sing or act. Poor, long suffering public, they breathe a sigh of relief when they learn that a first-class show is coming to town. The Gus Sun American Minstrels, which will appear at Bosse opera house Thursday, Deo. 1, have an enviable reputation among the better class attractions of America. From Maine to California, from the Gulf to the Great Lakes the Sun Minstrels are known as the leading exponent of modern minstrelsy. This season Mr. Sun has the strongest attraction he has ever organized. The costumes, scenery, electrical and mechanical effects are all new and the best money can buy. The artists are headliners in their respective lines. The name Sun means an evening fullof pleasant surprises “for every I lover of fun, music and song.

PROF. PITTS Will Give a High-Class Entertainment. Prof. Pitts is arranging to give a high class entertainment here the latter part Os next week. He will tie assisted by his class of twentyfive pupils, all well-known young men, and also by Sim Murbarger, of Indianapolis, champion middle weight wrestler of America. It is to be a clean, first-class exhibition that any lady may feel safe to attend. LADY CARRIERS. In our announcement yesterday of the new rural carriers, we said that Miss Maud Magley, ot route eight, was the first lady carrier in the county. However, we have since learned that Miss Lizzie McCollum received a similar appointment on route five, Geneva, two weeks ago.

NUMBER 274

TWO FIRES Wertzberger House Partially Destroyed Springer Houst on Ninth Rtreet Damaged to the Extent of About Three Hundred Dollars. Fire broke out this morning at six o’clock at the home of Michael Wertzbeger on South Third street and for a time it looked as if the whole house was doomed to total destruction. The fire as near as can be ascertained the result of an overheated stove pipe, which passed through a wooden ceiling, then into the chimney. The wood about the pipe became so heated tint it ignited, the flames running along the rafters into the main p u t of the house, setting fire to the roof. Waen discovered the fire was bursting out in several places, and had gained considerable headway. The near ni eghbors at once hastened to the aid of Mr. Wertzberger and a bucket brigade was formed, doing considerable good. In the meantime the alarm had been sent in and in a few moments the fire Companies responded, and in a short time the fire was over. The furniture was removed from the house and then the upper part practically flooded. The damage to the house is S3OO and will necessitate an entire new roof before it can be used. Personal effects left in the house such as carpets anal curtains are a total loss, probably making the actual loss amount to 1500. At twelve-thirty o'clock today another fire took place . This time it was in the west part of the city, at the home of Mrs. Springer on North Ninth street. This fire was caused by a defective chimney becoming overheated and setting fire to the roof, which was old and dry. Mrs. Mike Gaffer was the first to notice the blaze, and immediately spread the alarm. The neighbors responded and succeeded ii getting every bit of furniture out of the house before fire companies one and two arrived. By this time the roof was all ablaze, and the fire gained headway rapidly, but as soon as the companies got to working properly the fire was soon under control and extinguished. The amount of damage done to the house will reach in the neighborhood of S3OO.

GOOD SPECIALTIES Show at Bosse’s Last Night Gave Satisfaction. The production of that old play, but ever popular one, * Ten Nights in a Bar Room,” at the Bosse opera house last evening, was witness by a large and enthusiastic audience, and we venture to say that every one present went away perfeotly satisfied. The story is one taken from life and portrays the life of a drunkard, and a slave to rum. The east was a strong one and the parts well played. The re. deeming feature of the whole performance was the specialty turns by different members of the company. The musical turn of Lawman and Ewing on the Xylophone was one of the best features of this kind ever heard here. They introduced standard, popular and oper atic selections. The turn of little Claude Sohutter was also well received, us was that of Frank Mitchell. This company carried a fine band, which tendered excellent music. The company is undoubtedly the beat on the road, and the play is deserving of good house everywhere.