Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 10, Decatur, Adams County, 11 January 1907 — Page 1

Volume V

AWFUL TRAGEDY Dolly Smith Shot and Instantly Killed BY HER BROTHER DICK HILL Torrible Affair Was an Accident and Occurred at Hammond—Both Formerly Lived Here. Miss Dolly Smith of Hammond, was instantly killed by her half-brother, Dick Hill, New Year’s Eve. Both lived here until a few years ago and have numerous relatives here. The story has been rumored for several days and the following from the Hammond News give sthe details: Dressed in her finery to go to a New Year’s Eve ball, Miss Dolly Smith, aged 18 years, with a joke on her lips and a smile on her face, was ushered into eternity night before last without a moment’s warning through the mishandling of a shot gun by her halfbrother Richard Hill, a young painter. The tragedy took place at Hill’s home 722 Sibley street about half past nine o’clock. It is one of the most distressing accidents that ever happened in Hammond and many tragic circumKtanc.es are connected with it. A mjstery surrounds it that will never be solved this side of the groat Trumpet for though there is no questioning of the sincerity of Hills’ testimony, the circumstances are inexplicable. Hill himself is unnnerved over the sad affair and Mrs. Hill, who has been prostrated on a bed of illness for three months as the result of a gasoline explosion, is beyond herself and had to be moved away from her home yesterday to keep her from losing her mind. The victim of the übiquitous didn t-know-it-was-!oaded shot gun Miss Dolly Smith, is the eighteen-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Smith, 385 Alice street. Mr. Smith TTOrks at the Simplex Railway Appliwfice company's plant. Mr. Smith has been twice married. Dolly is the daughter of his present wife and Richard Hill the son of his dead wife. The girl and the young man are halfbrother and half-sister. The family <3#tne to Hammond from Decatur, Ind. Richard Hill and his wife have been married about two years. Hill is a painter by trade and about 25 years of Age. Ever since he has been married he says that misfortune has been his lot. To add to his trouble his young wife was badly burned in a gasoline explosion last September and has never been out of bed since. Dolly Smith was an immense favorite with the Hills. She had for the past few months after she had ceased working for a photographer who moved away from here last summer, spent a great deal of time in caring for her halfbrdthre’s wife. Monday she informed her mother that she was going to spend the winter with them. She bade her mother an affectionate farewell and took up her abode at the Hills. The three had an unusually jolly suppei and after the meal was over Dolly dressed herself to go to the dance at Mollie’s hall to which place she was to |be accompanied by a girl friend, whom she was to meet near by. iabhortlv after nine she returned to the house and laughingly remarked that she guessed she wasn't going to get to go to the dance. She seated herself in the dining room in a chair in a pprner of the room diagonally across from where Mrs. Hill lay prone in het bed. Opposite Dolly was a door leading out into the kitchen and from this room came Richard with a gun in each hand. One was his, the other borrowed property. He started to lay tWn down on the table to clean them in readiness for a rabbit hunt on New Year’s. Delly expressed petulence that her friends had not met her. At thiji time Hill had hold of each gun by tha leek. He is reported to have said “Well, that’s too bad, you had better kill yourself,” when to his horror and amid the shriek of frozen amazement from his wife the weapon exploded Doiy wasn't eight feet away. The nfiHrge from the weapon, a single barreled affair, entered the right side of Kef face, blowing that part of her head off. The girl never winced. BHfer breathed after she started to reply to Hill’s remark. If Hill had set ab&t to kill the lass with deliberatioi and murder in his heart, he could (Continued on Page 4.)

The Daily Democrat.

IS VERY POPULAR AT PEORIA Col. Dick Townsend Honored by the Illinois Hotel Association. dick Townsend, the well known hotel man, whose home address is Decatur, Indiana, but who has owned and operated hostelries in various large cities is now conducting the National, leading hotel at Peoria, 111. Dick has always been popular here and his many friends will read the following clippings from the Peoria papers with pleasure, as they show how he is making good. Richard Townsend, proprietor of the National hotel, was yesterday elected to the executive committee of the Illinois Commercial Hotel Men’s association, which closed its session with a banquet yesterday at the St. Nicholas hotel in Decatur.—Peoria Star. Members of the Journal’s staff will have some place to eat in style whileceleb rating the New Year. This morning’s mail brought each member a letter containing a meal book, good at the National hotel, accompanied by the wishes for 1907 of “Dick” Townsend, proprietor of the popular hostelry. Dick is a hail fellow, well met and that his shadow may always wave is the wish of “the bunch.” —Peoria Journal. When. “Dick” Townsend of the National hotel read that newspaper men were to be deprived of railroad passes after the first of January, his large and tropical heart beat almost to bursting pity and indignation. “They shall have some sort of pass anyway,” he cried indignantly, and seizing his pen he w'rote out a ten-trip pass into the djning room of the National hotel for each weary worker on The Herald-Transcript staff. These passes will be good in the elevator and at all tables in the dining room| Moreover, it will not be necessary for the holder to sign a statement absolving the company from all blame in case of accident, loss of baggage or death from overeating. The passes were received with loud whoops of joy and Charles Oregon Shoop, who has been doing his own cooking of late, beat the crowd over to the National by a good 100 yards.—Peoria HeraldTranscript.

COURTHOUSE NEWS The Schroll Divorce Case Again Continued AT THE COST OF THE PLAINTIFF Some Probate Business Transacted — Mrs. Gregory Files Final Report as Guardian. Joseph Schroll vs. Mary A. Schroll. divorce case set for trial today, was again continued by agreemnt of parties and at the cost of the plaintiff. Charles D. Porter vs. Arlie Carpenter et al., rental and contract, demurrer to amended complaint overruled. In probate court James O. Wyatt, guardian for Emily, J. A. Wyatt, filed a report of sale of real estate and full payment of purchase money, sale confirmed and deed approved. Lucy J. Gregory, guardian for Augustus C. Gregory, filed final report and w’as discharged. Frank H. Meyer, administrator of the B. H. Ostermeyer estate, filed his final report, which was allowed and he was discharged. —o NOAH SHEETS IS DEAD Noah Sheets, one of the best known farmers in this county and a resident of Root township, died at two thirty oclock this afternoon, after an illness of several weeks, death resulting from pnuemonla. The report arrived late and we were unable to get the funeral ...j.ig'sinents and other particulars that wiii interest the public. A full account will be published in tomorrow’s issue.

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening January 11, 1907.

NEW FICTION AT LIBRARY

McCutcheon —Brewsters Millions, Graustark, The Sherrods, Castle Caneycrow. London —The Call of the Wild. Tracy—The Wings of the Morning, King of Diamonds. Pidgin—Blennerhassett, The Climax, Quincy Adams Sawyer. Crawford —Mr. Issacs, Via Crucis, Saracinesca, In the Palace of the King. Davis —Soldiers of Fortune. Munn —Rockhaven. Hough—The Law of the Land, The Mississippi Bubble. MacGrath —The Man on the Box. Ford —Janice Meredith. Wister—The Virginian. Tarkington—Monsieur Beaucaire, The Gentleman From Indiana. Michelson—ln the Bishop's Carriage. Munn —The Hermit. Barr—Thyra Varrick, A Song of a Single Note. Ade —Doc Horne, Artie, Fables in Slang, Pink Marsh. Harland —The Lady Paramount, The Cardinals’ Snuff-Box. Major—Dorothy Vernon of Hadden Hall. Hope—Quisante, Tristrane of Trent.

A JUST TRIBUTE The Geneva Herald Pays a Merited Tribute A LONG TERM AS PROSECUTOR John C. Moran Quits Public Service After a Career Worthy of the Name.

John C. Moran, whose term of office as prosecutor of Adams county expired December 31, 19U6, was prosecutor for six years and it is interesting to note that this is the longest period that any one man has acted as prosecutor of the county, in itsUiistory. During his term he strongly exemplified his efficiency in many ways as occassions presented and as a result many important cases were tried and won for the state. Chief among the points to be commended in Mr. Moran's official career may be mentioned these features: From an economical standpoint he has saved the county several hundreds of dollars, by reason of the manner in which the grand jury investigations have been conducted, no session of the grand jury exceeding six or eight days, thus curtaling expenses of from three to six weeks grand jury, and a demonstration that the same amount of work and more too, can be done in one week when judiciously managed. In very few instances were there any person appointed to assist Prosecutor Moran for he was always able to take care of the State’s case. He has been a vigorous prosecutor, and discharged his duty well, knowing no party creed or faction, prosecuting alike his friend or enemy, holding out no favors. He retires from office with a reputation for honesty and with the best of wishes to his many friends in this section of the county. Mr. Moran hails from Jefferson township, Geneva being his home town and we point to that fact with pride, since he has performed the trust given him in so capable a manner. He will continue the practice of Decatur, being the junior member of the firm of Peterson & Moran. —Geneva Herald. 0 THE K. OF. P. DISTRICT MEETING At the meeting of the K. of P. lodge last night, officers for the ensuing year were formally installed and are now in charge of the work. No especial ceremony was observed aside from the regular work of installation. An invitation was given to the Ossian lodge to visit this city on the next regular meeting night, Wednesday, January 16th, to give degree work and a good sized crowd is expected. The Ossian lodge has quite a reputation in this line. When the question of entertaining the district meeting to be held on February 15th was brought up, the majority of the members of this lodge decided that they favored letting the meeting go to some of the neighboring lodges. Bluffton has entertained the meeting a large number of times in recent years and by their vote, recommended that the honor be conferred this year upon Decatur. From three to four hundred visitors are usually found at these meetings.— Bluffton Banner.

Kingsley—The Singular Miss Smith, Prisoners of the Sea. Marchmont —A Dash for a Throne, IBy Right of Sword, The Heritage of Peril, Miser Hoadley’s Secret. Gay—The Knitting of the Souls. Corelli —Thelma. Moore—The Jessamy Bride. Eggleston—The Master of Warlock. Castle —Young April. Blossom—Checkers. i Burnett —The Making of a Marchioness. Hewlett —The Forest Lovers. Brady—For the Freedom of the Sea. Barr —A Chicago Princess. I.e Gallienne —The Quest of the Golden Giri. | Roberts —The Kindred of the Wild. Howells —The Landlord at Louis 1 Head, The Coast of Bohemia. i Doyle—Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Home of the Baskerville. Lewis —Wolfvllle, Wolfville Days. Paternoster —The Motor Pirate. Tracy—The Great Mogul. The Pil!lar of Light. I Thompson—Alice of Old Vincennes. Continued on Page 2.

CAUGHT IN ACT Elmer Smith Nabbed While Stealing Coal AND CONFESSES HIS GUILT A Sick Wife and Two Children Saves Him From Being Prosecuted.

During the past month or two quantities of coal have been missed from the A. Van Camp coal yards, just south of his machine shops on Eighth street and to prove the matter a watchman was placed on duty last evening. He had scarcely been on duty an hour when he saw a man enter the yard and carry away a quantity of coal. It proved to be one Elmer Smith, and he was traced to his home by the watchman. Mr. Van Camp and Policeman Frank were notified and went immediately to Smith’s home where the man confessed. In an outbuilding thy fdhnd several hundred pounds of coal and the stealing has probably been going on for some time. Smith’s wife and two children are sick and the man put up such a pitiful tale that Mr. Van Camp decided not to prosecute him. Smith is a laboring man and this is the first accusation against him and he promises it shall be the last. A night watchman will continue in service at Van Camp’s and the next man caught will be given the extent of the law.

WERE FIFTY BILLS Introduced in Senate This morning ESTABLISHING A NEW RECORD Nine Bills in House—Both Senate and House Adjourn Until Monday Afternoon. Indianapolis, Jan. 11.—The senate today made a new record in the introduction of bills, fifty being introduced in forty-nine minutes, besides four resolutions. After such a strenuous session the body adjourned until Monday at ten o’clock. At least one-third of the bills had to do with railroads and another third with the liquor traffic. Only nine bills were introduced in the house, after which they adjourned until Monday at 3 p. m. No unexpected bills were introduced. In the senate, Kirkman Introduced an antitrust bill copied from Ohio's Valentine bill. Hugg introduced a similar bill. The indications are that the antiTaggart wing of the Democratic party will act in hearty accord witli Governor Hanly, thus insuring the latter s reforms in spite of the close vote in the house. Slack’s turn down is said to have left him very bitter against Taggart. The organization of neither house is completed as yet. One house bill introduced takes the management of the police from the governor and confers it on the .mayors. This promises to cause one of the warmest fights of the session.

WEEK OF PRAYER SERVICES Program for Tonight at the Methodist Church—Also at the U. B. The week of prayer services being held at the Methodist church are attracting large crowds and the work that is being done by Rev John C. White is more than was expected. The meetings have so far been successful and the spacious church has been packed every night by those who I have taken an active interest in the | work and desire to see all the good done that is possible. The services I ::re open to a\ r.nd even on- is cor | dially invited to attend and take part in the good w’ork. The subject for tonight is “Christian Institutions.” Praise: For an open Bible and a sacred day of rest; for free government and social orders; for the family and the home; for organizations levoted to arbitration and righteous peace; for Sunday schools, societies of young people and Christian associations;, for popular and higher education; and for all wise philanthropies and charities. Prayer: That the Bible may be the actual guide of faith and practice; that sacred day of rest may be hallowed; that good citizenship may safeguard government and so- j ciety: that the family and the home may be faithfully protected; that provocations to war may cease; that education may be moral as well as intellectual; and that every agency which promotes sobriety and sound well being, with all worthy efforts for reliving distress, may be prospered by God. “Wild Oats,” will be the subject at the United Brethren church tonight at 7:30. Miss Effie York and Rev. Kessinger will sing a duet. Last evening several persons arose for prayers. Sin is sin. Fastidious devilshness will not alter the terms of salvation nor close the mouth of a yawning hell. All must, like Naaman, go down into the “stream of judgment.” a societylTent A Euchre Party at Las Vegas N. M. A DELIGHTFUL THIMBLE PARTY At Home of Miss Studabaker —Euterpean Club Meeting—Other Social Affairs. BY PEARL BURDG.

A copy of the La Vegas (N. M.) Daily Optic was received at this office, from which was clipped tfle following: “Mr and Mrs. Charles Smith Peterson enjoyably entertained at six handed euchre at their home at 1017 Fifth stret, Saturday evening. There were five tables, and the play was exciting and the scores close. The majority of the guests stated that they never had a more enjoyable evening at cards. Miss Rothgeb led the ladies in the score and was presented with a beautiful fan, while Dr. Lord was rewarded with a fine silver cigar, match and ash tray by winning the honors from the rest of the gentlemen. Miss Hayward was awarded a fine den picture as a consolation prize, but it is only fair to say that she did not have the lowest score, as all the guests who did not get . one of the first prizes, cut for the consolation. Dainty refreshments were served, after w'hich the guests were entertained by music.” Mr. Peterson was formerly of Decatur, but is now located at Las Vegas. Mr. and birs. Peterson sent quite a few invitations to Decatur people, of which Al Burdg of Monroe street, received one, requesting his presence. A most delightful thimble party of a small crowd was given by Miss Hattie Studabaker, at her beautiful suburban home, east of town, yesterday afternoon, in honor of Mrs. Morrison of Jefferson street. Miss Studabaker served an elegant dinner at four o’clock, after which the guests were entertained in various ways. Those present were: Mesdames Morrison, W. J. Vesey of Fort Wayne, Ernest Weicking of Bluffton, W. M. Dorwin, C. A. 'Dugan, Cal Miller, W. H. Nachtrieb, J. C. Patterson. J. W. Tyndall, D* D. Heller, Marte Holloway, Jeff Bryson, (Coninued on Page 3.)

CROWDS ARE LARGE Poultry Show Proves a big Success SCORING OF ENTRIES CONTINUES Judge Hathaway Will Not Complete Work Before Saturday Noon—Show Continues Until Saturday Night, Another large crowd took in the poultry snow yesterday afternoon and last evening and the interest in the show continues to grow with each day. The management is more than pleased with the attendance and stated that the crowds so far at the show have exceeded that of last nearly two to one and if the same keeps up the show will have a neat balance on the right side of the ledger Saturday night. Judge Hathaway devoted all of yesterday afternoon and part of last evening to judging the birds and his work continues to give the best of satisfaction and everybody who is connected with the show is more than pleased with him. This morning the attendants were busily engaged in distributing the ribbons to the lucky parties of the first days scoring and the coops of some now appear gaudily decorated with red, blue, yellow and green ribbons. The blue is first, the red second, the yfellow third and the green fourth, and each have inscribed the name of the show and the class the bird was entered in. Judge Hathaway scored one hundred and seventyfive birds during the day and will finish in the American class by noon today and he will then take up the Asiatic class which consists of Rhode Island Reds, White Brahmas, Buff Cochins and Langshans. and score them as fast as possible It will take until Saturday noon to finish the scoring and the management will hold the show open until Saturday evening, so that the farmers and out of town people may have the opportunity of seeing the show before its close. The scoring and prize winners of yesterday were as follows: Plymouth Rocks. John Stroud, Liberty Center, first on cockerel, second on second on pen. Chas Hoeppner, Preble, second on cock, third on hen. C. Bieberick, third on cock. S. A. Roop, fourth on cock, fourth on cockerel, first on hen, third on pullet, first on pen. Mary Haugk, fourth on hen, second on hen, fourth on pen. Alfred Debrot, Berne, first on pullet second on pullet and fourth on pullet. White Rocks, J. A. Huffman, Willshire, third on cockerel, first on cock, fourth on hen, third on pen. W. B. Hale, Gevena, I first cockerel, fourth on cockerel, second on pullet, second on hen, third on hen, second on cockerel, second on pen. Charles Jetter, Portland, second on cockerel, first on hen, first on pullet, fourth on pullet, third on pullet, first on pen.

Buff Rocks. J. C, Buchanan, Willshire, first on pullet, second on pullet, first on hen, third on pullet, second on hen, first on cock, first and second on cockerel, first on pen. Enos Heckman, fourth on pullet and third on cockerel. Silver Wyandotts. Carl G. Wile, Portland, secopd on cockerel, first on cock, second, third and fourth on pullet, second on pen. Eli Banta, Portland, second and third on cock, first, second and third on hen, first, third and fourth on cockerel, first on pen, first on pullet. Otto Kukelhahn, third on pen. Golden Wyandotts. Ed Melcher, third and fourth on hen, first, second third and fourth on cockJeral, first, second, third and fourth on pullet. Charles Bieberick, second on hen, first on cock. Partridge Wyandotts. J. A. Huffman, Willshire, third on cockerel, first and second on hen, third on pullet. D. M. Rice & Son, I first and second on cockerel, first, sec- ' ond and third on pullet, first on pen. Charles Magley, the secretary, is , the busiest man about the show as it is his duty to keep a record and list of every entry made and the score and average made by the judge and it is also his duty to see that the ribbons are awarded to the proper persons. His position is a tedious one and keeps him busy from early in th<Continued on Page 2.

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