Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 38, Decatur, Adams County, 13 February 1907 — Page 1

Vblnnie V

CHURCH HISTORY ■ the Early day of AdK ams County ANOTHER interesting article The German Lutherans Came First t and the Methodists Had the Second Church. Ini locatng the earliest churches in the Scounty, we meet the same diffiCttity as in locating the earliest school bußflings: lack of records and conmeting claims. The German Lutherans of Preble toßnship claim organization of the fOdhiem church as early as 1837, and'in Root township their missionaries preached in barns from 1836 until:lß4l. : Methodist church claims orgAization in 1838. But the pioneer pAncher had penetrated nearly every Hfifimship earlier than this. The spirit of i Peter Cartwright and Jacob Y&ng. those old-time pioneer preach, era of saddlebag fame, still prevailed in-her ministry, and Methodist pioneer ministers from Western Ohio rode all over Eastern and Northern HHana. to spread the gospel among the rough denizens of the wilderness. as early as the settlers fJßmseives were on the ground, came , the occasional preacher and the settler's log cabin was used for a place at first. As civilization ptfcressed a little and the school MBse was built, then followed organIzition into classes. Each class had its leader and when there was no pitching, class meetings were held. Wabash township, Mr, McCugh’s ■Mhse was held the first meetings Hgptg in ’36 or '37. In Root. Ezekiel Hoopers in '3B and '39. The dwellers fiftother townships opened their cabins for meetings and no doubt gladly entertained all that came. ‘'The first Mehodist church erected in the county was in Root township, ini. 1840. This was a log church signamed Alpha. It is needless to say that Omega has not yet been built. This church class was cckposed of the families of Wm. Pillars, Isaiah Lewis. Benjamin Rice and J.TI Peoples. As this church grew tn numbers, the class organized in the old school house below Monmouth. ■few weaker and the remnant was ■ded to Alpha. About 1854 a frame CMBrch was built at Monmouth and Alpha class came there to worship. Jut the new building at Monmouth was never properly finished and the Bfess again languished. Some time after 1860, Alpha class built a com|||®>dious frame church and the class rAaains there yet in a flourishing Kn 1838 the first Meth ■•ii< class wa- organized in Decatm Probably sane local preacher conducting the rngious service. Short'? me rwardft|Kcuit riders came and among the eiss was Rev. Jesse Sparks So v. • ■, Be-.! was he his name becan -a word in many fa has it that Illi- cl; . 3hKs organized in 1844. and 1 was first pastor, but i ; >s memory of man tba ISKId her quarterly meetings i OKt time and camp meeting on I Fisher’s land close to > Mkrys river, a short distanc. from ijn mouth. This was probably the ,®st camp meeting in the county and SSt-st have been held in '43 or 44. In ifcl they built their first church, a building, which is still standing corner of First and Jackson Shortly afterward a small was built, and this also is standing. In 1860, the church at was made a charge, Mon Bjbuth. Alpha, Mt. Tabor. Salem, and Pleasant Miss being Iggt to the circuit rider. SAs a charge the church stih I ’ and in 1881-82 a new brick was erected on the cot net ■ Monroe and Fifth streets. In I s -’ parsonage was bult and in s ' ’ new church was remodeled. now claims a membership oI seven hundred. An e-1 1 -- Sabbath school, a flout i l - - League and a number of Vorganizations. Methodism it- x ■ county is certainly in a ; - u life! condition. There is a new - and a f-.-e congregation Misant Mills; a large brick chum

The Daily Democrat.

in Geneva; a prosperous one in Washington township; Pleasant Valley and Alpha churches in Root; Beulah church in Kirkland; one at Bobo, in St. Marys township; one at Steele, in Blue Creek township, and one in Monroe. As has been stated before in these articles, Preble township was settled almost entirely by Germans. A large part of Root and almost all of Kirkland are occupied by German farmers. These brought with them from the Fatherland their religious preferences and convictions. So, as early as 1837 the church known as Freidhiem was organized with twenty-six grown members and thirty children. The first pastor was Rev. Hoover. This church which was at first poor like all the rest and worshipped in a small log cabin, now has a brick church worth $13,000, land valued at $2,000, school building, $1,000; a parsonage worth SI2OO, and a teacher's dwelling worth SI,OOO. One pastor, Rev. Jaebker, served this church for thirty-two years. Some time, either prior to or not long after 1855, the congregation at Freidhiem grew- so large that a part of them organized a new congregation and built a small church on the east side of the river on the Piqua road. This church, at first called the Dirkson church, was afterward named St. John’s church, and grew so large that in 1882 a large brick building was erected and the church is in a flourishing condition, with a new parsonage and school house and land surrounding the property all in good order and valuable. The first congregation of St. Peter’s German Lutheran church in Root ■township, was organized by Rev. ■Wyneken, as early as 1836. In 1841 ten acres of ground were purchased from Clamor Fuelling and Deidrich Gerke by the congregation for a chuch and parsonage and cemetery, and a (Continued on Page 4.) RESISTED OFFICERS Angola Man put up Fight When Arrested STRUCK AT MARSHAL GREEN With a Heavy Iron Bar —Was Finally Released—Had Trouble at the Furnace Factory. A man named Baird whose home is at Angola, caused some excitement here this morning. It seems that while the Angola Furnace comnany was located in that city, Baird took some patterns to the machine shop to have some castings made. The work was done precisely as ordered, but Baird after accepting the same, disputed that fact and absolutely refused to pay for his castings. The furnace company held the patterns to secure the accountfl Baird came here with blood in his eye this morning, went to the furnace factory, loaded up a box of patterns and took them to the interurban station where he shipped the patterns to Angola. Manager Douglas heard of the affair and notified the officers who caught Baird just as he was boarding the car. He jerked away from Sheriff Myer and struck at Marshal Green with an iron bar, but missed him and was recaptured. After some controversy the matter was adjusted and Baird allowed his freedom, Mr. Dougherty preferring not to file criminal charges against him. Baird left on the noon car for home. o MR VANCE BUYS A HOME Has Purchased the Martin Miller Property. O. L. Vance, the well known clothier, yesterday purchased from Martin Miller his residence on North Second street. The location is one of the best in the city and Mr. Vance will remodel the house, converting it into a modern and up-to-date home. Possession will be given April Ist and Mr. Vance will move into his new home on that day. Mr. Miller has purchased a farm and expects to move ( ,n th ‘ same the latter part of next month

Decatur, Indiana, Wednesday Evening February 13, 1907.

CANAL CONTRACT Oliver Will Likely get the Contract RAILROADS SENDING TELEGRAMS Appropriation Bill Cuts Their Pay for Carrying the Mails—Pure Food Law. Washington, Feb. 13. —Unless some unforeseen obstacles arise the canal contract will be let to the William J. Oliver company. Secretary Taft during the last week, has looked carefully into the resources and general standing for the men in this company and he is about to report to the president recommending that the contract be awarded. Much opposition to giving the Oliver award has developed. Most of it has come from New York. Washington, Feb. 13. —The railroads of the country seem to have just awakened to the fact that the postoffice appropriation bill which is scheduled to come up in the house tomorrow, makes a deep cut in their pay for carrying the mails. Telegrams running,from 200 to 600 words each began coming in to members today protesting against the proposed cut. The burden of the complaints is that that the cut was agreed on in committees without-,a hearing. It is evident that the railroads will make a heroic effort to defeat the proposed reduction in pay. Washigton, Feb. 13. —Those 'jpembers of the senate and house who want to see the best possible results obtaned under ihq pjtrq food law are alert in their efforts to have the senate correct the mistake of the house made in depriving the Department of Agriculture of the privilege of cooperating with state and municipal food officials in enforcing the law and the action in depriving the department of authority to determine what are adulterations and to fix food standards. o THE LAW IS NOT SO BAD. Both Applicants Don’t Have to Appear to Get Marriage License. The present law regulating the issuing of marriage licenses, so obnoxious to those matrimonially inclined on account of the belief that both parties to the contract have to appear before the county clerk and be cross examined by- that official, is not so bad after all as a new interpretation has been placed upon it by a member of the state board of health. When the bill was first proposed it was for the purpose of correcting the old law which allowed many persons to get married who were physically unfit and while many now get licenses who should not have them the restriction throws a stumbling block in the way and has done a great deal of good. The obnoxious part of the requirements was the appearance of the parties before the clerk, many young ladies strenuously objecting to going to a public office, subjecting themselves to the gaze of a curious public and answering a list of questions longer than is necessary for entrance to the U. S. army. To be properly informed in the matter a clerk has written to a member of the state board of health with the subsequent interpretation of the law that both parties do not have to appear but can send for an application, have it properly filled out, the affidavit taken by a notary and can send the troublesome little brother or the hired man after the license. Several young ladies who refused their consent to marriage solely on account of this will no doubt be pleased with the new definition of the law and will now proceed to get their wedding clothes ready o FIFTY-ONE BODIES RECOVERED Scripps-Mcßae Special. Black Island, R. 1.. Feb. 13. —Up to this morning fifty-one bodies have been recovered and vessels started out at daybreak to again search the shores.

Trouble at the

PREACHER PROVED INNOCENCE Rev. Harris of Montpelier Exonerates Himself. When scandal connected the name of the Rev. D. F. Harris, pastor of the Church -f Christ at Montpelier, with a woman of his congregation the minister called a meeting of the members of his church and proved his infiocence. At this meeting, it is said, it was demonstrated that two women of the church were responsible for the stories. They, when cross-questioned, first denied the accusation and then said they had made no criminal charges, but had merely stated that the actions of the two persons looked suspicious. Among the reports circulated was that Rev. Harris had been asked to resign, when the fact of the matter is that he resigned some weeks ago with the view of accepting another charge, but he says now that he will not leave until the matter is settled up and he can go honorably in the eyes of all. Rev. Harris has always proven himself a man in every sense of the word, and the responsible people of the town attach no credit to the stories that have been circulated probably through personal grudge. Many are inclined to belief that the saloon element of the town is responsible for circulating the wild stories, as Rev. Harris is a member of the Ministerial association of the town and took an active part in the agitation which caused the “lid” to be put on the town a few weeks ago. REPORTED DEAD J .• * ' • ' But Mrs. Harry Thaw Very Much Alive THE MURDER CASE IS DELAYED On Acocunt of the Illness of One of Juror's Wise —By Agreement of the Lawyers. New York, Feb. 13. —Mrs. Harry Thaw was awakened this morning by the unusual demand of the hotel clerk as to whether she was dead or not. A rumor from Pittsburg that she had either committed suicide or had been shot by a half brother of Thaw-’s caused the newspaper men to demand of the hotel clerk a denial in her own voice. After a conference between Jerome and Delmas, Judge Fitzgerald at eleven o’clock, adjourned court until two this afternoon. The delay was due to the illness of Juror Joseph Ballou’s wife. Ballou asked permission to visit his home in the Bronx in company with two court officers and this was granted. There is fear that if she is very ill Ballou will have to be excused. DIED IN THE WEST Noah Baker Died al Peobody, Kansas HIS PARENTS LIVE NEAR CITY Sad News Sent by a Sister Who Hurried to His Bedside a Few Weeks Ago. * A message was received this morning from Miss Rose Baker at Peabody, Kansas, announcing that her brother, Noah Baker, aged forty years had died and that the remains would be shipped at once to this city and would undoubtedly arrive here some time tomorrow. Mr. Baker was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Baker, who reside on a farm just west of this city, Noah having left home several years ago and traveled all through the south and west in search of health. About four weeks ago he sent for his sister to come to Peabody to car. for him, and yesterday his death occurred. The news was not broken to his parents until this evening, owing to (Continued on Page 2.)

VERY MUCH DOING Society is Having Quite a Busy Week MISS ELLIS GOES TO CHICAGO Miss Orvis Entertains—A Masquerade —Many Club Meetings and Other Society Events. BY PERLE BURDG. Miss Stella Ellis left this noon for Chicago, where she will be the honored guest at a large house party given by Mss Goldie Brown of 1311 Lillie avenue, commencing on Thursday evening with a delightful evening party and then various parties will continue until warm weather. With large and small hearts strung on ribbon from the chandeliers to each corner of the room, arranged in an artistic manner, and at the entrance of the rooms, two immense hearts piercer with arrows formed the pretty decorations in the Library parlor and music rooms of the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. P. McMillen on Winchester street, at a Valentine party given by Miss Minnie Orvis, last evening in compliment to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hite. The guests were the cast of the “Hick’ry Farm,” with their wives.jor sweethearts. “Hick’ry Farm" was a home talent play and was given in the month of October. One of the main features of the evening was the telegram which was brought to the home and handed to Mr. Henry Thomas, the manager, from the New York Dramatic Mirror stating that the leading lady of “Hick’ry Farm” was soon to join ,the company of one in the far West. This caused a great deal of merriment among the guests. Following this, each guest took the letters of “Hick’ry Farm" and made telegrams out of them. Miss Eva Acker led the ladies in having the best, so she was reward■ed by receiving a beautiful china plate, while Mr. Hugh Hite won an elegant ash tray for the gentleman s prize. After this, the guests indulged In a game of bouquet, and then they were seated at little tables, by each place were found moto favors consisting of caps and motto, each guest wearing his dainty little cap during the rest of the evening. Miss Orvis was assisted in serving an elaborate three course luncheon by Mrs. Henry Thomas and daughter, Portia. The souvenirs of the evening were Valentie postal cards. The evening’s program caused a continuous laugh from beginning to end. A merry crowd of ladies gathered at the home of Samuel Frank last evening, in response to invitations to a masquerade, given on Mrs. Frank. Cards and games occupied the evening, and at a late hour an elegant luncheon was served. The meetings of the Bachelor Maids, W. P. T. Club, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Pastime Club closed last evening until after Lent. Mrs. Tyndall of Monroe street, will be hostess at the meeting of the Shakespeare Club this afternoon. A Valentine social will be given tomorrow afternoon at the home of | Mrs. Wilson Lee on Mercer avenue, by the ladies of the Aid Society of the Presbyterian church. Everyone is cordially invited to attend. There will be an excellent program. The Historical Club held their regular meeting at the Library club rooms last evening, Mrs. Miller reading the leading paper. The Euterpean Club w-ill give a Valentine social at the home of Miss Carrie Craig, tomorrow evening, February 14. Every'member is especially invited to be present. Miss Josephine Lange entertained the W. P. T. Club and their gentleman friends at progressive pedro, at her home on North Fifth street last evening. The prizes were won by Mr. Herbert I.acho and Agr es Radad Trllon’-tamp and Frank Rada- ._r had to content themselves with the boobies. Other games and amusements follow(Continued on Page 4.)

HAVE YOU HAD THE NEW GRIP. Combination of Grip and Tonsilitis Strikes the Community. A number of people in this city are suffering from a disorder which, like the grip has made its appearance suddenly and spread through the community like an epidemic. A technical name has not as yet been invented for it, but it appears to be a combination of grip and tonsilitis, and has its inception, no doubt, in the great extremes in atmospheric conditions which ’have prevailed for some time past. It starts with a slight soreness in the throat as both grip and tonsilitis are contracted through the mouth. This soreness lasts for several days without any after effects being noticeable. Then what appears to be grip makes it appearance, and the throat becomes swollen and swallowing is difficult. The average case is not serious, and lasts only a few days, but in some instances the patient takes a fresh cold and in consequence is laid low with an attack of quinsy. Great care should be taken at this season, especially in the matter of clothes. It isn’t the part of wisdom to change from a heavy overcoat to a light one because the weather has moderated some 15 degrees. And it isn’t wise to rush out on a short business call without taking the same pre" cautions as though you were going a mile. Warm underclothing should be worn and changed frequently and the feet should not be allowed to become chilled. COURT HOLSENEWS Two New Cases Filed This Morning PARTITION AND QUIET TITLE ’ Y. Bond Filed in the Snyder Estate and Papers Approved—Other Business. Attorney C. L. Walters has filed a new suit in court, entitled Viola M. Gilbert et al., vs. Ruby V. Sheets et al., partition or real estate. The summons was made returnable Feb. 25. Charles E. Bollinger, through his attorneys, Peterson & Moran, has filed suit against John Everhart, jr., et al., to quiet title to real estate. An affidavit as to non-residence was filed and notice ordered by publication returnable April 12. Harry A. Straub vs. Amelia Straub divorce, default of defendant, rule against the prosecuting attorney to answer complaint. Letters were ordered issued to Amos W. Snyder as executor of the John Snyder estate. His bond for SI6OO signed by C. B. Funk and Ed j win Heller was approved. Judge Erwin is at Bluffton today, acting as special judge in a law suit. 0 FRED SCHEIMAN BADLY HURT Struck With Sledge Hammer—ls Recovering. Fred Scheiman, the meat man, met with an accident Monday afternoon while working at the packing plant and came very near losing the sight of his left eye. The accident occurred while Fred was assisting one of the laborers at the plant to do some work in the way of holding some scantling to support a roof, while the other fellow drove the planks to their place with a heavy sledge hammer, and in so doing the laborer missed the plank and the entire effect of the blow struck Mr. Scheiman under the left eye, cutting a gash several inches long and into the bone. He was taken to Dr. C. S. Clark, who dressed the injury and stated that it was a miracle that Mr. Scheiman escaped losing the sight of his eye. He is, however, now progressing in nice shape.

Number 38