Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 175, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 July 1914 — Page 1

No. ITS.

Obituary of James Barker Overton.

James Parker Overton, son of James and Emeline Overton, was born in Rush county, Ind., April 30th, 1836, died in Rensselaer, July 22, 1914, aged 78 years, 2 months and 22 days. At the age of 8 years, he came . with his mother and stepfather, Fredrick Rishling, and sister, Mary, afterwards Mrs. James T. Randle, and step-sister, afterwards Mrs. William Porter, of Rossville, Ind., and settled iji White county at what is known as Lee Station. In early life he became a member of the Christian church. On March2oth, 1862, he married Charity Ellen Gwin, who died August 19th, 1885. From this union nine children were born: Mary Elden Overton, who died Oct. 17th, 1865; Charity Ellen Overton, who died August 19th,- 1886; Emma Grace Overton, who' died in Rensselaer Jan. 3rd, 1898; James Randle Overton, who died in Rensselaer Aug. 23, 1902. The surviving children are: H. Parker Overton, Hammond, Ind., Louella May Childers, Rensselaer; W. Elvin Overton, Chicago; Ida F. Now els, Colorado, and J. Albert Overton, of Tuscola, 111. Besides there, de leaves twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren; also a half brother, Albert Rishling, of Rensselaer, and a step-sister, Mrs. William Porter, ol Rossville, Ind. < ” Card of Thanks. We wish to thank the friends and neighbors for their kind assistance during the sickness and death of our father, James Parker Overton.—The Children.

HANGING GROVE.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Cook went to Kankakee Saturday for a short visit with Mrs. Anna Warner. They will also visit Mrs. Cook’s relatives at other points in Illinois before returning home. They are making, the trip in their automobile. (Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Miller and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Miller went to Kewanee Saturday by auto, for a visit over Sunday with an uncle, Thomas Search and family. Mr. arid Mrs. C. W. Bussell went to Lafayette Saturday evening for a short visit with Mr. and Mrs. James Lefler. Mr. and Mrs. Felix Parker, of Herscher, 111., are spending a few days here visiting relatives and friends. Their visit here was occasioned by the death of James P. Overton. The insurance adjuster was at McCoysburg Friday afternoon and adjusted Wilson Bussell’s fire loss. He was granted the full S7OO which the policy covered, but at that, he will be ( at quite a loss, as this policy was taken out Dec. 1, 1913, and since that time he had more than doubled his stock. He had just planning to take an inventory soon, and add more insurance. However, the amount of goods gotten out, will help in cutting the total loss. - Born, Saturday, July 25, to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stephens, a son. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Parker took dinner with George Parkinson and family Sunday. Mrs. Mary E. Lowe returned to Rensselaer Monday morning after a visit since Friday evening at the home of C. W. Bussell.

Next Excursion to Canada On Tuesday, August 4th.

Several are going on this trip and if you are intending looking over Canadian lands let the agent, Theodore George, know this week. Mr. Topping, a representative of the Canadian Pacific railroad, will be here all week and can furnish . you with any information desired. Round trip to Calgary, Alberta, from Chicago, $46.50.

Marriage License.

Harry Walker, born Jasper county, Ind., Sept. 13, 1895, residence Barkley township, occupation farmer, and Nella Timmons, born White county, Ind., April 14, 1898, residence Berkley township; ’first marriage for each. Appeals to Presidept Wilson for the release of Herbert S. Hockin, serving a sentence in Leavenworth penitentiary for his part in the celebrated dynamite conspiracy cases, and who was denounced by the government as the “lago Of the conspiracy,” are being presented at the white house and to Attorneydeneral Mcßeynolds. Ind., former teacher in the Rensselaer high school, .visited at the Comer House Miss Burnett taught school the past year at New Albany and was accompanied to Rensselaer by another of the New Albany teachers, Miss Alice were on their way to Wisconsin to spend a vacation. - .

The Evening Republican

MOTHER OB MARSHAL SHESLER IS DEAD

Aged Lady Passed Away Last Friday Watseka, Hl., After Hl- __ ness of Three. Days. Marshal W. R. Shesler, who was called to Watseka, 81., last week by the serious illness of his mother, arrived there only a short time before her death, which occurred Friday morning at 10:30. Mrs. Shesler had kept house for her son for several years, but a few months ago went to Watseka to live with relatives. The following obituary gives a brief sketch of the life of this splendid mother: Christiana Watson was born near Baltimore, Ohio, June 29, 1830, and departed this life July 24, 1914, at Watseka, 111., being 84 years, 25 days old. Nov.- 6, 1861, she was united in marriage to John Shesler, of Basil, Ohio. To this union four children were born: William R., of Rensselaer; Amos F., of Amsterdam, Mo.; Thomas W., of Richmond, Ind.; and Janies C, who preceded his mother to the spirit world when 2 years of age. In September, 1864, herself and family emigrated to Iroquois county, 111., settling 6 miles southeast of Watseka, where her husband died Feb. 2, 1890. In early life she united with the M. E. church, transfering to the United Brethren church at the time of her marriage, her husband belonging to that denomination. Mrs. Shesler belonged to old Fairview church, 5 miles southeast of Watseka, her husband being a zealous worker there up to the time of his death. Their door was always open to the preachers, who often enjoyed their hospitality. In 1906 she again transfered her membership to the M. E. church at this place, where herself, and son, W.’ R. and family, belong. For a few months shfe has been with relatives at Watseka, Amas Shesler and Mts. Kate Hudson, where her earthly course was closed. Funeral services were held at the M. E. churclr there Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, by Dr. Samuel Van Pelt and Rev. F. J. .Cope. Interment was made at Belmont cemetery, where other members of the family are buried.

Herrick Family All Sent to Indianapolis for Treatment.

The entire family of Arthur Herrick, which consists of himself and wife and five children, wfere sent to Indianapolis Saturday, where Mrs. Herrick and four children jtvill receive treatment at the State laboratory for dog bite infection. Mrs. Herrick and the four children were bitten by a. Scotch Collie pup, which had fits and which showed signs of hydrophobia. Mr. Herrick killed the pup and Dr. Hemphill sent the head to the state laboratory, where an examination was made. The report did not disclose the presence of the negri bodies which are responsible for the rabies but the actions of the pup so positively those of a mad dog no positively those of a mad dog That it was decided to send the entire family to Indianapolis. Mr. Herrick has relatives living near the hospital where his wife and the four children are and he will stay there in order to be near them. Thejr resided on a farm near Virgie.

Young Man Suffered Sun Stroke; Is Now Quito Ill.

Harrison Casto, a young man about 20 years of age, suffered a sunstroke last Friday while working at the home of Newton Makeever, near Mt. Ayr. He was brought to the home of his mother, Mrs. Addie Casto in Rensselaer and he has been quite sick since that time, apparently being threatened with pneumonia.

Notice is hereby given to the land owners on road district No 4 that they must cut weeds, brush, etc., along the sides of the road adjoining their property between now and Aug. 20th. Keep track of time and credit will be given. If not done by date specified work will be ordered and charged to you—E. C. Maxwell, Asst Supt.

Real Estate For Sale. 300 acres, 1% miles northwest of Wheatfield, Ind., level, black sandy loam, 160 acres in cultivation, on stone road. For particulars write to me at Rensselaer, Ind. P. R. BLUE, Trustee.

J. C. Gwin & Co. sells the best that can be bought for the money. Buy your threshing coal of Hamilton & Kellner. Charles Mueller, of Milton, this state, who is 86 years old, has been making a trip of fiie or six miles daily to. gather blackberries. He walks.

Notice to Cut Weeds.

Threshing Coat

RENSSELAER. INDIANA MONDAY, JULY 27, 1914.

BIG ELEVATOR TOTALLY DESTROYED BY EIRE

Babcock & Hopkins’ Plant Destroyed Saturday Night -Building Loss Placed at $40,000, With SIO,OOO Grain Loss.

SECOND FIRE IN 3 YEARS 'A' ... ....... . ’ Mystery Surrounds Fire's Inception —Grain Loss Covered by Insurance But Only About Ono-Third of Building Cost Covered—Many Residences in Rensselaer Were Set on Fire But Heroic Work by Firemen and Volunteers Prevented Other Fires—Firm is Accepting Grain and Loading It by the Portable Elevators—Expect to Rebuild of Concrete. For the second time in a little more than three years the Babcock & Hopkins grain elevator was totally destroyed by fire last Saturday night. The destruction was complete and the elevator and all the machinery, together with from 12,000 to 20,tW bushels ofgrain was destroyed. The fire was flrat discovered at about 9 o’clock. William Walters, with his family, drove along the south side of the elevator and saw indications of a fire. He stopped at Van Wood’s barbershop and, called Mr. Wood’s attention to the fire. Van ran over to the elevator and saw that it was really on fire. He then made an effort to turn in a fire call, but for some reason could not get a reply from the central office. Others were making an effort to turn in the call at about the same time. There seems to have been a loss of from 8 to 10 minutes before the call reached the fire engine room and the light plant, where the signal is sounded. The fire must have made great headway, however, befqre discovered at all, for it was only a few minutes until the flames were rushing all through the main building and when the fire company arrived, only a few moments after the signal had been given, there was nothing to be done to prevent the entire destruction of the building. In fact, most people realized that the problem confronting the fire company was not to save the elevator but to prevent the destruction of other property. Chief Montgomery saw the imminent danger to the Grant-War-ner lumber company’s plant, just west of the elevator and the residences on Vine street, commonly known as smoky row. There was only a slight breeze, but the burning embers were carried long distances and 26 other buildings were set on fire, but there was a general program of watchfulness that resulted in every fire being put out almost at once. The fire company worked with magnificent courage and endurance and to them is due the main credit for the fact that the fire did not do a lot more damage than to destroy the elevator. The elevator office and the garage, which was the property of the elevator owners, both escaped destruction, but the old depot, which was used as a grain house, was burned. To all appearances the fire started in the. dust or chaff room, which was at the southwest corner of the main building and which was used to store the dippings from the grain. Mr. BabcocK, senior member of the firm, wtas at first disposed to accept the theory of spontaneous combustion in this room, but later after a more thorough consideration he is reluctant to believe that it could have started there. Employees of the elevator were in the dust room sevejal times during the day and there was no sign of fire or smoke. The fact that the fire gathered such tremendous headway in so short a space of'time also looks peculiar and while the owners of the elevator are unwilling to believe that any one would have set the building on fire, there is, neverthless, considerable mystery. Fifteen minutes after the fire was discovered the flames had eaten a hoi through a 12-inCh board wall that was covered with sheet iron, and the flames were fanning through the shafts to the roof. The eleaner and sheller pipes furnished a strong draft and fanned jjfee flames everywhere. It was, however, almost 11:30 o’clock when the building fell. In the meantime three cars of grain which stood alongside the elevator were removed to a place of safety. Practically every person in Rensselaer was at the flre, while they oame in large numbere from the surrounding country and from

other towns. The light from the tall building gave a red tinge to the sky that could be seen at Monon, Remington, Mt. Ayr and other places, It was a spectacle to behold and all who witnessed it were impressed with the great loss Which it meant to the community and especially to the owners, who had suffered the loss of their other large elevator April 29th, 1911, or only a little over three years ago, and ;who had also had an elevator at Parr burned a few years ago. Messrs. Babcock & Hopkins were es courageous as could be throughout the fire, although they were ter rfbly affected by the fact that this great loss had come so quickly on top of the other one. They are unable to say definitely yet today, Monday, what their loss is, but Mr. Babcock stated to a reporter for The Republican that the building cost Tight at $40,000 and that the insurance was only about one-third the cost. The grain damage he estimated at SIO,OOO, fully protected by insurance. Part of the graip belonged to farmers, who had stored it. This is all p lotected. Babcock & Hoplkinis began receiv- ' ing grain this Monday morning, haying put into use the portable elevators used three years ago this summer. They realize that custo mers will be placed to some inconvenience, but this can not be helped and pending the settleitrent of insurance and the preparation for rebuilding it is the only method of receiving grain. Asked about rebuilding Mr. Bab-j cock replied, “Yas, we will have to' rebuild, but the next time we will build a concrete elevator.” Babcock & Hopkins control some 75 miles of railroad in the grain business, owning the elevators and buying stations from Monon to the Kankakee river and from MeOoysburg to Dinwiddle, on the Gifford branch. To handle the grain received from these stations requires a central elevator and makes it necessary to rebuild. The requirements of the country also makes a big elevator here much needed. Messrs. Babcock & Hopkins have had a string of calamities ever since they entered the business. Nine years ago the failure of the McCoy bank temporarily put them Out of business, but they arose from it with flying colors, just as we feel certain they will again overcome this second destructive fire. This Monday morning there was still a lot of fire, the flames eating into the piles of grain, and streams of water had almost ,no effect on the fire. The salvage from the 'grain will evidently be small. Chief Montgomery had a half dozen Streams of water playing on the building Saturday night and •in use preventing a spread of the fire. He had 3,500 feet of hose, 1,000 feet 'having been borrowed from the college. • Jim Rhoades, one of the firemen, became overcome while fighting the fire, and w-as taken to his home. He soon revived, however,“and returned to again aid in the fight the firemen were making. Messrs. Babcock & Hopkins built the elevator which was just de- ' stroyed three years ago this summer and fall. It was completed in time to receive the corn crop of 1911. It was splendidly equipped in the way of modern machinery and besides the extensive business done at home and with the adjacent elevators which they own, they shipped in a lot of grain from other points, drying and 'bleaching and clipping the oats. They worked a large force of men, generally having both day and night shifts and the plant was our biggest labor employing industry. The owners can not say definitely what they will do about rebuilding. The insurance must be adjusted and time given to consider the cost of a concrete building. The importance of the business to this community is such that It Is the hope of every man and woman that Messrs. Babcock & Hopkins will be Wlrtlinr bumr a plant, better than ever before, and that they may never again have so direful a calamity to withstand. Our eomtort shoes will overcome that tired feeling and relieve those tired, aching feet. They are made to fit" the “foot. Shoe Store, Opera House Block.

REMINISCENCES OF EARLY LIFE IN JASPER

Birthday Anniversary of “Uncled Jackson Freeland Brought Memories of Long Ago. Sunday was the 76th birthday of “Uncle” Jackson Freeland, of Newton township, and it was celebrated by a gathering of neighbors and friends, who left no doubt with “Uncle” Jackson, a® he Is so familiarly and affectionately known, that all were interested in him and hope that his life will be prolonged to a much greater age. Mr. Freeland located where he now lives in 1849 and with the exception of about three years, during which time he was in the .west, he has lived on the farm he now owns and occupies, ever since. A few comparisons of the conditions prevailing in that period with the conditions that exist today would be very interesting and “Uncle” Jackson remembers them in detail and narrates them as though the things that happened were of very recent occurrence. In 1847 he lived in what is now the beautiful city of Rensselaer. There were not enough children here then to organize a 'school, while now it is a city of almost 3,000.

One of the guests at the anniversary Sunday asked Mr. Freeland if there were any automobiles art: that time and his reply was “Not much, and only a limited number had buggies and these were considered a great luxury and were quite novel. This was the period of circuit riders, when “preachers and doctors traveled on horseback. A little incident was recalled by “Uncle” Jackson, as follow®: A minister who was making his first trip over a certain country saw a boy standing in the road and asked him how far it was to the next town/ Pointing to a sign board the lad replied: ‘There is a minister that can tell you.” “Why do you call the sign 'board a minister?” queried the circuit rider. “Because,” replied the lad, “it tell® everybody 'how'to travel, but don’t go there itself.” Sunday was made' the occasion for a big basket dinner and the day was spent in a most pleasant manner. The following were present: Benton Kelly and family, B. M. Makeever and family, John Rush and family, G. A. Hopkins and family, D. 8. Makeever and wife, Marion Freeland and family, Wm. T. Shaw and family, Lee Mauck and family, Maud Keeney, Edgar Steward, Jay Miller, A. F. Long and wife, Walter Kelly and family, Will Shindler and family, E. L. Hearn, Guss Yeoman, Roscoe Halstead and family, H. L. Wortley and family, Clark Downs and family, J. W. Meharry and family, Joe Yeoman, Jeff Smith and wife, A. J. Keeney and wife, Park Baldwin and wife, of Morocco; R. J. Yeoman and family, C. A. Huntington and wife, D. W. Mauck and son.

Van Rensselaer Club Picnic Postponed to Later Date.

The Van Rensselaer Club picnic, which was to have been held Wednesday of this week, has been postponed until a date to be selected later. There were a number who could not get away at this time, while others thought it would be better to wait until we have had a rain to dispose of the dust and cool the air. President Leopold states that the picnic will probably be held a little later.

Gillam Township Call.

The republicans of Gillam town-; ship are requested to meet in mass convention at Center school house Saturday, Aug. 15th, at 2 p. m., to nominate a township ticket as follows: Trustee, Assessor, Three Memmers of Advisory Board, and Road Supervisors. James W. Stevens, Chairman. S. C. Robinson, Secretary. President Wilson Friday appointed two Indiana postmasters, art: Spiceland, Levy T. Pennington: at Jasper, John P. Huther. The prohibitionists of thg 12thdistriet, in convention at Auburn Thursday nominated the Rev. J. C. Wise, of Auburn, for congress. William Ernst employed in a saloon in almost th? center of the bubonic plague infected district, is the tenth person to be attacked by the disease in New Orleans. South Bend police are baffled by the operations of a gang of highwaymen and burglars who have been at work there the last week. Thursday night’s toll amounted to S2OO in money and an automobile. The Evan«rille Journal-News was sued Friday for $25,000 damages by Edward Mille, Jr* who was socialist nominee for mayor in the last asettOfi. W "-altogM“the ifr beled him. '

TONIGHT AT THE GAYETY The Famous DICK & DIXIE Novelty Entertainers Introducing Comedy Singing Dancing, g - gling and Slack Wife. ■■ This Stunt is A-l

ATHLETICS DEFEAT LO WELL TEAM 5 TO 2

Sunday Witnesses Another Easy Victory For Rensselaer Athletics At Lowell. The Athletics journeyed to Lowell Sunday afternoon and handed the Lake county lads a neat trimming, 5 to 2. At no stage of the game did the Lowell tes have a chance. Shurte was on the mound for Lowell and was pounded at will by the Athletics. Fitzgerald pitched for the locals and had Lowell at his mercy throughout the entire game. He was touched for but four hits and struck out 13. Bunched hits, combined with trip bonehead work of the Lowell battery, were responsible for the Rensselaer rims. A passed (ball in the first Inning by Wifeox gave Lowell the first run. A hit and an error and a sacrifice gave them their second run. Wilcox undoubtedly tagged the man before he reached the pan, (but Umps Gregg said “No.” A great deal of wrangling was prominent during the contest This makes the second defeat handed Lowell by the Athletics this season and settles the question of supremacy beyond a doubt. The way the locals are connecting with the ball Is very encouraging. The Athletics tackle the Chippewas again Tuesday and a fast eombat is looked for. Lineup and summary: LOWELL. R H PO A E Alyea 2b ~.l 13 4 0 Petrie ss 0 0 2 5 1 Purdy cf ......1 2 10 1 Lloyd 3b 0 0 13 0 Hess c 0 0 6 0 0 Brown If 0 1 0 0 0 Belshaw I'b ...0 0 14 1 0 Brooks rs ... 0 0 0 1 0 Shurte p 0 0 0 2 0 Total ...2 4 27 16 2 RENSSELAER R H PO A E Quille ss 1 0 1 3 0 Morganlb ....1 0 7 2 1 Eldridge rs 0 1 0 0 0 Wifeox c ......0 2 13 1.1 Parks 2b .1 3 3 0 0 Quille 3b ..........0 1110 Elder If 0 1 1 1 0 Clark efl 0 10 0 Fitzgerald p 1 1 0 2 0 Total 5 9 27 10 2 Two-base hit Elder. Struck out, by Shurte 5, by Fitzgerald 13. Bases on balls, off Shurte 2; off Fitzgerald 2. Double plays, Elder to Morgan. Fitz to Morgan to Quille. Fitz to Quille to Morgan. Passed ball, Wilcox. Hit by pitcher, Alyea. UmplresGregg and Kirk. Scorer, Tuteur. By a vote of 135 toloß. the house has refused to reconsider its action in agreeing with the senate on an appropriation of $500,000 for a government building at the San Francisco exposition. The building Is assured. President Wilson sent to the senate Friday for ratification, Secretary Bryan’s new peace treaties with 20 nations providing for special investigation of disputes in all cases where the recourses of diplomacy have failed.-———_ We have about 50 pair of misses’ baby doll pumps, which we offer at reduced prices. Fendig’s Exclusive Shoe Store, Opera House Block.

WEATHER. —— Generally lair today and Twisday; light to moderate variable winds.

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