Greenfield Republican, Greenfield, Hancock County, 6 October 1910 — Page 1

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SUIT TO BREAK GOODING WILL

Trial Brings Out Many Local Histor­

ical Facts of interest and

Value.

The trial of the suit'.by Marshall Gooding against Lemuel W. Gooding, executor, and Elvira Gooding et al., beneficiaries under the will of Oliver P. Gooding, to set aside the will was begun Friday in the circuit court.

It is proving to be one of the most interesting trials from a general local standpoint that has occurred recently, because the evidence deals with local historical facts of heart interest.

General Oliver P. Gooding died in the Government hospital for the insane at Washington, D. C. He was a native of Greenfield, a brother of Lemuel W. Gooding, Elvira Gooding, H. Clay Gooding and the late David S. Gooding. He left a will, bequeathing most of his property, which amounted to a considerable sum, to Elvira Gooding, and the suit is by the only son of David S. Gooding, alleging unsound mind.

GenerallGooding was a distinguished soldierfand Democratic politician. He was ajgraduate of West Point, and entered the Civil war as a lieutenant in the Regular army, receiving several promotions for ability and bravery, retiring from the service a briga-dier-general in the Union army. At the close of the Civil war he took his proper official rank in the regular army, after a few years resigning from the service and locating in his old home |in||Greenfield. Later he went to St. Louis and served as commissioner of police. He wrote several books and was a man of many attainments. He again returned to Greenfield and in 1895 was delared insane and spent the remainder of his life in the institution at Washington, the immediate cause of his incarceration being a threat made toJPresident Cleveland in the White House, when he was not givenjanlappointment he demanded. After his death about one year ago, his body was brought to this city, lay in state here, and was buried in Park cemetery.

Glascock & Sanford and Jonas P. Walker represent Marshall Gooding in the trial of the cause and Cook & Cook the defense. A jury was secured Friday, the opening statement made and two witnesses examined.

The first witness for the plaintiff was former mayor, Ambrose E. Herron, who testified as to observations of General Gooding in 1874 when he was mayor. Dr. Lewis N. Howard, of Indianapolis, a resident of Greenfield thirty years ago, and well acquainted withJGeneral Gooding, was the other witness Friday.

Saturday morning the first witness was Jared C. Meek, who had known General Gooding all his life. Mr. Meek related conversations the friends had on different occasions, but his memory was not good in fixing dates.

Moses Hamilton testified that his home is in Indianapolis that he is eighty-seven years old and lived in Greenfield from the time he was six years old until 1890 that he was well acquainted with General Gooding from the time he was born. Asked by Mr. Glascock to fix the time and give the substance of any conversations he had with General Gooding after the close of the Civil war, Mr. Hamilton was unable to fix the date, but that it was when he owned and lived in the Riley property on West Main street, which he sold to James Whitcomb Riley, the present owner, that General Gooding stopped at the house where the witness was sitting on the porch and asked him to take a walk. They went to the west school building, then new and the only school house in Greenfield and sitting on a bench, General Gooding asked the witness if he was sure nobody could hear them talk. He answered him that he thought not, and General Gooding charged him with writing a certain letter to St. Louis. The witness said he never wrote it, and further in his evidence described che appearance and walk of the ^General, as a fine appearing man, wearing a mustache and goatee, and weighing about 170 pounds. He walked straight and in military fashion. He also told of peculiar actions of General Gooding, and in conclusion gave his opinion that he was of unsound mind.

James Flippo was an interesting witness. He gave his age as seven-ty-two, and his residence in Greenfield since December 13, 1853. Had known General Gooding since the early 50's was treasurer of Greenfield twenty years and., fo.ur months, and '"v

county treasurer four yea.is had conversations with General Gooding most every day back in the 70's and at different times until he went to Washington. Mr. Flippo related conversations in which General Gooding told him that Moses Hamilton and C. G. Offutt were conspiring to kill himand showed him from where be was to be shot. He took the witness to the Gooding house and explained to him the plans that had been made to shoot him. At another time he told Mr. Flippo that he was engaged to marry a woman in St. Louis worth $500,000 but a conspiracy was formed against it that Hamilton had possession of the telegraph from this city to St. Louis.

Mr. Flippo described to the jury a walk that General Gooding made in the yard cn the west side of the old court house by a continuous pace back and forth day after day. and that on one occasion he laid brush in the entrance to the path to see what he would do, but he kicked it away and continued his walk, which was kept up hour after hour and day after day. "He never found out who put the brush there, though," Mr. Flippo added. This was stricken out by objection by Mr. Cook.

Jerry Martin, W. H. Pauley and others were on stand. Their evidence was similar to others, a description of the appearance and actions of General Gooding.

Mr. Flippo testified Friday to a fact that brought out the bravery of the late General Gooding. Mr. Glascock for the plaintiff asked the witness if he ever heard the General complain of an injury to his head and he answered that he had. It was during a battle in the Civil war that Colonel Gooding was leading his men in the fiercest of the fight that his hat was shot from his head. He told of a shell bursting near Colonel Gooding and the fragments tearing his hat,and from which he understood he complained of the injury to his head.

Jeff C. Patterson was another witness for the plaintiff. His evidence was not concluded.

Saturday afternoon the first witness heard was former Senator William R. Hough. He testified that on one occasion when standing at the root of the stairway leading to his office in the block now occupied by the Capital State Bank, he was approached by General Gooding, who excitedly asked him why he, the witness, was not doing something to protect his life. Mr. Hough testified that he told him he would see he was not hurt.

Then the plaintiff sought to identify a book Mr. Hough had in his hand as the celebrated book written by General Gooding. Mr. Houge said that one day in crossing the street west of the court house he met General Gooding in the middle of the street with this book in his hand, which he extended saying, "I want you to have one of my books." "I took the book," Mr. Hough said on the stand, "reached into my pocket and gave him the money for it, and hastily passed on. I was anxious to get away." Mr. Walker for the plaintiff then offered the book and contents in evidence, but Mr. Cook for the defense entered a strenuous objection, claiming that it had not been sufficiently identified, and that the book could not be admitted as a fact.

Mr. Walker replied to Mr. Cook and an hour or more was devoted to the point of law, the court in the end sustaining the objection. Had he over ruled it the book would have been read to the jury. Mr. Hough testified that he was little more than an ac- 1 quaintance of General Gooding and not at all intimate with him.

In the Gooding will case now on trial nearly all the witnesses are old citizens of Greenfield and it is observed that few of them can remember dates, although they call to mind the substance of conversations that took place and events that occurred. Monday morning Henry Brown was the first witness. He was acquainted with the General had done carpenter work for him and on one occasion boxed up a number of books and papers that the witness testified that the General said had been cast out into the rain from a printing office. He identified a book as one similar in appearance to some he handled. On cross examination by Mr. Cook the witness could not fix the dates of the transactions detailed. He said in reply to Mr. Cook's questions that he is sixty-four years old and has lived in Greenfield thirty-three years and in Hancock county sixty-one years, except eight months in Knightstown that he had observed General Gooding's walk and neard him talk to himself. When asked if he had ever seen a soldier walk the witness replied, "A good many more than you ever did I expect."

John F. Mitchell had known General Gooding from the time of the war until his death had often seen him walking in the courthouse yard

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LIVES CRUSHED OUT BY CABS

Probably Fifty People Killed in Col­

lision Tuesday Night in South­

ern Illinois.

Another awful traction wreck occurred Tuesday evening at 6 o'clock, this time in Southern Illinois, two cars loaded with excursionists crashing head on, killing perhaps thirty and injuring more than as many more. One of the motormen forgot his orders and failed to wait for a second car, that in imitation of steam roads they are pleased to call "second section of train."

A Greenfield man wTho travels considerable, said today: "I have observed that many traction car motormen and conductors appear entirely oblivious to their responsibilities. In the Indianapolis station one sees some of these men playing with each other like children, their minds apparently free of their work. Some of them are observed to be playing the 'good fellow,' calling passengers by their first names and making themselves familiar in various ways. I for one believe their business to be business, and very responsible business at that. Then, again, the companies, if reports are true, encourage their men to 'get over the road.' In remarking about a certain employee a few days ago it was said 'Well, he's the only man on the road that can get No. through on time.'

DEEDED TO DEAD MAN.

Instrument Conveying Farm to Perry Engle Filed for Transfer.

In the transfers of real estate this week appears one which attracted a little attention in the i*ecorder's office, says the New Castle Courier. It is that of John Dougherty, of Wayne township, conveying to Perry Engle, a parcel of land, the consideration being $15,000. Mr. Engle was killed in his automobile some weeks ago by a T. H., I. & E. car, at a crossing south of this city.

The deal for the Wayne township farm had been concluded a short time before the tragedy, but the deed had not been filed nor transfer made until within the last few days.

SEASON HAS CLOSED

No More Sauirrel Hunting—The Quail Season Is Next.

The season for hunting squirrels has ended and no longer will nimrod search the woods in quest of the nimble animals. The season has been productive of good sport this year as squirrels were more numerous than usual.

With the closing of the squirrel season there will begin a closed season for all game, which will not end until November 10th, when the open season for quail will begin. Reports from the country indicate that the Bob White crop is very large this year.

CORN BKINGS $25 AN ACRE

Big Price Paid at the Hill Sale in Sugar Creek Township

One of the largest sales held this year in Shelby county was the one on the John Hhnry farm in Sugar Creek township. There was 70 acres of corn and this sold for the remarkable high price of $25 an acre. Two three-year-old mares brought£$415. The property was owned by Eli and Henry Hill and the proceeds of the sale reached almost $4,000.

WATSON TO CLOSE CAMPAIGN

Former Representative to Speak Rushville on Night of Nov. 5.

GREENFIELD, IND., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1910.

MEMBERS OF THE

pn WHS

at

Arrangements have been completed for James E. Watson to close the Republican campaign in Rush county on the evening of the last Saturday before the election, Nov. 5th. Senator Albert J. Beveridge will speak in the afternoon of the same day.

Suit for Divorce.

Herman Chappel has filed suit for divorce from Sarah E. Chappel.

For Sale—I have for sale a fine lot of Shropshire Bucks andJPoland China Boars. Wm. Furry. 3t2&w

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In Annual Reunion at Cambridge City,

Home of the Late Colonel Solo­

mon Meriditb.

James L. Mitchell, of this city, went to Cambridge City Wednesday to attend the annual reunion of his regiment. He belonged to the 19th Indiana, which was organized in August, 1861. The first colonel of the regiment was Solomon Meridith, of Cambridge City, and the reunion is held this year in his old home.

The Colonel has been dead several years. After taking the regiment to Washington, D. C., Colonel Meridith was promoted. Samuel J. Williams was selected to take his place. The regiment saw hard service. Col. Williams was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness, and the lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, W. W. Dudley, lost a leg in a battle.

The 19th Indiana was the only Indiana regiment in the farmers' "Iron Brigade." The brigade was originally made up of the 19th Indiana, the 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin regiments. It got its name from the following interesting incident: Gen. Robert E. E. Lee, the Confederate Commander, had control and was holding the gap where the National Road passed through South Mountain in Maryland, and the Federal soldiers were not able to route him. Gen. Joseph Hooker, of the Federal Army, remarked that he wished he had an iron brigade to charge the gap. Gen. Gibbon remarked that he had one, and so the 19th, Indiana, the 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin regiments were selected, the first two being placed on the south of the National Road and the other two on the north of the highway and the battery in the center of the road. The charge was made and the gap captured. From that time it was known as the "Iron Brigade." The 24th Michigan was afterwards added to it.

Mr. Mitchell, in speaking of the Wisconsin and Michigan regiments a few days ago, said they were brave soldiers.

GIFT

TO FANNIE PERSON

Silver Piece Found in OM House Was

a Birthday Present Fifty-Six

Years Ago.

An item appeared in The Daily Reporter that Harry Powers had found a silver quarter on the sill under a window in moving the old Pierson house this week, and the item accompanied with the question "Wonder Whose It Was." The answer was not long delayed. Mrs. Henry Snow instantly remembered the quarter and the circumstances connected with the loss of it.

It was one of those incidents of one's childhood that is impressed on the memory that time will never dim. It was fifty-six years ago, when the house was new, and Fannie Pierson, now Mrs. Snow, was a little girl eight years old. It was her' birthday and her father, Morris Pierson, gaye her the silver quarter, which in her childish glee, she dropped in the window and it rolled clown into an opening in the window, through which many litttle articles had the habit of disappearing and which came to be known as the "fatal hole." Mrs. Snow said today that she remembered distinctly the incident and how she cried over her loss, and that her father said. "Never mind, little girl, you will always know you have a quarter."

It is natural that Mrs. Snow values this silver piece very highly, who wouldn't?

Births

Born—To Mr. and Mrs. Moody Bridge water, of route 6, a girl. Born—Saturday, to Mr. and Mrs. Otto Parish, of route 3. a girl.

Born—To Mr. and Mrs. Otto H. Schuh, of North Wood street, a girl. Born—Monday, to John Boring and wife, a girl.

Born—To Mr. and Mrs. Ed Holding, of route four, a girl. Born, to Otto Miller and wife, of Brazil, a boy baby.

REPUBLICAN.

IMMENSE CROP OF GORN EXPECTED

Farmers Say it Will Be Better This

Year Than it Has Been in Many

Seasons.

The corn crop this year shows signs of being the best for several seasons, and according to the reports of farmers a large crop of grain is expected. The ears of the corn are above the average and the kernels are well formed. Earlier in the season it was thought that the crop would be short, and during the drought of July and August it was even predicted that it would be a complete failure.

The price of corn during the last winter was the cause of many farmers planting a greater acreage than nsual, and a failure of the crop would have been disastrous this fall. With the large acreage and heavy crop a prosperous season is predicted for the farmers. I The work of planting winter wheat is almost completed. There has been a great deal of this grain planted this fall.

SAMUEL BEilf DIED OF INJURIES RECEIVED

Badly Crushed at Dunreith a Few

Days Ago While Unloading Heavy

Coil of Wire.

Samuel Berry, who was injured at Dunreith a few days ago while unloading a heavy coil of wire, which fell on him, breaking his right leg and causing internal injuries, died Tuesday morning at his home in Dunreith from injuries received.

He was 72 years of age. His widow, two sons and a daughter survive, viz: William Berry, a farmer living near Dunreith Mrs. Newton Wilson, of Dunreith, and Fred Berry, a motorman on the T. H., I. & E. traction line.

lALL SALES OF H06S WERE BELOW NINE DOLLARS

For First Time Since August 2 Best Mark $8.90.

Indianapolis, Ind.. October 5. Receipts, 5,000 hogs, 1,800 cattle and 300 sheep against 6,311 hogs, 1,835 cattle and 1,091 sheep a week ago and 5,778 hogs, 2,063 cattle and 605 sheep a year ago.

Compared with the receipts for some time there was a fair rim of hogs. General conditions were not favorable to sellers and there was a reduction of 5 cents in prices, all sales going below $9.00 for the first time since August 2. Some of the last sales were steady with yesterday. The range was from $8.50 to $8.90 and most of the hogs were a class that sold from $8.65 to $8.85.

There was a scant supply of cattle, and with hardly enough in any line to meet the requirements of the tx-ade, buyers were more industrious and it was easier to sell at steady to strong prices. In no case, however, was the gain more than 10c, and cows and heifers showed more gain than steers. The feeder maiket was quiet and bulls and calves steady.

The run of sheep and lambs was only about one-half as large as the daily average last week and much smaller than for some time The decline was as much as 25c Sheep sold for $2 to $4 and breeding ewes from $2.50 to $3

Nominations at Morristown. The Republicans of Hanover township, (Morristown) have nominated the following ticket to be voted on at the November election: Advisory board, C. S. Wilcoxen, Mose Logan, and J. J. Kemper justices of the peace, H. B. Cole, Harry Runyon constables, John Flint and Ira Poston. The Republicans will have a smoker at Wrenick's hall, Friday night, October 7.

Hanover is one of the few Republican townships in Shelby county.

Mrs. B. F. Huddelson is visiting her daughter, Mrs. T. L. Holland, at Brooklyn, N. Y.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Johnson and son, Robert, visited friends at Indianapo]i gSund ay.

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ONE DOLLAR PER YEAR.

FEAR WRECKS

Freight Collision Near McCordsville

Tuesday Delays Traffic Two Hours

on Union Traction.

The trepidation with which interurban passengers are possessed since the recent wrecks is plainly shown in the nervousness they exhibit at the least uncommon noise made by the car in its running or the suddenness with which they are sometimes brought to a stop by the trainmen.

Every unusual occurence and some that are not unusual cause quite a commotion among the travelers. The many disasters have caused a feeling of terror to seize them and they are constantly expecting to be caught in a wreck, consequently their high strung nerves give them many a bad scare every time they get aboard an interurban car.

It is also noticeable to travelvers that unusual caution is being taken by the trainmen and dispatchers since the wrecks at Kingsland and Tipton. They take sidings now no matter if the car they are to pass is from fifteen to twenty minutes behind time.

Regardless of the extra care taken wrecks continue to occur. Two freight cars on the I. U. T. line, Muncie-Indi-anopolis division, had a collision Tuesday night near McCordsville. The second car ran into the rear end of the first. The trainmen escaped by jumping.

THE DREDGING OF INE

Proposed Improvement That Failed

Two Years Ago May Again Be

Attempted.

Coming events cast their shadows before them. The City of Greenfield has been asked to waive its jurisdiction and the resolution to that effect was at the council meeting last night referred to a future meeting.

This indicates that the dredging of Brandywine is again to be presented to the circuit court and 'that efforts are to be made to have the work done. It will be remembered that the petition for this improvement was defeated by a remonstrance signed by over 2,000 names and the point of law that the City of Greenfield and not the county had jurisdiction of the matter. It is therefore presumed that if the jurisdiction of the city is waived one big hindrence to the work will be removed.

It is now proposed that the city waive its rights as a remonstrator or the rights in that capacity of individual citizens.

Market Comments.

The condition in the Indianapolis hog market the middle of the week, was an improvement over the first days of the week, and it was supposed would have a bearing1 on the market for the remainder of the week. While the market opened lower there was a better tone. There were some predictions that it was a forecast of a restoration of former higher values,

Cattle were more active. The calf market was bullish. The sheep market had an opposite tendency. The horse market has been rather dull.

The tendency to lay in Avheat by the big mills has caused the rumors to be circulated in some quarters of a probable surprise in store for the bears.

The corn market which had started down to the level of new corn prices, has been strengthened by the heavy rains which have damaged some corn growing in low lands. It has advanced from 40 to 44 cents.

Mrs. Della^ Miller and daughter, Miss Ruth, and Miss Julia Thomas, of Fortville, were guests Sunday of Charles Troy and family.

James Duncan and family and Alvin Hilligoss and wife were guests of George Dieter and family Sunday.

Miss Josephine Barrett, eft New Castle, spent Sunday here with Mrs. Daisy Tapscott.

John S. Souder, of rural route four, is registering some young shorthorn cattle. |!„j

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