Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 April 1905 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

si.oo PirYear.

A MATTER OF HEALTH POWDER Absolutely Pure HAS H 0 SUBSTITUTE

COURT HOUSE NEWS.

Items of Interest Gathered In the Offlees of the County Capitol. There were but $179.75 of unloaded school funds on hand April 1. —o — Monday, May 1, is the last day for paying the spring installment of taxes to avoid the penalty. —o — The county board of education is called to meet here next Monday to procure enumeration blanks. —o — Remember, that to avail yourself of the mortgage exemption law, yon must file your application this month. —o — Ten marriage licenses were issued last month against four for the month previous and six for March, 1904. Recorder Tilton has rented the Mrs. Roberts residence property on South Division street and wiil move his family here from Wheatfield some time this month. Jasper county’s allottment of the acts of the last general assembly were received Monday and are being given out by the clerk to those entitled to copies of them. —o — Marriage license issued: April 1, John P. Swisher to Sarah Elizabeth Gorbet. April 3, Frank Morrow to Dora E. Jordan. —o — J. C. Wiugate, member of the state board of tax. commissioners, met with the county and township assessors here Wednesday to discuss their work and assist in arriving at a uniform rate of assessment lor improvements throughout the state. The case of L. T. Hammond vs. Fitz W. Bedford, wherein the former sued the latter for SSOO damages for forfeiture of contract in the sale of the lease of the property on South Van Rensselaer street, occupied by the Keister restaurant, was tried in the Newton circuit court last week and resulted in favor of defendant Bedford. The case was first tried here, resulting in a disagreement of jury, when plaintiff took a change of venue to Newton county. ' Not much of importance was done at the meeting of the county commissioners this week, except the allowance of claims, and the work of the session was closed Tuesday afternoon. Following is a report of the proceedings: The bond of H. H. Stewart & Co., the Hanging Grove township gravel road contractors, was approved, and bonds for the construction of the road were ordered issued. Chas. A. Gundy was granted* a retail liquor license for Fair Oaks to date from Agril 5,1905, R. W. Marshall was re-em-ployed county attorney at a salary of *4OO per year. The Union township secession case was continued to the next term. New suits filed: No. 6t 18. James H. Chapman, trustee or he firm of A. MoCoy and Co., bis »k----rupts, vs. Delos Thbmpaon 1 nd William A. Rinehart; on notes, etc. This action is brought to ret av-

er the amount owing the McCoy bank by the Rensselaer Stock Farm, which was conducted as a partnership affair by Delos Thompson. T. J. McCoy and the latter’s brother-in-law, W. A. Rinehart The books of said A. McCoy & Co., showed that the Rensselaer stock farm was indebted to said bank on overdraft at the time of the failure, $25,556.65; that in 1893. the said Stock Farm executed three notes to said bank for the sums of $2,040.80, $5,937,12 and $5,849.80, respectively, which had been carried on the books as assets up to the time of the failure, but which the trustee alleges he has been unable to find in the papers of the bank. The total face value of these three notes is $13,827.72, and the interest from date to the present time is nearly as much more, so that the total figures of all the Stock Farm indebtedness to the bank is about $50,000. This being a partnership concern, each individual partner is liable for the debts of the firm, and Thompson is financially good for any judgment that may be secured against him, whether the other defendant is or not. We understand that Thompson claims to have paid his share of the indebtedness of the firm and to have gotten a receipt in full from T. J. McCoy for same. (The Demoorat is also informed by a party who claims to have seen the missing notes that are in Thompson’s possession and are endorsed by T. J. McCoy as paid.) Tom stated in his examination Monday that Thompson had paid $2,000 in January, 1904, and that he had credited the Stock Farm account with same, and the books so show, that he gave Thompson a receipt for this $2,000 o¥ that He signed a receipt, rather, Thompson having written out same for him to sign. Tom’s evidence was to the effect that he intended and supposed that the $2,000 was simply a payment on the account and was not a discharge of the debt. It is possible that if this matter comes to trial some interesting matters may be brought out. No. 6849. Emsing-Gagen Co., vs. Isaac Senesac; action on account; demand $257.82.

APRIL TERM OF COURT.

The April terra of the Jasper circuit court will convene Monday, The grand jury has not been called and probably will not be. The petit-jury is called for the third Monday. Following are the names and places of residence of both the grand and petit jurors: GRAND JURY Marion Adam 5....... Marion Tp. Wm. Clouse Marion John Bingham Wheatfield George Fox Carpenter Elmer E. Pullins Gillam Frank L. Peck........ Remington PETIT JURORS. Edward Goetz Newton Jerry Healy Rensselaer Rowley Morehouse.. .-. Wheatfield Henry Hunsicker Kankakee John N. Baker Barkley C. W. Duvall Rensselaer Simon Feudig Wheatfield Warren Robinson Marion Charles Hensler. Jordan Mark Knapp ..Wheatfield Fred A. Banes .Carpenter Ellis J ones Carpenter Geo. L. Ha5ca11........ Carpenter M.J. Delehanty . Wheatfield C. B. Lewis Barkley Henry F. Eeldman. Keener.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS.

April 8, to Mr. and Mrs. George Martin, of Newland, a 9 pound boy. April 5, to Mr. and Mrs. Will Donnelly, in town, a daughter. Why does B. F. Ferguson sell oity property? Because be has buyers and his commissions are reasonable. Why does B. F. Ferguson have the buyers? Because he has the property and his prices are right. Estbai Taken Up.— Came to | my place in Union tp., two colts, one a yearling, one a two-year-old. Owner can have same by describing property and paying charges.' Wm. F. Schulz I have two thoroughbred Short Horn bulls for sale, coming yearlings, weight about 700 pounds; at my place 5 miles south and 1 mile west of Rensselaer. Riley Tullis. Read The Democrat for news.

Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana, Saturday, April 8, 1905.

JOE MARSHALL GOES INSANE.

V- - . w Shoots Dr. Washburn In the Leg; Is Later Captured and Will Be Sent to the Asylum.

It can truthfully be said that there is scarely. a week goes by without something exciting going on in Rensselaer, and this week has been exception* to the rule. It is ‘a common thing for some of the keepers of alleged bawdy bouses to enliven the neighborhoods in which they are located by shooting at some of the more obnoxious “dogs” who get too obtrusive, and such things have grown so common that nobody pays any attention to them, so long as no one is killed. Monday night, however, a shooting of another sort place. Joe Marshall, son of Capt. R. W. Marshall, the attorney, opened the door and, unannounced, walked into Dr. Washburn’s home at about 8:30 o’clock, while the doctor and Mrs. Washburn were sitting by their fireside, and immediately raised a big revolver and fired a shot fit the doctor. The latter jumped to his feet as the shot was fired and the bullet lodged in the right leg a little above midway between the ankle and the knee, making a rather painful wound and shattering the frontal bone somewhat. Marshall immediately ran out of the house to the river near by, where he had a boat concealed, jumped into the boat and went down the stream. Dr. Washburn ran to a neighbor’s and gave the alarm and soon a number of men were out searching for young Marshall: One party drove out to the Lamson bridge, expecting to head him off there if he continued on down the river. Some time later it was found that he had discarded the boat near the cemetery and he was heard yelling in that vicinity. A search of the cemetery located him. unarmed, lying flat on his back, one hand grasping a corner stone of one of the cemetery lots | and the other a tuft of grass. His father was with the party that found him and he offered no resistance in accompaning them. He was jailed and has since been quite violent. He refuses to keep his clothing on, and has walked about his cell with nothing but an undershirt to cover his nakedness, recognizing no one, alternately cursing and praying. - Tuesday an insanity inquest was held by Squire Irwin and Drs. English, Miller and Kresler,

SUSPICION OF FOUL PLAY.

Otto Dumke, of Medaryullle, Found Dead by Railway Tracks. Frankfort, Ind.,April 3.—There is a suspicion of foul play anent the death of Otto Dumke, of Medaryville, whose mangled body was found alongside the railway tracks near this city. Dumke’s parents report that their son left home a week ago, for Texas, with S4OO in his pdkSession, but only two nickles were found in his pocketbook, and there is a suspicion that he may have been drugged and robbed, and, dying of an overdose, his dead body was placed on the rails to convey the impression *of death by accident. The gold watch which he carried stopped at 12.08 a. m., while the train which is thought to have killed him did not pass until 12:10. The authorities are investigating. Burial was had at Medaryville, under Pythian auspices.

NEW OPTICIAN LEAVES.

Dr. Rose, the optician who locateddn the Leopold room, next door to the Democrat office last week, pulled up and left town Saturday night. He had paid Mr. Leopold a month’s rent in advance and bad settled his advertising bill with The Democrat, also paid all other bills so far as we have learned except a small bill with the Republicon. Rose himself Seemed to understand his business and appeared straight and honorable. He had three other fellows, solicitors, with him, however, whose appearance was somewhat different, but we have heard of no specific acts of theirs that were not regular. We infer that Rose and his solicitors did not get on well together and for this reason thejormer decided to leave here. seated surrey for at very low price H. Eger.

and he was pronounced insane and application made for his incarceration in the asylum. The is no doubt of the boy’s insanity, and people here who have known him all his life have always thought that he was “peculiar” and a little “off.” He is now 29 years of age, and has seen servioe in the Philippines and was also a soldier in the SpanishAmerican war. Lately he has been cranky on socialism and relegion, and the only thing that he could possibly have against Dr. Washburn was his delusion that the doctor and his uncle, G. E. Marshall, editor of the Rensselaer Republican, were trying to make a Catholic out of him. His father states that the first signs of mental aberration noticed by him was two years ago, and later some five weeks ago, but it was not thought that anything so very serious ailed him. Joe has worked considerably for his uncle, G. E. Marshall, during the past couple of years, in the Republican office, and has become a fair printer. His relatives and friends have the sympathy' of the community over bis present condition and it is hoped that he may not be incurable. Dr. Washburn is getting along nicely and the wound is not considered dangerous. The bullet iB lodged in the bone and unless it gives him some trouble will be allowed to remain there, it having been found somewhat difficult to remove it. The doctor thinks that had he not jumped to his feet, which fact no doubt disconcerted the aim of the insane man, he would have been shot in the breast and no doubt killed. The revolver was a 38-caliber one anc belonged to his father. It „ was found in Dr. Washburn’s yard where young Marshall had thrown it .ifter the shooting. While a great shook to the doctor and his wife, nq serious results are likely to follow, fortunately, and the wounded man, will soon be about again. Yesterday at the time of going to press no reply had been received from the asylum authorities and it is hardly likely that he can be removed before Monday, although it is possible that he may be taken away to-day.

APPOMATTOX.

Forty years ago to - morrow. April 9, General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox, and thus practically ended the war of the rebellion. In commemoration of this event the department commander of the state, Daniel R. Lucas, has issued a request to all old soldiers to meet together and attend divine services at some church in a body. In compliance with this request G. A. R. Post No. 84, of Rensselaer, has requested the privilege of meeting in the First Baptist church, Sunday morning at 10:45, at which time the pastor will read a brief address prepared by the department commander, and will also preach a sermon suitable to the occasion. A special invitation is extended to all old soldiers to attend whether they are members of any grand army post or not. A cordial invition is also extended to the public in general to come. J. B. Bair, Pastor.

SEEKING NEW QUARTERS.

Goff & Son have leased the room at present occupied by Matt Worden, the former Tuteur grocery Btore, and will move their restaurant therein as soon as vacated by Mr. Worden, who will move into one of the new rooms'of Duvall Bros, on South Van Rensselaer street. The room will be thoroughly cleaned and will make an excellent location for,a restaurant business. Willis & Son’s repair shop has already moved to the Judge Thompson building east of the court house, formerly occupied by M. P. Warner’s implement store. The other firms along the row of buildings that are to be torn down to make room for the new brick block of Murray, Long and Haus have not at this writing full determined where they will move to. An armload of old papers for a nickel at The Democrat office.

CONTRACT FOR NEWTON COUNTY

COURT HOUSE LET. The contract for Newton county’s new court house was let by the county commissioners this week to Erick Lund of Hammond, for $26,195. Other bidders were Rush & Warren of Rensselaer, $35,000; E. L. Danner, Kokomo, $36,949; Herzog & Son Lafayette, $39,363; W. F. Stilwell, Lafayette; $43,954. Bids for the heating plant—which we understand win be extra —ranged from SI,BO-to $2,167. > The $2»,000 five per cent court houßjL bonds were also sold this week to J. F. Wild & Co., of Indianapolis at $2,241 premium, People from the north end attempted to get out a restraining order last week to enjoin the oommissioners from letting contract, but Judge Hanley refused to grant the injunction. A committee from Morocco also appeared before the commissioners Monday and protested against the letting, asking that it be deferred, etc,, but the board declined to pay any attention to them and a contract was drawn up and signed by Lund and the commissioners. It would seem now that this long-drawn out court house fight in Newton would be settled, temporarily at least, for it is hardly likely that any further steps to obstruct the building of a new court house at Kentland wiil be taken.

EXAMINATION OF THE McCOYS.

Bankrupt Bankers Examined On Various Matters Here Last Monday.—Their Memory Poor.

A, and T. J. McCoy, the bankrupt bankers, were examined before Referee Bowers at the court room Monday regarding several matters connected with the bank’s assets. The McCoy’s attorneys from Lafayette representing creditors were in attendance at the examination, as well as a number of local attorneys representing local creditors. One matter that was inquired into was three notes given by T. J. McCoy to the bank in February, 1893, of SB,OOO each, and which were entered on the bank's books as securd by mortgage. These notes never came into the possession of the trustee in baukruptcy and the mortgage was never recorded and is not in existence at this time, so far as known. E. L. Hollingsworth, who was at that time a partner in the bank, and who had made the entry in the books concerning the notes, was examined as to his knowledge regarding the execution of this mortgage. He remembered that a mortgage was executed; thought it was on the lands known as the Jordan township lands; did not know what had become of same, and could not remember description of the lands. Bert Hopkins, clerk in the,bank at that time, also remembered having seen such a mortgage ; said the notes for the $24,000 in question were kept by T. J. McCoy in his private box in the bank vault. - Alfred McCoy did not know anything about anything; didn’t know how much Tom owed the bank and knew nothing of any such mortgage. “Tommie,” Louie and Bert kept the books and run the bank. T. J. McCoy said that he had given the notes in question for money he owed the bank at that time, but had never executed a mortgage to secure them; said such a mortgage was drawn up by Hollingsworth but that he refused to sign it; told the latter that he didn’t think it was necessary; was positive the mortgage was never signed by either himself or wife; said these notes were kept with the other notes of the bank, were not in his private box and he did

LITTLE GIRL BURNED TO DEATH IN UNION TOWNSHIP.

While about a burning brush last Thursday, the five-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Reeder of near Virgie, was so badly burned from her clothing catching tire that she died Saturday morning. The clothing was practically all burned from her body before the flames could be extinguished, and her body was burned from head to foot. Everything possible was done to edleviate her suffering, but she was too seriously burned to Kve, mid her death was a blessed relief.

Vol. VIII. No. 1

NEW BUSINESS BLOCK TO BE ERECTED.

G. E. Murray, A. F. Long and T. W. Hans have purchased of Mayor Ellis the property on West by Ernest Fritts, Gonre restaurant and Peck’s tailor shop. The consideration was $5,000 the amount paid by Mr. Ellis to John Eger two years ago. There is a total frontage of 55 feet of this, and Mr. Murray gets lS'feet of same, which added to the 42 feet he already owned on the east occupied by the Merica restaurant and Willis repair shop, now gives him 60 feet. Mr. Loijg will get the next 20 feet west" and Mr. Haus the remaining 22 feet. As soon as possible after the property is vacated they will all join in ereoting a brick block of five' rooms on this site, Mr. Murray occupying the three eaßt rooms with dry goods, clothing and groceries, Mr. Long one room with his drug store, and Mr. Hafes the west room with his The matter of height the block is not yet determined,, but Haus, we understand, will build but one story. This will clean out alj[ the old, unsightly buildings on th£fe street except the Parcels barter shop building, owned by Ralph Fendig, and will add immensely to the appearance of that part of our city.

not know what had become of them; said box was secured by a combination lock and was not opened by him until after Chapman was appointed trustee; was sick when the bank failed; opened said box in Chapman’s and Mose Tuteur’s presence, and Chapman took what papers he wanted from same and turned the rest over to him (Tom;) said J notes were carried as assets of the bank up to the time of its failure; did not know what had become of them and they had never been paid. Judge Thompson questioned Tom a little regarding some of his valuable jewelry, but the latter said that the jewelry they had belonged to his wife; denied having one piece that cost $3,500. Tom was quite defiant in answering the questions put to him by Judge Thompson, and carried the air of a much abused and persecuted pereon. Tom was kept on the rack about all the afternoon, and his testimony and that of the others examined was taken down by A. O. Reser, of Lafayette, who acted as official reporter at the examination. His telephone stock, he said, had been transferred to Delos Thompson along in the winter, previous to the bank’s failure, to secure a loan, and was now owned by the latter. - Asked regarding the Rensselaer Stock Farm matter, Tom said that the bank records showing the condition of said account was correct; the notes which the trustee has upon—mention of which is made in the report of new suits filed in another part of this paper —were unpaid and were in with the other notes of the bank, he supposed, when the bank failed; said Delos Thompson, one of the partners in the Stock Farm, had paid him $2,000 in January, 1904, and he had credited same to said Stock Farm account; the expenses of labor, stock, trotting campaign of horses, etc., and receipts of farm from all sources were kept in this acconnt; said that Rinehart had made some sort of settlement with Thompson regarding Stock Farm matter, but that he (Tom) as we understood him, had not made any settlement regarding same.

The New Owner Of The Jessup Fuel And Feed Store.

The undersigned has bought out Lee Jessup’s wood and feed store, will say that he expects to continue the business and wishes a share of your patronage. Please give me a call when in need of anything in the line of wood, feed, hay, straw, corn, oats, or wheat. By fair dealing I will expect to merit your patronage. Can order by telephone No; 312. Ed. Meyers. . Remember the new poultry bouse on Cullen street when you come to town. - J • ~*■« ... .**• * 'm -e»-• Tfffiyrwj r i i, . * .. v -.- •»»--d i.