Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 August 1906 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

SI.OO Per Year.

WRECK AT RENSSELAER.

Train No. 36 Jumps Track on Curve At West Side of Town.

CARS AND ENGINE TURN OVER While Going at Full Speed But No One Killed. PASSENGERS BADLY SHAKEN VP And Had a Miraculous Escape From Horrible Death,—Wreck Not All Cleared Till Tuesday. The Monon had another “bloodless wreck” Saturday morning, when its Cincinnati-Chicago train was completely ditched here on the curve at the west side of town while going at full speed. The engine, blind-baggage, mail, combination smoker and baggage, day coach and three Pullman sleepers, “Estria,” “Alabama” and “Holyoke,” were all wrecked, and the wonder is that it was not accompanied with great loss of life. There were about 100 passengers on board the train, and except for a few minor scratches and bruises to a few of them, all escaped injury and no bones were broken. This train makes no stop here, and goes through Rensselaer at about 5:30 a. m. On Saturday morning it was in charge of conductor Mort Mason, of Indianapolis, brakeman W. M. Coey, of Medaryville—a brother of Mrs. C. B. Reprogle of Rensselaer —engineer Frank Miller and fireman Harry Osborne, both of Indianapolis. The train was a few minutes late and was probably running a little faster than its fast schedule time, not slacking up a particle, perceptibly, for the station, nor on striking the curve just west of the Coen <t Brady elevator. Many people who have seen the train go around this curve on previous occasions had predicted a wreck some time, and it finally came, for on rounding the curve Saturday morning, the engine jumped the track and went pounding over the ties for same distance, finally turning over on its left side and partly across the track at the west side of James Nelson’s pig stye and piling the coaches up in the form of letter “S” with the day coach forming the center at the sides of the track close to the Dan Stoner property, and scared Jim’s pig so badly that it had no appetite the rest of the day. It all happened so quickly that neither the engineer nor fireman had a chance to jump, but both escaped from the cab without injury after it ceased its antics. A hurried scrambling of the passengers in scant attire from the coaches next resulted, and anxious inquiries by passengers and the town people who hurried to the scene disclosed the fact that all had escaped with a few minor scratches, making it another of the Monon’s “lucky” accidents. The track around this curve had been rebaliasted with fresh gravel recently, and the heavy train probably caused the track to slide in the loose gravel', finally breaking the rails and tumbling engine and cars into a heap. The ground being level the coaches did not turn completely over, except the blind baggage, which lay flat on its side. The mail and baggage-smoker were thrown thirty feet to the west of track, but two large hickory trees probably saved the two latter from being turned completely over and may have helped to save some of the other cars. Several hundred feet of track was torn up, some of the front ends of the cars partly buried in the dirt and gravel, the trucks torn out from under the coaches and sleepers, and taken altogether it was about as complete a wreck as is often seen, every car but the rear sleeper being tipped partly over and torn up quite badly in places. The rear sleeper was off the track but was standing upright. A telegraph pole at the west side of the track was broken off slick and clean near the ground and the day coach stood nbarly at

right angles with |he rest of the train, while the other coaches formed the tails of a letter “8” and stripped of their trucks lay on both sides of the old roadbed and some of them 30 to 50 feet west of where the track was. The coup-

lings held the train together and prevented much damage. It was noticed that some of the railroad ties were rotten and unfit for service, and spikes ‘ would be easily pulled out of the decayed wood. The train had been preceded a short time before by the “prize fight special,” bound from Indianapolis to Chicago, and loaded with Chicago sports who had taken in the Herman-Yanger fight at J. Frank Hanly’s town, the Louisville-Chicago train, and the south-bound Indianapolis train, and it may be that the spikes holding the rails to the ties had been loosened by some of these trains. Yanger himself, the defeated Chicago pug, but whose defeat was sweetened by his share ($2,000) of the over $6,000 gate receipts to the fight—was on the wrecked train, together with some eight or ten of his crowd. The few injured slightly were: John Meadows, Indianapolis, cut in forehead. C. R. Overman, Cincinnati, two cuts on head and hip bruised. George W. Eidren, Green Bay, Wis., cuts on head and face. Mrs. George Morgan, Chicago, neck spratmed. J. M. Gidding, Duluth, Minn, legs bruised. William Halloran, Cincinnati; small cuts on forehead. David Elhion, Cincinnati, leg bruised. Wm. M. Coey, brakeman, Medaryville, cuts on bead and knee. B H. Cook, mail clerk, ear cut, back wrenched. L. E. Martin, leg bruised. B. F. Schwabig, Chicago, leg injured. All the injuries, so far as could be ascertained, were very slight, the shook to the nervous system of some of the passengers no doubt being more severe than the injuries received. A few passengers who were on board bound for the G. A. R. encampment, backed out and returned home. Ab a result of the wreck all trains were sent around by the Michigan City division and Wilders to Chicago, the milk train coming west over the 3-1 and C. & E. I. and backing down and taking the wreck passengers on board several hours later. A temporary track was laid just west of the old roadbed and the wrecked coaches and trucks pushed to one side enough to let trains pass Saturday evening, but with two wrecking crews a part of the time it took until Tuesday to get the wreck completely cleared .away, the engine being the last to be moved. The blind baggage was a complete wreck, bat the other cars can no

Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana, Saturday, August 18, 1906.

doubt be repaired, although the expense will be considerable, as they are nearly all wrenched badly and broken in places. Had it not been for the fact that the train was made up of good, strong and solid cars, and the ground being level, great loss of life would certainly have resulted. With the ordinary flimsy cars, such as are usually run on excursion trains, the coaches would have been broken into kindling wood and half the passengers killed. Another thing, had the railroad people consented to have this train stop here—as all trains should—

VIEWS OF THE WRECK, AND SHOWING WRECK CREWS AT WORK.

the wreck would never have occurred, as it would have been impossible to have gotten under such headway by the time it reached the curve. The train that goes through here about 2:25 a. m., south, does not stop here, either, and it is said to go around this curve at a fearful speed. A wreck for it, too, has been predicted, but could also be averted by requiring it to stop here, as it would be necessary to slacken speed before striking the curve. The wrecked train was the same as thatUemolished north of Fair Oaks, July 13, which was also a very fortunate wreck in that all escaped with a few bruises, although the cars and engine were badly wrecked. The two wrecks, while accompanied by no loss of life, have cost the railroad company a good many thousand dollars. Practically every person in the city viewed the wreck Saturday, and hundreds of country people also drove out to see just what a genuine railroad wreck resembled. Sunday brought most all the town people and hundreds more from the country to view the interesting work of the wrecking crews in hoisting the debris about with the big car derricks, and the Spitler grove had the appearance of a huge picnic party, many people remaining out there most of the day. John Holcomb, one of the wrecking crew, got his arm caught in moving the cab and it was broken in two places.

Someone attempted to gain an entrance to C. A. Robert’s residence at 2 o’clock Sunday morning by prying up a screen and window on the back side of the bouse that was little used. The noise awakened Mrs. Roberts, who has to hear for both herself and Charley, and she raised enough racket in awakening the latter and her father. Uncle Simon Phillips, and hunting for a revolver to scare the would-be burglar away, much to her husbands disgust, who was just thirsting for gore after he got awakened up and found the burglar had fled. His work on the window could be seen, however, also footprints in under the window, and evidently his intentions were quite good for swiping Charley’s pocket-book. Try a new coat shirt from Duvall & Lundy’s, from SI.OO to $2.00.

BURGLARS IN TOWN.

AFTER CEDAR LAKE RESORTS.

There is a rumor afloat that a scheme is on foot to cause the arrest of numerous saloon keepers along the Monon railroad, from Dyei to the Kankakee river, the great majority being at Cedar Lake, who are charged with using slot machines, and some with running without license. More than fifty affidavits have been sworn out, and it is said, according to the stories now, that the actions will be commenced in the circuit court instead of before a justice of the peace, as first contemplated. The matter seems to be quiet at present, but those who pretend to

be wise claim “there is a hen on.” It is safe to say it is on a sidetrack at present. —Crown Point Star.

UNCLE JARED BENJAMIN DEAD.

One of Rensselaer’s Oldest Citizens Dies Thursday Afternoon. Jared Benjamin, one of Jasper county’s oldest and most respected citizens, died at bis home in this city at about 4 p.—m. Thursday after a few weeks’ sickness from catarrh of the stomach, aged about 85 years. While his death was not unexpected, yet the summons came suddenly, as it was thought he would live some time yet. Mr, Benjamin was among the earliest settlers of Rensselaer and Jasper county, coming here from Ohio about 1838, and was prominent in the early development of the county. The funeral will be held to-mor-row at 10:30 a. m., at the Church of God, and will Ke conducted by Rev. A. H. Zilmer of Plymouth, if it is possible to secure him, this not being definitely known at the lime of our going to press. A complete obituary will be published next week.

MISCREANTS ESCAPED.

J. A. McFarland was flimflamsd out of the price of a couple of sales of tobacco last Saturday evening about 5:30 o’clock by four well dressed strangers who came into his store. After he had wait* ed on two of them they all left, complaining that they had to catch a train, and that “Mac” was too slow. He followed them to the Makeever hotel and informed them that they had not settled, when with an oath, one of the gang struck at “Mac.” He avoided the blow, and his Kentucky blood getting up, landed one on the fellow’s jaw that sent him sprawling. Just then another of the gang hit “Mac” on the back of the head with some blunt instrument that inflicted a scalp wound, and they all took to their heels. With the aid of the officers a thorough search for the miscreants was made, but they escaped and got out of town in some way. Last call, greater sacrifices than ever; last week of the big sale at the Chicago Bargain Store. Dont miss seeing onr fall suits and overcoats, in all the latest styles and colors. Duvall & Lundy.

THE COURT HOUSE

Items Picked Up About the County Capitol. Trustee Sage of Jordan tp„ was in the city on business Tuesday. Another new school building will be erected in his township next’ year, replacing the last old school building in the township and making them all new. —-o Mrs. Laura B. Waggoner, wife of Frank Waggoner of Gillam tp., has had a relapse of her mental trouble of two years ago, and application was made Saturday to have her re-committed to the insane asylum at Longcliff. —o — Marriage licenses issued: Aug. 10, Benjamin Reeves of Newton tp., aged 60 years, to Martha Anderson of the same place, aged 35. First marriage for groom, second marriage for bride, first husband having died Jan. 9, 1901. —o — New suits filed: No. 7065. William C. Cook vs. Albert B. Cooper, suit to foreclose mortgage, demand $1,600. No. 7066. Amzie S. Laßue vs. SamuelT. Coffing et al; action to foreclose mortgage. Demand $725. —o — We are in receipt of the graduating program of the Scientific Class of the University of Valparaiso, held on August 16. The class numbers some one hundred and twenty, and among the num-I ber are Mr. Lee Fisher of Kankakee tp,, and Mr. Lester A. Sayers and wife of DeMotte. These young people will make teaching their profession. Mr. Fisher will this year be principal of the Stillwell high school in Laporte county, and Mr. and Mrs. Sayers will teach in the Hamlet schools of the same county. They have each been teaching in Jasper county for several years. If the Democrats get the next county superintendent here, it is more than likely that Mr. Fisher will be the man selected. Should he get the office it will be the first time a regular college school trained man has ever filled the place in this county. The county commissioners held a special session Monday to talk over the Jordan stone road bond matter with the contractors, but no conclusion was reached. It seems to be the opinion now that the contractors will have to arrange to carry the bonds themselves, as it is not likely they can be sold, owing to the difference of opinion as to the “legality of the law” under which the road is being built. Of course the bonds will be paid all right but buyers do not want to handle anything of the kind that there is the least question about. The contractors will probably be out the difference in the interest they will have to pay for the money over and above the 4| per cent the bonds draw, and it is not likely that any more contracts will be started here until after the bonds have been sold and the money is in “sight.” The hitch in the sale of these bonds is unfortunate. In the meantime, work on the improvement has stopped pending a settlement of the matter in some way.

BUT THE “SCENT” REMAINS A LONG TIME.

Goodland is having a carnival this week. It comes “well recommended,” and asks no bonus. Instead of blockading the streets it is being held on a vacant square in the town. The Herald says if it is like the one held there last year it “will be remembered for some time after it leaves.”

THROWN FROM BUGGY AND HIP BROKEN.

Mrs. Simon Chupp of near Surrey was thrown from a buggy Wednesday, and as a result is suffering a broken hip. It seems she had driven up to the railroad crossing at Surrey and a freight train standing near by with the engine almost on the crossing, she stopped and waited some time for it to pull out, which it did not do. Finally one of the trainmen came up and took her team by the head to lead them across. When in front of the engine the team jumped and sprang to one side and in the squabble she was thrown or fell out and her hip broken.

Vol. IX. No. 20

WRECK NEAR KENTLAND.

Rensselaer was not the whole thing last Sunday in the way of railroad wreck attractions. A freight train on the Chicago, Indiana and Southern was wrecked just north of Kentland Sunday and conductor Fred Case suffered a broken leg. Six loaded oil tank cars and a number of freight cars were piled in a heap and their contents caught fire from a hot box. The oil spread over the tracks and debris and along right* of-way for a quarter of a mile and burned furiously for twelve hours. The wreck train called during the afternoon was caught in the blaze and nearly destroyed. One thousand people from Kentland and the surrounding country visited the scene during the fire. .

THE COMMON COUNCIL MEETING.

Proceeeings Monday Night .Full of Interest to Citizens and Taxpayers. The regular meeting of the city council was held Monday evening with all members present except Councilman Hildebrand. Following is a report of the proceedings: City engineer was instructed to establish grade for a sidewalk jn front of property of Hale Warner in Newton’s add. City attorney instructed to prepare resolutions for sidewalk on Harrison street along north side of property of Mrs. James McEwen; also for changing name of McCoy avenue to Milroy avenue, as petitioned for by the G. A. R„ and several property owners along said street, Resolution for sidewalk on Jackson street was ratified and clerk directed to give notice to contractors that bids would be received on Sept. 10, The mayor was authorized to employ two competent men to audit books of city treasurer, who will go out of office Sept. 3, and is succeeded by Mose Leopold. It is understood that J. N. Leatherman and S. C. Irwin will be the auditing committee. Resolution adopted for sidewalk on Scott street, in front of property of Al Rishling. Marshal was authorized to sell crossing brick to Conrad Kellner for approach to his barn at sls per thousand. Petition of Simon Phillips for opening of a street in his property in the northwest part of the city, commencing at the west end of South street, (street running east and west on north side of cemetery) and running thence west to the east line of Sec. 25, and thence south to tkyo Bunkum road, all of said street to be east of Sec. 25, and to be 66 feet in width. Petition was granted. Petition of B. Forsythe et al for making improvement »f Division and Main streets 40 feet in width, with cement curb, from Washington street at the Forsythe and Henry Harris residences and running thence north tn the north line of the Monon’s right-of-way, was adopted. It was decided that the rock blasting in the Iroquois ditch whs dangerous, and an ordinance was adopted on suspension of rules requiring contractors when making improvements that were of a dangerous character to give bond for damages. It is said that some pieces of rock have already penetrated the roofs of dwellings near the blasting, when falling. The following claims were allowed.

CORPORATION FUND. J. P. Warner, paintng hook and ladder truck $ 25 00 J. J. Montgomery, telephone message* 235 Lyman Zea. night watch 25 00 H. L. Gamble, engineer 9 50 Hugh Kirk, assisting engineer 3 15 HOAD FUND. O. S. Baker, mowing weeds 8 75 Smith, Yieter A Day,work on crossings 33 50 Verne Shook, hauling cinders 30 John Alberson, work on street.. 2 25 Ind. Paving Brick A Bloek Co., brick.. 90 00 Marshall A Healey, printing 13 50 Thos. W. Grant, tile 2 18 W. S. Parks, marshall 22 50 J. H. Chapman, freight 47 25 Bruce Hardy, labor 54 60 BLKCTHIC LIGHT FUND. C. S. Chamberlain, salary 50 00 Lem Huston, same 30 00 C. L. Thornton, same 30 00 J. H. Chapman, freight 28 34 Western Electric Co., supplies 13 50 James B Clow A Son, same 108 27 General Electric Co., same 107 08 Shirley Hill Coal Co., ooal 34 80 J. L. Griggs, labor on pipe.... 2 00 Earl Say ler, work on line 8 (8 Wm. Moore, work on pipe 8 10’ A, L. Branch, hauling coal 6 70 Hiram Day,cement and brick. .a 247 41 watkb rtm. J. H. Chapman, interest water bonds.. 9M <7 Mell Abbott, salary 80 00 Roy Thomas, work on main 34 00 J. H. Chapman, freight.../. 10 40